Sun Belt Conference preview: James Madison looks to close deal this time
The Dukes are the team to beat on paper, but if they falter, the Sun Belt race could be wide open.
College Football
13th June 2025
Badgers put on probation, fined for illegal calls
Wisconsin was placed on one year's probation and fined $25,000 on Thursday after an NCAA investigation showed that nine coaches and staffers made impermissible phone calls to recruits in 2023.
12th June 2025
Appeal of NCAA settlement won't halt payments
An appeal of the NCAA's landmark antitrust settlement won't stop college teams from paying current athletes starting July 1, but it will pause the NCAA's plans to begin paying former athletes.
NC State CB Coley's fifth-year request denied
A federal judge has ruled against cornerback Corey Coley Jr.'s request that he be granted a fifth year of eligibility to play at N.C. State and earn name, image and likeness money.
Deion eager to rejoin Buffs after missed camps
Deion Sanders posted on social media Wednesday that "everything is OKAY" after the Buffaloes coach has not attended football camps in Boulder, Colorado.
11th June 2025
Future Power Rankings: How all 68 Power 4 college football teams stack up
Coaches, current roster, recruits: Who has the best overall team over the next two seasons?.
Wetzel: It's new rules, same old game in NCAA athlete pay
College athletics is back in the rules business now that schools can directly pay players, Dan Wetzel writes.
UNC players talk Belichick, tout approach, humor
Tuesday marked the first time UNC had made players available to reporters since December to discuss Bill Belichick's arrival in Chapel Hill.
Baker: Settlement helps NCAA avoid 'bankruptcy'
NCAA president Charlie Baker framed the multibillion-dollar House settlement agreement as one that provides stability to college athletics and avoids "bankruptcy.".
Source: Buffs' Sanders dealing with health issue
Colorado coach Deion Sanders has been ill and away from the team recently, a source confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
College football's top 25 plays since 2000
Ahead of the 2025 season, our writers voted on the most significant and wildest plays of the past 25 years.
10th June 2025
FAMU AD accused of stealing $24K from old job
Florida A&M athletic director Angela Suggs was arrested Monday on fraud and theft charges for allegedly using a corporate credit card for personal use totaling more than $24,000 at her former job.
Sources: 4-star tackle Utu commits to Alabama
Four-star offensive tackle Sam Utu, No. 77 in the 2026 ESPN 300, has committed to Alabama, sources told ESPN on Monday.
Conference bosses bullish on NIL enforcement
College conference commissioners are bullish on their ability to enforce NIL rules in a new system days after a multibillion-dollar legal settlement changed college athletics by allowing schools to directly pay their athletes.
9th June 2025
'The best show in town': Dan Mullen wants to win in style at UNLV
After spending a few years on TV, the coach is back at the helm of a college program and looking to make a statement.
8th June 2025
Stalions on hand as NCAA vs. U-M hearing closes
The NCAA's committee on infractions completed a two-day hearing Saturday examining potential punishments for Michigan over impermissible scouting and sign-stealing.
Touted O-line prospect Smith opts to join UCLA
Four-star offensive tackle Micah "Champ" Smith, No. 46 in the 2026 ESPN 300, has committed to UCLA, he told ESPN on Saturday, landing as the Bruins' highest-ranked pledge under coach DeShaun Foster.
NCAA athlete pay: Here's what's next
Schools will begin directly paying their athletes in less than a month, thanks to a legal settlement that was officially approved in federal court Friday. However, the situation is far from settled.
How the spoils will get divided from NCAA settlement
After the NCAA settlement, ADs are on the front lines of implementation and will have to make this work.
7th June 2025
MLB exec to lead new college enforcement arm
Major League Baseball executive Bryan Seeley will become the CEO of the new College Sports Commission, a vital enforcement arm that will have final say in doling out punishments and deciding when rules have been broken in the post-House settlement era.
Judge signs settlement; colleges to pay athletes
Schools are now free to begin paying their athletes directly, marking the dawn of a new era in college sports brought about by a multibillion-dollar legal settlement that was formally approved Friday.
Sources: Oregon WR Stewart suffers knee injury
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart has suffered a knee injury that's expected to impact his availability in the 2025 season, sources confirmed to ESPN's Pete Thamel on Friday.
Mountain West Conference preview: Can Boise State do it again?
The Broncos, the Group of 5 standard-bearer, reached the CFP. They might be MWC favorites, but others in the league made big moves.
6th June 2025
???? Meet the QBs in the 2026 NFL draft class
Will Cade Klubnik, LaNorris Sellers or Drew Allar be QB1 in next year's draft? And who are the other names to know in the class?.
