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Tyler Announces The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: Earl Campbell

TYLER, Texas – UTSA quarterback, Owen McCown has been named The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week for the tenth week of the college football season.

McCown completed 31-of-33 passes for 370 yards and four touchdowns in UTSA’s 48-26 win over Tulane. McCown completed his first 16 passes, a school record, on the way to a 93.9 percent completion percentage, tied for the second-highest mark in conference history and a UTSA record.  This was McCown’s fifth 300-yard game as a Roadrunner.

Owen McCown is a graduate of Rusk High School in Rusk, Texas.

Honorable Mention Week 10:

DAVID AMADOR II, WR, UTSA 

Houston, TX (Galena Park North Shore HS)

RS-Sophomore

10 catches – 113 yards, 2 TD + 21-yard passing TD

W 48-26 vs. Tulane

DAMON BANKSTON, RB, NEW MEXICO 

Katy, TX (Paetow HS)

Senior

5 catches – 122 yards, 2 TD | 4 carries – 8 yards

W 40-35 @ UNLV

SAMARI COLLIER, QB, COASTAL CAROLINA 

DeSoto, TX (DeSoto HS)

RS-Senior

8/20 – 196 yards, 2 TD, INT | 22 carries – 75 yards, 2 TD

W 44-27 vs. Marshall

CALEB DOUGLAS, WR, TEXAS TECH 

Missouri City, TX (Hightower HS)

Senior

8 catches – 82 yards, 2 TD

W 43-20 @ Kansas State

ANTHONY EVANS III, WR, MISSISSIPPI STATE 

Converse, TX (Judson HS)

Junior

5 catches – 111 yards, 2 TD + 16-yard rush

W 38-35 @ Arkansas

CALEB HAWKINS, RB, NORTH TEXAS 

Shawnee, OK (North Rock Creek HS)

Freshman

33 carries – 197 yards, 4 TD | 3 catches – 9 yards

W 31-17 vs. Navy

KEVIN JENNINGS, QB, SMU 

Oak Cliff, TX (South Oak Cliff HS)

RS-Junior

29/44 – 365 yards, TD, Fumble + 3-yard rushing TD

W 26-20 vs. #10 Miami (OT)

KEWAN LACY, RB, OLE MISS 

Dallas, TX (Lancaster HS)
Sophomore

24 carries – 167 yards, TD | 3 catches – 7 yards receiving

W 30-14 vs. South Carolina

ARCH MANNING, QB, TEXAS 

New Orleans, LA (Isidore Newman HS)

RS-Sophomore

25/33 – 328 yards, 3 TD + 4-yard rush

34-31 vs. #9 Vanderbilt

SAWYER ROBERTSON, QB, BAYLOR 

Lubbock, TX (Coronado HS)

Senior

29/40 – 267 yards, 3 TD + 8 rushing yards

W 30-3 vs. UCF

ELI STOWERS, TE, VANDERBILT 

Denton, TX (Denton Guyer HS)

Graduate

7 catches – 146 yards, 2 TD

L 34-31 @ #20 Texas

THE EARL CAMPBELL TYLER ROSE AWARD

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, announced in 2012 by the Tyler Chamber and SPORTyler, recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community, and tenacity; specifically tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.

In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: Played football and graduated from a Texas High School and/or playing at a four-year D1 Texas college.

For more information about The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award go to www.earlcampbellaward.com or contact Cindy Smoak, SPORTyler, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce: csmoak@tylertexas.com or 903-595-7226.

USBWA Unveils Women’s Preseason Watch Lists

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
INDIANAPOLIS (USBWA) – Nine All-Americans from last season highlighted by first-teamers Lauren Betts of UCLA and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame are among 50 top players who make up the preseason watch list for the 2025-26 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award created by the board of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. 

The Ann Meyers Drysdale Award is presented annually to the women’s national player of the year by the USBWA. Named for the legendary UCLA guard, the award was first presented in the 1987-88 season and formally named in Meyers Drysdale’s honor in the 2011-12 season. Ann Meyers Drysdale played at UCLA from 1974-78, which pre-dates the USBWA All-America selections. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, which is voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2026 Women’s Final Four in Phoenix, with the formal presentation to follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

Betts, a center at UCLA, was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Player after a season in which she led the Bruins to a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, a 30-2 record and a trip to the Women’s Final Four. She averaged 19.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on the season. Hidalgo. was the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year with averages of 24.2 poilnts and 3.7 steals per game, the fourth-best steals mark nationally.

