UCLA, AUGUSTANA TOP MPSF MEN’S WATER POLO COACHES’ POLL

College

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August 25, 2025

Defending NCAA Champion UCLA collected 99 points and nine first-place votes in topping the 2025MPSF Men’s Water Polo Western Division preseason coaches’ poll. The Bruins return 21 players from last year, including national player of the year and MPSF Player
and Newcomer of the Year Ryder Dodd, who broke both the school and conference single-season scoring record in 2024 with 102 goals. Also back for UCLA are All-Americans Chase Dodd (26 goals) and Peter Castillo (31 goals, 64 earned exclusions), as well as
Frederico Juca Carsalade (25 goals, 38 assists).

Three-time defending MPSF West Champion USC totaled 91 points and the remaining two first-place votes for second-place. USC returns first team All-Americans and first team All-NCAA Tournament selections Robert López Duart (64 goals) and goalkeeper Bernardo Herzer, as well as an additional All-American in Stefan Brankovic from a national runner-up season. The Trojans also added 2024 first team All-American and WCC Player of the Year Mihailo Vukazic (63 goals at Pacific) to their roster. Stanford (82) placed third in the west division, followed by California (74).

The Cardinal returns All-American goalkeeper West Temkin as well as All-MPSF Center Will Schneider. The Golden Bears bring back All-Americans Albert Ponferrada and Bende Pardi. Augustana compiled 62 points in the poll as favorites in the MPSF’s Eastern Division. The Vikings have won the east in each of their first three years in the conference. Goalkeeper Declan Hutton along with Oskar Bannister return as three-time All-Americans, as do 2024 MPSF Player of the Year and All-American Stevan Rasic in addition to three-time all-conference Mark Addison. Austin College was picked second in the east with 50 points, featuring All-American and team leading scorer Aidan Wade amongst a young core.

MPSF newcomer Johns Hopkins placed third (46), followed by 2024 MPSF East finalist Penn State Behrend (36). Back for the Blue Jays are 2024 All-Americans Andrew Lee (team-highs 67 goals, 93 DEX) and Phillip Long (team-highs 94 points, 19 FB).
The Lions return All-American and MPSF Newcomer of the Year Nick Thompson, as well as MPSF assist leader Atticus Bowman. Connecticut College was picked fifth (26) in its inaugural MPSF season, followed by Washington & Jefferson narrowly behind (25) and
Wheaton College rounding out the east (14).

Two-time All-American Jesse Ellis returns for the Camels, while All-MPSF Aidan Miller
as well as goalkeeper Timothy Deutsch are back for the Presidents. The Lyons are highlighted by Spyros Rapsomanikis, an AllAmerican and All-MPSF first team honoree in the squad’s first varsity season last year (48 goals, 70 points, MPSF-high 80 steals).
The MPSF’s 34th men’s water polo season is underway August 29. Stanford hosts the MPSF Championship Tournament, November 21-23, which will produce both a western and eastern division champion. Stanford is also the host of the NCAA Tournament two weeks
later. Since its initial season in 1992, the MPSF has won all 33 NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championships.

Rank Team Points (First-Place) 2024 Team Record 2024 MPSF Finish/Postseason
MPSF WEST
1 UCLA 99 (9) 26-2 Overall; 5-1 MPSF #1-W/NCAA Champion
2 USC 91 (2) 23-6 Overall; 2-4 MPSF #3-W/MPSF Champion
3 Stanford 82 22-5 Overall; 4-2 MPSF #2-W
4 California 74 12-13 Overall; 1-5 MPSF #4-W
MPSF EAST
1 Augustana 62 16-7 Overall; 8-0 MPSF #1-E/MPSF Champion
2 Austin College 50 12-9 Overall; 6-2 MPSF #2-E
3 Johns Hopkins 46 12-23 Overall; 3-11 MAWPC N/A
4 Penn State Behrend 36 8-18 Overall; 4-4 MPSF #3-E/MPSF Final
5 Connecticut College 26 7-14 Overall N/A
6 Washington & Jefferson 25 5-15 Overall; 2-6 MPSF #4-E
7 Wheaton College 14 0-19 Overall; 0-8 MPSF #5-E

Best Games to Close Out the First College Football Weekend

By

Arnav Sarkar

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August 21, 2025

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Sunday, August 31st – Virginia Tech vs. #13 South Carolina (Atlanta)

Photo Cred: YouTube

The spotlight shifts to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for another marquee ACC–SEC showdown on the final Sunday before the NFL kicks off. South Carolina, fresh off a 9–3 campaign that included multiple top-25 victories, just narrowly missed out on the 12-team College Football Playoff last season. The Gamecocks return with high expectations behind star dual-threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers and rising defensive centerpiece Dylan Stewart, a former five-star edge rusher with NFL potential.

