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Texas beats Texas Tech in WCWS Game 3 for 1st softball title

OKLAHOMA CITY — Finally, Texas has broken through. Mia Scott hit a grand slam, Teagan Kavan won again and Texas defeated Texas Tech 10-4 in Game 3 of the Women’s College World Series championship series on Friday night to claim its first national title. Texas had lost to Oklahoma in the championship series two of […]

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OKLAHOMA CITY — Finally, Texas has broken through.

Mia Scott hit a grand slam, Teagan Kavan won again and Texas defeated Texas Tech 10-4 in Game 3 of the Women’s College World Series championship series on Friday night to claim its first national title.

Texas had lost to Oklahoma in the championship series two of the previous three years. Oklahoma was one of the teams Texas beat on its way to the championship. And Texas coach Mike White finally won in his ninth World Series trip between his coaching stints at Oregon and Texas.

“I’m still trying to process the whole thing,” White said. “Actually, it’s something you dream about.”

Kavan, a sophomore, allowed no earned runs in all 31⅔ innings she pitched at the World Series. She went 4-0 with a save in the World Series for the Longhorns and was named Most Outstanding Player.

She was happy to win it for White in the Longhorns’ first year playing in the SEC.

“Without Coach White, I don’t know if we’re here,” she said. “He’s the best. He’s so competitive. He wants it just as bad as we do, of course. And he pushes us to be better every day. He makes me a better pitcher mentally and physically. And so there’s no one else I’d rather play for. He’s the bomb, and I’m glad we got it done for him.”

Leighann Goode hit a 3-run homer, Kayden Henry had three hits, and Scott, Reese Atwood and Katie Stewart each had two hits for Texas (56-12).

Texas Tech star pitcher NiJaree Canady, who had thrown every pitch for the Red Raiders through their first five World Series games, was pulled after one inning in Game 3. The two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher of the Year gave up five runs on five hits and threw only 25 pitches. She had thrown 686 consecutive pitches dating to the start of super regionals before exiting.

The loss came after she signed an NIL deal worth more than $1 million for the second straight year.

Not even support from former Texas Tech football star Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, who were in attendance, could put the Red Raiders (54-14) over the top.

Canady’s night started like many of her others, as she struck out the first batter she faced. After that, she didn’t resemble the pitcher who entered the game leading the nation in wins and ERA. Goode’s homer in the first put the Longhorns up 5-0.

Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco said he was pleased with Canady’s effort throughout the season, but he pushed her a bit too far.

“If I had a game in two days, that’s who I want beside me to go to war with,” he said. “She’s an unbelievable talent.”

Scott’s blast came in the fourth inning and gave Texas a 10-0 lead.

Hailey Toney was a bright spot for the Red Raiders. She singled to knock in two runs in the fifth, then singled to knock in another run in the seventh.

It was a surprise run for the Red Raiders. Glasco left Louisiana to coach at Texas Tech this season. The team had only three returning players and had to mix a group of newcomers together.

It won the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles and reached the World Series for the first time.

“To end up in this position, playing for the national title, making it go all the way to three games — just a historic season, and I’m really proud of my team and the effort that they give us from top to bottom,” Glasco said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.



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Texas Tech, TCU and more take over Frisco

With college football season quickly approaching, some of the sport’s key figures are making their way to North Texas for Big 12 media days. There will be plenty to discuss at this year’s Big 12 event. Head coaches and players from each of the conference’s programs will likely hear about NIL handling, parity around the […]

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With college football season quickly approaching, some of the sport’s key figures are making their way to North Texas for Big 12 media days.

There will be plenty to discuss at this year’s Big 12 event. Head coaches and players from each of the conference’s programs will likely hear about NIL handling, parity around the league and the state of college football moving forward.

Here are five storylines to follow during Big 12 media days Tuesday and Wednesday at The Star in Frisco:

Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire fires his team up before heading onto the field...
Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire fires his team up before heading onto the field against Iowa State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Bryon Houlgrave)(Bryon Houlgrave / AP)

Sports Roundup

Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis and opinion delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, Kevin Sherrington’s A La Carte.

