NIL

Who's left on MLB free

Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi (No. 17) for three years, MJack Flaherty (No. 12)Nationals sign Trevor Williams for two years, M Beyond Sasaki, Flaherty and Pivetta are the only two pitchers left who appear likely to command considerably lucrative multi-year deals. Each comes with potential promise and pitfalls. Flaherty had a generally excellent 2024 campaign and […]

Published

4 months ago

January 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi (No. 17) for three years, MJack Flaherty (No. 12)Nationals sign Trevor Williams for two years, M

Beyond Sasaki, Flaherty and Pivetta are the only two pitchers left who appear likely to command considerably lucrative multi-year deals. Each comes with potential promise and pitfalls. Flaherty had a generally excellent 2024 campaign and is only 29, but his injury track record and fluctuating performance in prior seasons has teams wary. Pivetta may offer more durability and consistency than Flaherty but not as much perceived upside, and will require a team to forfeit a draft pick due to the qualifying offer he received from Boston.
This quintet is difficult to predict. St. Louis could end up subtracting. The Brewers are banking big on Brandon Woodruff coming back from shoulder surgery; might they look to add insurance on that front? The Astros have plenty of talent on paper and added Hayden Wesneski as useful depth in the Kyle Tucker trade, but still have a ton of uncertainty from a health/durability standpoint. You could argue the Braves belong in “all set” if we assume Spencer Strider comes back at full strength, but that’s a big if — and it’s not like Chris Sale and Reynaldo López don’t come with injury question marks themselves. And the Reds, even after retaining Martinez and acquiring Singer, were reportedly interested in dealing for Crochet. They also need far more help on offense and already have some young arms knocking on the door, so it’s hard to know what to expect from them.
He has reportedly met with at least seven teams (Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Rangers and Giants) with more meetings expected to come in the near future, either with additional teams and/or with the few finalists. Because of his age (23), immense talent and the minimal financial outlay required to sign him, every team could and should want Sasaki regardless of their current rotation depth chart. Some staffs (Padres, Giants) need him a lot more than others (Dodgers, Yankees), and his decision may spark a cascading effect elsewhere in the market.
These contenders have made some of the biggest moves in this arena and, besides a pursuit of Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki (more on him shortly), it seems highly unlikely any of them will be prioritizing adding another starter anytime soon.
Mets sign Frankie Montas (No. 50) for two years, M
These teams entered the winter with strong starting staffs and have far more pressing needs elsewhere on their rosters.
Orioles sign Tomoyuki Sugano (No. 44) for one year, M
These are the names we’ve heard floated thus far. Others could emerge leading up to Opening Day.
Quintana and Heaney go together as veteran southpaws who could each reasonably eat innings effectively at the back of a contending club’s rotation. Quintana is coming off a far better season, but Heaney is two years younger, and may be more likely to secure a multi-year deal.
These deals range from intriguing rehabbers like Sandoval to bounce-back candidates like Cobb and veteran stabilizers like Williams. Nothing too splashy, but these deals help set the market for the lower-tier of starters still seeking jobs — and also can eliminate potential landing spots for such arms as these pitching staffs get more crowded.
How the rest of the free-agent market shakes out — headlined by Sasaki’s upcoming decision — will dictate clubs’ willingness and aggressiveness toward pursuing these deals. Last winter, Burnes wasn’t traded to Baltimore until February, and the Padres didn’t acquire Cease until mid-March.
Rangers sign Nathan Eovaldi (No. 18) for three years, M
Guardians acquire Luis L. Ortiz from Pirates

Phillies acquire Jesús Luzardo from MarlinsReds acquire Brady Singer from Royals

When surveying the league for potential trade candidates, our instinct is often to focus on veterans making significant salaries and/or players whose contracts are set to expire over the next year or two. Indeed, these pitchers make up the vast majority of the deals we’ve already seen thus far: Crochet, Luzardo, and Singer are each under team control for just two more seasons, while Cortes will hit free agency next winter. Springs has two years left plus a club option in 2027.
Nick Pivetta (No. 26)
Red Sox sign Patrick Sandoval for two years, .25M
Now that we’ve established which teams could still be in the market to add a starter via free agency or trade, let’s take a look at what pitchers remain.
At the same time, there’s no doubt that teams are also making calls on younger pitchers with markedly more years of team control remaining. While clubs are understandably far more reluctant to part with such arms, these deals are possible under the right circumstances. So far, only Cleveland has managed to do so in its trades for Ortiz (under team control through 2029) and Cecconi (through 2030) from Arizona in the Josh Naylor deal. There’s still time for other clubs to exhibit similar creativity when it comes to bolstering their rotations.
Tigers sign Alex Cobb for one year, M
Red Sox sign Walker Buehler (No. 23) for one year, .05M

Let’s start with Crochet’s former Chicago teammate, Dylan Cease. On the surface, it’s strange that Cease finds himself in trade rumors again just a year after San Diego acquired him from the White Sox. It’s not like the Padres are suddenly rebuilding and are trying to flip Cease for a bunch of teenage prospects for the future. They are still in win-now mode. But with a bloated payroll due to a bevy of long-term guaranteed contracts for several of their other stars, the Padres’ financial flexibility currently appears to be severely limited. San Diego’s complete lack of activity this winter despite several notable holes on the roster suggests that it may need to offload some significant salary in order to make any notable additions via trade or free agency, especially if it wants to avoid going into the luxury tax. Trading Cease, who will make approximately .6 million in his final year of arbitration before hitting free agency next winter, would represent such a move.Athletics sign Luis Severino (No. 13) for three years, M

Each of these clubs has made at least one notable rotation addition but could still use another boost if they want to be taken seriously as viable contenders. The Angels and Athletics made big early splashes with Kikuchi and Severino/Springs but have been quiet since. The Nats have more promising young mound talent already in place, but still sorely lack a bona fide frontline arm.
For teams more inclined to add pitching via trade than free agency, there are several names worth monitoring as spring training approaches.
Future Hall of Famers Scherzer and Verlander continue to search for the right landing spot as they each attempt to extend their legendary careers. It’s hard to imagine either getting more than a one-year deal, and it remains to be seen if either is committed to pitching strictly for a contending team or are willing to sign with any club willing to give them a rotation spot.
You can look at these clubs’ rotations and be like “OK, yeah, I see five solid starters there.” But considering the Mets’ spending power, the Cubs’ urgency to get back to the postseason and the Rangers’ highly active winter thus far, it would hardly be a surprise to see any of these three make another addition in this space.

