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Texas Tech Red Raiders – Official Athletics Website

Published

7 months ago

June 1, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Texas Tech’s historic season seems to add another monumental chapter each day with the latest being the Red Raiders’ 3-1 victory Saturday night over UCLA to advance to the semifinals of the Women’s College World Series.

The Red Raiders will await the winner of Sunday evening’s elimination game between No. 2 seed Oklahoma and No. 16 Oregon with the winner facing Texas Tech at 6 p.m. Monday evening on ESPN. Until then, here’s a look at where the Red Raiders stand in the history books and a look ahead at Monday’s potential matchup.

WHERE THIS RUN RANKS IN TEXAS TECH HISTORY

It’s well known the Red Raiders are making their first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series, placing the 2025 edition of the Red Raider softball program among the best teams in Texas Tech history (all sports). The Red Raiders will be looking to secure the fourth team national title in program history as Texas Tech previously cut down the nets for the 1993 women’s basketball national title and won two national championships in men’s track and field at the 2019 outdoor meet and most recently at the 2024 indoor championships.

Texas Tech’s run in Oklahoma City builds upon the athletics department’s recent success as softball is already the ninth program to finish among the top-eight teams in the country for their respective sports since 2015. In addition to the two recent men’s track and field national titles, Texas Tech finished in the semifinals of the Men’s College World Series in 2019, advanced to the National Championship Game for men’s basketball earlier that same year and has competed in the match play portion of the NCAA Golf Championships three times (men twice, women once) during that span. The track and field program, has finished among the top eight teams an impressive 11 times between its men’s and women’s programs over the last decade.

Texas Tech has secured a school record eight Big 12 trophies this season, including two from the softball program after the Red Raiders won both the regular season and tournament titles. Texas Tech also claimed the regular season and tournament titles in women’s tennis and has won all four Big 12 track and field championships with both the men’s and women’s teams sweeping the indoor and outdoor meets. That list doesn’t include success in football as the Red Raiders advanced to their fourth-consecutive bowl appearance, while the men’s basketball program moved on to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, falling late to eventual national champion Florida.

Gerry Glasco, Kirby Hocutt, Lawrence Schovanec

GLASCO IN RARE COMPANY IN WCWS HISTORY

Much has been said about Gerry Glasco‘s impact since being named Texas Tech’s head coach last summer, taking the Red Raiders from the fringes of the NCAA postseason all the way to Oklahoma City in less than a calendar year. Glasco quickly transformed Texas Tech’s roster, holding on to important pieces like outfielder Demi Elder and the nation’s top recruiting class while adding mainstays in the lineup in All-American pitcher NiJaree Canady and All-Big 12 first team honorees Mihyia Davis and Alana Johnson, among others.

That roster has gelled into one of the nation’s top teams, especially late in the season as Texas Tech enters the WCWS semifinals riding an 11-game winning streak that dates back to its final Big 12 series at BYU. Texas Tech already completed a series of “firsts” after earning a national seed for the first time, hosting the NCAA Lubbock Regional for the first time and advancing to its first-ever NCAA Super Regional where the Red Raiders went on the road to sweep Florida State over two games.

Texas Tech’s two wins already this week in Oklahoma City have accomplished another “first,” this time for Glasco, marking the first time a first-year head coach has advanced to the WCWS semifinals since Hall of Fame coach Yvette Girouard at LSU in 2001. Like Glasco, Girouard departed a successful Louisiana program for a new opportunity as she took the Tigers to four-consecutive WCWS appearances to start her tenure in Baton Rouge. LSU had to overcome an opening-game loss to Stanford to advance to the 2001 semifinals, however, rebounding to top Iowa and Oklahoma before falling to UCLA in 13 innings to end its season.

In total, Glasco is only the sixth first-year head coach to advance to the semifinals since the first WCWS in 1982. That list also includes a pair of Nebraska head coaches in Wayne Daigle (1984) and Ron Wolforth (1987) as well as Lou Piel at South Carolina (1983) and UCLA’s Sue Enquist, who led the Bruins to nine WCWS appearances with three titles in her own Hall of Fame career.

Of the head coaches who advanced to the WCWS semifinals in their first year, Glasco and Enquist are the only two to do so by winning their first two games in Oklahoma City. UCLA, with Enquist as its co-head coach alongside Sharron Backus, went 5-0 in Oklahoma City en route to winning the 1989 national championship, its second in a three-year run of hoisting the trophy.