Head coach Shane Beamer faces an especially emotional challenge, squaring off against the program his father, Frank Beamer, built into a national brand. Virginia Tech enters 2025 eager to shake off a frustrating 6–7 season that was plagued by close losses to Vanderbilt, Rutgers, and several ACC rivals. With quarterback Kyron Drones showing flashes of star power and head coach Brent Pry settling into year three, the Hokies view this matchup as a chance to prove they belong back on the big stage. They’ll have little time to rest either—another SEC test looms the following week, when Vanderbilt heads to Lane Stadium for a revenge-fueled rematch of last year’s opener.

#6 Notre Dame at #10 Miami (FL)

Photo Cred: ESPN

Week 1 closes Sunday night with one of the most anticipated top-ten showdowns of the early season: Notre Dame vs. Miami. The Irish, fresh off a national championship appearance, march into South Beach with playoff ambitions and a roster stacked with talent. Running back Jeremiyah Love headlines the offense, looking to follow up his breakout 2024 campaign with another dominant year.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have reloaded in a big way. Former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck transferred in to replace Cam Ward, giving Miami one of the most proven arms in the ACC. Paired with a strong returning defense, the ‘Canes see this game as a launching pad for a playoff push. The matchup also stirs echoes of the legendary “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry, most famously remembered for Notre Dame’s dramatic 31–30 win over then-No. 1 Miami in 1988. With both programs firmly in the national conversation again, this clash could have enormous playoff seeding implications by season’s end.

Monday, September 1st – TCU at North Carolina

Photo Cred: Youtube

Labor Day night provides one final treat as the curtain closes on opening weekend: TCU at North Carolina, in what will be remembered as the official college football debut of Bill Belichick. The legendary NFL coach takes over the Tar Heels with a rebuilt roster headlined by dual-threat transfer quarterback Gio Lopez, who threw for 2,500 yards and rushed for nearly 500 more at South Alabama last season.

TCU enters Chapel Hill after a 9–4 campaign and remains dangerous on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Josh Hoover nearly reached 4,000 passing yards with 27 touchdowns a year ago, and his connection with explosive receiver Eric McAlister gives the Horned Frogs one of the Big 12’s top aerial attacks. Defensively, TCU boasts experienced playmakers across the field, making them a tough out for anyone.

For Belichick, this game is more than just an opener—it’s a moment of intrigue across the football world. How will his decades of NFL success translate to Saturdays in the college game? With Sonny Dykes looking to reestablish TCU as a playoff threat, and UNC stepping into a new era under one of football’s greatest minds, this Monday night matchup promises drama, strategy, and storylines that will resonate long beyond Week 1.

Biggest Match Ups for the First College Football Saturday

College

By

Arnav Sarkar

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August 21, 2025

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2025 football predictions 2 — Photo Cred: NCAA

After months of waiting, speculation, and preseason debates, the first full Saturday of college football is finally here — and it promises fireworks from sunrise to midnight. Week 1 isn’t easing us in; it’s throwing us straight into the deep end with heavyweight showdowns, blueblood battles, and statement opportunities for programs hoping to set the tone for the 2025 season.

From Columbus to Tallahassee to Atlanta, the slate is loaded with games that will shape the national conversation before Labor Day. With playoff implications on the line from the opening kickoff, this Saturday has the potential to be remembered as one of the greatest opening weekends in the sport’s history.

Saturday, August 30 — #1 Texas at #3 Ohio State

This matchup is being billed as the biggest opening weekend game in college football history — and it’s hard to argue otherwise. The defending national champion Buckeyes host top-ranked Texas, beginning the Arch Manning era in the most hostile environment imaginable. It’s also a rematch of last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal, when Ohio State beat Texas 28–14 en route to the title. Both rosters lost stars to the NFL.

Photo Cred: Fox Sports

But plenty of firepower returns. For Ohio State, receiver Jeremiah Smith, safety Caleb Downs, and linebacker Sonny Styles headline a deep core. Five-star freshman quarterback Julian Sayin will get thrown into the fire right away, with new starters across the offensive line and in the backfield. Texas, meanwhile, enters with a steadier hand at quarterback in Manning, who takes over a team stocked with talent and confidence. Both squads are reloading, but this is still a top-three clash with national implications before September even begins. Expect the college football world’s full attention to be on Columbus.