White Sox sign Bryse Wilson for one year, .05M

Have added, rotation seems set: Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, D-backs

The Giants and Blue Jays have been linked to numerous top free agents on both sides of the ball all offseason. So far, neither has made a notable pitching move. The bottom portion of San Diego’s rotation does not reflect a championship contender but the Padres appear to have the financial flexibility to fix it — just not yet. No matter what the reason, it has been an uncharacteristically quiet winter for general manager A.J. Preller.

Haven’t added, rotation seems set: Mariners, Pirates, Twins, Rays, Royals

Starting pitchers accounted for 20 of our Top 50 free agents at the outset of the offseason. Thirteen of them have signed new contracts:

Have added, but could maybe still use another arm or 2: Mets, Rangers, Cubs

Brewers acquire Nestor Cortes from Yankees

Have added, but still need another arm or 2: Orioles, Tigers, Guardians

With Joe Musgrove out for 2025 due to elbow surgery, San Diego’s rotation is already thin beyond Cease, Michael King and Yu Darvish. A deal involving Cease would either need to net the Padres a younger, cheaper pitcher who can contribute right away (think King as a main part of the Juan Soto trade return a year ago), or afford San Diego enough payroll relief to replace Cease in free agency (a tall task with few high-caliber options left available). It is this context that makes a Cease trade a particularly delicate maneuver for San Diego, and also underscores how massively impactful it would be for the Padres to land Sasaki, a move that would increase their flexibility on multiple fronts on top of the boon of adding a pitcher of his caliber.

Haven’t added … yet: Giants, Blue Jays, Padres

Roki Sasaki (No. 2)

More Jordan Shusterman

Could use more help, but will Angels, A’s and Nationals spend more?

Outside our rankings, there are also still several capable alternatives available: veteran workhorses (Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, Colin Rea), right-handers with a hint of upside (Michael Lorenzen, Spencer Turnbull) and lefty innings-eaters (Martín Pérez, Patrick Corbin).

Wild cards: Cardinals, Brewers, Astros, Braves, Reds

These clubs could end up with an experienced arm on a one-year deal that could either be trade bait in July or serve as veteran leadership for their younger pitchers.

Rebuilding, could use a veteran: Marlins, White Sox, Rockies

Sasaki looms large as not just the top pitcher left on the market, but the most compelling storyline left to monitor this offseason. His fascinating free agency is expected to reach its highly anticipated conclusion sometime between when the international signing period opens on Jan. 15 and when Sasaki’s posting window closes on Jan. 23.

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan pitches during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Semifinal game between Team Mexico and Team Japan at loanDepot Park on Monday, March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

7 top arms available

Angels sign Kyle Hendricks for one year, .5MMets sign Sean Manaea (No. 14) for three years, M

Guardians sign Shane Bieber (No. 24) for two years, M
This baker’s dozen doesn’t include Clay Holmes (No. 29), who we had labeled as a reliever, the role he has occupied for the majority of his big-league career. Holmes signed with the Mets on a three-year deal worth million, and New York plans to transition him to a rotation role, a decision that will be one of the more compelling spring training storylines to monitor. Perhaps another team will sign a reliever on our rankings with the intention of having him start. Jeff Hoffman is reportedly a candidate for such a move. For now, we’ll stay focused on the remaining arms available who we already recognize as traditional starting pitchers.
As the Cardinals continue to search for a Nolan Arenado trade, they also have three veteran arms who could be moved if St. Louis is committed to offloading payroll through other avenues: Erick Fedde, Steven Matz and Sonny Gray.
Nationals sign Michael Soroka for one year, M
Now that January has arrived, it’s time to take stock of where the starting pitching market stands with pitchers and catchers slated to report to Arizona and Florida in roughly six weeks. Which teams have successfully addressed their rotation needs? Which teams are still searching for help? And most important: Who is still available?
Dylan Cease, pictured celebrating after throwing a no-hitter vs. the Nationals in July, is a hot name in trade talk rumors. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
This huge collection of signings and trades has drastically altered the shape of the starting pitching market. Certain rotation depth charts across the league have filled up while others remain shallow and in need of a boost. Let’s begin with the teams who seem unlikely to invest further into starting pitching this offseason:

D-backs sign Corbin Burnes (No. 3) for six years, 0MFor all the transactions we’ve seen so far during baseball’s offseason, no player subgroup has been more consistently active than the starting pitching market, which has been steadily buzzing from the beginning of winter all the way up until the calendar flipped to 2025.Somewhat similar to Gray is Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, who too possesses a no-trade clause and is owed nearly million over the next three seasons. Though it remains unknown how likely it is that Castillo would green-light a trade out of Seattle, his name has surfaced in recent reports involving potential deals as the Mariners continue their search for infield upgrades via trade. Though president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto stated earlier this offseason that trading from Seattle’s premium rotation would be “Plan Z,” Castillo always felt far more likely to be available in the right deal than any of the four other excellent right-handers who are all in their mid-20’s — Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo — arguably all of whom were better than Castillo in 2024. Trading Castillo may still not be a preferred route for the Mariners, but the longer they go without making a trade — it’s been a rather uncharacteristic lull in deals for Dipoto and Co. — Castillo’s name will likely continue to swirl in rumors as spring training approaches.Justin Verlander (No. 43)Red Sox acquire Garrett Crochet from White SoxMets sign Griffin Canning for one year, .25M

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 25: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after throwing a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

The trade market

Yankees sign Max Fried (No. 7) for eight years, 8MA’s acquire Jeffrey Springs from RaysA ton of starters have changed threads already this winter, but the movement is far from over, and rotations are far from set as we sit here in January, especially when factoring the wave of injuries that have unfortunately become an annual part of the spring training experience. Teams will always need more pitching, and that dynamic will continue to spur more transactions among this group of players in the weeks ahead.We’ve also seen seven other big league deals for starters who were not on our Top 50 rankings:

Jose Quintana (No. 36)

Player

this bad now, and he seems like a perfect bounce-back candidate for another team to buy low on. He’s still by far the most likely pitcher to be dealt before Opening Day.