What’s brewing in Lubbock?

As the Big 12 enters its second year without powerhouses like Texas and Oklahoma, pundits have shifted their focus toward Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech squad. In one offseason, the Red Raiders have taken major steps toward turning their roster into one of the sport’s best.

Tech particularly focused on transfer portal additions this offseason, landing big names like edge rusher David Bailey and offensive tackle Howard Sampson. According to 247Sports, Tech owns the country’s second-best class of 2025 transfers. The only team ranked above Tech is LSU.

The Red Raiders aren’t only focused on 2025. They also recently landed a commitment from one of the nation’s top 2026 high school recruits in Mansfield Lake Ridge offensive lineman Felix Ojo.

After going 8-5 in 2024, could the Red Raiders make their mark as the Big 12’s team to beat this season?

What will Big 12 programs say about House settlement, NIL handling?

Speaking of recruiting…

In recent months, NIL and revenue share have become major discussion points in collegiate athletics. That’s not surprising, considering the approval of a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement that came in June.

Collegiate programs are now allowed to pay athletes directly. Just last week, Ojo’s recruitment by Texas Tech earned attention from national pundits. The five-star offensive lineman is set to sign a fully guaranteed three-year, $5.1 million deal to play in Lubbock.

How Texas colleges are handling the House settlement, preparing to pay players directly

Derrick Shelby, Ojo’s agent, recently told The Dallas Morning News that the length of Ojo’s deal was “unprecedented.”

Expect to hear plenty of questions on athlete compensation throughout the week.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders warms up before an NCAA college football spring game,...
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders warms up before an NCAA college football spring game, Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)(Jack Dempsey / AP)

Coach Prime’s health

Many college football followers have wondered about Deion Sanders’ health in recent weeks. The Colorado head coach notably missed a few spring football camps in Boulder.

While the University of Colorado did not comment on Sanders’ health, ESPN reported that the coach was ill and out of office. In June, Sanders spent some time with former Dallas Cowboys teammate Michael Irvin at his home in Canton.

Sanders is scheduled to speak Wednesday, being joined by a contingent of five Colorado players.

Baylor, TCU look to take another step forward

Texas Tech isn’t the only Big 12 program in the state to keep an eye on. Baylor and TCU are looking to take another step forward after clinching winning records and bowl game appearances in 2024.

Dave Aranda needed a strong showing from his Baylor Bears after a 3-9 finish to the 2023 season. After going 8-5 in 2024, Aranda is set to return for another season in Waco with a veteran group. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson and wide receiver Josh Cameron are names to follow as Baylor looks to return to Big 12 title contention.

Meanwhile, TCU is also looking to build on a positive finish to the 2024 campaign. The Horned Frogs went 9-4 and secured a convincing 34-3 win over Louisiana in the New Mexico Bowl.

Sonny Dykes will rely on quarterback Josh Hoover (a Rockwall-Heath product) to lead TCU toward the top of the conference’s standings.

Year 2 will be key for Big 12’s newest members

Things should be fairly set in the Big 12 for the 2025 season. The conference is one year removed from adding new members after Texas and Oklahoma departed for the SEC.

Three of the Big 12’s four newcomers from 2024 fared well last season, finishing near the top of the conference’s standings. Can Arizona State, BYU and Colorado do it again in 2025?

Arizona State has a tough act to follow after winning the Big 12 title and securing a College Football Playoff berth last year. Allen’s Jordyn Tyson is a player to keep tabs on throughout the upcoming campaign.

Find more college sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.



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Report: Judge denies motion to dismiss NIL lawsuit against Leonard Hamilton

On Monday, a Leon County judge denied former Florida State men’s basketball head coach Leonard Hamilton‘s motion to dismiss an NIL-related lawsuit against him, per The Athletic‘s Matt Baker. In the hearing, they set a tentative trial date of August 2026. In December of last year, Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, Cam’Ron Fletcher, De’Ante Green and Jalen Warley alleged Hamilton […]

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On Monday, a Leon County judge denied former Florida State men’s basketball head coach Leonard Hamilton‘s motion to dismiss an NIL-related lawsuit against him, per The Athletic‘s Matt Baker. In the hearing, they set a tentative trial date of August 2026.