Twin sister of Alabama freshman QB Russell dies
Kierston Russell, the twin sister of Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, died Wednesday, according to a statement from Tuscaloosa police officials.
To succeed at Western Kentucky, Tyson Helton seeks gunslingers
The coach knows he's going to lose players each year to power conference programs. He's finding ways to win anyway.
Villanova football to exit CAA, join Patriot League
Villanova football will leave the Coastal Athletic Association following this season and join the Patriot League in 2026.
5th June 2025
Michigan offers 2027 safety Charles Woodson Jr.
Michigan has extended an offer to class of 2027 safety Charles Woodson Jr., opening its recruitment of the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Wolverines 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson.
New AD Batt: Michigan St. football must lead way
New Michigan State AD J Batt said the Spartans football program must lead the way to ensure the Spartans have a top-10 athletic department.
Day: Big Ten deserves 4 automatic spots in CFP
Ohio State coach Ryan Day would like to see future College Football Playoff models include at least four automatic qualifying spots for the expanded Big Ten.
Ohio State to open 2029 season against Navy
Ohio State will host Navy in the 2029 season opener for both teams in first matchup since 2014.
'I'm not naïve': Hugh Freeze knows Auburn needs to start winning soon
The Tigers have scored recruiting and portal wins of late -- now they have to deliver where it matters most.
4th June 2025
Sources: No. 3 CB Fitzpatrick commits to UGA
Four-star cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of Minkah, has committed to Georgia, sources told ESPN, picking the Bulldogs over Florida, Miami, Ohio State and Texas.
3rd June 2025
Reacting to the preseason FPI rankings: Who's overvalued, who's undervalued
The first FPI for the 2025 season is out, and ESPN's college football reporters are here to break it down.
FPI release: Team projections for the 2025 season
Does the SEC remain on top? Will Boise State revisit the CFP? Here's what stands out from ESPN's latest data.
Ingram, Newton, RG3, Suh on college HOF ballot
Heisman Trophy winners Mark Ingram, Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III are on the ballot for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.
Deion rips 'foolish' reports on Shedeur draft prep
Deion Sanders says he was "hurt" by reports that his son Shedeur Sanders was unprepared during predraft meetings with NFL teams, but he also isn't buying the validity of them, either.
2nd June 2025
Welcome to recruiting's busiest month: What's ahead for big visits and potential flips
With top prospects visiting throughout June, there'll be a lot of action on the trail.
Batt leaves Ga. Tech to become Michigan St. AD
J Batt, who has served as athletic director at Georgia Tech since October 2022, has been hired as the new AD at Michigan State.
1st June 2025
???? CFP format: 11+5 model make the most sense?
The debate about the future format of the CFP is raging. Particularly, how it hurts or helps the biggest leagues.
31st May 2025
USC trolls Oregon, Dan Lanning's pool jump with 'Anchorman' commitment alert
Lanning went viral in early May for jumping in a pool with five-star recruit Richard Wesley after Wesley's commitment to Oregon. Wesley decommitted on May 27.
Heisman hopefuls or hype? Betting on Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams
Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams were named cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26, but are they best bets to win the Heisman Trophy this year?.
USC adds 4-star TE Bowman to recruiting class
Four-star tight end Mark Bowman announced his commitment to USC on Friday, picking the in-state Trojans over Georgia, Ole Miss, Oregon and Texas.
Big 12 chief: Big Ten, SEC must serve all football
The Big Ten and the SEC have the bulk of control over the future of the College Football Playoff, and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark says that comes with a "great responsibility" to serve college football over their own wants.
30th May 2025
Conference USA preview: Liberty is early favorite but contenders abound
The Flames are the team to beat, but Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State (among others) can't be counted out.
Dillingham: Arizona State as a favorite 'less fun'
Asked Thursday during Big 12 spring meetings how much fun it was to be among the favorites after being picked to finish last in the preseason media poll in 2024, Dillingham said, "It's less fun, to be honest.".
CFP 5+11 model gaining traction among leaders
A 16-team College Football Playoff model featuring the top five conference champions and 11 at-large teams is gaining traction following SEC spring meetings this week.
Dykes quips on UNC opener: 'Bad scheduling'
TCU will open the 2025 season against Bill Belichick and North Carolina two years after opening against Deion Sanders' first game at Colorado.
SEC bumps field/court storming fines to $500K
The SEC is ratcheting up penalties on schools whose fans storm the field or rush the court, doing away with an escalating fine system and now charging $500,000 per incident.