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Reds sign Nick Martinez (No. 19) for one year, .05M (accepted qualifying offer)Finally, there’s D-backs lefty Jordan Montgomery. His debut season in the desert was disastrous as he never found his groove after signing on Opening Day and was ultimately bounced from Arizona’s rotation. His poor performance ensured there was no way he would re-enter free agency by opting out of the .5 million he was owed for 2025, but his financially motivated decision to stay put hardly made his spot on the Arizona starting staff any more secure. A potential path toward earning back a rotation spot became even less clear after Arizona’s surprise signing of Burnes. With the money Montgomery is owed and the brutally bad season he is coming off of, Arizona likely can’t expect much in return in a potential trade.Max Scherzer (No. 42)It was no secret that each of these AL postseason clubs entered the winter in need of rotation reinforcements, and each has gone about addressing those needs in different ways. Cleveland arguably belongs in a separate tier having retained Bieber and added a possible breakout arm in Ortiz with another rotation candidate in Slade Cecconi also acquired via trade. Not having the rehabbing Bieber to start the year has left the current depth chart with a lot of uncertainty. Detroit and Baltimore, though, having added only Cobb and Sugano, respectively, absolutely have work left to do if they are to enter spring training feeling like their rotations are in formidable shape.

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College basketball rankings: UConn, St. John’s surge in way-too-early Top 25

John Fanta College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter The quality of play in college basketball has grown tremendously in recent years. One reason for that is NIL (name, image and likeness) dollars and the impact it has had in keeping some potential pros around for another season. Those players can make more money in college and […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

John Fanta

College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter

The quality of play in college basketball has grown tremendously in recent years. One reason for that is NIL (name, image and likeness) dollars and the impact it has had in keeping some potential pros around for another season. Those players can make more money in college and gain more for their profile than a potential trip to the G League to continue development.

The flip side is the chaotic climate within the sport, an open market that has increased to dollar figures that seemed unfathomable even two-to-three years ago. But, that’s the reality of where things stand: Roster continuity with talent is like buried treasure in this sport, while having the great white whale, a top-shelf donor who can lead the bankrolling efforts for a roster, is the invaluable asset you need to compete with the best sharks during portal season. As one coach told me, “It’s challenging, but this is still an amazing sport. I hate when coaches complain because we chose this life.”

And look at it this way: While changes are needed, the free agency aspect has created buzz around college hoops in late April and into May that we had not seen before. Over 2,500 players entering the portal, though? Well, that could use shifting, and I offer some possible solutions below:

As for what has happened in the offseason, it’s fascinating when looking at the top of my rankings, because the top-two teams embody the two ways to stay ahead in this day and age: keeping a bevy of talent or outdoing everybody else in the portal.

Purdue has done an outstanding job with roster continuity, bringing back the preseason national player of the year front-runner in Braden Smith, who was this past year’s Bob Cousy Award winner and the Big Ten Player of the Year. Smith had 15 assists against Houston in the Sweet 16, which was the latest testament to his leadership, playmaking ability and poise against any defense. This past season, he became the second player in NCAA history to record at least 550 points, 300 assists and 150 rebounds in a season, joining Murray State’s Ja Morant as the only other player that can say that. But the fact Smith has Fletcher Loyer (13.8 PPG) as a backcourt mate is scary for everybody else, not to mention a veteran stud in Trey Kaufman-Renn, a high-impact transfer in Oscar Cluff, and an intriguing big man in Daniel Jacobsen, who is set to return from a season-ending leg injury that cut his freshman campaign short. There’s a lot to like about Matt Painter’s team, provided the Boilermakers get enough complementary shooting.

If the Boilers are the continuity champs, the transfer portal championship should be handed out on Utopia Parkway in Queens. Rick Pitino and St. John’s, the reigning Big East regular-season and tournament champions, have the No. 1-ranked portal class in the nation, according to 247 Sports. The Johnnies reeled in an All-Big East First Team forward in Bryce Hopkins to make a big early splash. They acquired a rising sophomore who looks the part of a future NBA first-round pick in North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson, and they added another sophomore guard with elite upside in former five-star recruit Joson Sanon.

Perimeter shooting was the priority for this St. John’s team, and Pitino and his staff addressed those areas, but they weren’t done there, also adding senior guard Oziyah Sellers from Stanford, who averaged 14 points per game in the ACC this past year. Then there’s a stalwart defender and supreme athlete in Dillon Mitchell, and the Big Sky Most Valuable Player, Dylan Darling. And oh, by the way, in the world of “sometimes the best gets are the ones you already have,” All-American candidate Zuby Ejiofor returns for his senior season, looking to lead the Johnnies on a deeper NCAA Tournament run.

The biggest portal winners after St. John’s were Kentucky, Louisville and Iowa. Do not sleep on Ben McCollum in Year 1 at the helm in Iowa City after he brought in one of the most dynamic scorers in the country in Bennett Stirtz, along with a sharpshooter in Brendan Hausen and Horizon League Player of the Year Alvaro Folgueiras. They’re the first team out of my top 25. In terms of portal losers, Memphis losing PJ Haggerty was a big blow to the Tigers, while Arizona saw six players enter the portal and Alabama saw Mouhamed Dioubate and Jarin Stevenson leave.

With that, here is a look at my updated way-too-early rankings:

Can I lend you one more Braden Smith statistic? He broke the Big Ten record for assists in conference play this past season, dishing out 175 of them, which smashed the previous record set by Michigan State’s Cassius Winston (157). And yes, he could break his own record in the upcoming year.

St. John’s rise to the top is happening because of Pitino and the school’s lead donor, Mike Repole, whose horse “Grande” will be in this weekend’s Kentucky Derby. The founder of Vitamin Water has been invaluable to St. John’s, but his money begins and ends with his faith in the Hall of Famer. Pitino has made the Johnnies matter again nationally and Madison Square Garden has once again turned into one of the toughest home-court environments.

Emanuel Sharp and JoJo Tugler are back from a Final Four team and, while we await the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline of May 28 for star Milos Uzan, Houston has the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class, according to 247 Sports, headlined by Link Academy product Chris Cenac Jr. With Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs coming in to help their offense, the Cougars will have a go-to bucket-getting guard, who, when healthy, is very hard to stop.

Alex Karaban is coming back for another shot at a third national championship. Solo Ball is back for his junior season and poised for a big campaign. Tarris Reed returns and now has a year in Storrs under his belt, while Dan Hurley and his staff made a transfer splash with former Georgia guard Silas Demary. Another transfer in Malachi Smith from Dayton should help with ball-handling duties, while the Huskies welcome in a great freshman class. If you don’t know the name Braylon Mullins, you soon will, and I’m intrigued to see what 7-footer Eric Reibe brings to the table.