In December of last year, Darin Green Jr.Josh NickelberryPrimo SpearsCam’Ron FletcherDe’Ante Green and Jalen Warley alleged Hamilton promised each of them $250,000 in NIL payments from the coach’s “business partners,” per the complaint. The players reportedly never received payments from Hamilton, Florida State or any other party.

The initial complaint detailed a team-wide boycott that occurred during a practice ahead of Florida State’s game against Duke on Feb. 17. The complaint also included multiple text message exchanges between players and Hamilton and players and Will Cowen, an executive with one of Florida State’s NIL collectives.

After the players walked out of the practice ahead of the Duke game, Hamilton assured the players they would be paid the following week, per the complaint. Florida State ultimately lost to Duke, 76-67. Players were worried over taxes, rent and car notes, per the complaint.

In April, The Field of 68 legal analyst Mitch Gilfillan reported that three of the six plaintiffs were no longer pursuing the lawsuit. Nonetheless, it appears the other three plaintiffs have not had a change of heart and are pushing forward.

None of the six players who were involved in the lawsuit are still on Florida State’s roster. Four of them entered the transfer portal, while two of them had no more eligibility.

Leonard Hamilton announced his resignation in February. He is the winningest head coach in program history and the fifth-winningest head coach in ACC history.

“I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support of our fans, alumni, and everyone associated with Florida State throughout my time here,” Hamilton said. “I am proud of the quality of the young men that it was my privilege to lead, for their faith in this program and in their belief in the philosophy that we tried to instill in them over the years. I have been blessed beyond words for the opportunity and the experience we’ve had here.

“My family and I truly love this place, this institution, and its people. I’m very fortunate to be able to have given this job my all with no regrets. Every head coach inherits a legacy and is obligated to leave the job better than they inherited it. I’m very proud of what we have been able to accomplish here over the last 23 seasons.”



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David Pollack unsure about $2 million QB after offseason transfer chaos

Questions abound for new UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava after his dramatic transfer from Tennessee, and college football analyst David Pollack isn’t exactly sure what to expect. Iamaleava was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 class before signing with the Volunteers on a lofty NIL contract worth approximately $8 million over four years. The […]

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Questions abound for new UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava after his dramatic transfer from Tennessee, and college football analyst David Pollack isn’t exactly sure what to expect.

Iamaleava was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 class before signing with the Volunteers on a lofty NIL contract worth approximately $8 million over four years. The former five-star went on to take over the starting role in 2024 and led the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.

After NIL negotiations – allegedly pushed by Iamaleava’s representatives – reportedly stalled in the spring, Iamaleava abruptly entered the transfer portal and signed with UCLA while holding an On3 NIL valuation of $2 million.

“Here’s my question. Honestly, though, what do you expect from Nico?” Pollack said on “See Ball Get Ball.” “Like what is your expectation? Do you expect to see the same type of numbers he had at Tennessee? Because here’s the thing: His team is not getting better. That’s what’s unfortunate. His system, is it more friendly and do you get better?”

The Bruins, following the departure of former head coach Chip Kelly, finished 5-7 last season under the leadership of first-year head coach DeShaun Foster.

Iamaleava now faces the challenge of helping UCLA improve on a disappointing season while adapting to a new system and new supporting cast.

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound passer completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,930 yards with 19 touchdowns to five interceptions while adding another 358 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 2024.

“The experience is there, the running, by the way, we saw a lot with Nico,” Pollack said. “And he showed us late in the season he was tough, he took hits. He got dinged several times, man, that you kind of worried about his noggin. But new system, going out West. A lot, a lot, a lot of criticism. A lot of criticism. And a lot of talk. I’m very curious to see how all this goes down.”

