Sanders' return 'a breath of fresh air,' say Buffs
Colorado Buffaloes players says the return of head coach Deion Sanders following his recent battle with bladder cancer has been "a breath of fresh air.".
College Football
31st July 2025
30th July 2025
Buffs' Offerdahl retires to pursue path as dentist
Colorado running back Charlie Offerdahl stood in front of his teammates and coaches on the first day of fall camp Tuesday and announced he's retiring from football due to a history of concussions.
DB Carter with Vols amid reported conduct issues
Tennessee sophomore defensive back Boo Carter is with the Volunteers as they start preseason practice after he reportedly missed workouts this summer.
Gators QB Lagway in boot as fall camp to open
Florida QB DJ Lagway will open fall camp watching from the sideline in a walking boot with a calf strain. Said coach Billy Napier: "It's not ideal.".
Arch madness: Haslam downplays Manning talk
Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam on Tuesday dismissed speculation that he is eyeing Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the 2026 NFL draft, saying "I would bet" Arch stays in college for two years.
29th July 2025
11 college football teams ready to either build on last season or put it behind them
FSU has nowhere to go but up, Michigan can get way better and Arizona State is building on its CFP berth. Which other teams are primed for bigger things in 2025?.
Lawyer says case against UF CB Johnson dropped
Florida cornerback Dijon Johnson won't face prosecution for two felony charges that followed a traffic stop in May.
Deion says he's cancer-free after bladder removal
Colorado coach Deion Sanders said he recently had surgery to remove his bladder after doctors found a tumor there, and he declared that he has been cancer-free since the operation.
27th July 2025
Most iconic -- and chaotic -- alternate CFB uniforms of the past 25 years
We handed out nominations to some of the best, worst and wildest alternate uniforms donned by college football teams over the past quarter century.
Va. Tech probing tampering claim by NC Central
Virginia Tech says it is looking into a tampering claim made by NC Central coach Trei Oliver, who said a Hokies assistant attended an Eagles game in an effort to recruit their star running back.
25th July 2025
Who are the best NFL draft prospects for next year? Debating the No. 1 player at 11 positions
Who is the top quarterback, edge rusher and corner in the 2026 NFL draft class? We debated every position's early lead.
SEC preview: Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU ... this conference is wide open
The SEC never lacks for talent or storylines -- and there's no reason to think 2025 will be any different.
Iamaleava: Left Tennessee to come back home
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava said Thursday that his main motivation for transferring this spring was proximity to family, not the money in his NIL deal.
Riley: Hopeful USC-ND game is played 'forever'
With the future of the USC-Notre Dame football rivalry uncertain, Trojans coach Lincoln Riley on Thursday expressed his desire to retain the game -- under the right circumstances.
FSU QB Castellanos disputes claim he quit on BC
Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos bristled at narratives that he quit on Boston College last season, saying they're "not true.".
Clemson vows to 'handle' Death Valley tiff vs. LSU
Clemson is aiming to settle the "Death Valley" debate when it plays host to LSU, which also lays claim to the home-stadium moniker, when the two teams square off in the season opener.
UNC players: Belichick personal life no distraction
UNC players say all the headlines surrounding Bill Belichick and his girlfriend this offseason haven't been a distraction to the team as it prepares for its Sept. 1 opener against TCU.
Michigan DE slights Ohio St. title: 'Didn't beat us'
Michigan's Derrick Moore scoffed at rival Ohio State's national title last season, saying, "It's not a real win if y'all didn't beat us.".
Trump issues executive order for college sports
President Donald Trump has directed members of his Cabinet to develop a plan in the next 30 days aimed at preserving college sports opportunities and preventing college athletes from becoming professionals.
Ferentz: QB Gronowski to take Iowa to next level
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is confident his team's offense will continue to improve, especially after the addition of transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski.
Foster hopes to have UCLA 'firing on all cylinders'
UCLA coach Deshaun Foster, who poked fun at himself Thursday over a viral moment dating back to last year's Big Ten media days, hopes to have his Bruins 'firing on all cylinders" in Year 2.
Missouri extends Drinkwitz's deal through 2029
Missouri football coach Eliah Drinkwitz has received a contract extension through the 2029 season and an increased salary pool for assistant coaches and other staff.
24th July 2025
???? Mascot Power Rankings: Best of the fun, furry
From giant red blobs and 1,700-pound steer to coonskin caps and bears riding Harleys, these are the sport's top merrymakers.
Petitti: Value in learning pro leagues' concepts
Commissioner Tony Petitti said his goal with the Big Ten is to weave successful elements from the pro ranks into a landscape that is distinct to college, but also changing with athlete compensation and other areas.