Having All-American JT Toppin back in the fold in Lubbock instantly means the Red Raiders can reach the Final Four, especially when considering what’s around him. While we are uncertain about what’s next for Darrion Williams, who’s testing the draft waters and is in the portal, sophomore Christian Anderson is poised for a big year and LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and Donovan Atwell (UNCG) headline a top-25 portal class.

Dusty May is building something special in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines reeled in one of the biggest fish in the portal with UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg, who is testing the NBA Draft waters and could be a first-round pick. If he returns to school, he will make Michigan one of the nation’s best teams. Last year, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 18-11-4 per game. Getting Morez Johnson from Illinois helps the frontline, while Elliot Cadeau still has his best basketball ahead of him after things didn’t go as planned at North Carolina. With Nimari Burnett and Roddy Gayle back, Michigan has good continuity as well.

Pat Kelsey laid the foundation for the Cardinals. Now, the pieces are aligning for him to take this program on an NCAA Tournament run. Kelsey ushers in the nation’s No. 3 transfer portal class with all-conference players Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) on the way, while five-star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. enters with high expectations. To get J’Vonne Hadley and a healthy Kasean Pryor back is huge for continuity and the frontcourt. Louisville is the front-runner in the ACC.

Not to be outdone, Mark Pope, and what sources tell FOX Sports is a bankroll of over $20 million, has led to a star-studded Wildcats roster. Kentucky has the nation’s fourth-ranked transfer class, according to 247 Sports. If Otega Oweh returns for his senior season, he’ll be right in the mix for SEC Player of the Year. When you combine that with a guy who averaged 17 PPG in Jaland Lowe, a national champion in Denzel Aberdeen out of Florida, a big man with a ton of upside in Jayden Quaintance and intriguing talents Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) and Kam Williams (Tulane), there’s a lot to like about this team. And don’t forget about top-20 freshman Jasper Johnson, who is a blur in transition and a guy who is wired to score. Now, the pressure is on Pope in Year 2 to make it all come together after a Sweet 16 season.

The Blue Devils will go from the Cooper Flagg Show to the Cameron-and-Cayden Boozer Show in the upcoming year. Cameron is among the best prospects in the sport, a 6-9 forward who is polished and strong with an inside-out game, a willingness to defend and the versatility to flourish. Jon Scheyer knows continuity is big in this sport. That’s why guys like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans coming back helps. Washington State transfer Cedric Coward (17.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 APG) was an excellent addition to bolster the perimeter with proven talent.

Look out for John Calipari and the Razorbacks. Coming off a magical ride to the Sweet 16, the Hogs are slated to get D.J. Wagner, Trevon Brazile, Billy Richmond and Karter Knox back, while a pair of five-star freshmen guards in Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas will bolster the offense. The two are prototypical Calipari one-and-done guys who can come in and change the game with their skills. Acuff is a dynamic ball-handler who has a variety of ways to make plays for his teammates and drive the lane, while Thomas is the toughest shotmaker in the national freshman class. Throw in Malique Ewin from Florida State and Nick Pringle from South Carolina and Calipari addressed his interior needs with experience via the portal.

John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He covers the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Follow him at @John_Fanta.

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New Shows On Apple TV+ This Month Highlighted By A Sci

Apple TV+ has taken a quality-over-quantity approach since its inception, and May 2025 is a showcase of that philosophy in action. This month’s lineup is refreshingly diverse—blending cerebral science fiction, adrenaline-pumping adventure, poignant documentaries, charming family tales, and immersive music experiences. Whether you’re into character-driven drama or quirky animated specials, there’s something worth watching. Long […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

New Shows On Apple TV+ This Month Highlighted By A Sci

Long Way Home (May 9)

Genre: Travel Docuseries
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman
The beloved duo returns for their fourth adventure, this time journeying through 17 European countries on vintage motorcycles. Starting in Scotland and wrapping in England, Long Way Home builds on the legacy of Long Way Round, Down, and Up with even more raw, scenic footage, unexpected roadblocks, and cultural encounters. For newcomers, the entire saga is available to stream on Apple TV+, making May a perfect time to binge the full journey.

Murderbot (May 16)

Apple TV+ debuts trailer for “Murderbot,” premiering May 16 - Apple TV+ Press

Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller/Comedy
Star: Alexander Skarsgård
Based on Martha Wells’ award-winning novels, Murderbot introduces a rogue security android that’s hacked its own governor module to gain autonomy—only to find itself reluctantly drawn into protecting a group of humans. Skarsgård brings both gravitas and wry humor to the role, while the show explores big questions about AI, agency, and what it means to be human—all with a side of soap opera obsession. Episodes will drop weekly on Fridays following a two-episode premiere.

Deaf President Now! (May 16)

Genre: Historical Documentary
This powerful documentary revisits the 1988 Gallaudet University protests, where students demanded the appointment of a Deaf university president. Told from a Deaf perspective, it’s not just a history lesson—it’s a stirring chronicle of activism and representation that still resonates in today’s broader push for inclusivity and equal access. Expect raw archival footage, interviews with student leaders, and a spotlight on a defining civil rights moment.

Fountain of Youth (May 23)

Genre: Action-Adventure Film
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Stanley Tucci
Guy Ritchie directs this globetrotting adventure that follows estranged siblings as they unravel clues to the mythical Fountain of Youth. The film balances sleek action set pieces with humor and emotional beats, leaning into a Da Vinci Code-meets-National Treasure tone. With a cast this stacked and Ritchie’s kinetic visual style, it’s positioned to be one of Apple TV+’s biggest original films of the year.

Bono: Stories of Surrender (May 30)

Apple Original Films announces new documentary event “Bono: Stories of Surrender” - Apple TV+ Press

Genre: Music Documentary
Shot in immersive 180-degree video, this one-man show blends stories from Bono’s memoir with live renditions of U2’s most iconic songs. The film captures performances from his 2023 tour and gives a deeply personal look at the life, activism, and philosophy of the legendary frontman. The immersive version is also available on Apple Vision Pro, pushing the boundaries of traditional concert films.

Lulu Is a Rhinoceros (May 30)

Apple TV+ announces “Lulu Is a Rhinoceros,” an animated special premiering May 30 - Apple TV+ Press

Genre: Animated Family Special
Voice Talent: Auli’i Cravalho
Adapted from the children’s book by Jason and Allison Flom, this animated tale of identity and acceptance features Lulu, a bulldog who believes she’s a rhinoceros. Filled with vibrant animation, original songs, and a message about self-expression, it’s ideal for family movie night. Cravalho’s warm narration adds charm and sincerity to this uplifting special.