Four of the second-teamers from a year ago are on the list. Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt was the Southeastern Conference’s Freshman of the Year after a season averaging 23.2 points per game, the seventh-highest total nationally. Madison Booker led Texas to a 15-1 conference record in its first season in the SEC averaging 16.2 points per game. There are two transfers of note on the list. Ta’Niya Latson begins her first season with South Carolina, last year’s national runner-up, following three seasons at Florida State. Latson was the nation’s leading scorer last season, averaging 24.9 points per game and was the USBWA’s 2023 Tamika Catchings Award winner. Olivia Miles is now at TCU after four seasons at Notre Dame that included the second-team All-America nod last year.

Defending national champion UConn has two players on the watch list: Sarah Strong, a third-team USBWA All-American last season and the Big East Freshman of the Year, and Azzi Fudd. Two other third-team All-Americans also return. Audi Crooks of Iowa State was a first-team All-Big 12 selection with averages of 23.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Flau’Jae Johnson led LSU in scoring at 18.9 points per game as an All-SEC member.

Also on the preseason list are Raegan Beers of Oklahoma and Joyce Edwards of South Carolina, both honorable mention All-America picks last season.

2025-26 ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE AWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST (50)
Janiah Barker, Tennessee Raven Johnson, South Carolina
Zanai Barnett-Gay, Navy Reniya Kelly, North Carolina
Raegan Beers, Oklahoma Gianna Kneepkens, UCLA
Lauren Betts, UCLA Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor
Madison Booker, Texas Peyton McDaniel, James Madison
Carla Brito, USF Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss
Zoe Brooks, NC State Olivia Miles, TCU
Addy Brown, Iowa State Oluchi Okananwa, Maryland
Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee Olivia Olson, Michigan
Audi Crooks, Iowa State Khamil Pierre, NC State
Maggie Doogan, Richmond Kiki Rice, UCLA
Charlise Dunn, Davidson Sayvia Sellers, Washington
Joyce Edwards, South Carolina Kaylene Smikle, Maryland
Toby Fournier, Duke Madison St. Rose, Princeton
Azzi Fudd, UConn Clara Strack, Kentucky
MiLaysia Fulwiley, LSU Sarah Strong, UConn
Yarden Garzon, Maryland Hannah Stuelke, Iowa
Delaney Gibb, BYU Syla Swords, Michigan
Rori Harmon, Texas Allie Turner, Gonzaga
Jordan Harrison, West Virginia Rachel Ullstrom, Richmond
Stailee Heard, Oklahoma State Grace VanSlooten, Michigan State
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Riley Weiss, Columbia
Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU Mikaylah Williams, LSU
Kymora Johnson, Virginia Laura Ziegler, Louisville

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 800 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.

USBWA unveils 2025-26 Tamika Catchings Award preseason watch list

Contact Malcolm Moran
malcolm@usbwa.com
(814) 574-1485

November 4, 2025INDIANAPOLIS (USBWA) – Twenty standout first-year players have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025-26 Tamika Catchings Award by the board of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

The USBWA has named a national freshman player of the year since the 1991-92 season. In the 2020-21 season the award was named for Tamika Catchings, the legendary Tennessee star who was a three-time USBWA All-American and the association’s national freshman player of the year in the 1997-98 season.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award, who are then voted on by the entire membership. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2026 Women’s Final Four in Phoenix, with the formal presentation to follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

Last year’s winner was high-scoring first-year Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, who rewrote the Southeastern Conference’s freshman record book while leading the Commodores to a second straight NCAA Tournament scoring 23.3 points per game.

Following is the complete 2025-26 Tamika Catchings Award preseason watch list:

2025-26 TAMIKA CATCHINGS AWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST (20)
Dee Alexander, Cincinnati Leah Macy, Notre Dame
Sienna Betts, UCLA Agot Makeer, South Carolina
Nyla Brooks, North Carolina Brynn McGaughy, Washington
Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma Jasmine Nivar, Campbell
Aaliyah Crump, Texas Mia Pauldo, Tennessee
Jazzy Davidson, USC Blanca Quiñonez, UConn
Addie Deal, Iowa Emilee Skinner, Duke
Ines Garcia, Davidson Lara Somfai, Stanford
Lena Girardi, Oklahoma State Hailee Swain, Stanford
Grace Knox, LSU Nylah Wilson, Pitt

The USBWA was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 800 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at malcolm@usbwa.com.

What to Look For – Week 10

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: USA Today

NEW YORK — Nov. 5, 2025 — Below are the players and teams that can set historic marks or reach career milestones in Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season, including:

  • QB Lamar Jackson
  • QB Drake Maye
  • QB Justin Herbert
  • QB Aaron Rodgers
  • WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
  • RB Christian McCaffrey
  •  DE Myles Garrett
  • Denver Broncos

LAMAR JACKSON

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, in his first 99 career starts, has 21,045 passing yards, 6,214 rushing yards and 212 touchdowns (179 passing, 33 rushing) along with a 103.5 passer rating.