Syracuse vs. Tennessee (Atlanta)

While Texas–Ohio State grabs the primetime spotlight, the noon window features another intriguing showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Syracuse, fresh off a 10–3 campaign capped by a Holiday Bowl win, faces a Tennessee team eager to prove it belongs back among the nation’s elite. Both sides will debut new quarterbacks.

Photo Cred: Syracuse

The Volunteers are expected to turn to Joey Aguilar after parting ways with Nico Iamaleava, while Syracuse’s choice comes down to transfers Steve Angeli (Notre Dame) or Rickie Collins (LSU). Whoever wins the job will have massive shoes to fill after Kyle McCord’s near 5,000-yard season. Tennessee, which went 10–2 last year and reached the CFP before a lopsided loss to Ohio State, enters as a two-touchdown favorite. Still, the Orange proved last season they can play spoiler — and would love nothing more than to do it again on a national stage.

#8 Alabama at Florida State

Two traditional powers at very different crossroads meet in Tallahassee. Alabama, now in Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer, looks to bounce back from a rare playoff miss after losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan derailed its 2024 season. Ty Simpson replaces Jalen Milroe at quarterback as the Tide begin their quest to re-establish themselves among the elite. Florida State, meanwhile, has been on a wild ride.

Photo Cred: Fox

After a perfect 13–0 campaign in 2023 that ended with a controversial CFP snub, the Seminoles crashed to 2–10 in 2024. Now, Gus Malzahn steps in as offensive coordinator, with dynamic dual-threat quarterback Thomas Castellanos leading the charge. Both teams desperately need stability and momentum. For FSU, it’s about reclaiming credibility. For Alabama, it’s about proving the DeBoer era can match the program’s sky-high standards.

#9 LSU at #4 Clemson

Few openers scream “playoff preview” like this one. Clemson welcomes LSU to Death Valley in a battle of Tiger heavyweights with top-10 rankings and championship aspirations. Brian Kelly’s LSU squad arrives with the nation’s top transfer class, hoping to return to the playoff for the first time under his leadership. But history looms large: LSU hasn’t won a season opener since its 2019 national title run.

Photo Cred: NCAA

Clemson, meanwhile, feels overdue for a return to dominance. Cade Klubnik leads a roster loaded with future NFL talent, and Dabo Swinney’s more traditional, portal-resistant approach may finally be validated. The Tigers won the ACC in 2024 but were humbled by Texas in the CFP — and went winless against the SEC. That’s a narrative they’re eager to flip. Whichever Tiger team emerges will leave no doubt about its legitimacy. The loser, meanwhile, faces an uphill climb back into the playoff picture.

Can the Blue Jays Truly Contend for the World Series?

By

Rives Reucassel

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August 21, 2025

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The Toronto Blue Jays are no longer just a fringe playoff hopeful—they’ve emerged as a legitimate contender. After a disappointing 2024 campaign (74–88, last in the AL East), Toronto has flipped the script in 2025. At midseason, they were sitting atop the division and holding the third-best World Series odds in all of baseball, trailing only the Dodgers and Phillies.

Photo Cred: Elite Sports NY

But the question remains: can they truly compete for a World Series title? Here are four reasons why the answer may be yes.

1. Momentum and Playoff Position
Momentum matters in baseball, and the Blue Jays have plenty of it. Preseason projections gave them just a 31% chance of making the playoffs. Today, most models peg their October odds at 83–90%. With a strong first half and control of the AL East, Toronto has positioned itself as more than just a Wild Card threat—they look like a team built to go deep.

2. Offensive Firepower and Discipline
At the center of Toronto’s resurgence is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s backing up his 14-year, $500 million mega-extension with an MVP-caliber season. Guerrero has been the engine of an offense that’s rediscovered its identity under hitting coach David Popkins.
The Jays lead MLB in both batting average and on-base percentage, thanks to a throwback “contact-first” approach that has cut strikeouts to just 17.4%—the lowest in the league and a rate not seen since the 2017 Astros. This mix of power and plate discipline makes Toronto’s lineup one of the most dangerous in October.

Photo Cred: Brandon Sun

3. Starting Rotation Resurgence
Once considered a weakness, the Blue Jays’ rotation has evolved into a strength. The frontline trio of José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt has been consistent, while midseason additions like Shane Bieber and the veteran Max Scherzer provide postseason-tested depth. On paper, this staff can hang with the best in baseball.

4. Depth, Strategy, and Identity
It’s not just stars carrying Toronto—the supporting cast has stepped up in big ways. Players like Ernie Clement and Nathan Lukes have exceeded expectations, giving the Jays a lineup and bench that runs deeper than most opponents. Manager John Schneider deserves credit too, molding the roster into a disciplined, fundamentally sound club that thrives on contact, smart baserunning, and timely hitting.