New Episodes of Ongoing Favorites

Apple TV Icon

Your Friends & Neighbors (Drama) – Continues Fridays through May 30
The Studio (Workplace Comedy) – Episodes 8–10 air on May 7, 14, and 21
Government Cheese (Surrealist Comedy) – Weekly on Wednesdays; finale on May 28
Carême (French-language Historical Drama) – New episodes every Wednesday, exploring espionage through the eyes of a culinary genius in Napoleon-era France

What’s Coming Next

Stick (June 4)

Genre: Sports Comedy
Star: Owen Wilson
Looking ahead to early June, Stick lands with Owen Wilson taking on the golf world in a comedic role that blends sports antics with midlife crisis drama. Apple TV+ is clearly betting on Wilson’s charisma and a fresh setting to deliver their next breakout comedy hit.

Key Takeaways

Apple TV+ is releasing several new shows in March 2025 including “The Studio,” “Dope Thief,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.”
Critical favorites like “Severance” and “Mythic Quest” continue to be standout offerings on the streaming platform.
The service is expanding with diverse content ranging from sports documentaries to drama series to appeal to a broader audience.

New and Upcoming Shows on Apple TV+

May 2025 is a stellar month for Apple TV+ as it flexes its muscles across every genre—from bold sci-fi experiments to emotional documentaries and star-studded adventures. The platform continues to distinguish itself with carefully crafted content rather than content overload, giving each title room to breathe—and more importantly, room to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, think, or escape, Apple TV+ has your next binge covered.

Apple TV+ continues to expand its catalog with exciting new series and the return of fan favorites in 2025. The streaming service is investing heavily in diverse content spanning multiple genres while bringing back some of its most acclaimed shows.

Anticipated Debuts

“Your Friends & Neighbors” is among the most anticipated new shows coming to Apple TV+ this spring. This quirky new series will premiere on April 16, offering subscribers a fresh comedy experience. Another newcomer, “Government Cheese,” follows an ex-con looking to turn over a new leaf while making history.

“The Studio” and “Carême” are also joining the lineup, bringing new storytelling perspectives to the platform. Sports fans will be particularly excited about “F1,” a series that explores the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.

“The Gorge” and “Number One on the Call Sheet” represent Apple’s continued investment in both genre-bending content and documentaries that explore important cultural topics.

Returning Favorites

The biggest news for returning shows is that “Ted Lasso” will come back for a fourth season. This announcement from March 14, 2025, thrilled fans who thought the beloved soccer comedy had ended with season three.

“Severance,” one of Apple’s most critically acclaimed series, is also returning with new episodes that continue its mind-bending workplace drama. “Silo” fans can look forward to more dystopian storytelling in its next season.

“The Morning Show” and “For All Mankind” continue to be flagship series for the platform. “Foundation,” based on Isaac Asimov’s classic sci-fi series, is preparing another visually stunning season that expands on its complex universe.

Expanding Genres and Formats

Apple TV+ is diversifying its content with shows like “Dope Thief,” which blends crime drama with dark comedy. The platform is also branching into more limited series formats that tell complete stories in a single season.

“Bad Sisters” and “Shrinking” showcase Apple’s strength in creating shows that balance humor with deeper emotional themes. “Pachinko,” the beautiful multi-generational drama, continues to demonstrate Apple’s commitment to international storytelling and diverse perspectives.

“Mythic Quest,” the workplace comedy set in a video game company, remains a strong performer in Apple’s comedy lineup. “Slow Horses,” the spy thriller starring Gary Oldman, continues to build its fanbase with each new season.

“Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” highlights Apple’s growing interest in sports documentaries and event coverage.

Apple TV+ Advancements and Collaborations

Apple TV+ continues to expand its influence in the streaming world through strategic partnerships and technological innovations. The platform has secured deals with major industry players while implementing new features to enhance viewer experience.

High-Profile Partnerships

Apple TV+ has forged impressive collaborations with renowned filmmakers and actors. Martin Scorsese has joined forces with the streaming service for exclusive content development, bringing his legendary storytelling expertise to the platform.

David Oyelowo is set to star in “Number One on the Call Sheet,” a documentary series exploring the challenges and triumphs of Black actors in Hollywood. This project highlights Apple’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

The platform has also secured rights to “F1,” a highly anticipated racing series that will compete directly with Netflix’s popular motorsport content. This move signals Apple’s strategy to attract sports enthusiasts.

Other upcoming shows include “The Studio,” “Government Cheese,” and “Your Friends & Neighbors,” reflecting Apple’s investment in varied content genres to broaden its subscriber base.

Innovations in Streaming

Apple TV+ has enhanced its content measurement and audience research tools to better understand viewer preferences. These improvements allow for more targeted content development based on actual watching habits.

The service has implemented advanced security measures to protect user IP addresses while still gathering essential data for personalized advertising. This balances privacy concerns with revenue generation needs.

Subscription options have become more flexible, with new tiers being introduced to compete with other streaming services. The platform now offers both ad-supported and ad-free options at different price points.

Apple’s services development team has created a more intuitive interface for browsing the growing library of Apple Original shows and movies. New releases are now organized in ways that make discovery easier for subscribers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple TV+ has expanded its lineup with several new shows and seasons in 2025. These frequently asked questions cover the latest releases, popular series, and critically acclaimed content available on the streaming platform.

What are the latest original series released on Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ recently released “The Crossing,” a sci-fi thriller starring Emmy winner Regina King. The show explores time travel consequences in a near-future world.

“Legends of Tomorrow” debuted in February 2025, bringing a fresh historical fiction angle to the platform. Each episode features a different legendary figure reimagined for modern audiences.

“The Circuit,” a Formula 1 documentary series, launched in early March 2025 with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to drivers and teams.

Which new shows on Apple TV+ are gaining popularity this year?

“Homestead,” a frontier drama set in Montana, has become one of Apple TV+’s most-watched new series. Its authentic portrayal of rural life has resonated with viewers seeking something different.

“The Algorithm,” a tech thriller about artificial intelligence gone wrong, has generated significant buzz on social media. The show stars Michael Fassbender and Sandra Oh.

“Culinary Masters” has gained a devoted following with its unique competition format that pairs amateur cooks with world-renowned chefs.

What are the top critically acclaimed series on Apple TV+ currently?

“Severance” Season 2 has received universal praise from critics, with many calling it even better than its groundbreaking first season. The psychological thriller continues to explore workplace dystopia.

“Pachinko” continues its critical success with its third season, maintaining a 98% rating on review aggregators. The multi-generational Korean family saga has expanded its storytelling scope.