College HOF rules change, making Leach eligible
The National Football Foundation has lowered the eligibility criteria for coaches to be considered for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame beginning in 2027.
29th May 2025
Delayed flights, missed meals and little sleep: How college teams adjusted to cross-country travel
How Oregon State baseball and multiple teams at UCLA adapted to new schedules, for better and for worse.
Sankey: A lot of reasons to keep bowls in CFP
Despite the success of first-round home games in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey on Wednesday said a lot of factors support the continued inclusion of the major bowls in the next iteration of the CFP.
Texas AD clarifies OSU proposal, rebuts NIL total
Texas AD Chris Del Conte on Wednesday clarified two issues the football program has made recent headlines for, including a scheduling change request for the season opener against Ohio State and the total amount of NIL money poured into the current roster.
'Wish of the room': SEC coaches want to play B1G
LSU's Brian Kelly said "the wish of the room" among SEC coaches is to add a game vs. a Big Ten opponent in a scheduling agreement, but they "need a partner" to do it.
Baylor DL Alex Foster, 18, dies in Miss. shooting
Baylor defensive lineman Alex Foster, 18, died early Wednesday after he was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a car in his hometown of Greenville, Mississippi.
MAC preview: Ohio will need to fend off Toledo, Buffalo as it looks for repeat
Bill Connelly begins his conference previews with the MAC, which still has some high-level talent.
28th May 2025
Tuberville says he'll run for Alabama governor
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville returned to Auburn to announce that he'll seek a nomination for governor of Alabama in the 2026 election.
Sources: 5-star Wesley decommits from Oregon
Five-star defensive end Richard Wesley is no longer committed to Oregon, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, weeks after giving his pledge to the Ducks' incoming recruiting class.
CFP 5+11 model draws interest from SEC coaches
In a pivot from the push for automatic qualifiers in the next iteration of the College Football Playoff, the SEC on Tuesday took a heightened interest in a 16-team model that would include the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large bids.
Indiana taps cinematic reveal to announce return of bison mascot
The unveiling of the mascot's return featured cameo appearances from Curt Cignetti and Darian DeVries in teaser videos leading up to Tuesday's announcement.
UGA's Smart: SEC coaches want clarity on portal
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart made it clear Tuesday that there's one issue of paramount important to the SEC's football coaches -- clarity on the future of the NCAA transfer portal.
WRs Williams, Smith on EA Sports CFB 26 cover
Alabama's Ryan Williams and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith are the cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26, the video game developer announced Tuesday.
27th May 2025
ESPN Junior 300: Comparisons for top 2027 prospects
Looking ahead to the junior class recruits, and how the top player at each position stacks up.
SEC's Sankey: Not settled on preferred CFP format
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said Monday at the league's annual meetings that he's open-minded about the format of the College Football Playoff, while leaving some breadcrumbs about what he thinks are priorities in the conference's decision-making.
26th May 2025
Ranking all college football head coaches as players
There are small-school standouts and a Heisman winner. There's a national title QB and one of the best ever.
24th May 2025
USC DB commit Sermons reclassifies to '25 class
Four-star USC cornerback pledge R.J. Sermons, ESPN's No. 28 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle, has reclassified into the 2025 cycle and will join the Trojans program this summer.
Best homecoming? Tennessee and UCLA's 'QB swap' lead portal superlatives
We awarded superlatives for a spring college football transfer portal window that saw Tennessee and UCLA swap quarterbacks, among other intriguing moves.
23rd May 2025
What the CFP's new seeding means and how it would have affected the 2024 bracket
A new CFP seeding rule would have altered last year's matchups and will have consequences moving forward.
Louisville hires ex-Packers VP Brandt as adviser
Andrew Brandt, a former vice president of the NFL's Packers, has been hired by Louisville to be an athletic department adviser amid the changing college sports landscape.
CFP approves new seeding model for '25 season
The College Football Playoff is moving to a straight seeding model, giving the top four teams by seed a first-round bye starting next season.
22nd May 2025
Which teams are the most QB-needy for 2026?
We take a look at which teams might have their eye on a quarterback from the 2026 class.
Updated SP+ rankings for every FBS team, plus an early look at CFP contenders
How the spring portal and other changes have impacted the numbers for the coming season.
Woman sues BYU QB Retzlaff, alleging rape
A Utah woman has sued Jake Retzlaff, alleging the BYU QB raped, strangled and bit her, and that she was encouraged by police not to do anything after reporting it.
ND, Wisconsin to play Lambeau game in 2026
Notre Dame and Wisconsin will play their postponed Lambeau Field game on Sept. 6, 2026, a Sunday, in the first college football contest at the historic Green Bay venue in a decade.