A HIGHLIGHT WORTHY PLAY

Texas Tech took over social media Saturday night with its daring move to steal home with two outs in the fifth inning. In less than 24 hours since, Lubbock native Makayla Garcia’s game-opening run has been widely seen across every social media platform as Texas Tech’s softball accounts have generated more than 3.2 million impressions since Saturday. That does not include the additional interactions the Red Raiders have received thanks to the play being shared by the likes of ESPN, Major League Baseball and the NCAA Softball account, among others.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

??ESPN | https://t.co/5fj3lk6mhr https://t.co/fUXhDAlxVM pic.twitter.com/RSyNV3N9Ea

— Texas Tech Softball (@TexasTechSB) June 1, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY HAS BEEN GREAT TO THE RED RAIDERS
Texas Tech improved to 5-0 at Devon Field in Oklahoma City this season Saturday night following its 3-1 victory over UCLA. The Red Raiders appear more than comfortable in the neutral-site environment as Texas Tech has combined to outscore its opponents, 30-1, this season in Oklahoma City. UCLA’s lone run Saturday on a leadoff home run from Kaniya Bragg to start the fifth snapped a streak of 30.0 consecutive shutout innings at Devon Field this season for the Red Raiders, who previously downed Baylor (4-0), Arizona State (18-0, 5 innings) and Arizona (4-0) in the Big 12 Tournament and then Ole Miss (1-0) in their WCWS opener.

WHO WILL IT BE? INSIDE THE POTENTIAL OREGON OR OKLAHOMA MATCHUP

Thanks to its 2-0 start to the Women’s College World Series, Texas Tech will only need to beat either Oklahoma or Oregon in one of two potential opportunities Monday night to advance to the championship series. Here’s a look at each of those series histories entering Monday night’s semifinals.

Oregon – The Red Raiders are only 3-7 all-time against the Ducks as the two schools have mainly faced each other historically in early-season tournaments and never in postseason play. Texas Tech has won the last two meetings against the Ducks after a 4-3 victory in 2010 at the season-opening Arizona State Kajikawa Classic and then a 5-0 shutout in 2019 at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. Each of the 10 previous meetings in the series have come at a neutral site, similar to what Monday’s potential matchup would be at Devon Field.

Oklahoma – Texas Tech has a vast history against the Sooners after the two schools were Big 12 Conference members from 1996 until this season when Oklahoma departed for the SEC. If the Sooners were to get past the Ducks, Texas Tech will need to reverse recent history in order to advance to the championship series as Oklahoma has won 36-consecutive games against the Red Raiders. Texas Tech’s last win in the series actually came in the state of Oklahoma as the Red Raiders delivered a 5-4 victory on April 6, 2012, in the second game of a three-game conference series. Ashley Hamada scored the game-winning run in the seventh after stealing third base and then racing home on an errant throw to left field. The one-run lead was enough for Cara Custer to retire 5th-ranked Oklahoma in order in the bottom half as she needed only three pitches to deliver Texas Tech’s first victory over a top-five ranked team at the time since defeating Texas A&M, 6-2, on April 29, 2007.

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Nick Saban’s new role with the Nashville Predators

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nick Saban knows his strengths with seven national championships as a college football coach. He also understands how to put coaches and athletes in the best position to succeed.

That’s what he hopes to bring to the NHL’s Nashville Predators after joining the franchise as a minority owner.

“I’m no expert in hockey, so don’t look at me like I’m going to make some huge impact coaching around here because that’s not going to happen,” Saban said Monday. “But I do have a pretty good idea of what it takes to have successful organizations.”

Saban made his first appearance Monday in his new role as a minority owner alongside Predators chairman Bill Haslam.

The Predators announced Saban’s purchase Dec. 16 through Dream Sports Ventures LLC, an entity controlled by Saban and business partner Joe Agresti. That business group features 10 car dealerships, including two in Nashville.

Haslam, a former Tennessee governor, was working on a possible WNBA expansion franchise when Saban told the Predators controlling owner that he also might be interested in hockey.

“I thought, ‘Well, that’s the greatest no brainer of all time,’” Haslam said. “You have somebody who understands building a championship culture, who understands, I think, better than almost anybody in sports the process that’s needed to get to where you can compete as a champion.”