Jackson, with a win in his 100th career start at Minnesota on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX), can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Stabler (72 wins) for the fourth-most wins by a quarterback in their first 100 career starts in NFL history. Only Patrick Mahomes (78 wins), Tom Brady (76) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Roger Staubach (76) have more.

PLAYER TEAM(S) WINS
Patrick Mahomes Kansas City 78
Tom Brady New England 76
Roger Staubach HOF Dallas 76
Lamar Jackson Baltimore 72*
Ken Stabler HOF Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers 72
*in first 99 career starts

Jackson can become the third quarterback all-time with a passer rating of 100-or-higher in his first 100 career starts, joining Aaron Rodgers (107.3 passer rating) and Patrick Mahomes (103.0).

The quarterbacks with the highest passer rating in their first 100 career starts in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) PASSER RATING
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay 107.3
Lamar Jackson Baltimore 103.5*
Patrick Mahomes Kansas City 103.0
Russell Wilson Seattle 98.6
Kirk Cousins Washington, Minnesota 97.7
*in first 99 career starts

DRAKE MAYE

New England quarterback Drake Maye passed for 259 yards and two touchdowns with a 102.5 passer rating last week, and became the first player under the age of 24 and fourth in NFL history to record at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in eight consecutive games.   

With at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher on Sunday at Tampa Bay (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Maye can become the second player in NFL history to record at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in nine consecutive games, joining Aaron Rodgers (12 consecutive games in 2011).

In Week 10, Maye – who has no interceptions and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in each of his first four road starts this season – can become the sixth player in NFL history with zero interceptions and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in five consecutive road games in a single season, joining Tom Brady (2020 with Tampa Bay), Kirk Cousins (2021 with Minnesota), Nick Foles (2013 with Philadelphia), Carson Palmer (2005 with Cincinnati) and Tony Romo (2014 with Dallas).

The quarterbacks with zero interceptions and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in five consecutive road games within a single season in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM SEASON GAMES
Kirk Cousins Minnesota 2021 5
Tom Brady Tampa Bay 2020 5
Tony Romo Dallas 2014 5
Nick Foles Philadelphia 2013 5
Carson Palmer Cincinnati 2005 5
Drake Maye New England 2025 4*
*active streak

JUSTIN HERBERT

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert totaled three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) last week, his 50th-career game with multiple touchdown passes.

With at least two touchdown passes on Sunday Night Football against Pittsburgh (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), Herbert can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (50 games) for the fourth-most games with at least two touchdown passes by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history.

The players with the most games with at least two touchdown passes in their first six seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM GAMES WITH MULTIPLE TD PASSES
Patrick Mahomes Kansas City 58
Dan Marino HOF Miami 58
Josh Allen Buffalo 54
Justin Herbert L.A. Chargers 50*
Peyton Manning HOF Indianapolis 50
*in sixth season

AARON RODGERS

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers is tied for third in the NFL with 17 touchdown passes this season, including five games with multiple touchdown passes.

With two touchdown passes on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), Rodgers can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (165 games) for the third-most games with multiple touchdown passes in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (204 games) and Drew Brees (173) have more.

The players with the most games with at least two touchdown passes in NFL history:

PLAYER TEAM(S) GAMES
Tom Brady New England, Tampa Bay 204
Drew Brees San Diego Chargers, New Orleans 173
Peyton Manning HOF Indianapolis, Denver 165
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Pittsburgh 165

JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA

Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks with eight receptions and 129 receiving yards last week, his fourth consecutive and sixth game overall this season with at least 100 receiving yards, the most in the NFL.

On Sunday against Arizona (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS), Smith-Njigba can become the first player in NFL history with at least eight receptions and 120 receiving yards in five consecutive games.

In Week 10, Smith-Njigba can join Antonio Brown (2014 with Pittsburgh) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin (1995 with Dallas) as the only players with at least 75 receiving yards in each of his first nine games of a season in NFL history.

At 23 years old, he leads the NFL with 948 receiving yards this season, the most through a team’s first eight games of a season by a player under the age of 25 in NFL history. This week, Smith-Njigba can move into the top-five for the most receiving yards by a player in his team’s first nine games of a season in the Super Bowl era.

The players with the most receiving yards in their team’s first nine games of a season in the Super Bowl era:

PLAYER TEAM SEASON REC. YARDS
Tyreek Hill Miami 2022 1,104
Tyreek Hill Miami 2023 1,076
Isaac Bruce HOF St. Louis Rams 1995 1,073
Justin Jefferson Minnesota 2022 1,060
Julio Jones Atlanta 2018 1,040
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Seattle 2025 948*
*in first eight games

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey had 173 scrimmage yards (106 rushing, 67 receiving) and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) last week, his 16th career game with both a rushing touchdown and touchdown reception, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (15 games) for the most such games in NFL history.