CFP not a 'pipe dream' for Minnesota, says Fleck
After a string of close losses in 2024, Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck believes his team is on the brink of challenging for a spot in the College Football Playoff this year.
Allar: Time for PSU to get over 'hump' vs. top 10
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar said Wednesday there is "no question" his team needs to win against top-ranked opponents, adding, "We haven't really been blown out of the water by any team.".
N'western QB Lausch trades football for baseball
Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch, who started the Wildcats' final 10 games last season, has left the program to focus on his baseball career.
UNC sells out tickets for Belichick's debut season
The arrival of Bill Belichick, who was hired in December, has led to North Carolina selling out its tickets for the upcoming football season, the school announced Wednesday.
Oregon's Lanning: Tighten CFP to wrap by Jan. 1
Oregon coach Dan Lanning is advocating for college football to adopt an NFL-style schedule with limited open weeks, no long layoffs for playoff teams and a season that wraps on Jan. 1.
Sources: OC Faulkner gets historic deal at G-Tech
Georgia Tech and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner have agreed to a new two-year, $3 million deal, sources told ESPN, putting him among the country's top 10 highest-paid offensive coordinators.
FSU QB Castellanos standing firm on Bama jab
New Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos, who took a perceived shot at Alabama, the Seminoles' Week 1 opponent, says he meant "no disrespect" to the Tide but stands on his comments.
23rd July 2025
One month until college football: Swing games for every top 25 team
We look at the key game that could determine whether each team's season is a success or a dud.
Terps' Locksley: Lost locker room amid pay divide
Maryland coach Mike Locksley admitted Tuesday he "lost" the locker room in 2024 over which players to compensate.
Ohio State prioritized 3-way QB battle over portal
Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he didn't add a transfer portal QB this offseason because he wanted to develop the three passers the Buckeyes have on campus.
Jennings, SMU view 2025 season as 'revenge tour'
QB Kevin Jennings said SMU views this season as a "revenge tour" after it dropped its last two games of the 2024 season in tough fashion.
NFL prospect Bond's defamation suit dismissed
The defamation lawsuit filed by NFL draft prospect Isaiah Bond and his lawyers against a woman who they say made false statements has been dismissed with prejudice.
Sark: HS coaches must stay present in recruiting
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, during a keynote address at the Texas High School Coaches Association Convention, encouraged coaches to fight off the outside interests who are getting involved with their players.
Big Ten commish stumps for AQ-heavy CFP model
The Big Ten commissioner continues to advocate for a 16-team College Football Playoff format heavy with automatic qualifiers, saying it will enhance the regular season.
ACC commish pushes for school, conference unity
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized a need for "restraint" and "cooperation" by schools and conferences across college athletics in an effort to create a framework for the future.
Miami QB Beck 'itching' to get back on the field
New Hurricanes QB Carson Beck, who transferred from Georgia to Miami in January, says he's "itching" to get back on the field after being fully cleared to play following offseason elbow surgery.
Autopsy: Cincinnati OL died from heart condition
Jeremiah Kelly, the Cincinnati freshman football player who was found unresponsive at his off-campus residence in April, died from a heart condition, according to the coroner's report.
ACC to report availability for conference games
To counter a push by gamblers for inside information, the ACC announced Tuesday it would start releasing availability reports for conference football, basketball and baseball games.
Jimbo Fisher joining ACC Network as analyst
Former coach Jimbo Fisher, who led Florida State to the 2013 national title, is joining the ACC Network as a college football analyst, the network announced Tuesday.
22nd July 2025
???? Connelly's 'if' list: How contenders can flourish
The fewer things that must go right, the better a team's chances. Here's what has to fall each contender's way.
Petitti letter: Michigan sign-stealing penalties have gone far enough
Despite charges of serious NCAA rule violations, commissioner indicates sanctions have run their course.
Public's help sought in Ole Miss player's shooting
Authorities on Monday asked for the public to provide surveillance footage and details from eyewitnesses as they investigate the fatal shooting of an Ole Miss freshman football player in a Memphis neighborhood after a pool party.
Sources: Ex-BYU QB Retzlaff to transfer to Tulane
QB Jake Retzlaff, who withdrew from BYU following a lawsuit accusing him of rape and a suspension for violating the school's honor code, has verbally committed to transfer to Tulane, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
21st July 2025
No. 1 running back Cooper commits to Longhorns
Texas continued its recruiting tear Sunday by securing the commitment of Derrek Cooper, the top-ranked running back in the 2026 class and the seventh-ranked prospect overall.
Ole Miss freshman Adams, 18, killed in shooting
Ole Miss freshman defensive lineman Corey Adams was killed Saturday night in a shooting outside a residence in Tennessee.