The Road Ahead
Of course, nothing comes easy in the AL East. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles all remain within striking distance, and any late-season slip could tighten the race. But unlike past years, this Toronto team has the balance, discipline, and pitching depth to weather the storm. So, can the Blue Jays truly contend for the World Series? If their first half is any indication, the answer is clear: not only can they contend—they may finally be ready to deliver October baseball back to Toronto.

NFL and Microsoft Expand Partnership to Bring Copilot to the Sidelines and Beyond

By

Stephen Patrick

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August 20, 2025

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Photo Cred: Microsoft

NEW YORK and REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 20, 2025 — The National Football League and Microsoft Corp. announced today a multiyear strategic partnership extension, ushering in a new era of AI innovation across the league. Technologies like Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI are helping the league and its teams enhance sideline evaluation and workflows, scout new talent and streamline operations that keep the stadiums running smoothly.

With 30 stadiums, over 330 events each year and hundreds of millions of fans, the NFL is one of the most widely watched sports leagues in the world. Integrating Microsoft’s AI business solutions, and cloud and AI platforms into game days and beyond will enable coaches and players to access and analyze game insights and performance in real time to make more informed decisions in a more efficient and customized way.

“We are entering a new era of innovation at the NFL through our collaboration with Microsoft to deploy AI across key areas of the business,” said Gary Brantley, chief information officer of the NFL. “Enhancing the league is a responsibility we take seriously, and Microsoft has been a trusted sideline technology partner for over a decade. With Microsoft’s AI technologies, including Copilot, there are tremendous opportunities to elevate the game day experience for our clubs and deliver an even more compelling product to our fans.”

Enhancing game day decisions with Copilot

The NFL’s Sideline Viewing System for every club has been upgraded with more than 2,500 Microsoft Surface Copilot+ PCs to empower 32 clubs, roughly 1,800 players, and more than 1,000 coaches and club football staff with real-time game data and analysis tools. Coaches and players have access to a new feature built with GitHub Copilot to filter plays based on criteria such as down and distance, scoring plays, and penalties to quickly analyze formations, decipher coverages and make more data-driven and strategic decisions.

“Making sound decisions and putting players in the best spots on the field is a coach’s ultimate responsibility,” said Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams head coach. “Microsoft Copilot enhances our efficiency and accuracy by breaking down complex data into digestible insights that can be quickly communicated to our players and help them realize their highest potential.”

A Microsoft 365 Copilot-powered dashboard helps club analysts in the coaching booth identify actionable insights faster to influence game strategies — such as personnel groupings and snap counts.

The road to game day starts with Microsoft AI

The NFL and Microsoft are also working to use AI beyond the sidelines to support roles like game operations managers. Ongoing research and development efforts through the partnership include a Copilot-powered game day operations dashboard to track and categorize key game day incidents year such as weather delays or technical equipment issues, that can impact overall operations each week, in order to improve future decision making.

Separately, Microsoft is also working to infuse Azure AI video tools during individual clubs’ practice sessions to aid in reviewing coaching, evaluations and player injury assessments. And most recently, during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, coaches and scouts from clubs across the league used a Microsoft Azure AI Foundry-powered app for more intelligent and real-time insights on more than 300 prospects.

“The NFL and Microsoft partnership is entering a new era, and we’re proud the league is once again putting its trust in Microsoft to bring AI to the NFL,” said Bryson Gordon, corporate vice president of global marketing at Microsoft. “Extending our work together is more than just a football story; it’s a blueprint for transformation. Whether you’re preparing for the championship or running a global enterprise, the principles are the same: insights matter, preparation is essential and the ability to act quickly is critical.”

Beyond the sidelines, into the front and back office

Soon, individual clubs will be able to apply AI across several other scenarios, including analyzing draft prospect performance outside the NFL Combine, providing data-driven business and football operations insights to clubs, and driving productivity across all business functions, including finance, human resources and events. Working across the 32 NFL clubs, staff will soon be able to use AI agents to support and improve various workstreams, including use cases like player scouting and salary cap management.

Some clubs, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are already using Copilot to help with marketing, promotion efforts and fan engagement. The NFL Players Association is also using Microsoft AI solutions as part of its video review process to help improve efficiency for staff and safety for players.

For more information about how the NFL and Microsoft have partnered together, visit aka.ms/nfl.

HERO VIDEO HERE

Media Contacts: Liana Bailey, liana.bailey@nfl.com, We. Communications for Microsoft, rapidresponse@wecommunications.com

Can Josh Allen Finally Get the Bills over the Hump?

