NIL

Jay Jacobs on Auburn facilities, NIL pressure and what still sets the Tigers apart

[embedded content] Former Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs joined The Auburn Undercover Podcast for his biweekly show for a deep dive into how Auburn built some of the SEC’s best facilities—and why staying competitive now requires more than just bricks and mortar. Jacobs, who led Auburn Athletics from 2005 to 2018, said the evolution of facilities is […]

Published

2 months ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Jay Jacobs on Auburn facilities, NIL pressure and what still sets the Tigers apart

Former Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs joined The Auburn Undercover Podcast for his biweekly show for a deep dive into how Auburn built some of the SEC’s best facilities—and why staying competitive now requires more than just bricks and mortar.

Jacobs, who led Auburn Athletics from 2005 to 2018, said the evolution of facilities is a story of constant adaptation. “Auburn was the first school in the SEC to have a football building,” he said. “We built that athletic complex in 1989, and at the time nobody else had one. That set the tone for how we’d separate ourselves.”

But in today’s NIL-driven world, Jacobs believes facilities still play a crucial role. “There may be a mindset at some schools that you don’t need to build anymore, just pay NIL and figure it out. But if everyone’s paying NIL, you still need something to separate yourself. That’s where facilities matter.”

Jacobs said recent improvements—from Plainsman Park to Neville Arena—are about more than recruiting athletes. “We’ve all turned our attention to fans. If the fans aren’t there, it’s an empty, hollow place. That atmosphere has to be there for everyone.”

Still, progress isn’t easy. Jacobs recalled pushing for a north end zone project that didn’t gain traction during his tenure. “Obviously I didn’t do a good enough job painting the vision. But thank goodness they’re moving forward with it now.”

When asked about the pressures of NIL, Jacobs didn’t mince words. “I’ve never had a student-athlete demand more money. It’s always been a parent, guardian, or handler. I’ve seen cases where the student-athlete didn’t even know someone was negotiating on their behalf.”

Despite the financial changes in college sports, Jacobs says the Auburn spirit still shines through. “These kids still act like kids. They’re having fun, they’re dancing in the dugout, hanging off the bench. They’re not thinking, ‘How can I get $25,000 more?’ They just love to play.”

Looking ahead, Jacobs acknowledged the challenge of funding athletics once schools begin paying athletes directly as part of the expected House v. NCAA settlement. “Every school is going to have to come up with $20.5 million more, and then it goes up from there. That’s real.”

Yet Jacobs remains optimistic about Auburn’s donor base and approach. “We may not have one mega-donor, but we have a lot of people who care. That’s the Auburn way. Everyone pitches in.”

He closed with a recommendation: a book that’s helped him stay grounded. “It’s called Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio. Whether you’re a Christian or not, it helps you catch those negative thoughts and think clearly.”

Listen to this episode elsewhere using these links.

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ESPN ranks Top 10 freshmen in college football, names 15 to watch

There are few things more exciting for college football fans than watching superstars emerge in real-time. On Monday, ESPN projected the top 10 freshmen for the 2025 campaign, while including 15 other first-year players to watch. College football had no shortage of freshmen standouts last season. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith staked his claim […]

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2 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ESPN ranks Top 10 freshmen in college football, names 15 to watch

There are few things more exciting for college football fans than watching superstars emerge in real-time. On Monday, ESPN projected the top 10 freshmen for the 2025 campaign, while including 15 other first-year players to watch.

College football had no shortage of freshmen standouts last season. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith staked his claim as arguably the best player in the country, guiding the Buckeyes to a national championship.

Meanwhile, in the SEC, freshmen such as DJ Lagway, Dylan Stewart and Ryan Williams raised eyebrows. With a fresh class of talent entering the scene, let’s examine who ESPN believes will rise to the top of the college football world this fall.

Dakorien Moore was the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Evidently, ESPN expects Moore to live up to his billing and follow in the footsteps of last year’s No. 1 freshman wideout: Jeremiah Smith.

Moore should immediately be athletic enough to compete with elite competition. He boasts a 10.4-second 100-meter dash and 24-foot long jump. With senior Oregon WR Evan Stewart expected to miss a significant portion of the season, Moore will have plenty of opportunities to shine.

Michigan Wolverines football quarterback Bryce Underwood at the 2025 spring game. (Photo by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) — (Photo by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

It’s a bit surprising that ESPN didn’t have Bryce Underwood at No. 1 on its list. After all, Underwood is the No. 1 player in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and has reportedly impressed Michigan’s staff this summer.