19th July 2025
Judge dismisses Pryor-led OSU lawsuit vs. NCAA
An Ohio judge ruled that former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor filed his proposed class action against the NCAA, Ohio State and others too late.
Arch to victory? Texas preseason pick to win SEC
Texas, with Heisman Trophy candidate Arch Manning, is the preseason pick to win the SEC over Georgia, Alabama, LSU and South Carolina.
Can Penn State finally break through? Will Ohio State repeat?
As the Big Ten looks to produce its third straight national champion, Bill Connelly breaks down all 18 teams.
18th July 2025
If the College Football Playoff isn't broken, why fix it?
The Big Ten and SEC disagree on an expanded playoff format, which is good for all involved.
Mizzou 'not going to rush' Horn-Pribula QB battle
Missouri's Eliah Drinkwitz won't "rush it," but he hopes the winner of a looming QB battle between Sam Horn and Beau Pribula will "identify themselves" in due time.
Trump mulls EO on athletes' employment status
President Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would require federal authorities to clarify whether college athletes can be considered employees of their schools.
Elko: Unsigned Bengals pick not returning to A&M
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko quashed speculation about Shemar Stewart potentially seeking a return to college amid the rookie's contract dispute with the Bengals.
Kentucky's Stoops says he's embracing adversity
Kentucky coach Bob Stoops says he's ready to overcome the adversity he's facing as the Wildcats' coach.
Mizzou coach touts Big Ten plan, axing committee
Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz wants to follow the Big Ten's proposal of guaranteed automatic qualifiers for the College Football Playoff, likes eliminating the CFP selection committee and isn't opposed to cutting the SEC championship game.
17th July 2025
Ranking the top 25 college football recruits regardless of class
Why let rising seniors get all the glory? We break down the best prospects in the country, including underclassmen.
14 players who could be picked No. 1 in the 2026 NFL draft
Which quarterback could go first overall? What about edge rusher T.J. Parker or another non-QB? Let's project the race.
Auburn's Simmons faces domestic assault charge
Auburn wide receiver Malcolm Simmons was arrested Wednesday on a charge of domestic assault with strangulation or suffocation, according to Lee County (Alabama) Sheriff's Office records.
MWC pauses expansion amid media rights talks
The Mountain West, in the process of going through a major membership transition, will "pause" adding new schools, commissioner Gloria Nevarez said Wednesday at the conference's football media days.
Sankey again backs 9-game conference schedule
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said Wednesday a decision could finally come in the ensuing weeks or months.
Sky's the limit for Gators' Lagway, says Napier
After a strong freshman season, QB DJ Lagway said he's ready to maximize his ceiling, with a focus on details, as he gears up to lead the Florida football team in 2025.
Court reverses decision on Badgers' Fourqurean
A federal appeals court overturned a preliminary injunction that granted Nyzier Fourqurean another year of NCAA eligibility, thrusting the Wisconsin CB's status for this season up in the air.
'Starving': Bama ready for DeBoer revenge tour
After going 9-4 in the first season under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama says comfort and confidence are brewing, and the team is "starving" for a chance at redemption this season.
'I'm like, I know it's you': Arch Manning, Lane Kiffin headline top SEC media day quotes
Conference media days are always ripe with quality quotes, and the witticisms from Atlanta did not disappoint.
16th July 2025
???? X factors for every Top 25 team
Every team has a key player, position group or situation that could swing its season. We break them all down.
Pac-12, MWC mediation over 'poaching' fails
The Pac-12 and Mountain West are headed back to court after failing to reach a settlement agreement in mediation over $55 million in "poaching" fees.
Vols past Iamaleava exit: 'More than one person'
Tennessee players and coach Josh Heupel said they quickly moved on from quarterback Nico Iamaleava's departure in the spring and haven't looked back.
Amid hype, Manning keen to 'play ball,' prove self
While the frenzy around Arch Manning continued at SEC media days, the Texas QB realizes he hasn't proved anything on the field in Austin as he readies for his first full season at the Longhorns' starter.
Smart: Stockton has 'winner written all over him'
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday that Gunner Stockton, set to take over as QB, is "extremely respected by his teammates.".
Arnold eyes fresh start after 'rock bottom' at OU
Jackson Arnold says he is ready for a fresh start at Auburn after hitting "rock bottom" last season at Oklahoma.
Longhorns land Atkinson, top OLB in 2026 class
Though long favored to land with Georgia, five-star recruit Tyler Atkinson, ESPN's No. 1 OLB in the 2026 class, announced his commitment to Texas on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday.
15th July 2025
???? Ranking: Best coaches over the past 20 years
Is Ryan Day a genius or could anyone win at Ohio State? We break down 20 years of sideline overachievers.