By

Rives Reucassel

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August 20, 2025

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The Buffalo Bills have stacked up several strong seasons with Josh Allen leading the charge. Since bursting onto the scene as one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, Allen has lifted the Bills into perennial contention. But one haunting truth lingers: despite all the highlights, playoff runs, and hype, Buffalo still hasn’t won its first Super Bowl.

Every January, the script seems familiar. The Bills push deep into the postseason, only to meet Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. And every time, the ending is heartbreak. Buffalo has been eliminated by Kansas City in four of the past five postseasons, most recently a 32–29 loss in last year’s AFC Championship. That loss was particularly crushing—Allen was at the height of his powers, Buffalo had control for stretches, but Mahomes and the Chiefs once again found a way to prevail.

Now, the question lingers louder than ever: is 2025 finally the year the Bills break through?

Photo Cred: Newsweek

Allen at His Peak

Josh Allen is fresh off the best season of his career. The 2024 NFL MVP not only dominated statistically, but also matured into the type of leader franchises dream of building around. He passed for over 4,700 yards, added another 700 on the ground, and delivered countless clutch moments. But when asked what the award meant to him, Allen’s answer was simple: “It’s about winning a Super Bowl. That’s it.”

For Allen, the window is now. He’s entering the prime of his career, and Buffalo has doubled down on surrounding him with everything needed to contend. This version of Allen isn’t chasing records—he’s chasing legacy.

A Complete Roster

One of the reasons optimism is so high in Buffalo is continuity. More than 80% of last year’s roster returns, providing chemistry and consistency for a team that knows how close it is to a breakthrough. But the Bills didn’t just bring everyone back—they reloaded.

Defensively, they made some of the most aggressive moves of any team this offseason. Landing pass rusher Joey Bosa was a blockbuster addition, giving Buffalo a proven difference-maker who thrives in playoff environments. Pairing him with veterans like Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht has fortified a front seven that had previously worn down against high-powered offenses like Kansas City. With these additions, the Bills now boast a defense capable of both pressuring quarterbacks and holding up in the trenches late in games.

Photo Cred: Buffalo Bills

Offensively, Allen has more weapons than ever. Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, and Elijah Moore give Buffalo a diverse receiver group built on depth rather than star power. While some teams rely on one elite wideout to carry the passing game, Buffalo has designed an offense that can attack defenses in waves.

Perhaps the most crucial piece is James Cook. The Bills rewarded the young running back with a four-year, $48 million extension this offseason—a move that not only keeps the offense balanced but also signals a commitment to physicality. Cook’s dual-threat skill set as both a runner and receiver makes him invaluable, particularly in the postseason when versatility often separates contenders from pretenders. Former Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel even suggested that locking in Cook could be the “missing puzzle piece” to help Allen finally push Buffalo into the Super Bowl.

Why This Year Feels Different

Allen at the Top of His Game
Allen has reached his prime, both physically and mentally. He’s more patient in the pocket, less reckless with turnovers, and still as dangerous as ever with his legs. This combination makes him one of the hardest quarterbacks to prepare for in the NFL.
Roster Balance
For years, the Bills were viewed as Allen-dependent. If he didn’t play near-perfect football, their chances evaporated. In 2025, that narrative is shifting. With a deeper defense and multiple offensive playmakers, Buffalo has more margin for error in high-pressure games.
The AFC Landscape
The conference is still stacked, but it isn’t quite the gauntlet it once was. With certain rivals retooling, injuries affecting key teams, and Buffalo’s favorable schedule, analysts believe this may be the most favorable playoff path Allen has ever had.Photo Cred: Buffalo Bills

The Kansas City Problem

Of course, none of this matters if the Bills can’t finally solve Kansas City. The Chiefs remain the psychological and strategic hurdle that defines Buffalo’s modern era. Each loss to Mahomes has carved deeper scars—not just on Allen, but on the entire franchise and its fanbase. This is why 2025 feels like a tipping point. The Bills are too talented, too experienced, and too hungry to settle for another “close but not enough” season. Breaking through against Kansas City isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity if Buffalo wants to erase the ghosts of Januarys past.

The Bills’ story has always been one of resilience and heartbreak. From the four straight Super Bowl losses in the early 1990s to the playoff frustrations of the Josh Allen era, Buffalo has lived on the cusp of greatness without ever capturing it. But this year feels different. With Allen at his absolute peak, a fortified defense, and an offense built on depth and versatility, the Bills enter 2025 with their clearest path yet to a Lombardi Trophy.

For Allen and Buffalo, the mission is no longer about proving they belong among the NFL’s elite. That part is done. The mission now is singular: climb the mountain that is Kansas City, and finally bring a Super Bowl home to Western New York.