Nonetheless, it’s not a sure thing that Underwood will start for the Wolverines this fall, which gives ESPN some pause. When Underwood does his get his chance to shine, most experts are willing to bet he’ll succeed. NFL scouts are already drooling over the 6-foot-4, 210-pound freshman.

Despite being the No. 4 running back in the Class of 2025, Gideon Davidson is the first running back on ESPN’s list. In fairness, Davidson is entering an excellent situation. Clemson is returning four of its five starting offensive linemen from last season, but lost RB1 Phil Mafah to the NFL.

Davidson could immediately fill the hole left by the standout RB. During his time at Liberty Christian, Davidson amassed 7,438 rushing yards and 118 rushing touchdowns on 701 carries. For those who aren’t mathematicians, that’s a ridiculous 10.53 yards per carry.

Ohio State sure knows how to pick ’em. ESPN believes cornerback Devin Sanchez will be the Buckeyes’ next great freshman. Sanchez gets plenty of excellent practice, defending players like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate at practice.

In turn, when Sanchez faces outside competition, it should feel significantly easier than what’s he grown accustomed to. At 6-foot-2, with a 10.69-second 100-meter dash, Sanchez has the physical attributes necessary to go up for jump balls against the best wide receivers in the country.

QB Malik Washington — (Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

Bryce Underwood isn’t the only Big Ten freshman quarterback expected to make waves this fall. Malik Washington was the No. 11 QB in the 2025 recruiting cycle and is expected to be starting behind center before the season is over.

In his senior season at Archbishop Spalding, Washington erupted for 1,970 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns while adding eight more in the ground game. He led the school to a 25-0 record in conference play as a starter.

While David Sanders Jr. won’t be launching 60-yard touchdown passes or hurdling defenders, he could be the most important freshman in the nation to his team. Tennessee lost Nico Iamaleava to the transfer portal this offseason, and will have a QB inexperienced with its systems running the offense in 2025.

It’ll be up to Tennessee’s front five to protect the Volunteers’ QB until he’s able to find his groove. Sanders is seemingly determined to provide that protection. The North Carolina native has reportedly added 30 pounds of muscle this offseason, with hopes of winning starting spot on the line.

DJ Pickett has more experience ahead of him on the roster than most of the players on this list. Alas, it won’t be easy for Tigers head coach Brian Kelly to keep the 6-foot-5, lightning-fast defender on the sidelines.

Pickett was the No. 2 cornerback in his recruiting class. He collected 94 total tackles and 10 interceptions during his prep career. His uncle is former NFL defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.

Demetres Samuel is looking to join the trend of two-way stars in college football after Colorado‘s Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy last season. While Samuel isn’t particularly large, neither was Hunter, and he ended up being the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Samuel can run a 10.5-second 100-meter dash and has elite hands. He’ll most likely start for Syracuse’s defense, but don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the team’s best pass-catchers before the season concludes.

Julian Lewis is engaged in a heated quarterback battle with veteran transfer Kaidon Salter. Although Lewis lacks Salter’s experience, Colorado’s coaching staff is considering him a legitimate successor to Shedeur Sanders.

Lewis is consistent, with a ball that shoots out of his hand quickly and on target. Lewis was a three-year starter in high school, logging 11,010 passing yards and 144 touchdowns, the fifth-most in Georgia high school football history.

There’s been nothing but great things coming out of Texas’ camp about Graceson Littleton. With only six returning starts on Texas’ defense this season, there is an opening for Littleton to immediately contribute.

In his senior campaign at Wiregrass Ranch, Littleton notched 30 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass break-ups, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. For his efforts, he was named a Sunshine Athletic Conference East First-Team selection.

Watch list freshmen

***In alphabetical order.***
DT Amare Adams, Clemson
OL Andrew Babalola, Michigan
WR Jayvan Boggs, Florida State
WR Lotzeir Brooks, Alabama
WR Elijah Burress, Notre Dame
TE Linkon Cure, Kansas State
WR Quentin Gibson, Colorado
DT Elijah Griffin, Georgia
OL Brayden Jacobs, Clemson
CB Dijon Lee, Alabama
WR Donovan Olugbode, Missouri
QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California
WR Travis Smith Jr., Tennessee
DE Jahkeem Stewart, USC
WR Dallas Wilson, Florida

NIL

Pair of Georgia stars unite for new NIL deal before 2025 college football season

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton and tight end Lawson Luckie are teaming up off the field in a new NIL partnership before the 2025 college football season. The Associated Credit Union – a member-owned financial institution in the state of Georgia – revealed its new partnership with Stockton and Luckie on Monday, according to DawgNation. Stockton […]

Published

3 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton and tight end Lawson Luckie are teaming up off the field in a new NIL partnership before the 2025 college football season.

