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WWE, AEW power rankings
WrestleMania 41 has come and gone, leaving its mark on the wider wrestling landscape. Of the eight champions (including tag teams) who defended their belts in Las Vegas, only two left victorious — with Cody Rhodes and Gunther both tumbling among the defeated. And with AEW’s Owen Hart Cup underway, could Jon Moxley be next […]

WrestleMania 41 has come and gone, leaving its mark on the wider wrestling landscape. Of the eight champions (including tag teams) who defended their belts in Las Vegas, only two left victorious — with Cody Rhodes and Gunther both tumbling among the defeated. And with AEW’s Owen Hart Cup underway, could Jon Moxley be next on the list of the fallen?
Here’s how things stand in Uncrowned’s power rankings after the biggest weekend in the pro-wrestling calendar.
MEN’S POWER RANKINGS
10. Cody Rhodes (Prev: 2)
It was a humbling night for “The American Nightmare” in the finale of WrestleMania 41, after he was robbed of his title in rather anticlimactic circumstances. As I noted in my column after the event, there was plenty in the match to suggest that Rhodes might prove to be the winner in the long run. But surely no one expects that to happen for a good while yet.
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9. Dominik Mysterio (Prev: NR)
What a night it was for Dirty Dom, who left Las Vegas with his first singles title on the main roster. Given the crowd’s reaction — they cheered him to the rafters, in case you missed it — there are some questions as to whether Mysterio will continue on his previous path as a dastardly heel or be reinvented as a babyface. One thing is clear though: His future in WWE looks bright.
8. Roman Reigns (Prev: 5)
Participating in his 10th WrestleMania event was unquestionably a big achievement for “The Tribal Chief,” who succeeded in bringing out the big guns to salvage an underwhelming Night 1 on Saturday. Despite Reigns’ defeat, the Paul Heyman swerve increases the chances of us getting that blockbuster grudge match against Seth Rollins — potentially at this August’s two-night SummerSlam.
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7. Will Ospreay (Prev: NR)
Regardless of what might be happening elsewhere in AEW, “The Aerial Assassin” never fails to deliver. Having reached the final of this year’s Owen Hart Cup, the Essex boy finally has a visible path to the AEW world championship (or at least a shot at it…). Surely, this is the year that Ospreay will be elevated to the level he so clearly deserves?
6. Bron Breakker (Prev: NR)
The former Intercontinental Champion has looked strong as hell since arriving on the main roster last year. After dropping his belt at WrestleMania 41 — albeit without taking the pin — he received a potential game-changing leg-up on “WWE Raw,” being unveiled as the third member of the hotly anticipated Rollins-Heyman alliance. Stand by for a massive summer for Mr. Breakker.
Bron Breakker is poised for a major push after the latest “WWE Raw.” (Mike Marques/WWE via Getty Images)
(WWE via Getty Images)
5. CM Punk (Prev: 3)
Wrestling’s favorite antihero got his well-deserved reward on Saturday, achieving his career-long dream of participating in a WrestleMania main event. With the Night 1 three-way feud presumably wrapped up for now, the WWE now needs to give “The Second City Saint” a suitably electrifying feud — one that will match the standards of 2024’s McIntyre trilogy.
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4. Randy Orton (Prev: 9)
It was a roller-coaster two weeks for “The Viper,” who went from losing his planned WrestleMania 41 opponent, to participating in one of the most fun WrestleMania segments in years, and then capping it off by standing tall over John Cena on “Raw.” Will WWE deliver on the dream scenario of Cena vs. Orton at next month’s Backlash PLE? Most likely — just don’t expect Orton to come out on top.
3. Jey Uso (Prev: 8)
The “Yeet” movement struck gold in Las Vegas, as Jey Uso received the greatest honor of his career to date, with a crowd-pleasing victory over Gunther to kick off WrestleMania Saturday. After the events on Sunday night, “Main Event Jey” isn’t just holding the World Heavyweight Title, but also inherits the mantle, following Rhodes’ defeat, of being the most popular babyface champion in WWE.