McCaffrey has eight scrimmage touchdowns (four rushing, four receiving) this season and on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX), can become the first player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five receiving touchdowns in four career seasons, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (three seasons).

McCaffrey – who enters Week 10 with 596 rushing yards and 626 receiving yards – can become the third player in NFL history with at least 600 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards in four career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and Brian Westbrook.

Additionally, McCaffrey can join Timmy Brown (1965), Roger Craig (1985) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (1998) as the only players with at least 600 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards in his team’s first 10 games of a season in NFL history.

MYLES GARRETT

Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett ranks second in the NFL with 10 sacks this season and became the third player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, with at least 10 sacks in eight consecutive seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Reggie White (nine from 1985-93) and John Randle (eight from 1992-99).

With two sacks on Sunday at the New York Jets (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS), Garrett can become the first player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, with at least 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor (five from 1985-89).

Additionally, Garrett can become the fifth player since 1982 with at least 12 sacks in seven career seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Reggie White (10 seasons), Kevin Greene (eight) and Bruce Smith (eight) as well as Leslie O’Neal (seven).

The players with the most seasons with at least 12 sacks since 1982:

PLAYER TEAM(S) SEASONS WITH 12+ SACKS
Reggie White HOF Philadelphia, Green Bay 10
Kevin Greene HOF L.A. Rams, Carolina, Pittsburgh 8
Bruce Smith HOF Buffalo 8
Leslie O’Neal San Diego Chargers 7
Myles Garrett Cleveland 6*
Simeon Rice Arizona, Tampa Bay 6
*has 10 sacks this season

DENVER BRONCOS

The Denver Broncos lead the NFL with 40 sacks, the most through a team’s first nine games of a season since Tampa Bay in 2000 (41 sacks).

On Thursday Night Football against Las Vegas (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video), the Broncos can surpass the 2000 New Orleans Saints (44 sacks) for the most sacks by a team in its first 10 games of a season since 1990.

The teams with the most sacks in their first 10 games of a season since 1990:

TEAM SEASON SACKS
New Orleans 2000 44
Dallas 2022 42
Tampa Bay 2000 42
Jacksonville 1999 41
Pittsburgh 2001 41
Denver 2025 40*
*in first nine gaes

 

Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation Adds Four Receivers to the Watch List of the Biletnikoff Award

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Tallahassee, FL – The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, released the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List on August 6. Today, November 5, the Foundation announces the fifth in-season addition of receivers, four at this time, to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. See 2025 Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in other years. Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.

The Biletnikoff Award’s semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.

Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

The Biletnikoff Award candidate eligibility and voting criteria, transparently explicit and detailed, are available for review at BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria.

Recently, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation opened the 2025 FanVote. Every fan may vote once daily on the Biletnikoff Award FanVote page. The aggregate fan tally will be counted as one official vote to determine semi-finalists, finalists (three receivers), and the winner. In the closest contest in years, the FanVote tally provided the one-vote margin of victory for 2013 winner Brandin Cooks of Oregon State.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announces the fifth in-season addition to the 2025 season watch list.

(Other receivers will be added as their season performances dictate)

(See below)

Duce Robinson, Florida State (WR)

Isaiah Sategna III, Oklahoma (WR)

Braylon Staley, Tennessee (WR)

Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State (WR)

2024 Biletnikoff Award winner: All-America Travis Hunter of Colorado
Travis Hunter was formally introduced by Colorado Coach Michael Pollock and presented the Biletnikoff Award trophy by TQC Foundation Chairman Charles Hopkins, assisted by the 1992 Heisman Memorial Trophy winner and national champion Gino Torretta, keynote speaker, at the black-tie Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The banquet, always sold-out and attended by 700 patrons, was hailed by 2014 keynote speaker Dick Vermeil, as well as by 2013 keynoter Larry Csonka, as “the best banquet in college sports.”

The banquet has featured distinguished keynoters of profound character and accomplishments including the late Bart Starr, Dick Vermeil, the late Floyd Little, Larry Csonka, Steve Largent, Mike Ditka, the late Don Shula, the late Dan Reeves, Archie Manning, Ron Jaworski, Gene Stallings, Bob Griese, Bill Curry, the late Bobby Bowden, Jim Kelly, Jerry Kramer, Joe Theismann, Dan Fouts, Chad Hennings, Lou Holtz, Aaron Taylor, Archie Griffin, Danny Wuerffel, Drew Pearson, and Gino Torretta.
The correlation between Biletnikoff Award winners and stardom in the National Football League is nearly uniformly consistent. Past Biletnikoff Award winners include Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, Golden Tate, Brandin Cooks, the late Terry Glenn, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Larry Fitzgerald.