The Associated Credit Union – a member-owned financial institution in the state of Georgia – revealed its new partnership with Stockton and Luckie on Monday, according to DawgNation.

Stockton enters his redshirt junior campaign as a first-year starter after backing up Carson Beck, who transferred to Miami in the offseason. The former four-star out of Tiger, Georgia, helped lead the Bulldogs to a comeback win over Texas in the SEC championship before making his first start against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff.

Luckie also has a significant season ahead, as the third-year tight end has worked himself into a starter alongside senior Oscar Delp.

Luckie, out of Norcross Georgia, posted career highs in receptions (24), receiving yards (348) and touchdowns (3) as a sophomore last season.

Stockton holds an On3 NIL valuation of $823,000 while Luckie sits at $318,000.

The ACU partnered with former Georgia All-American safety Malaki Starks last season before he was taken by the Baltimore Ravens the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, it’s Stockton and Luckie who will help the institution “engage with younger audiences in a way that feels genuine, aspirational and rooted in shared values.”

ACU is also “exploring ideas” for the pair of Georgia standouts to give back to their communities with football clinics alongside local schools, mentorship-focused events and youth engagement activities, according to the report.

Stockton, Luckie and the Bulldogs will open the 2025 season at home against Marshall on Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).

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Former North Meck basketball standout hosts youth basketball camp in Concord

Isaiah Evans, a former North Meck High School star and current Duke basketball guard, hosted his first youth camp this morning at Carolina Courts in Concord. The camp, attended by about 80 kids, focused on basketball skills as well as life skills such as discipline and hard work. Evans partnered with the local non-profit ‘Destined […]

Published

3 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Isaiah Evans, a former North Meck High School star and current Duke basketball guard, hosted his first youth camp this morning at Carolina Courts in Concord.

The camp, attended by about 80 kids, focused on basketball skills as well as life skills such as discipline and hard work. Evans partnered with the local non-profit ‘Destined for Greatness’ to organize the event.

“I’m super thankful, bottom line. This is something special to me, and again, we’re getting bigger and better next year,” said Evans. “I’m just super thankful for all the kids coming out, and all the parents that brought the kids out.”

During the camp, Evans took time to engage with the participants by taking photos and signing shirts and McDonald’s All-American cards.

ALSO READ: NC State basketball team denied lost NIL earnings after court dismisses NCAA lawsuit

The camp is expected to grow in the coming years.

(WATCH BELOW: Legette, Horn return to field as Panthers look past preseason loss)

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Scott Hanson admits he would be open to hosting college football RedZone

With ESPN acquiring the rights of NFL Network, questions have poured in about the future of NFL RedZone. Some have even gone a step further, wondering if college football could get a similar type of show going. Getting everything centralized instead of flipping channels or using multiple screens would help fans across the country. Turns […]

Published

4 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Turns out, Scott Hanson would be interested in hosting college football RedZone. He spoke directly to ESPN officials when appearing on The Rich Eisen Show. As hard as it may be to believe, Hanson claims to be just as passionate about college football.

“If Bob Igor, Jimmy Pitaro want to hit me up,” Hanson said. “I love college every bit as much as I love the pros.”

Hanson does admit there might be some challenges with college football RedZone, though. One of which does involve ESPN and other networks. If ESPN is going to host the program, other networks likely will not be willing to allow the Worldwide Leader to broadcast their games. A collaborative effort with the likes of CBS, FOX, and NBC might be required.

Another would be different kickoff times throughout the sport. College football is different than the NFL, where there are really only two time slots during a normal Sunday slate.

“There’s a lot of different dynamics,” Hanson said. “If you were to do a college football RedZone. First of all, ESPN doesn’t have the rights to every contract. Second of all, the kickoffs are not all synchronized. Yeah, you get a good batch kicking off at noon ET but they’re not all synchronized, they’re all at different times.”

Hanson also believes college football not being as popular, when compared to the NFL, might be a problem. No sport in America is consumed more than the NFL throughout the calendar year — even when the season is not ongoing. College football, while still immensely popular, is just not at the same level.

Still, the upcoming Week 1 schedule might be a perfect example of why college football RedZone is needed. Three top-10 matchups are set to take place after the preseason AP poll was released on Monday afternoon. All in different time slots, fans want to watch the big-time matchups while still focusing on their own team.

If ESPN does want to take on the project, it can at least check off one box. Hanson appears more than willing to be the show’s host.

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Tom Brady questions priorities in college football’s NIL era

College football looks different from Tom Brady’s days at Michigan, when the future Hall of Fame quarterback played in an era where athletes couldn’t capitalize off their name, image and likeness. Now, college athletes can make millions of dollars. That, coupled with the frequent use of the transfer portal, has Brady thankful he didn’t need […]

Published

4 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Now, college athletes can make millions of dollars.