All things considered, Pollack is pulling for Iamaleava in his fresh start with the Bruins.

“I’m cheering for the kid, I really am,” Pollack said. “I mean, I’m cheering for (Iamaleava) to do well, because I don’t feel like this was his fault. I feel like he was kind of the… he kind of got used in this situation and he kind of got the bad end of this.”

Iamaleava will make his UCLA debut at home against Utah on Aug. 30 at 11 p.m. ET (Fox).



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Top 10 incoming college basketball freshmen performers at U19 World Championships

The U19 World Basketball Championship was played last week, with 16 countries participating. That included the United States, which features several five-star prospects out of high school who’ll be playing in College Basketball next season. Several other international prospects are set to play in CBB for the 2025-26 campaign as well. The United States defeated […]

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The U19 World Basketball Championship was played last week, with 16 countries participating. That included the United States, which features several five-star prospects out of high school who’ll be playing in College Basketball next season. Several other international prospects are set to play in CBB for the 2025-26 campaign as well.

The United States defeated Germany in the Gold Medal game to conclude the event on Sunday. AJ Dybansta, the incoming No. 1 prospect overall, won MVP honors. There were plenty of great players in this event who’ll be playing in CBB next year, but this piece will focus on those entering their freshman campaigns. 

Here were the top 10 performers from the event.

10.  Hayden Jones (New Zealand) – UC Irvine

The 6’7 guard averaged 14.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg in the tournament for the 3rd place team, including 23 points against Switzerland in the quarters. Irvine lost Devin Tillis to Virginia, so there’s a clear pathway for Jones to come in and have a sizeable impact.

9. Efeosa Oliogu (Canada) – Butler

The 6’7 forward produced 12.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg, shooting 45% from the field and having a 21-point outing against the finalist, Germany. The athletic wing got to the free throw line at a high rate as well and will give Butler some versatility in the frontcourt alongside Gonzaga transfer, Michael Ajayi.

8. Jacob Furphy (Australia) – UConn

The 6’6 wing was second on the team in scoring with 16.7 ppg, shooting 39% from the field. He had a pair of 24-point outings, including against the United States to open the tournament. Furphy wasn’t overly efficient, but he will have a smaller role as a freshman at UConn, which should benefit his development.

7. Andrej Kostic (Serbia) – Kansas State

The 6’6 guard averaged 16 ppg, including three of the seven games going for 22+ points. Kostic shot 38% from deep on 61 attempts, showcasing his sharpshooting ability. He goes to a new-look Kansas State backcourt that features Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty.

6. Omer Mayer (Israel) – Purdue

The 6’4 point guard was second overall with 20 ppg in four games, including a tournament-high 33 points against Cameroon. With All-American guard Braden Smith back for his senior year, Mayer won’t have a huge role. Yet he may be good enough to warrant good minutes off the bench to play alongside Smith next season.

5. Tyler Kropp (Argentina) – Northwestern

Kropp was the top scorer in the entire event, averaging 21.7 ppg and scoring 18+ points in each game. The 6’8 forward also averaged 9.7 rpg and made 8/14 from deep. Northwestern returns Nick Martinelli, so there won’t be a huge need for Kropp out of the gate, but he’s a long-term prospect to watch.

4. Eric Reibe (Germany) – UConn

The 7’0 center averaged 15.4 ppg and 5.0 rpg for the finalists, including 25 points and eight rebounds against Serbia in the Round of 16. Reibe is another highly-touted international commit to UConn, who’ll get minutes behind Tarris Reed at the five-spot next season, giving them a potential stretch option on offense.

3. AJ Dybantsa (USA) – BYU

The 6’8 forward and No. 1 overall class of 2025 prospect was an expected standout for the champs, averaging 14.3 ppg and 4.1 rpg on 50% shooting. His best game was the 22-point outing to beat Canada in the quarterfinals. He’s set to be the focal point at BYU next season and an early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

2. Hannes Steinbach (Germany) – Washington

The 6’9 big man led Germany with 17.4 ppg and 13 rpg, good for second in the entire tournament. Steinbach had 23 points and 19 rebounds against Serbia, along with 19 points versus the US in the Gold Medal Game. Look for him to be an impact newcomer in Washington’s frontcourt, whether at the four or five spots.