Saban grew up in West Virginia with no hockey around. He became interested in hockey when coaching at Michigan State and became friends and shared ideas with that team’s coach. Saban called this an opportunity to be involved with a team for the first time since he announced his retirement Jan. 10, 2024.

So what will Saban bring to the NHL and the Predators in his newest role?

His experience building programs both in college football and six seasons in the NFL working for Bill Belichick in Cleveland and as head coach of Miami. A “transformational leader” as Saban put it. Once college football season ends, Saban said he will be involved as much as Haslam wants.

Saban already has spoken to coaches and some players during what he called a minicamp. Saban also has met a couple times with general manager Barry Trotz, saying his goal is to support Trotz and everyone else with the Predators.

Nashville won the Western Conference before losing the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 to Pittsburgh in six games. The Predators won the Presidents’ Trophy for the 2017-18 season but ranked 26th out of 32 NHL teams Monday five points back of the second wild-card spot in the West.

“To be a part of the hockey team here is something special, and we’d love to build it into a championship,” Saban said. “We’d love to partner with Mr. Haslam to do anything that we can do to help this organization be successful.”

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Missouri linebacker Damon Wilson II accuses Georgia of illegal punishment in transfer portal lawsuit

Published

3 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri pass rusher Damon Wilson II claims that the athletic department at Georgia is trying to illegally punish him for entering the transfer portal in a lawsuit filed by the linebacker in state court Tuesday in Boone County, Missouri.

Wilson transferred to the Tigers last January after signing a 14-month deal with Georgia’s booster collective to capitalize on his name, image and likeness. He received $30,000 in an initial payment on a $500,000 deal before entering the transfer portal.

Georgia filed a lawsuit last month claiming that Wilson owed its athletic department $390,000 in liquidated damages for leaving the team. Wilson’s countersuit claims that his former school is using such damages to “punish” him for his decision to leave.

Georgia spokesman Steve Drummond said the school had no comment because it involves pending litigation.

“When the University of Georgia Athletic Association enters binding agreements with student-athletes, we honor our commitments and expect student-athletes to do the same,” Drummond said upon the school’s initial lawsuit in early December.

Wilson had nine sacks and an interception this season for the Tigers. They will play Virginia in the Gator Bowl on Saturday.

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Dylan Stewart, top 2027 NFL prospect, stays with Gamecocks, lands major NIL deal

Published

4 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) — One day after South Carolina received word that star quarterback LaNorris Sellers was staying in town, another star said he plans to return to the fold.

Dylan Stewart, the Gamecocks’ star edge rusher, announced he is returning for his true junior season in 2026, according to Pete Thamel, ESPN’s college football insider.

Stewart has 11 sacks in his two seasons at South Carolina and has forced 6 fumbles. Among ESPN’s draft projections, he appears to be a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.

READ MORE | “South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers stays put, vows stronger return for 2026 season.”

The former five-star recruit and rising SEC pass rusher chose continuity over the transfer portal, agreeing to an NIL deal that places him among the highest compensated non-quarterbacks in college football, according to ESPN’s reporting.

South Carolina’s defense is back in reliable hands, as the Gamecocks ready themselves to bounceback from a 4-8 season.

After the pitiful finish, South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer shook up his coaching staff.

South Carolina is also expected to hire Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes as the defensive end and outside linebacker coach.

He’s been Penn State’s defensive line coach the past three years and worked with the line there since 2020. He coached Abdul Carter, Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac.

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READ MORE | “South Carolina to kick off 2026 football season at home against Kent State.”

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Michigan coaching search: Rece Davis advises Wolverines to keep waiting if they want Kalen DeBoer

Published

5 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Until Michigan officially hires a head coach, the name Kalen DeBoer is going to be mentioned with the search. Even after DeBoer released statements saying he would stay with Alabama, rumors are out there. Folks in Ann Arbor might have been cheering for Oklahoma on Friday night to potentially speed up the process.

Instead, Alabama is heading to the Rose Bowl to face Indiana on Jan. 1. So, if DeBoer was going to be Michigan’s hire, the wait will continue. Which is exactly what ESPN’s Rece Davis believes the Wolverines should be doing in this situation.