That, coupled with the frequent use of the transfer portal, has Brady thankful he didn’t need to deal with some of what athletes do now.

“My college experience was very challenging. It was very competitive,” Brady said on “The Joel Klatt Show.” “Those traits transformed my life as a professional. I was ready to compete against anybody, because the competition in college toughened me up so much that I had a self-belief and self-confidence in myself that whatever I faced, I could overcome that.

“I think if we take that away from a young student athlete, to say, ‘You know what, I know, it’s tough to compete, but what we’re going to do before you have to compete, we’re actually going to put you somewhere else so that you don’t have to compete,’” he continued. “That is absolutely the wrong thing to do to a young child.”

Brady didn’t blame the athletes, but rather challenged their parents to “teach your kid the right values.”

“The value isn’t always about the last dollar,” he said. “We’re valuing the wrong things. I’m not saying it’s not important. It’s one of 10 things that are important, and certainly to me, it’s not the most important. So when kids do go through that the right way, they’re actually learning the right values. When you have the right values in life, that’s going to sustain you as you move on through the rest of your life.”

This isn’t the first time Brady has been critical of where college football is going. During a 2024 appearance on the “Stephen A. Smith Show,” Brady said the current state of the NFL has been “dumbed down” because there are no longer college programs, just college teams.

Brady played at Michigan from 1995-1999. His path to become the Wolverines’ starter was an uphill climb. But things are different now in the college football landscape. Athletes want to go where they’ll have a chance to not only play, but make money during their college years.

And Brady wonders if they’ll prioritize making money over learning sustainable traits.

“Their frontal lobes aren’t even fully developed yet, and now we’re tempting them with real-life, adult situations and their parents, and now they have agents,” Brady said. “I’m sure it’s a very confusing time, and I’m sure a lot of parents are confused. I’m sure a lot of kids are confused, but because we’re just talking about money, money, money, money, like, that’s the only value in college. Is that what we’re saying? That, to me, the priorities are a bit messed up.”

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David Pollack expects Oklahoma's offense to be the biggest turnaround in college football

You can put David Pollack in the Oklahoma Sooners fan club. Pollack is high on what OU could accomplish this season, claiming to be “all-in” on them. He cites the work head coach Brent Venables and others in Norman did this offseason via the NCAA transfer portal. “I’m all in on Oklahoma,” Pollack said. “I […]

Published

5 hours ago

August 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

David Pollack expects Oklahoma's offense to be the biggest turnaround in college football

You can put David Pollack in the Oklahoma Sooners fan club. Pollack is high on what OU could accomplish this season, claiming to be “all-in” on them. He cites the work head coach Brent Venables and others in Norman did this offseason via the NCAA transfer portal.

“I’m all in on Oklahoma,” Pollack said. “I like the additions, I like (Ben) Arbuckle, I like you going into the portal. Look, Oklahoma is not Texas. Oklahoma does not have the resources that other schools have but I think they did a good job identifying a few things they had to have.”

More than anything, Oklahoma needed a quarterback after having little to no stability at the position in 2024. Jackson Arnold entered the year with high expectations but was benched in favor of Michael Hawkins early on. Eventually, Arnold took back over and closed out the season. However, he entered the portal himself, now playing for the Auburn Tigers.

Needing to find someone, John Mateer was their guy from the get-go. Oklahoma had plenty going in its favor, including the hiring of Mateer’s offensive coordinator at Washington State, Arbuckle. Having the Little Elm (TX) product get a little closer to home certainly helped as well.

Now, Pollack believes the Sooners are going to have a completely different-looking offense moving forward. Even if some high expectations from Mateer are met, as long as results are not a complete disaster, Oklahoma should be better in Pollack’s eyes.

“Can I say this and feel very confident?” Pollack said. “Oklahoma’s offense will be the biggest turnaround in all of college football… If they’re average, they are so much better than they were a year ago, it’s ridiculous. Like, if they’re average.”

While average would certainly be an improvement, there is still a desire for something more in Norman. College football analyst Josh Pate recently ranked Mateer as the No. 2 quarterback in all of college football, only sitting behind Florida‘s DJ Lagway.

Another improvement made through the portal was snagging running back Jadyn Ott. Georgia was hot on his trail too but Ott chose to play for the Sooners moving forward.

Oklahoma will get an early test for its offense Week 2 against Michigan. From there, a grueling SEC schedule will come their way. Sept. 20 is when it all kicks off, pitting Mateer up against the guy he is replacing, Arnold, and Auburn.