Everything is coming up Uso. (Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)
(WWE via Getty Images)
2. Seth Rollins (Prev 7)
Was Seth Rollins the biggest winner from WrestleMania 41? Triumphing in the triple threat was one thing, but to leave Allegiant Stadium with the support of Paul Heyman — and now Bron Breakker as well? That’s a serious power move that more than justifies his massive leap in this month’s list. With the legendary Reigns-Rollins rivalry firmly back on the table, it’s “The Architect” who has the upper hand right now.
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1. John Cena (Prev: 1)
We might not have loved the WrestleMania 41 main event, but there’s no denying that John Cena has achieved what he set out to do: To stamp his authority over the WWE main title scene, and take back the biggest prize in wrestling. Will the presence of the Universal Championship allow Cena to take his dark persona to the next level? Now is the moment that we find out.
John Cena is on top of the wrestling world. (Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)
(WWE via Getty Images)
WOMEN’S POWER RANKINGS
10. Lyra Valkyria (Prev: NR)
The Irish lass went from looking like a last-minute addition to the ‘Mania card to being one of the breakout stars of the evening, briefly becoming “Lyra Two Belts” after winning the Women’s Tag Team Championships with her long-time inspiration Becky Lynch. The Lynch alliance may have crumbled within 24 hours (weirdly), but it still sets Valkyria up for big things in future.
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9. Mercedes Moné (Prev: NR)
While everyone acknowledges that the woman previously known as Sasha Banks remains a born star, the former Horsewoman has always been slightly hampered during her time in AEW, due to the decision to have her hold the secondary TBS Championship. With Moné now striding ahead in the Owen Hart Cup, perhaps now is the time for AEW CEO Tony Khan to merge the belts, pitting Mercedes against Toni in a winner-takes-all match at Double or Nothing?
8. Charlotte Flair (Prev: 3)
After a spicy buildup to their WrestleMania match, Charlotte Flair failed to defeat Tiffany Stratton on the big stage, extinguishing the last gasp of her Royal Rumble momentum. With limited demand for a rematch with Stratton, we wait to see what the future holds next for “The Queen.” Of all the big names on the WWE women’s roster, her path is the least clear — at least for now.
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7. Jade Cargill (Prev: 9)
Cargill vs. Naomi may not have set the world alight on Night 1, but it still delivered the goods as the first non-title women’s singles match (on the main card) for more than a decade. With a big PLE victory under her belt, it feels like Jade Cargill has finally arrived on the main stage in WWE. In truth, though, she still has some way to go to justify the frantic excitement from two years ago.
6. Becky Lynch (Prev: NR)
After months of radio silence, “Big Time Becks” smashed the decibel-meter on Night 2 of WrestleMania, bringing the 60,000-strong crowd to their feet when she was unveiled as Lyra Valkyria’s mystery tag partner. The Grand Slam Champion now looks set to feud with her fellow countrywoman. While it should do wonders for Valkyria’s standing, it will likely keep Lynch from the main title scene for a few months yet.
Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria’s alliance lasted but 24 hours. (Mike Marques/WWE via Getty Images)
(WWE via Getty Images)
5. Bianca Belair (Prev: 4)
This year’s Elimination Chamber winner arguably drew the short straw in Sunday night’s barnstorming triple-threat title match, ending up as the woman to eat the pin. That said, given the strength of her performance, it’s hard to imagine this being anything more than a temporary setback, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Belair with the belt before long. As for the mystery as to why the crowds have taken to booing her, I confess to having no idea.
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4. Toni Storm (Prev: 5)
Having cringed hard at her foray into vulgar limericks, I almost refrained from bumping Ms Storm up a place in this month’s list. Leaving the comedy aside, though, Toni Storm remains one of the most compelling talents in women’s wrestling, and looks secure for now on her pedestal as AEW’s top champion. She deserves credit, too, for sprinkling some of her stardust on Mariah May and Megan Bayne, both of whom have been boosted massively by going up against her.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky tore the house down during WrestleMania 41 Sunday alongside Bianca Belair. (Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)
(WWE via Getty Images)
3. Rhea Ripley (Prev: 2)
Based on my unscientific assessment, “The Eradicator” drew one of the loudest reactions from the Las Vegas crowd this weekend, confirming her status as the single biggest draw on the women’s roster. Having her in the orbit for the Women’s World Championship makes total business sense, but what Ripley really needs is a serious singles rival who can actually pose a threat to her invincible image.