“Slow Horses” remains a critical darling in its fifth season. The spy drama starring Gary Oldman consistently receives nominations for major television awards.

What are the new Apple TV+ shows available for streaming now?

“The Ambassador,” a political drama set in Washington DC and various global embassies, released its complete first season in January 2025. All eight episodes are available for streaming.

“Boundless,” an adventure reality competition filmed across remote locations worldwide, drops new episodes weekly on Fridays.

“Last Light,” a post-apocalyptic thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence, premiered its first three episodes on March 15, with remaining episodes releasing weekly.

Can you list the latest Apple TV+ series adaptations from books?

“The Silent Patient,” based on Alex Michaelides’ bestselling psychological thriller, premiered in February 2025. The adaptation stars Zendaya in the lead role.

“Project Hail Mary,” adapted from Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel, launched in January 2025. Ryan Gosling leads this space adventure about humanity’s last hope against extinction.

“The Lincoln Highway,” based on Amor Towles’ novel, debuted its eight-episode season in March 2025. The period drama follows four young men on a cross-country journey in 1954.

What is the current lineup of Apple TV+ shows for this season?

“Ted Lasso” is returning for a surprise fourth season in April 2025 after a two-year hiatus. The beloved comedy continues following AFC Richmond’s journey.

“Foundation” Season 3 continues the epic sci-fi saga with new episodes releasing weekly. The adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic series has expanded its scope.

“The Morning Show” will release its fifth and final season in May 2025. The media drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon will conclude its award-winning run.

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How has new Maryland basketball coach Buzz Williams historically fared in Year One?

New Maryland men’s basketball head coach Buzz Williams still has six roster spots to work with as he builds his first team in College Park. So far, he has done an impressive job after taking over a Maryland team with no returners from its 2024-25 Sweet 16 squad. Williams has brought in eight transfers, four […]

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2 hours ago

May 2, 2025

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New Maryland men’s basketball head coach Buzz Williams still has six roster spots to work with as he builds his first team in College Park.

So far, he has done an impressive job after taking over a Maryland team with no returners from its 2024-25 Sweet 16 squad. Williams has brought in eight transfers, four who have followed him from Texas A&M, and one incoming freshman in McDonald’s All-American and 6-foot-5 combo guard Darius Adams.

Of course, the landscape in college basketball has changed vastly over the last few years. But the 52-year-old Williams, who has 373 career wins and has been to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament four times, is familiar with change. Maryland is Williams’ fifth stop of his head coaching career. While he will not be expected to win big in Year One, expectations across the sport are expedited with the transfer portal, NIL and soon-to-be revenue sharing.

How have Williams’ first teams at each destination failed? Let’s take a look.

2019-20 TEXAS A&M AGGIES

Record: 16-14, 10-8 SEC (Tied-6th place)

Outcome: Postseason canceled

2018-19 Record: 14-17, 6-12 SEC (11th place)

While the 2020 NCAA Tournament never happened, Williams was not taking a team that finished 131st at KenPom to The Big Dance. But after starting the season 3-5, the Aggies finished the season 13-9 and went above .500 in the SEC, which was then the sixth-best league in the country. They won their final two games and five of their final seven games before the SEC Tournament was canceled.

Williams did not have a completely blank slate, as 50.3% of the team’s minutes returned from the 2018-19 squad, including leading scorer Savion Flagg and second-leading scorer Wendell Mitchell. Williams took over for Billy Kennedy, who was fired. The season was not anything special to write home about, especially after Texas A&M went just 8-10 in the ensuing, wacky 2020-21 season, but the Aggies ultimately were NIT runner-ups in 2022 and NCAA Tournament participants (as single-digit seeds) in each of the previous three seasons.

2014-15 VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

Record: 11-22, 2-16 ACC (15th place)

Outcome: No postseason

2013-14 Record: 9-22, 2-16 ACC (15th place)

Williams’ successful tenure at Virginia Tech was hardly defined by his first season, which would have been impossible to find success for virtually anybody at the helm. The Hokies were in bad shape following three straight under-.500 seasons from 2011-14, eventually leading to James Johnson getting fired after only two seasons.

Virginia Tech had returned just 33.1% of the minutes from its 2013-14 squad, headlined by second-leading scorer Adam Smith (who then transferred after one year with Williams). Williams’ first season in Blacksburg, while not great record-wise, ultimately set the foundation for an NIT bid in 2016 and three straight NCAA bids from 2017-19, culminating in a Sweet 16 appearance in 2019.

2008-09 MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES

Record: 25-10, 12-6 Big East (5th place)

Outcome: NCAA Tournament Round of 32

2007-08 record: 25-10, 11-7 Big East

Williams had massive success at Marquette, and it started from Day One. Tom Crean left Marquette for Indiana, and Williams took over after one season (2007-08) as an assistant in Milwaukee. Williams had the benefit of 74.2% of the minutes returning from the 2007-08 team, including Marquette’s top-four scorers in Jerel McNeal, Dominic James, Lazar Hayward and Wesley Matthews.

He brought Marquette to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Sweet 16 in 2011 and 2012 and the Elite Eight in 2013. Marquette went 17-15 overall and 9-9 in the Big East during the 2013-14 season, his last with the program before leaving for Virginia Tech.

2006-07 NEW ORLEANS PRIVATEERS

Record: 14-17, 9-9 Sun Belt (4th place in West)

Outcome: No postseason

2005-06 record: 10-19, 6-9 Sun Belt (tied-4th place in West)

After two seasons as an assistant at Texas A&M, Williams took the New Orleans job. He was only there for one season, leading a four-win improvement. The Privateers’ leading scorer from the 2005-06 team, Bo McCalebb, returned. He averaged 25 points per game under Williams.

Devin Johnson, Williams’ longtime assistant, started as an undergraduate assistant with him during the 2006-07 season at New Orleans.

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JACKRABBITS CLOSE REGULAR SEASON AT UND

Story Links Week 13: South Dakota State (25-24, 10-5) at North Dakota (25-25, 7-8) When Friday, May 2 (2 p.m. DH) – Saturday, May 3 (1 p.m.) Location Grand Forks, N.D. (Albrecht Field) Television Midco Sports (Doubleheader Only) Stream […]

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2 hours ago

May 2, 2025

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Week 13: South Dakota State (25-24, 10-5) at North Dakota (25-25, 7-8)
When	Friday, May 2 (2 p.m. DH) – Saturday, May 3 (1 p.m.)
Location	Grand Forks, N.D. (Albrecht Field)
Television	Midco Sports (Doubleheader Only)
Stream	Summit League Network
Live Stats	GoJacksLive.com
South Dakota State	Home Page \| Game Notes
North Dakota	Home Page

South Dakota State makes its way north to Grand Forks to close out the regular season as the Jackrabbits prepare to take on North Dakota in a three-game series. The series at Albrecht Field between the Jacks and Fighting Hawks closes out each program’s regular season before heading into Summit League Championship action. SDSU and UND will play a 2 p.m. doubleheader on Friday followed by a 1 p.m. finale on Saturday.