1. Mikel Brown Jr. (USA) – Louisville

Yes, Dybansta won MVP honors, but it’s hard not to view Brown as the biggest individual winner of this tournament. He led Team USA with 14.9 ppg and 6.1 apg, shooting 47% from the field and 48% from deep on 42 attempts. Brown had a pair of 24-point outings and 20 to beat Canada in the quarterfinals. He’s set to be the starting PG at Louisville as a freshman and now looks to be a potential one-and-done player to the pros in his own right.



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Central Michigan University

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – McCall Salmon has announced the hiring of Faith Hensley as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 academic year.     Hensley, a 2022 graduate of Ball State, is very familiar with finding success in the Mid-American Conference softball landscape. For the 2023 season, Hensley spent her graduate year playing for […]

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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – McCall Salmon has announced the hiring of Faith Hensley as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025-26 academic year.  
 
Hensley, a 2022 graduate of Ball State, is very familiar with finding success in the Mid-American Conference softball landscape. For the 2023 season, Hensley spent her graduate year playing for Alabama where the Roll Tide participated in the Women’s College World Series.
 
In her time at Ball State, Hensley was named MAC Player of the Year in her senior season and earned First Team All-MAC honors in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Honored as a NFCA All-Great Lakes All-Region player in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Hensley was also a three-time MAC Player of the Week in her time as a Cardinal.
 
Academically, Hensley was a 2022 First Team All-America honoree from College Sport Communicators, one of 30 NCAA D1 players to receive the honor. In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Hensley was named Academic All-MAC and was a Mid-American Conference Distinguished Scholar Athlete. For the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons, Faith earned Easton/NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete honors.
 
Total in her time as a Cardinal posted a .389 batting average, hitting .404 in her senior season, 3rd best in the MAC. Hensley ranked in the top-ten in 10 offensive categories in the 2022 season in the MAC a .814 slugging percentage (2nd), a .533 on-base percentage (1st), a 1.347 OPS (2nd), scored 51 runs (3rd), had 63 hits (3rd), charted 40 RBI (5th), hit 17 home runs (2nd), drew 37 walks (1st) and stole 13 bases (9th).
 
With Alabama, Hensley hit started 23 games, appearing in 51. She stole six bases with five walks and was hit by five pitches. Hensley hit two home runs on February 25th, 2023, one against Indiana State and one against Saint Louis. Against Auburn, Hensley charted a double in her pinch hit at-bat.
 
Hensley owns a .967 fielding percentage as an outfielder in her career with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage at Alabama in 2023.
 
In 2022, Hensley graduated from Ball State with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, and in 2023 from Alabama with a master’s in health sciences with a concentration in Health Promotion. Since then, Hensley has served as a camp coordinator and private instructor at DBAT in West Chester, Ohio, close to her hometown of Monroe, Ohio.
 
Head Coach McCall Salmon on the hiring of Hensley, “We are very excited to welcome Coach Hensley to Central Michigan.
 

Faith’s experience and accomplishments as a student-athlete in both the MAC & SEC, coupled with her knowledge and passion for the game, made her an ideal candidate for our student-athletes & program.  
 
She aligns with the core values of our program, and we are excited to have her lead our offense which had a record setting year in the spring of 2025.”
 
For the latest news and updates on CMU Softball, follow the team on X (@cmusoftball) and Instagram (@cmichsoftball).
 
 



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CFB’s Revenue-Sharing Muddles NIL’s Future, Adds PE Questions

CFB’s Revenue-Sharing Muddles NIL’s Future, Adds PE Questions Privacy Manager Link 0

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CFB’s Revenue-Sharing Muddles NIL’s Future, Adds PE Questions


































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