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2. Tiffany Stratton (Prev: 1)
WWE’s Women Champion didn’t falter on Saturday, defeating a vastly more experienced competitor to retain her podium place. It might not have matched the impeccable standards of Ripley vs. Flair from two years ago, but the result still did wonders for Stratton, elevating her from a Money in the Bank champion to a certified WrestleMania winner.
1. Iyo Sky (Prev: 6)
It was a huge statement victory for the WWE’s Women’s World Champion on Sunday, as she became one of only two champions to retain their gold on the grand stage. Having already enjoyed a stellar year heading into WrestleMania 41, “The Genius of the Sky” exceeded expectations once again. In a highly competitive field, she stands tall as the most powerful force in women’s wrestling, topping our power rankings for the first time.
College Sports
Wilkes University awards over 700 degrees at 78th spring commencement
Wilkes University awarded more than 700 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at its 78th spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday. The ceremony for graduate students receiving doctoral and master’s degrees was held at 10 a.m., while the ceremony for undergraduates receiving bachelor’s degrees was held at 3 p.m. Both ceremonies were held in the McHale […]

Wilkes University awarded more than 700 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at its 78th spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday.
The ceremony for graduate students receiving doctoral and master’s degrees was held at 10 a.m., while the ceremony for undergraduates receiving bachelor’s degrees was held at 3 p.m. Both ceremonies were held in the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main, in Wilkes-Barre.
The degrees conferred include approximately 279 bachelor’s, 341 master’s and 86 doctoral degrees.
David Hicks, director of the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing, delivered the commencement address at the morning ceremony.
Hicks recently released a novel, “The Gospel According to Danny” (Vine Leaves Press, May 2025). He is also the author of a novel-in-stories, “White Plains,” several short stories and the children’s book “The Magic Ticket.”
Hicks is a first-generation college student and son of an immigrant parent. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and his doctorate in American Literature from New York University.
Nancy Dee Georgetson of Sayre, Pennsylvania, provided greetings as a member of the class of 2025 during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Georgetson earned a doctor of nursing practice degree.
Eddie Day Pashinski ’67 delivered the commencement address for the afternoon ceremony and was awarded an honorary degree.
Pashinski serves as Pennsylvania State Representative and focuses on issues regarding quality education, affordable health care and commonsense tax reform. He is the majority chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange.
For 38 years, Pashinski taught music in the Greater Nanticoke Area School district. He continues to entertain local audiences as a musician. Pashinski graduated from Wilkes University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and has a master’s equivalency.
Kimberly Wheeler of Athens, Pennsylvania, provided greetings as a member of the graduating class during the 3 p.m. ceremony. Wheeler earned a Bachelor of Science degree on the way to completion of the doctor of pharmacy degree.
William R. Miller ’81, chair of the Board of Trustees, and Andrew Miller, professor of political science and chair of the Faculty Affairs Council, offered greetings at the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
College Sports
German Opera singer to perform with National Champion Brass Band on June 7th
Eric Fennell is firmly established as one of today’s leading international vocalists over a twenty-year career as an operatic lyric tenor and concert artist. Mr. Fennell will be the guest vocalist with award-winning Atlantic Brass Band at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival on Saturday, June 7 at 5:00 p.m. His debut came in James Robinson’s production […]

Eric Fennell is firmly established as one of today’s leading international vocalists over a twenty-year career as an operatic lyric tenor and concert artist. Mr. Fennell will be the guest vocalist with award-winning Atlantic Brass Band at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival on Saturday, June 7 at 5:00 p.m. His debut came in James Robinson’s production of La Bohème as Rodolfo at Glimmerglass Opera in New York. This led to roles during the next six seasons for New York City Opera, including Alfredo in La Traviata and Narraboth in Salomé. In 2009, he made his European debut singing Verdi’s Requiem for the Latvian National Symphony. Eric’s many concert appearances include tenor solos in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony for the National Chorale at Avery Fisher Hall, Tokyo City Orchestra, Cairo Symphony, and Buffalo Philharmonic Symphony.