“From Michigan’s standpoint, if that’s the guy you want, wait,” Davis said via the College GameDay Podcast. “If it takes waiting until they finish, if they were to upset Indiana, wait if that’s the guy you want. Why settle? One portal class, one recruiting class is not worth settling for a program like Michigan. Now, I understand the concept that there’s no guarantee you’re going to get him. I get that. But if you are convicted that this is your guy, wait it out. See what happens, push forward.”

If Alabama were to win in Pasadena, the next College Football Playoff date would be Jan. 8 or 9. A run to the national championship means DeBoer would not be done coaching the 2025 season until Jan. 19. But Davis mentions no singular NCAA transfer portal and/or recruiting class is as important as getting the right guy for Michigan.

When it comes down to it, Davis does not think DeBoer will leave Tuscaloosa this offseason. Those released statements were viewed as pretty telling in Davis’s eyes. And at the end of the day, DeBoer is still looking to prove to be the guy who can replace Nick Saban at Alabama.

“I do not think Kalen DeBoer will take the job,” Davis said. “Ultimately, because I don’t think he wants to be perceived as running from what he ran to. Michigan’s a great job. If he does, he does, and great for him if that’s what he decides. I don’t think he will end up doing that. Maybe he will.”

The latest update on where the Michigan coaching search came from On3’s Pete Nakos on Saturday. Nakos outlined who the top candidates are at the moment, mainly after Kenny Dillingham signed an extension to stay in Tempe with the Arizona State Sun Devils not too long ago.

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Damon Wilson ll files countersuit against UGA, claims NIL contract non-binding

Published

6 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Georgia Bulldogs

Wilson’s lawsuit states that UGA’s attempt to collect the $390K lump sum was a ‘strong-arm tactic.’

Damon Wilson II played 417 defensive snaps for UGA during the 2024-25 season. He transferred to Missouri. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Damon Wilson ll, who transferred from Georgia to Missouri, is suing the University of Georgia Athletic Association and the Classic City Collective claiming the term sheet he signed to remain with the program is not a legally binding agreement.

The 42-page lawsuit, acquired by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after it was filed in the circuit court of Boone County, Mo. on Tuesday, seeks to grant Wilson relief from UGA seeking a $390,000 lump sum it claims Wilson owes by contract and hold defendants liable for “damages sufficient to compensate him for the financial and reputational harm” suffered.

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Mike is in his 10th season covering SEC and Georgia athletics for AJC-DawgNation and has 25 years of CFB experience. Mike is a Heisman Trophy voter and former Football Writers President who was named the National FWAA Beat Writer of the Year in January, 2018.

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$2.5 million QB linked to unexpected college football program

Published

7 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A multitude of college football players are set to look for a new home for the 2026 college football season.

In the weeks before the NCAA transfer portal opens, quarterbacks across college football have expressed their desire to explore new destinations. These quarterbacks include DJ Lagway of Florida, Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, Josh Hoover of TCU and Brendan Sorsby of Cincinnati.

One intriguing name in the portal quarterback is former Nebraska signal caller Dylan Raiola. He will enter the transfer portal with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Raiola is expected to command around $2.5 million in NIL compensation from whatever school he lands at.

One school that has entered the sweepstakes for Raiola is Louisville. Steve Wiltfong of On3 mentioned the possibility of Raiola joining the Cardinals in a recent edition of “Wiltfong Whiparound.”

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) runs off after scoring a touchdown against USC | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

“They can be a program to keep an eye on for Dylan Raiola,” Wiltfong said.

In the three seasons Jeff Brohm has coached at his alma mater, Louisville has not started a quarterback it recruited from high school.

Former Purdue and California quarterback Jack Plummer transferred to Louisville and started for the Cardinals in 2023. The Cardinals acquired a former Oregon and Texas Tech quarterback from the portal to be their starter in 2024. Brohm brought in former USC quarterback Miller Moss to be the Cardinals’ starter in 2025.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder arrived at Nebraska as a freshman in 2024 as one of the highest-rated recruits in the country. Raiola started all 13 games for the Cornhuskers and set a program record for passing yards by a freshman with 2,819 yards to go along with 13 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.

He guided Nebraska to its first bowl win since 2015 with a defeat of Boston College (20-15) in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl.

A broken fibula cut Raiola’s 2025 season short after nine games in early November. He passed for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in his abridged season with the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska (7-5, 4-5) will face No. 15 Utah (10-2, 7-2) in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31 to end the season (3:30 p.m. EST, ESPN).

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