The 501(c)(3) TQC Foundation’s charitable mission is the provision of college and vocational scholarships to North Florida high school seniors who have overcome significant challenges to achieve at the highest academic and extracurricular levels. Participation in sports is not a requirement, but does count as an extracurricular activity. The all-volunteer Foundation has provided over 350 scholarships with benefits of nearly 7 million dollars through 2025. TQC Founding Trustee & many-times chairman Walter Manley II, serving his 28th year as fundraising chairman, recently announced a goal of 10 million dollars to be awarded in scholarships by 2030.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

2024 Scholarship Recipients
The name Biletnikoff is synonymous with the term receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was a consensus 1st-team All-America receiver at Florida State University and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI.

Fred Biletnikoff was Florida State’s first consensus 1st-Team All-America
The Biletnikoff Award
The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wingback, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award.

(BiletnikoffAward.com/about_award)

The TQC Foundation, Inc., is an independent, charitable organization designated with 501(c)(3) status that was founded in 1994. Many trustees have contributed to its development as one of the most prominent awards in college football. The TQC Foundation, Inc., joined the idea of a college receiver’s award to the organization’s vision and created the outstanding award and dynamic organization.

The trophy, presented to each winner, is the most beautiful in college football – it has won several national, juried competitions for design excellence and aesthetic brilliance.

Likewise, the website and printed banquet program have been cited nationally for excellence in design and content.
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is the creator and sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award. The Foundation administers the Biletnikoff Award, its charitable activities, and the distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee. Foundation Trustees are prohibited from serving on the National Selection Committee. For a full recounting of the Foundation’s activities, please consult BiletnikoffAward.com.
National College Football Awards Association
The Biletnikoff Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit the NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
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Important Dates

Aug. 6, 2025:

Preseason Watch List announcement

Sept. 24, 2025:

FanVote opens

Nov. 10 – 16, 2025:

Vote by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee to determine Semifinalists

Nov. 17, 2025:

Semifinalists announcement

Nov. 17 – 23, 2025:

Vote to determine 3 Finalists

Nov. 25, 2025:

3 Finalists announcement

Nov. 25 – Dec. 6, 2025 :

Final vote to determine Biletnikoff Award Winner

Dec. 12, 2025:

Biletnikoff Award Winner announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards

 

The Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration

honors the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Winner on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the basketball arena at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Inquiries:

Chairman of Selection:

Professor Walter W. Manley II

Foundation Founding Trustee & Past Chairman of the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc.

Creator and Sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award

BiletnikoffAward.com/Manley

Cell 850-766-0800

prof.wwmii@comcast.net

Website and Publicity Contact:

Will Stewart

biletnikoffaward@biletnikoffaward.com

Trustees to contact regarding questions about scholarships and applications:

John Harris

850-524-6627

jjharrisjr@outlook.com

Melissa Hancock

850-340-0194 melissalynn527@gmail.com

Important Links:

Biletnikoff Award Website

Scholarship Information

Scholarship Application

Scholarship Donations

The NBA’s Next Big Problem: The Thunder are Too Good

By
Will Siegel
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0
Photo Cred: Last Night, In Basketball

Championship Campaign

When the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win their first championship as a franchise, basketball fans around the world thought they saw the Thunder at their peak. Not only did the Thunder finish the season 68-14, have the MVP of the league (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), and the 7th best offense in the league, but they had the number one defense in the entire NBA too.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins NBA Most Valuable Player award

Photo Cred: NBC

Thunder general manager Sam Presti wasn’t going to let the Thunder fall out of championship contention. In the off-season he wouldn’t allow the Thunder to lose their key pieces to the run, re-signing Chet Holmgren, Jaylen Williams, and Jaylin Williams to rookie extensions, while keeping the rest of the core the same. Preparing for the season, the Thunder knew they would be without all-star Jaylen Williams, who tore a ligament in his wrist but continued to play during the playoffs, and knew they would have a chip on their shoulder. But beyond the haters doubt, Shai’s expectations always stay the same, “It would suck to lose the NBA championship in 2026. That’s the new focus. That’s the new goal.”

The 2025-2026 Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder started the new season in as dramatic of a way as possible; winning a double overtime thriller versus the Houston Rockets on opening day (aka Thunder Ring Ceremony) 125-124. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander had 35 points and Chet Holmgren had 28 points. Since then, there has been no slowing down, winning the next seven in a row to make the Thunder 8-0 and the number one team in the NBA so far.

They have one four of their eight games by more than fifteen points, and have continued to beat down on opponents. They have the fourth best offensive rating, an improvement from last season, and the best defensive rating in the NBA. Right when teams think they have a chance to pull away, the Thunder go on a run and show no mercy.

Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren to miss entire 2022-23 NBA season - Yahoo Sports

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

How?

In light of the Jaylen Williams injury, the Thunder have had a “next man up” mentality and so far everybody on the Thunder have had to elevate their roles to make up for his missing production, and everybody is doing their share. Shai is averaging over 30 points per game, Chet over 20. Hartenstein is averaging a double-double, and Ajay Mitchell is making a case for the most improved player.

After playing sparingly in the 2024-2025 season, only playing in 36 games and averaging six and a half points a game, Ajay Mitchell went into the offseason determined to grow into a bigger role as a leader on and off the court so he could get a bigger role. Since Jaylen Williams hasn’t played, Mitchell is taking full advantage. Coming in as the sixth man, averaging 26 minutes a game, Mitchell has exploded, averaging 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game. He is a physical defender and has a quick first step and great vision on offense to set up the easiest shot for the offense.

Jalen Williams injury update: Thunder All-Star out vs. Celtics, has no return timeline from hip strain - CBS Sports

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

He has earned his right to be on the floor, and the Thunder are going to have a hard time keeping him off it.  When Jaylen Williams comes back, the Thunder players individual stats will naturally deflate with another head needing the ball, but his defense will immediately be a perfect complement to the Thunder’s hot start to the season. The Thunder won 68 games last year, and once Williams is back, they have the potential to push for that number or even more.

Lamar Jackson, Alex Highsmith & Cam Little Named Week 9 AFC Players of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scores on a run against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
NEW YORK — Nov. 5, 2025 — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, and Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 9 (October 30, November 2-3).

OFFENSE: QB LAMAR JACKSON, BALTIMORE RAVENS

  • Jackson completed 18 of 23 passes (78.3 percent) for 204 yards and four touchdowns with a 143.2 passer rating in Baltimore’s 28-6 win in Miami on Thursday Night Football. Jackson had his 12th career game with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, joining Tom Brady (28 games), Aaron Rodgers (28), Drew Brees (26), and Pro Football Hall of Peyton Manning (18) as the only players in NFL history with at least 12 such games.
  • This is the 14th-career Offensive Player of the Week award for Jackson, the most by a Ravens quarterback.
    • 2019: Weeks 1, 9, 10, 12, 15
    • 2020: Week 1, 14
    • 2021: Week 5
    • 2023: Weeks 7, 17
    • 2024: Weeks 5, 7, 10
    • 2025: Week 9
  • Jackson is one of five former Louisville players to win Offensive Player of the Week, along with Michael Bush, Mark Clayton, Ernest Givins, and Chris Redman.

DEFENSE: LB ALEX HIGHSMITH, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

  • Highsmith recorded two sacks, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass defensed in Pittsburgh’s 27-20 win against Indianapolis, the only player to do so in a single game this season. It marked Highsmith’s first multi-sack game this season and the 11th of his career.
  • This marks Highsmith’s third-career Defensive Player of the Week award. He becomes the first Steelers player to earn the honor this season and the first since T.J. Watt (Week 8, 2024). Highsmith is the fourth Steelers player to win the award in the past five seasons (2021-25), joining T.J. Watt (five-time winner), Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward.
  • Highsmith is the only former Charlotte player to win a Defensive Player of the Week award.

SPECIAL TEAMS: K CAM LITTLE, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

  • Little made NFL history with a record-breaking 68-yard field goal, surpassing Justin Tucker (66 yards on Sept. 26, 2021) in the 30-29 overtime win at Las Vegas. Little converted on all three of his field goal attempts and extra point attempts this week, including a game-tying 48-yard field goal with 16 seconds left to force overtime.
  • This is Little’s first Special Teams Player of the Week award. Little is the seventh Jaguars kicker to earn the honor, joining Josh Scobee (eight-time winner), Mike Hollis (three), Josh Lambo (two), Brandon McManus, Riley Patterson and Matthew Wright.
  • Little became the fourth former Arkansas player to be named Special Teams Player of the Week, joining Jake Bates (two-time winner), Knile Davis and Felix Jones.
For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com

Colston Loveland, Tre’von Moehrig & Levi Drake Rodriguez Named Week 9 NFC Players of the Week

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo Cred: Fox Sports
NEW YORK — Nov. 5, 2025 — Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland, Carolina Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig and Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 9 (October 30, November 2-3).