A native of Pennsylvania, Eric’s first passion was ice hockey. He played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers through high school, and captained his team at Gettysburg College while earning a B.A. in Music. He continued his education at Boston University, earning an M.M. in Performance and a Professional Studies diploma as a member of the Opera Institute at B.U. Since 2010, Mr. Fennell has been a resident of Berlin, Germany. Mr. Fennell will perform di Capua’s “O sole mio,” “Torna surriento” by Ernesto de Curtis and Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” from his opera, Turandot.
Three-time National Champion Atlantic Brass Band is a premier volunteer performing ensemble in the greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area as well as are artists-in-residence at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. Comprised of professional musicians, professors, educators, and community members, the band is committed to bringing the arts to the community through entertainment, educational collaborations, and fundraising efforts for local schools and charities. The band’s repertoire spans hymns, marches, orchestral transcriptions, pop music, and traditional brass band literature. The ABB has performed internationally with a tour of Italy, two tours of England, and an appearance at both NATO JFC Brunssum and the World Brass Band Championship in Kerkrade, Netherlands.
Salvatore Scarpa is Music Director & Conductor of Atlantic Brass Band. Sal is a retired member of the Rowan University faculty, where he was Director of Orchestras, and taught conducting, music theory, and music history. For many years he was also a member of the conducting staff of Philadelphia Ballet, Music Director & Conductor of Bel Canto Lyric Opera Company, a regular guest conductor for the Orvieto Festival of Strings (Italy), and a long-serving church musician. He is a graduate of Rowan University and the Eastman School of Music.
Eric relates that “I’m very excited about performing at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival. Not only is it my debut at the festival, but it also provides an opportunity to collaborate with the renowned Atlantic Brass Band, as I enjoy collaborating with organizations outside the opera house. It is also a homecoming for me since I am a 1995 graduate of Gettysburg College! I consider myself very fortunate that the College encouraged me to pursue a career in music and I am still in close contact with many of my professors.”
The Gettysburg Brass Band Festival is in its 28th year and attracts some 4000 listeners annually to main stage performances at the United Lutheran Seminary and venues around the borough. Brass bands are the main feature of the festival that includes the poignant Taps Tribute on Saturday evening.
College Sports
UM's Skyleigh Thompson, MSU's Ben Perrin win 2025 AAU Little Sullivan Awards
MISSOULA — Stand up, Flathead Valley. Skyleigh Thompson and Ben Perrin, two athletes from northwestern Montana who competed at Montana and Montana State, were honored as the Montana AAU Little Sullivan Award winners at the Holiday Inn in Missoula on Saturday. Thompson, a Kalispell native and 2021 Flathead grad, was presented with the female Little Sullivan […]

Skyleigh Thompson and Ben Perrin, two athletes from northwestern Montana who competed at Montana and Montana State, were honored as the Montana AAU Little Sullivan Award winners at the Holiday Inn in Missoula on Saturday.
Thompson, a Kalispell native and 2021 Flathead grad, was presented with the female Little Sullivan Award. The 2023 Big Sky Conference offensive MVP, she helped the Montana Grizzlies women’s soccer team earn two Big Sky regular season titles, one tournament title and one NCAA tournament berth.
Montana forward Skyleigh Thompson dribbles downfield during the college soccer game between Montana and Colorado College at South Campus Stadium in Missoula on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.
Perrin, a Kalispell native and 2019 Flathead grad, was honored with the male Little Sullivan Award. In 2024, the U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier helped the Montana State men’s track and field team win its first Big Sky outdoor title since 2005 by placing second in the 5,000 and third in the 10,000.
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Other men’s finalists were: Tommy Mellott, football, Montana State, Butte; Junior Bergen, football, Montana, Billings; and Weston Timberman, rodeo, Clarendon College (Texas), Columbus.