The meeting features the two squads that can still claim the second seed in the upcoming conference tournament. SDSU heads into the series with a 10-5 Summit League record while UND is 7-8. One win for South Dakota State in the series will be enough to clinch a bye to the double-elimination portion of the tournament hosted by the Jacks. A series sweep by the Fighting Hawks would clinch a two seed and force SDSU into single elimination which begins play on Wednesday in Brookings.

South Dakota State is 25-24 overall this season and North Dakota is 25-25. The Jackrabbits hold a 65-31 all-time record over the Fighting Hawks. SDSU and UND have played annually since 2010. The Jacks currently have a 12-game active win streak over the Hawks.

SDSU is coming off a tightly contested series against Omaha at Jerald T. Moriarty Field. The series began with a pitcher’s duel that resulted in a 10-inning, 2-0 win for the Mavs. SDSU evened the series with a 7-6 victory on Saturday to begin a doubleheader. The series finale saw the Mavericks get out to a 9-0 lead, but Omaha had to withstand a Jackrabbit rally though held on for a 9-8 triumph.

Several individuals have sparked the Jackrabbit lineup over the course of the season, but none more so than Abby Gentry. The sophomore third baseman is not only the leader on the team in multiple statistical categories, but in The Summit League across nearly 50 games. Gentry leads the conference in batting average (.428), slugging percentage (.754) and RBIs (52), as well as top five in on-base percentage (.512), runs (34), hits (59), home runs (9) and walks (27). She has four current top three single-season ranks in program history including batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and RBIs.

Brooke Dumont and Mia Jarecki have made their impact on the Jackrabbits’ record book. Jarecki has 11 marks that rank among the top 11 in individual categories, while Dumont has top 12 marks in 10 categories. Jarecki is at 149 career runs scored which is two runs away from breaking the school record of 150 set last year by Lindsey Culver. Dumont, who primarily plays catcher, is one runner caught stealing from setting a program record. Dumont currently has 100 RBIs while Jarecki is one away from hitting the century mark.

The Summit League schedule has seen a variety of Jackrabbits step up their play. The lineup has had the benefit of play from shortstop Emma Vike. A junior who had only four collegiate at-bats prior to the season, Vike is hitting a team-best .451 against league foes. In 15 games, Vike has two home runs, 11 RBIs, four doubles and 12 runs scored.

SDSU’s rotation has seen Hailey Herman and Sylvia Shromoff have increased roles during Summit League action. Herman has the team’s best ERA among pitchers with over 10 innings of work with a 1.85 mark. Shromoff has made a team-high six starts across eight appearances in league play. She’s 3-1 in her Summit League outings with a 2.41 ERA. Shromoff has struck out 13 batters to 12 walks over the course of a team-best 40 2/3 innings pitched.

Coverage Information

South Dakota State’s series versus North Dakota will be streamed on The Summit League Network Powered by Midco Sports. The doubleheader on Friday will be televised on Midco Sports. Fans can watch on summitleaguenetwork.tv or on The Midco Sports Plus app with a subscription. Live stats for all games the Jackrabbits play in are available on the South Dakota State schedule page. For more information about Jackrabbit softball, you can follow the team social media accounts (@GoJacksSB) or visit the team page at GoJacks.com.

-GoJacks.com-

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Bracketology: ESPN releases way-too-early projections for 2025-2026 NCAA Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Tournament ended just three weeks ago while the tip-off to next season is still about six months out. Still, in looking ahead to the next year in college basketball, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has released an update to Bracketology with a projected field for the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Lunardi shared that they’ll release […]

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2 hours ago

May 2, 2025

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Lunardi shared that they’ll release an updated bracket, based on roster movement and anticipated offensive and defensive efficiency, once a month from now through October. This is the first edition of those for what the Field of 68 could look like in ’26.

Coming off a record-breaking year, in berths and finishes, by the conference this postseason, the SEC is atop the list again with 13 teams in the bracket, which would be one shy of last year’s new record. The Big Ten, who often projected to have double-digits in this last postseason before ending with eight in, is then still second with a dozen. The Big 12, ACC, and Big East are from there with eight, five, and four in respectively from those leagues.

Again, this is way, way early considering the portal and draft decisions still needing to be made going into the summer before the season begins in November. Still, here’s Lunardi’s first look at what March Madness could look like in 2026 with ten and a half months until Selection Sunday:

ESPN Bracketology: On the Bubble

Ken Blaze | Imagn Images

Last Four Byes: Georgia, Maryland, Creighton, Miami
Last Four In: Marquette, Indiana, Ole Miss, NC State
First Four Out: SMU, Washington, Texas A&M, Nebraska
Next Four Out: TCU, Notre Dame, Clemson, Georgetown

The bubble is full of several teams who made the field or just missed out on the tournament last year. It’s also key for several of the leagues with the SEC close to adding a record-tying one with a 14th, the Big Ten nearing 14 in total as well, and the ACC having a chance at as many as eight

New coaches is also a theme among multiple of these programs. Buzz Williams at Maryland, Jai Lucas at Miami, Darian DeVries at Indiana, and Will Wade at NC State have their new teams just in the field in this projection while Bucky McMillan at Texas A&M is right there among the First Four Out.

Midwest Region – Chicago

Purdue PG Braden Smith, F Trey Kaufman-Renn — Alex Martin | Journal and Courier | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Purdue is projected as one of the top teams for next season with the roster they’ll have for next season with Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer leading their returners while they’re also bringing in Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) from the portal and Omer Mayer from overseas. Lunardi also cited their consistency, both in seeding and in postseason finishes, as the reasoning why the Boilermakers were the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament for him.

The Midwest Region also includes five others teams that should rate highly coming into next season in Kentucky, Iowa State, Auburn, and Louisville. Oregon at No. 8 for the Big Ten vs. Oklahoma at No. 9 for the SEC as well as Creighton at No. 10 for the Big East rounds out the seeding before the mid-majors.