Top 5 College Football Contenders for the 2025 Season

By

Rives Reucassel

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August 19, 2025

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The wait is almost over. The 2025–26 college football season is right around the corner, and the chase for a national championship feels as wide open as ever. Traditional powerhouses are reloading, rising programs are stacking talent, and new stars are ready to take the spotlight. From the SEC gauntlet to the ACC’s resurgence and the emergence of Texas as a true juggernaut, this season has all the ingredients for unforgettable drama.

Here are my top five contenders heading into the fall:

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

For Alabama, the question wasn’t whether the dynasty would survive Nick Saban’s retirement—it was how quickly it could adapt under Kalen DeBoer. In his first season, DeBoer laid the groundwork, reshaping the Tide’s offensive identity while navigating the always-brutal SEC. Now, with that transition year behind them, the Tide look far more dangerous.

Photo Cred: The Crimson White

Quarterback Ty Simpson has waited patiently for his chance. A redshirt junior, Simpson brings experience, poise, and a full grasp of DeBoer’s system. His ability to read defenses and keep the offense on schedule will be critical in high-stakes games. Helping him is one of the most electrifying weapons in the nation—Ryan Williams, the five-star receiver who reclassified early and immediately lived up to the hype. Williams’ speed and explosiveness stretch defenses in ways Alabama desperately needs to compete with Georgia, LSU, and Texas.

The Tide defense, while not quite at the suffocating levels of peak-Saban, is stocked with young talent and developing playmakers. If the defensive line can consistently pressure quarterbacks, Alabama has enough balance to make another serious run at a title.

4. LSU Tigers

When Brian Kelly took over LSU, the goal was to build a consistent national contender—and entering 2025, the Tigers look like one of the most complete teams in America. With stability at head coach, strong recruiting, and portal wins, this roster is built to withstand the weekly grind of the SEC.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the key to unlocking LSU’s ceiling. Last year, he showed flashes of brilliance—big arm throws, tight-window accuracy, and the confidence to push the ball vertically. This year, he’s the unquestioned starter, and he has the luxury of throwing to one of the deepest receiver groups in the country. If Nussmeier can protect the football and elevate his consistency, LSU will boast an offense capable of keeping pace with anyone.

Photo Cred: USA Today

On defense, Kelly has made toughness a priority. The Tigers return a loaded front seven anchored by blue-chip talent, and their secondary looks far deeper than in past years. LSU struggled defensively at times last season, but the improvement in physicality and depth suggests this year’s group could be a true strength. With balance across both sides of the ball, LSU isn’t just a threat to win the SEC—they’re a legitimate national championship contender.

3. Clemson Tigers

Clemson slipped from the national spotlight for a few years, but Dabo Swinney appears to have righted the ship. The Tigers head into 2025 rejuvenated, stocked with talent, and motivated to prove they still belong among the elite. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is one of the most experienced players in the ACC and a proven leader. After throwing for over 3,600 yards and nearly 40 touchdowns last season, Klubnik has shown he can deliver both efficiency and big-play potential. His chemistry with Clemson’s deep receiving corps should only improve this year, making the Tigers’ passing attack a strength once again.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Clemson’s defense remains its calling card. The front seven is loaded with NFL-caliber talent, giving the Tigers one of the nastiest defensive lines in the country. Their ability to disrupt quarterbacks and shut down rushing attacks will be critical when they inevitably face playoff-caliber opponents. Factor in Swinney’s championship pedigree, a favorable ACC schedule, and a team that’s hungry to silence doubters, and Clemson has a clear path back to the College Football Playoff.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

The machine in Athens keeps rolling. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has built a dynasty on relentless recruiting, player development, and suffocating defense. The Bulldogs once again enter the season as one of the most talented teams in the country, and expectations are nothing short of another national title. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton now gets his turn to lead the offense after developing in Smart’s system. Stockton’s composure, decision-making, and athletic ability give the Bulldogs stability at the most important position.

Photo Cred: Dawg Nation

He’ll be surrounded by one of the deepest skill position groups in the nation, including explosive wide receivers and a backfield stacked with versatile runners. Defensively, Georgia is still the gold standard. With a defensive front that features multiple future first-round picks and a secondary that blends size, speed, and versatility, Smart has the pieces to maintain his trademark style: suffocating defenses that take away explosive plays. Georgia has been the model of consistency for nearly a decade, and this season looks no different—the Bulldogs are fully capable of adding another championship trophy to their collection.