OFFENSE: TE COLSTON LOVELAND, CHICAGO BEARS

  • Loveland recorded career-highs with six receptions, 118 yards and two touchdowns, the first two of his career, in Chicago’s 47-42 win in Cincinnati. Loveland recorded a 58-yard, game-winning touchdown with 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the second-longest game-winning touchdown reception by a rookie tight end in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime since 1970. It also marked the third-longest game-winning touchdown reception by a rookie in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime since 1970. Loveland also became the fifth rookie tight end in the Super Bowl era with at least 100 receiving yards and multiple touchdown receptions in a game.
  • This is the first-career Offensive Player of the Week award for Loveland. He is the third rookie tight end in NFL history to win an Offensive Player of the Week award, joining Jeremy Shockey (Week 17, 2002) and Mike Dyal (Week 13, 1989). Loveland is the third Bears rookie to win an Offensive Player of the Week award, joining Jordan Howard (Week 8, 2016) and Anthony Thomas (Week 14, 2001).
  • Loveland becomes the sixth rookie from Michigan to win a Player of the Week award, joining Steve Breaston, Devin Bush, Ian Gold, Aidan Hutchinson and Anthony Thomas.

DEFENSE: S TRE’VON MOEHRIG, CAROLINA PANTHERS

  • Moehrig recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed and an interception returned for 36 yards, the longest return of his career, in a 16-13 win at Green Bay. Moehrig is the first safety and fourth player to record five tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed and an interception in a game this season, fourth overall and first by a Panthers player since Kurt Coleman (Week 8, 2015).
  • This is Moehrig’s first-career Defensive Player of the Week award. Moehrig is the fourth Panthers player to earn a Player of the Week award this season and the first to earn defensive honors. Moehrig is the fourth Panthers safety to win the award and the first since Roman Harper (Week 17, 2014).
  • Moehrig becomes the sixth former TCU player to win a Defensive Player of the Week award and the first since Jerry Hughes (Week 7, 2020).

SPECIAL TEAMS: DL LEVI DRAKE RODRIGUEZ, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

  • Rodriguez blocked a field goal attempt to keep the Vikings ahead 24-17 late in the fourth quarter in Minnesota’s 27-24 win at Detroit. Rodriguez is the second Vikings player to record a blocked kick this season.
  • This is Rodriguez’s first-career Special Teams Player of the Week award. Rodriguez is the first defensive lineman to win Special Teams Player of the Week for the Vikings.
  • Rodriguez becomes the first former Texas A&M-Commerce player to win a Special Teams Player of the Week award and second overall, joining Wade Wilson (four-time winner).
For more from NFL Communications, visit  media.nfl.com

Surviving the Chaos: College Football’s Undefeated Teams

By
Reece Alvarado
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CFB Alerts

As the first College Football Playoff rankings were released, there are currently, there are only four teams that have yet to fall. Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M are the top three ranked teams respectively and BYU is right behind at number 7.  Ohio State has been at the top of the poll since their win over Texas in week 1. With three games left in the year, they play one more ranked opponent in the final week of the season.

They should be heavily favored in their next two games against UCLA and Rutgers before heading to Ann Arbor for the biggest game of the year. In a rivalry like no other, the underdog will always have a chance to win. While the Buckeyes might be the favorite, high emotions and fierce animosity makes this anyone’s game. The expectation is Ohio State ending the year 12-0 but it’s never certain when they have to face the Wolverines.

Indiana, right behind Ohio State, has dominated the hardest stretch of their schedule. Their next three games feature three of the bottom four teams in the Big 10. It’s gonna take a miracle for the Hoosiers to stumble this late in the year. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is one of the best in the country and head coach Curt Cignetti has made this team a national championship contender in just his second season.

Their next test will most likely be the Buckeyes in the Big 10 championship, and then the College Football Playoffs await the Hoosiers for another run. At third in the country are the Texas A&M Aggies. With four games left to play, two of those are against ranked teams and both are on the road. This weekend, they visit the Missouri Tigers after a dominant win over LSU.

Then hosting two games against South Carolina and Samford, their final test is going to Austin, Texas to play the Longhorns. They have a good shot to end the year undefeated but it’s very possible an upset is right around the corner. Missouri has hung with some of the top teams in the country and their two losses to Alabama and Vanderbilt were decided in the final minutes of regulation. Texas began the season slow, not living up to the hype from the preseason but has since found ways to win close games and climbed back up the poll to be a top 15 team.

Finally, if there is any team to take their first loss, it’s BYU. This weekend they go to Lubbock, Texas to play number 8 Texas Tech in what could be a Big 12 championship game preview. At home, the Red Raiders are a big favorite to knock off the Cougars and jump to the top of the conference rankings. And if BYU wins this one, they play number 25 Cincinnati at the end of the year. The Cougars have one highlighted win over the number 13 Utah Utes and are trying to beat another top 15 team in the country.