Beamer: South Carolina football has 'no ceiling'
South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer said at SEC media days Monday that he's adamant the Gamecocks have 'no ceiling' as the team pursues a national title.
LSU's Kelly: Focus is on Clemson, not end of year
After three straight openers with a loss, LSU coach Brian Kelly has shifted his emphasis from end-of-year goals to focusing on Week 1, which is against Clemson.
Sankey: SEC, Big Ten have 'different view' of CFP
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey says his league and the Big Ten have a "different view" on the College Football Playoff format, which could lead to the possibility that it remains a 12-team format in 2026.
Louisiana Tech returns to Sun Belt Conference
The Sun Belt's CEOs voted to invite Louisiana Tech as the league's 14th member Monday morning.
Can Brian Kelly and LSU win it all?
In his fourth season with the program, the coach is facing pressure to win a national championship.
14th July 2025
Stalions: Knew most signals in 7 games with U-M
Ex-Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, who triggered an NCAA investigation into sign-stealing, says he knew almost every signal in seven games over two seasons.
Five-star tight end Prothro commits to Georgia
Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs landed a commitment from five-star tight end Kaiden Prothro on Saturday, the No. 2 ranked TE prospect in the 2026 cycle.
13th July 2025
Judge MLB's fastest to 350 HRs, but Yankees lose
Slugger Aaron Judge became the fastest player to hit 350 home runs in MLB history Saturday, but it wasn't enough for the Yankees, who lost to the Cubs 5-2.
12th July 2025
Trinity OC's 8-year-old daughter dies in TX floods
Trinity University said on Friday that 8-year-old Kellyanne Lytal, the daughter of Tigers offensive coordinator Wade Lytal, was confirmed dead after being missing since the Guadalupe River floods hit Texas last week.
QB Retzlaff announces his withdrawal from BYU
Jake Retzlaff announced on Friday that he's withdrawing from BYU, formally initiating his transfer process from the school.
TCU QB Josh Hoover said no thanks to Tennessee; he's right at home in Cowtown
Whether it's mowing lawns for strangers or moving up draft boards, Hoover is comfortable at TCU.
11th July 2025
Big 12 preview: Colorado's reload, Arizona State's repeat bid, and the return of Utah and K-State
The Big 12 had a surprise champion and the Heisman Trophy winner in 2024. What happens in the league in 2025?.
House bill would bar using student fees on NIL
A bill to regulate college sports introduced in the House on Thursday would offer limited antitrust protection for the NCAA, while barring schools from using student fees to pay for college athletic programs.
Commission rejecting some athlete NIL deals
The new agency in charge of regulating name, image, likeness deals in college sports sent a letter to schools Thursday saying it had rejected deals between players and donor-backed collectives formed over the past several years.
Top-ranked football recruit picks LSU over Aggies
Five-star defensive tackle Lamar Brown, ESPN's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, announced his commitment to LSU.
College football's top 25 teams have their archvillains and we have a pick for each
Players, coaches, teams and concepts that our Way-Too-Early Top 25 will be looking out for in 2025.
10th July 2025
Deion advocates for salary cap in college football
Colorado coach Deion Sanders is advocating for a salary cap in college football, noting that it would help even the competitive landscape in a sport that is already becoming more like the NFL.
Yormark: Big 12 'striving for' multiple CFP teams
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark says the conference is "striving" to get multiple teams into the College Football Playoff as it heads into the 2025 season.
Mum on health, Deion 'excited' to rejoin Colorado
Colorado coach Deion Sanders said he's set to rejoin the Buffaloes for the start of training camp after missing part of the spring and early summer with an unspecified health issue.
Minnesota extends Fleck's contract through 2030
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2030 season with an increase in retention bonuses that was approved by the university's board of regents on Wednesday.
Utes' Whittingham reenergized after '24 free fall
After almost stepping down following a "disappointing" Big 12 debut, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham returns with a new QB, a new offense and renewed enthusiasm.
???? Big 12 pool of draftable QBs runs deep
Scouts say as many as seven QBs have caught the NFL's eye.
9th July 2025
Areas of concern: What could trip up each of our Top 25 teams
Nobody's perfect, not even the best teams in college football. Here are their potential weak spots.
Wetzel: All of college football ought to cheer for Texas Tech
The Red Raiders' signing of Felix Ojo shows the college football playing field is continuing to level.
UCF's Frost: Nebraska job 'wasn't a good move'
At his first Big 12 football media days as UCF's coach, Scott Frost addressed his failed tenure at Nebraska on Tuesday, telling reporters, "I got tugged in a direction to try to help my alma mater and didn't really want to do it. It wasn't a good move.".