20th May 2025
No QBs allowed: The 25 best non-QB players for 2025
It's not all about quarterbacks. These players could have a big impact on 2025, even if they don't throw a pass.
How proposed CEO could dole out punishments in college sports
A decision on the House case is expected as soon as this week and could come with enforcement changes.
19th May 2025
QB tiers for every FBS program: Returning stars, top freshmen, transfers, Manning
From Clemson to Kennesaw State, David Hale ranks all 136 FBS school quarterbacks into tiers.
18th May 2025
How Alexis DeBoer has made a name for herself with Washington softball
While her famous dad went to Alabama to coach the Tide, Alexis DeBoer followed her dream to play for the Huskies.
17th May 2025
ACC distributed record $45M per school in '23-24
The Atlantic Coast Conference generated $711 million for the 2023-24 academic year, distributing an average of $45 million to each of its 14 full-time member schools, a record for the conference.
Belichick on coaching at UNC: 'I learn every day'
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick discussed his new college team, what he has learned the most in his transition from the NFL, and yes, his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, during a sit-down interview with "Good Morning America" on Friday.
16th May 2025
Our picks for college football's top 10 coaches
Kirby Smart has to be No. 1, or does he? What about Ryan Day? Who made our list -- and why.
Expectations are on the rise for Indiana, Curt Cignetti
After an impressive first year under coach Curt Cignetti, what do the Hoosiers have in store for Year 2?.
15th May 2025
Maryland hires Braves executive Smith as AD
Maryland has hired Atlanta Braves executive Jim Smith as the school's athletic director.
???? Top storylines, predictions for 2025 season
With just 100 days until Week 0, we take a look at 100 things to know ahead of the college football season.
Sources: USC's No. 1 class for '26 loses LB Griffin
Four-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, the No. 29 overall recruit in the 2026 ESPN 300, has decommitted from USC's top-ranked class, sources told ESPN.
14th May 2025
The 100 most impactful transfers for the 2025 college football season
A definitive list of the top players to enter the portal this winter and spring.
Illinois hands Bielema, Underwood 6-year deals
Illinois has locked in its football and men's basketball coaches for the long term, agreeing to six-year contracts with Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood.
Cantwell, No. 3 recruit for '26, commits to Canes
Offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300 recruiting class, has committed to Miami over Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State.
Belichick has addressed personal life with players
North Carolina's Bill Belichick has addressed the attention surrounding girlfriend Jordon Hudson with his team, saying "she doesn't have anything to do with football.".
13th May 2025
Who won the offseason? We look at every Power 4 team
Nail the transfer portal? Miss a big recruit? Find a top coordinator job? All are part of a college team's offseason.
Cristobal: QB Beck cleared for summer workouts
Miami coach Mario Cristobal said Monday that quarterback Carson Beck has been cleared to participate in all team summer activities following elbow surgery last year.
NCAA prez is open to Trump's idea of commission
NCAA president Charlie Baker said Monday he was "up for anything" when asked about the idea of a commission on collegiate athletics, an idea proposed by President Donald Trump.
Canes LB Hayes out of hospital after tragic crash
Miami linebacker Adarius Hayes, one of the drivers in a two-vehicle crash that left three people dead and others injured, has been released from the hospital.
12th May 2025
College football's top 2025 newcomer classes
Building a roster isn't just about recruiting. Combining prep talent with great transfers is key in college football and these teams did it best.
11th May 2025
Miami LB Hayes injured during fatal car crash
Miami linebacker Adarius Hayes was one of the drivers in a two-vehicle crash that left three people dead and injured Hayes and one other person, police said Sunday.
Oregon lands five-star DE Wesley for 2026 class
Five-star defensive end Richard Wesley, the No. 18 overall prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300, announced his commitment to Oregon on Saturday night.
10th May 2025
UNC: Belichick's girlfriend welcome at school
North Carolina issued a statement saying Bill Belichick's girlfriend is still welcome at football facilities.
9th May 2025
Welcome aboard: These are the top newcomers
From top recruits to big-time transfers, these players look to impact the College Football Playoff hopefuls.
Coroner: UNLV OL Christman died of heart issues
UNLV offensive lineman Ben Christman, who was found dead in an off-campus apartment on Feb. 11, died from heart disease and an irregular heartbeat, the Clark County Coroner's Office announced Thursday.
FCS headed for 12-game regular seasons in '26
FCS teams are moving toward a permanent 12-game regular season pending a final vote in June on the Division I oversight committee's recommendation.