1. Texas Longhorns

For years, the phrase “Texas is back” has felt more like a punchline than a reality. But in 2025, under Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns finally look like a team ready to dominate college football at the highest level. Quarterback Arch Manning is the centerpiece of it all. The former No. 1 recruit enters his first season as the unquestioned starter, and his natural talent—arm strength, pocket presence, and football IQ—makes him one of the most intriguing players in the sport. Manning has a deep and versatile supporting cast, including dynamic wide receivers and a stable of running backs who can attack defenses in multiple ways.

Photo Cred: SI

On defense, Texas looks every bit as elite. Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr. headline a front seven built to pressure quarterbacks and control the trenches. The Longhorns’ secondary is among the deepest in the country, giving Sarkisian a defense that can match up with any style of offense they’ll face. This combination of offensive firepower, defensive toughness, and roster depth gives Texas everything they need to not just make the playoff—but to win it all. For the first time in a long time, it feels safe to say: Texas is truly back.

Why the College Football Playoffs Should be 8 Teams

College

By

Stephen Patrick

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August 19, 2025

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The Big Ten might have the most outlandish idea ever for College Football. The conference is reportedly talking about the idea of a College Football Playoff expansion to 24 or even 28 teams. They want to mirror the NCAA Basketball March Madness with Winter Madness I suppose. Let me be clear: this is ridiculous. College football doesn’t need a bloated, watered-down tournament. The bowl games have already lost value and meaning. It now seems like a chance for a company to slap their name on something else. The College Football Playoffs should be a meaningful time and have only eight teams.

Photo Cred: Spectrum News

The proposed Big Ten model would eliminate conference title games. That should be the first deal breaker. It would hand out auto bids like candy and sour already frustrated fans. It would put double digit playoff games on campus. Sure, that might sound exciting but it completely misses the heart of the sport. College football’s magic has always been the sense that every single Saturday matters. Expanding to nearly all of the rank teams by seasons end makes the regular season into nothing more than a jockeying contest for seeds rather than a fight to get in.

We are watching the traditions of college football erode, one “expansion” at a time, and all of it is being driven by money. We lost the original Pac-12 and Cal and Stanford plays in the ACC, and Mountain West is no longer what it was. Conferences are chasing TV deals and playoff shares. Every year a new building goes up on campus but the sports suffer. Rivalries lose their bite when three losses still get you into the postseason. November Saturdays take you out, not put you in. Conference championship games should be a do-or-die spectacles. It would vanish entirely, erased for the sake of a few extra playoff matchups with 3 and 4 lost teams.

And let’s be honest: a 28-team playoff isn’t about access or fairness. It’s about greed. TV money and content demand is ruining everything. More games mean more TV contracts, more ad revenue, more tickets sold. But does the product get over saturated. College football doesn’t need to mimic professional leagues or the NCAA basketball tournament. Its charm is that the season is the playoff, and every week carries national implications. Strip that away, and you strip away the very soul of the sport.

Photo Cred: Patriot Press

Here’s what actually makes sense:

Eight teams, not 28. Each Power Four champion (or Power Five, if the Pac-12 can climb back to relevance) gets an automatic spot. Scrap the divisions and let the two best teams play for the conference crown on Championship Saturday. Winner gets in. Simple, fair, and still meaningful.
Home-field championships. Put those title games back where they belong: on campus. Imagine an SEC championship in Death Valley or a Big Ten title game under the lights in Ann Arbor. The electricity, the pageantry, the student sections—it would be unmatched. That’s the atmosphere college football should be doubling down on, not neutral-site stadiums designed for TV.
A chance for outsiders. The top-ranked Group of Five (or “non-Power Four”) champion gets the 8-seed vs the 1 seed. That keeps the playoff accessible without pretending the 20th-best team in the country deserves a shot at the title. Also the 1 seed would play the “weakest” team as an award.
Reward the best of the rest. The heartbreak of the Championship Saturday doesn’t mean the end of the road. The highest-rated losers from the title games should fill out the remaining playoff spots, ensuring we don’t leave out elite teams that just came up short in one game. Let’s be real it would be the SEC and Big Ten because those conferences think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread was created.
Preserve the bowls. Rotate the Big Six bowls through the quarterfinals and semifinals, then finish with the National Championship on a neutral field. That protects tradition while still delivering the biggest possible stages for the best games.Photo Cred: SRA

This approach keeps the playoff exclusive, keeps the stakes high, and keeps college football true to itself. Every Saturday still matters. Every rivalry still matters. Conference championships still matter. And the postseason feels earned, not handed out to half the country. A 28-team playoff might line the pockets of the power brokers, but it robs the sport of its character. College football doesn’t need greed disguised as progress. It needs clarity, balance, and meaning.Keep it simple. Keep it special. Keep it at eight.