Other women’s finalists were: Katharine Berkoff, Olympic swimming, Missoula; Allie Olsen, volleyball, Utah, Great Falls; and Dani Bartsch, basketball, Montana, Helena.
Montana State’s Ben Perrin races to the finish during the Big Sky cross country championships at the University of Montana Golf Course, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.
The Montana AAU handed out additional awards.
The Outstanding Contributor award went to Dave Bennetts. Billings’ Metra Park received the Outstanding Service award.
The AAU Outstanding Wrestler awards: Northeast, Angelina Escarcega, Poplar Wrestling Club, and Reece Graves, Sidney Wrestling Club; South Central, Kaitlyn Thorn, Big Game Wrestling Club, and Chris Acuna, Darkhorse Wrestling Club/ Montana Disciples; Southeast, Hayden Raemaker, Project Wrestling Club; and West, Tirza TwoTeeth, Ronan Wrestling, and Kale Baumann, North Montana Wrestling Club.
Montana USA Wrestling handed out other awards.
The Angie Buckley Award went to Kaitlyn Thorn. The Gordon Smith Award was given to Kale Baumann. The Marie Hatcher Award was presented to Jeff Anderson. Steve Komac and Matt Atwood took home the Coach’s Award. The Official’s Award went to Blake Love and Dave Bennetts. Gordon Smith, David Edington, and Gene Davis were chosen for the Hall of Fame.
The Montana AAU/USAW triple crown winners were announced.
The boys winners: 8U Cael Penrose, Oliver Heist-Levine and Connor Sweat; 10U Ry-den Garcia, Noah Hollamon, Saul Heist-Levine and Tavin Lamarr; 12U Aiden Gaarcia, Braeden Neil and Quinn Salois; 14U Joel Alves, Cuyler Clark, Zakary Acuna, Rafe Willson and Karter Whitish; 16U Aaron Schmitz; and 18U Christopher Acuna.
The girls winners: 8U Marley Seen and Khloe Alvarado; 10U Sadie Sweat; 12U Aubrey Mclaughlin, Brylee Janes and Leimana Fandrich; 14U Ashlyn McCann, Venyss Steingruber and Trinity Stoner;16U Araeya Nelson; and 18U Destiny Finley.
The inaugural Belt Series Champions were presented by Montana USAW.
The girls winners: 6U Kymber Fonger, 8U Braleigh Fonger, 10U Maybelle Larson, 12U Andreya Redfox, 14U Isabella Mikesell, 16U Araeya Nelson and 18U Kaelynn Vanderpool.
The boys winners: 6U Mickey Eckhardt, 8U Owen Hollman, 10U Noah Hollaman, 12U Archer Lusby, 14U Lavontae Morigeau, 16U Colten Conover and 18U Beaudry Payne.
Frank Gogola is the Senior Sports Reporter at the Missoulian and 406 MT Sports. Follow him on X @FrankGogola or email him at frank.gogola@406mtsports.com.
College Sports
SvoNotes: Blankenburg’s underdog story helps lift Blue Jackets
Justin Danforth is a player who has followed a similar path to Blankenburg.Undersized and overlooked by all the major junior programs coming out of his hometown of Oshawa, Ontario, he attended Sacred Heart University, then played in the ECHL, American Hockey League, Finland’s Liiga and finally the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia before signing with […]

Justin Danforth is a player who has followed a similar path to Blankenburg.
Undersized and overlooked by all the major junior programs coming out of his hometown of Oshawa, Ontario, he attended Sacred Heart University, then played in the ECHL, American Hockey League, Finland’s Liiga and finally the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia before signing with the Blue Jackets and making his NHL debut a season ago at age 28.
Sacred Heart has been a Division I hockey school since 1998-99, but the school located in Fairfield, Conn., has struggled to find success. The team has never made the NCAA tournament and has just seven winning seasons in D-I, and the year before Danforth arrived, the Pioneers won exactly two games.
To hear longtime head coach C.J. Marottolo tell it, Danforth was brought in to help turn around the program when he arrived in 2013-14.