1. Purdue vs. 16. South Carolina State/Central Connecticut
8. Oregon vs. 9. Oklahoma
5. Louisville vs. 12. Liberty
4. Auburn vs. 13. High Point

6. Missouri vs. 11. San Diego State
3. Iowa State vs. 14. South Dakota State
7. Illinois vs. 10. Creighton
2. Kentucky vs. 15. North Alabama

West Region – San Jose

Houston HC Kelvin Sampson — Bob Donnan | Imagn Images

Houston still has some heartbreak coming off their loss in the national title game earlier this month in this year’s tournament. That said, the Cougars will be right back in contention next season as a No. 1 seed for a fourth-straight season here, with Emanuel Sharp, Joseph Tugler, and possibly Milos Uzan back and them bringing in Pop Isaacs (Creighton) plus the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation, for their dozenth year under Kelvin Sampson.

The West Region then has Michigan, led by a top portal class, at No. 2 and Tennessee, now since adding a trio of transfers and one of the best recruits in the country, at No. 3. Also of note here is UCLA at No. 4, Arkansas at No. 5 under John Calipari, and Kansas with a consecutive seeding as a No. 7 with the Jayhawks having lost much of their corps from the past few seasons.

1. Houston vs. 16. Southeast Missouri State
8. Vanderbilt vs. 9. Iowa
5. Arkansas vs. 12. Yale
4. UCLA vs. 13. Charleston

6. Gonzaga vs. 11. VCU
3. Tennessee vs. 14. McNeese State
7. Kansas vs. 10. Miami
2. Michigan vs. 15. Youngstown State

East Region – Washington D.C.

Florida high school basketball — Mark J. Rebilas | USA TODAY Sports

Duke is then projected to get a second-straight seeding as a No. 1 in the tournament. The Blue Devils are losing several lottery picks and some veteran guards but still have pieces like Isaiah Evans, Caleb Foster, Maliq Brown, and Patick Ngongba to complement the roster, now currently have a top incoming transfer in Cedric Coward (Washington State), and then have a trio of top freshman in their top-three class, the two legacy recruits in Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer plus Nikolas Khamenia, with enough to compete again next season.

The East Region also has Connecticut as a No. 2 seed, with the Huskies getting an additional boost this morning with the return of Alex Karaban, while Arizona is a No. 3 seed with some of their roster still intact to pair with their own top-three incoming class. Blue bloods like Michigan State at No. 4 and North Carolina as a No. 7, with an all-new roster with the Tar Heels, are also here with three teams from the Lonestar State as well, who are all dealing with some roster overhaul, with No. 5 Texas Tech, No. 8 Texas now under Sean Miller, and No. 9 Baylor.

1. Duke vs. 16. Vermont/Jackson State
8. Texas vs. 9. Baylor
5. Texas Tech vs. 12. Illinois State
4. Michigan State vs. 13. Miami (OH)

6. Alabama vs. 11. Memphis
3. Arizona vs. 14. Troy
7. North Carolina vs. 10. Maryland
2. Connecticut vs. 15. Siena

South Region – Houston

St. John's HC Rick Pitino, F Zuby Ejiofor — Robert Deutsch | Imagn Images

St. John’s, coming off one of their best seasons in school history, could now be even better in year three under Rick Pitino as the last of the projected No. 1 seeds for the tournament. The Red Storm did lose some notable pieces, due to eligibility or the portal, but do return Zuby Ejifor to go with six of the very best transfers in the country.

The South also has BYU, coming off a great season with two returning starters to pair with AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit in the country for 2025, and Rob Wright (Baylor) out of the portal, at No. 2 while Florida, the defending national champions, are at No. 3. This region has several of those new coaches or programs getting back into the bracket too like Eric Musselman with the Trojans at No. 4 plus DeVries and the Hoosiers as well as Wade and the Wolfpack.

1. St. John’s vs. 16. Navy
8. Cincinnati vs. 9. Georgia
5. Ohio State vs. 12. Grand Canyon
4. USC vs. 13. UC Santa Barbara

6. Wisconsin vs. 11. Ole Miss/NC State
3. Florida vs. 14. Furman
7. Mississippi State vs. 10. Marquette/Indiana
2. BYU vs. 15. Idaho

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MTSU to host UTEP for final regular season series of 2025

Story Links MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee softball will host UTEP at Blue Raider Softball Field for its final series of the 2025 season. The games are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 4:00 p.m. on Saturday—followed by the Senior Day ceremony—and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday to close out the series. Each […]

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May 2, 2025

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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee softball will host UTEP at Blue Raider Softball Field for its final series of the 2025 season. The games are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 4:00 p.m. on Saturday—followed by the Senior Day ceremony—and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday to close out the series. Each game will be streamed on ESPN+, and live stats will be available via StatBroadcast.

In their most recent Conference USA series, the Blue Raiders were swept by NM State, dropping all three games. MTSU now holds a 23-27 overall record and sits at 10-14 in conference play, ranking eighth in Conference USA.

The Blue Raiders rank second in the conference with 59 home runs this season and set the NCAA’s longest home run streak of 2025, hitting at least one in 23 consecutive games from March 1 through April 12. Their 59 home runs also rank 38th nationally. Leading the power surge are Ansley Blevins with 12 home runs, and Addy Edgmon and Jana Want with 10 each. In total, 11 Blue Raiders have contributed to the home run total.

Individually, Ava Tepe leads Conference USA in hit-by-pitches with 12 this season. With 39 in her Blue Raider career, Tepe set the program record after being hit twice last Friday. The senior first baseman ranks 35th nationally in the category. Another Blue Raider atop a conference leaderboard is Macie Harter, who has recorded five triples this season—tied with Claire Raley of LA Tech for the CUSA lead and ranking 26th nationally.

Scouting NM State

The 2025 UTEP Miners hold a 22-25 overall record and are also 10-14 in Conference USA play. In their most recent series, the Miners defeated Kennesaw State two games to one. MTSU holds a 7-12 all-time record against UTEP but has gone 6-4 over the last 10 matchups. The Miners are led by head coach T.J. Hubbard, who has held the role since 2019.

UTEP’s standout player is Ajia Richard, who is having a historic season. Richard boasts a .493 batting average with 68 hits, 12 doubles, and 12 home runs.

FOLLOW THE BLUE RAIDERS

Follow Middle Tennessee Softball on social media on Facebook (Blue Raider Softball), Twitter (MT_Softball) and Instagram (@mt_softball).

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