National Football League and Crocs Bring Footwear to Fans Globally Through Multi-Year Licensing Agreement

By

Stephen Patrick

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August 18, 2025

0

2025-s3-nfl-global-creative-pr-annoucement-4x5-v1 — Photo Cred: Big Dawg Sports

NEW YORK – Aug. 18, 2025 – The National Football League and iconic comfort footwear brand Crocs announced today a multi-year licensing agreement that will transform fandom with a fresh design perspective with the first-ever NFL x Crocs Collection. Offering fans globally a premium comfort experience, the collection will feature team-inspired footwear and Jibbitz™ charms that capture the passion and personality of NFL team fandom.

“The Crocs brand has made a significant impact on footwear culture with their shoes becoming synonymous with ease and comfort,” said Ryan Samuelson, vice president of consumer products at the NFL. “Collaborating with Crocs allows us to give fans expanded options that will keep them stylishly comfortable for gameday and every day.”

“We’re excited to join forces with a brand that shares the same passion and loyalty from its fans as we do,” said Matias Infante, vice president of global marketing at Crocs. “This collection goes far beyond product — it’s about creating unforgettable experiences that bring our communities even closer to the game they love.”

The initial drop of the NFL x Crocs Collection will include footwear for 14 teams; Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos – with the full 32-team lineup rolling out throughout the collaboration. Fans can also look for expanded designs and categories, including bags, as part of the agreement.

The Classic Clogs, one of Crocs’ bestselling shoes, will be a marquee product in the collection and has been crafted with team-centric elements that celebrate the essence of gameday, from team colors to iconic mascots and logos.

The NFL x Crocs Collection will be available during the 2025 NFL season on NFLshop.com, crocs.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fanatics and select international retailers.

Media Contacts: Liana Bailey, liana.bailey@nfl.com

About Crocs, Inc.

Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for all, combining comfort and style with a value that consumers know and love. The Company’s brands include Crocs and HEYDUDE, and its products are sold in more than 80 countries through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. For more information on Crocs, Inc. visit investors.crocs.com. To learn more about our brands, visit www.crocs.com or www.heydude.com.

For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com

The First Full College Football Weekend is Almost Here

College

By

Arnav Sarkar

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August 18, 2025

0

I3ZGYCCTGJOAXCQXEURW4LNBHI — Photo Cred: Reuters

The wait is nearly over—college football’s first full weekend is right around the corner. The 2025 season gets rolling on a Thursday night and carries right into Friday with two matchups that headline the opening stretch.

Thursday, August 28 – Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City)

Photo Cred: Bearcats

While Ohio–Rutgers and Boise State–South Florida provide intriguing appetizers, the main course on Thursday night comes from Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Nebraska and Cincinnati will meet in the only Power Four–vs.–Power Four matchup of the evening, giving fans an early look at two programs aiming to make noise in 2025.

All eyes will be on Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, the prized recruit who has already drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes as he takes the field in Mahomes’ own stadium. Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule shook things up this offseason by promoting Dana Holgorsen to offensive coordinator, hoping a streamlined scheme will allow Raiola to thrive right out of the gate.

On the other sideline, Cincinnati continues its quest to find firm footing in the Big 12 after a bumpy transition from the American Athletic Conference. A primetime stage against a traditional powerhouse like Nebraska provides a golden opportunity for the Bearcats to prove they belong. A win in Kansas City could go a long way toward setting the tone for their season.

Friday, August 29 – Georgia Tech at Colorado

The action shifts west on Friday night as Colorado hosts Georgia Tech in Boulder for one of Week 1’s most intriguing nonconference showdowns. The Buffaloes enter a new era after losing two of their biggest stars, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter, to the NFL. Still, Deion Sanders returns to the sidelines with a roster heavily reloaded through the transfer portal, aiming to build on last season’s 9–4 finish.

Photo Cred: Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech, meanwhile, is riding a wave of confidence after a strong 2024 campaign in which the Yellow Jackets nearly stunned Georgia and pulled off a signature win over Miami. Quarterback Haynes King leads a feisty and balanced offense that’s proven it can hang with the nation’s best. Tech also has recent experience under the bright lights, opening last season in Ireland with a dramatic 24–21 win over Florida State.

Colorado knows it can’t afford a slow start after narrowly escaping FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in last year’s opener. Both teams enter with something to prove: Georgia Tech looking to show it can contend in the ACC, and Colorado seeking to prove it’s more than a flash under Coach Prime. With two hungry programs colliding under the Friday night lights, this matchup has all the makings of an early-season thriller.

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