“Scott McDougall, my assistant head coach, he found Justin,” Marottolo said. “I remember him saying, ‘He’s going to help change the culture of the program in how he works, how he attacks the game.’ What I remember most about Justin is every day, he wanted to get better, and he brought that work ethic on the ice, he brought that work ethic in the classroom. He just wanted to improve every day, and I think he’s probably still doing that today.”
Marottolo said those words Sunday evening at Madison Square Garden, as the entire Pioneers program made the 60-mile trip down to New York City to watch Danforth and the Blue Jackets take on the New York Rangers.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, Danforth was unable to play after suffering an injury in the game the night before against Pittsburgh. As the Blue Jackets announced yesterday, it turned out to be a torn labrum in his shoulder that will require surgery and a six-month rehab process, essentially ending his season.
It’s a huge setback for Danforth, who had settled in as the Jackets’ Swiss Army knife, capable of playing anywhere in the CBJ forward lineup and posting two goals in the team’s first six games.
“To put it bluntly, it sucks,” Larsen said of the injury. “Last year (at this time), he’s on his way to the minors, right? This year, can’t live without him.”
That Danforth has reached the point of being indispensable to the Blue Jackets is a testament to his work ethic, will and dedication — not to mention the four years of development that he received at Sacred Heart. When Danforth debuted with Columbus a season ago, he became the first Pioneer to play at in the NHL, and he continues to carry the Sacred Heart banner wherever he goes.
“I think it’s awesome,” Danforth said of bearing the standard for his college team. “Obviously I’m very grateful that it worked out the way it worked out. I think it helps the program bring guys in. There’s a lot of good hockey players at Sacred Heart. There are guys that are going to be playing pro hockey after they are done there. I think it helps pave the way for them and show that there’s a path. And also for NHL teams not to write off Sacred Heart.”
For Marottolo, the future is bright at Sacred Heart. The school has built a $70 million rink, the Martire Family Arena, that is set to open for varsity play in January, and the Pioneers have won three of their first four conference games this season. It also helps that the program’s most prominent alumnus is always a phone call or text away.
“That’s great that he has that Pioneer pride,” the coach said of Danforth. “He’s an inspiration to all of our players. He’s given our school a sense of pride from the administration on down to our team. It gives them the example that, hey, if you work hard and do it the right way and stay with it, maybe you’ll get that chance.
“There’s no question someone on our current team could be the next Justin Danforth, and that’s what we’re pushing for.”
College Sports
Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa hopes for injury
A New Chapter for Tua Tagovailoa and a Bold Leap for Quinn Ewers As the Miami Dolphins gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes are on Tua Tagovailoa, their quarterback, who stands at a pivotal moment in his career. The collective hope is for a season unmarred by injuries, allowing Tagovailoa to showcase the […]


A New Chapter for Tua Tagovailoa and a Bold Leap for Quinn Ewers
As the Miami Dolphins gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes are on Tua Tagovailoa, their quarterback, who stands at a pivotal moment in his career. The collective hope is for a season unmarred by injuries, allowing Tagovailoa to showcase the full extent of his capabilities. Amidst this atmosphere of cautious optimism, the Dolphins are also entangled in strategic decisions regarding key players Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey, particularly the financial intricacies of Ramsey’s contract situation.
Strategic Moves and Financial Gambits
The Dolphins’ reluctance to absorb the guaranteed money in Jalen Ramsey’s contract underscores the complex financial negotiations that often underpin team dynamics and player careers in the NFL. This hesitation has momentarily stalled potential trade discussions, highlighting the delicate balance teams must strike between talent retention and fiscal prudence.
In a bold move towards securing the team’s future, the Dolphins selected Quinn Ewers, the promising quarterback from Texas, in the seventh round of the draft. Ewers, who made the leap to professional football, bypassing a potentially lucrative collegiate year, is poised to learn under Tagovailoa’s tutelage. Despite the financial sacrifice, Ewers’s decision underscores a commitment to his professional growth and the allure of the NFL dream.