Times and Broadcast Information Announced for 2025 College Football Playoff First-Round Game

By
Stephen Patrick
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Photo Cred: CFB

The College Football Playoff (CFP), ESPN and TNT Sports have announced kick times and broadcast information for the 2025 CFP First Round, which will launch the second year of the 12-team Playoff.

The exclusive home of the CFP since its inception in 2015, ESPN is in the second year of its current expanded package, which includes all four games of the CFP First Round with two of the games sublicensed to TNT Sports.

The 2025-26 edition of the 12-team College Football Playoff will begin with the first CFP First Round game on Friday, December 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. First round action will continue on Saturday, December 20, as ABC and ESPN will broadcast the first game of Saturday’s tripleheader at noon ET, while TNT will present games at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. ET, respectively. All games on ESPN networks will be available on the ESPN App, while the first-round games airing on TNT and truTV will also be streamed on HBO Max. Each of the four first-round games will be played on campuses to be announced on Selection Day, December 7.

In April, it was announced that ESPN will present each of the four Playoff Quarterfinals, the two Playoff Semifinals and the 2026 CFP National Championship, slated for Monday, January 19, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The CFP National Championship returns to Miami for the first time since the 2021 contest, marking the second straight season the national championship game will return to a city for a second time, after Atlanta hosted the title contests in 2018 and 2025.

“We are pleased to work with both ESPN and TNT Sports to deliver these first-round games to fans across the country in premier viewing windows,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the College Football Playoff. “We also appreciate the collaboration with the National Football League in coordinating schedules to best serve fans of both college and professional football. This all reflects the growing reach and excitement surrounding the new Playoff format, and we look forward to showcasing the best of college football on both networks.”

Last season, the inaugural CFP First Round delivered 10.6 million average viewers across ESPN networks and TNT Sports. The quartet of Playoff Quarterfinals scored multi-year viewership highs, while the CFP Semifinals produced the most-watched Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on record (20.6M viewers) and the second-most-watched Capital One Orange Bowl in nearly 20 years (17.8M viewers). The 2025 CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame attracted 22.1 million viewers, the most-watched non-NFL sporting event over the past year. The showdown peaked with 26.1 million viewers.

Further scheduling details, including full MegaCast information, will be announced later this year.
DATE TIME (ET) GAME NETWORK
Friday, December 19 8 p.m. CFP First-Round Game ABC & ESPN
Saturday, December 20 Noon CFP First-Round Game ABC & ESPN
3:30 p.m. CFP First-Round Game TNT, truTV & HBO Max
7:30 p.m. CFP First-Round Game TNT, truTV & HBO Max
Wednesday,

December 31

 7:30 p.m. Playoff Quarterfinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic ESPN
Thursday,

January 1

 Noon Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl ESPN
4 p.m. Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Prudential ESPN
8 p.m. Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl ESPN
Thursday,

January 8

 7:30 p.m. Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl ESPN
Friday,

January 9

 7:30 p.m. Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl ESPN
Monday,

January 19

 7:30 p.m. College Football Playoff National Championship ESPN

-#CFBPlayoff-

About the College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The CFP selection committee ranks the top 25 teams at the end of the regular season. The five highest ranked conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams will be seeded into a 12-team bracket based on the final ranking, with the four highest-ranked teams receiving a first-round bye. The teams ranked Nos. 5-12 will play in the CFP First Round, with the higher seeds hosting the lower seeds. The Playoff Quarterfinals and Playoff Semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.
College Football Playoff

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Louisville City FC Falls to Detroit City in Shocker

By
Stephen Patrick
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0
Photo Cred: Lou City

 Louisville City FC was making history after a dominant season. But the Detroit City FC pulled off a shocking 1-0 win in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Louisville entered the postseason as the Eastern Conference’s number one seed. The had a record breaking offense and carried a four-month unbeaten streak.

The pressure was on to finish the season off with a championship. However, those dreams were erased by Detroit who capitalized on its lone scoring opportunity. The game’s only goal came in the 34th minute. Defender Devon Amoo-Mensah redirected a corner kick from Jay Chapman. The goal was Detroit City’s only shot on target. LouCity finished with 16 shots and nine corner kicks but Detroit defense was just too good.

Detroit City FC Defeats Top-Seeded Louisville City FC in the First Round of the USL Championship Playoffs - Detroit City FC

Photo Cred: Detroit City FC

Goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña delivered one of his best performances of the season, making several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. His biggest moments came when he denied dangerous headers from veteran forward Brian Ownby, keeping Louisville off the scoreboard despite relentless pressure. In the end, Detroit City made the most of its limited opportunities while Louisville City was left to rue its missed chances.

Louisville has established themselves as one of the best teams since joining the USL. Detroit brought an unexpected end to a season that had been filled with record-breaking performances and championship aspirations. But Lou City will be right back as a championship contender.

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