Quinn Ewers: A Calculated Risk with a Silver Lining
Ewers’s journey from college to the pros is a tale of resilience and strategic foresight. Opting to enter the draft rather than transferring to another college, he left a significant amount of money on the table. However, Ewers’s narrative took a positive turn with the announcement of a $3 million endorsement deal with a leading trading card company. This deal not only vindicates his decision to go pro but also highlights the evolving landscape of athlete endorsements and the financial opportunities available beyond the playing field.
Ewers’s endorsement deal is a testament to his marketability and the potential the Dolphins see in him. While he may not immediately step into a starting role, his presence adds depth to the quarterback position and introduces a promising talent who could shape the team’s future.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Dolphins and the NFL
As the Dolphins navigate the complexities of the upcoming season, the stories of Tagovailoa and Ewers intertwine, symbolizing the blend of experience and fresh talent that characterizes the ever-evolving nature of the NFL. Tagovailoa’s quest for an injury-free season represents a critical juncture in his career, while Ewers’s early foray into professional football and his subsequent endorsement deal highlight the changing dynamics of athlete compensation and the increasing importance of personal branding.
The Dolphins’ strategic decisions, from managing contract negotiations to nurturing emerging talent, reflect the broader challenges and opportunities facing NFL teams in the modern era. As the season progresses, the outcomes of these decisions will not only shape the careers of Tagovailoa and Ewers but also influence the competitive landscape of the league.
In a sport where the line between success and setback is razor-thin, the stories of these two quarterbacks remind us of the relentless pursuit of excellence and the myriad paths athletes can take to achieve their dreams. For the Dolphins, the coming season is an opportunity to solidify their identity and aspirations in the NFL, with Tagovailoa and Ewers playing pivotal roles in this journey.
College Sports
Josh Heupel Ties Deion Sanders, Lane Kiffin in ESPN's Top College Coaches Poll
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel. Photo via Tennessee Athletics. It’s the middle of the college football dead season right now, but that isn’t stopping people from figuring out ways to talk about the sport. Whether it’s conference power rankings, depth chart projections, or recruiting lines, there’s still plenty of opinions to give and react to for […]


It’s the middle of the college football dead season right now, but that isn’t stopping people from figuring out ways to talk about the sport.
Whether it’s conference power rankings, depth chart projections, or recruiting lines, there’s still plenty of opinions to give and react to for college football fans and analysts.
On Friday, ESPN released its list of the Top 10 coaches across the college football landscape. These rankings were compiled from several ESPN reporters making individual lists, with the coaches receiving points for where they are ranked in each list. For example, the No. 1 coach would get 10 points while the No. 10 coach would receive one point.
Entering his fifth season on Rocky Top, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel did not make the list from voters. Georgia’s Kirby Smart led the way with 119 points, followed by Ohio State’s Ryan Day with 97 and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney with 87.
The points go way down as you go down the list. Iowa State’s Matt Campbell is ranked at No. 10 and only has 15 points.
Josh Heupel was one of the 13 coaches who received at least one point, though. Heupel received three points, which is the same as Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin, Colorado’s Deion Sanders, and SMU’s Rhett Lashlee. Only Kansas State’s Chris Klieman and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz have lower spots with one point each.
More From RTI: Projecting Tennessee Football’s Depth Chart Following Spring Portal Movement
Heupel does have wins over four of the coaches on the list while at Tennessee, including Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, LSU’s Brian Kelly, and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz.
In four years in Knoxville, Heupel has achieved a 37-15 record in 52 games with wins in the Orange Bowl and Citrus Bowl, a loss in the Music City Bowl in his debut year, and a loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs this past season. He enters his fifth season with a solid roster but major quarterback questions after the Vols’ dramatic divorce with Nico Iamaleava in the spring.
Heupel, a former National Championship-winning quarterback at Oklahoma, will oversee a quarterback battle between incoming transfer Joey Aguilar, rising redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and true freshman George MacIntyre. Aguilar feels like the early favorite because of his prior experience, but we’ll have to wait and see how things unfold during training camp this spring.
Check out ESPN’s full list of the Top 10 college football coaches rankings here.
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