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Morning Buzz

Published

8 months ago

April 29, 2025

Start your morning with Buzzcast with Abe Madkour: Historic day in D.C. as Commanders return home; Breaking down the numbers from Green Bay and Clemson goes Bananas

Details of the arrangement — which must be approved by the D.C. Council — are “expected to be announced by Commanders principal owner Josh Harris and Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) at a joint news conference Monday morning.” Getty Images

D.C. and the Commanders are “planning to announce a deal Monday to build the team’s next stadium at the derelict RFK Stadium site on the Anacostia waterfront.” Details of the arrangement — which are set to be revealed at 11am ET and “must receive D.C. Council approval” — are expected to be announced by Commanders principal owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser at a joint news conference Monday morning. The deal is “likely to enduringly shape the legacy of Bowser,” who has “repeatedly bet big on sports as an economic growth driver and eyed RFK Stadium for a decade, and of Harris, who is spearheading the franchise’s revival after decades of scandal and mismanagement” (WASHINGTON POST, 4/27).

The agreement “completes a yearslong search by the organization that gained serious momentum” once Harris purchased the Commanders from Dan Snyder. The momentum “further surged” once Congress included a provision in a continuing resolution bill in December, giving the city control of the land for the next 99 years. Without that allowance, the Commanders “would not have reached an agreement with the city.” Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also “lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill to pass legislation to allow for the transfer of land.” It was signed into law by former President Joe Biden in early January (ESPN.com, 4/27).

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaking to the media at the opening of Sadler's Wells East theatre — London Mayor Sadiq Khan is hoping “to fuel London’s ambition to to be ‘the sporting capital of the world.’” PA Images via Getty Images

London Mayor Sadiq Khan “wants London to bid for the 2040 Olympic Games as part of a sports events strategy.” A new report that will be published by the Mayor of London’s office on Monday says that the staging of six events last year, including the Champions League final at Wembley and the London Athletics Meet, as well as regular-season NFL and MLB games, generated $306M for the city. Khan said he wanted the report, created by Think Beyond, “to fuel London’s ambition to to be ‘the sporting capital of the world,’” with the mayor “also ready to join forces with British athletics bosses and UK Sport in bidding for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.” There has been “concern that the government lacks an appetite for funding sport in what is currently a challenging economic climate,” but Khan says he “has had some ‘positive discussions’ on the matter” (London TIMES, 4/28).

A campaign “has been launched to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships in London.” UK Sport and UK Athletics have “concluded a year-long feasibility study” into London hosting the 2029 event, which they say “projects a record-breaking economic and social impact of more than” $533M. The campaign was launched on the day of the 2025 London Marathon. Any interested host city “must lodge a formal expression of interest to World Athletics by September this year, with London’s hopes contingent on securing” $60M in government funding (THE ATHLETIC, 4/26).

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 09: Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on February 09, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) — The Eagles are scheduled to visit the White House on Monday to celebrate their Super Bowl title, but “that doesn’t mean all the Eagles will be at Monday’s event.” Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Eagles are scheduled to visit the White House on Monday to celebrate their Super Bowl title, but “that doesn’t mean all the Eagles will be at Monday’s event.” At the Time 100 Gala on Thursday night, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts was asked if he planned to attend — and though he “seemed about to answer the question,” he “then did not offer a reply.” A player “who will be there” is Eagles RB Saquon Barkley — who “visited the president at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey on Sunday and traveled to Washington with Trump on Marine One,” the president’s personal helicopter. After the team’s previous Super Bowl victory, the Eagles didn’t visit the White House — but team owner Jeffrey Lurie has said “the circumstances are different this time around” (AL.com, 4/27). So far, “no Eagles players have said outright they’ll skip the White House visit.” Lurie has “downplayed the politics” of visiting Trump’s White House and “left it up to individual players to decide to attend” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 4/27).

Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich of the New York Jets looks on from the field — The Falcons said Sunday that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son “was responsible for a prank call made to NFL draft pick Shedeur Sanders.” Getty Images

The Falcons said Sunday that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son “was responsible for a prank call made to NFL draft pick Shedeur Sanders.” In a statement, the team said Jax Ulbrich “came across the draft contact phone number” of Sanders on “an open iPad while visiting his parent’s home.” Though Jax Ulbrich “provided the number, he was sitting beside an unidentified friend who actually made the call to Sanders.” In the call, Jax Ulbrich’s friend “identified himself as” Saints GM Mickey Loomis and “told Sanders he had been drafted by the Saints before ending the call.” Jax Ulbrich “apologized to Sanders on Sunday,” while the Falcons also “apologized to Sanders” (AP, 4/27). The Falcons “will not take any action against Jeff Ulbrich,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (ESPN.com, 4/27).

Jax Ulbrich’s actions aren’t the responsibility of the Falcons or Jeff Ulbrich, but — “fairly or not” — it does “reflect on the Falcons and owner Arthur Blank, whose franchise has a growing collection of embarrassing moments.” They “don’t need to be issuing another statement volunteering its willingness to cooperate with the league office.” Given that the Falcons have missed the playoffs seven seasons in a row and “actually have been subject to league investigations,” it “only adds to the picture of a franchise that continually trips over itself” (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/27).

First base coach José David Flores #58 of the Boston Red Sox holds back Jarren Duran #16 as Duran yells at a fan — Red Sox LF Jarren Duran was “restrained by umpires and coaches as he yelled into the stands at Progressive Field after the top half of the seventh inning.” Getty Images

The fan who reportedly “crossed the line” Sunday when he taunted Red Sox LF Jarren Duran from the stands has been identified and Guardians said they are working with MLB “regarding next steps, and that they fell short of their goal to provide the best experience to visiting players and fans.” Duran was “restrained by umpires and coaches as he yelled into the stands at Progressive Field after the top half of the seventh inning.” A fan, later identified to Guardians security by other fans in the area, “was seen running away from the confrontation and up the aisle onto the concourse.” The fan “immediately left the ballpark,” but Guardians personnel “are aware of his identity” (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 4/27).

Meanwhile, the UFL is “investigating an incident” that happened at the conclusion of Saturday night’s Battlehawks-Panthers game where “a player slapped a fan.” After the game, a fan in a blue hat “leaned over the railing in the first row, shouting at two Michigan Panthers players behind that team’s bench.” In response, Panthers WR Samson Nacua “reaches up and slaps the fan across the face with his right hand” as Panthers CB Adonis Alexander “points at the fan and laughs” (ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH, 4/27).

The leaderboard is seen on the 16th green on day four of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans — TV coverage of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic was “plagued with power outage issues” on Sunday, as problems on-site at TPC Louisiana “made it impossible to watch a large portion of the final round.” Getty Images

TV coverage of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic was “plagued with power outage issues” on Sunday, as problems on-site at TPC Louisiana “made it impossible to watch a large portion of the final round.” When coverage of the Zurich Classic moved to CBS at 3pm ET, “coverage of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s march to victory in 2024 was being aired with a ticker across the bottom of the screen noting technical difficulties.” At 3:42pm, “the horn blew and play was suspended because of inclement weather.” When play resumed at 5:15pm, CBS “was back with live coverage and no mention of any of the difficulties from earlier” (GOLF DIGEST, 4/27).

Meanwhile, “more than 37,000 fans attended the third round” of the tournament Saturday, a single-day attendance record. The massive crowd “helped the tournament set a single-day record for concession sales on Saturday, as well.” Attendance on the first two days of the tournament was “also larger than a year ago,” as Friday’s attendance “topped 29,000” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 4/27).

MLB and media brand Boardroom have expanded their partnership, which began in 2024. Boardroom

MLB and media brand Boardroom have expanded their partnership, which began in 2024. For their year-long collaboration in 2025, Boardroom, co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, will handle talent-booking and event afterparty production and programming for the July 12 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game in Atlanta. It will also produce MLB’s consumer-facing activation at the June 20-22 Fanatics Fest in N.Y., featuring interactive experiences and talent appearances. Additionally, Boardroom will produce a high-profile entertainment experience around the MLB Awards presented By MGM Rewards After Party in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Boardroom will continue player-driven MLB content and storytelling. Among Boardroom’s investments includes Athletes Unlimited. MLB is also planning to invest in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.

Oak View Group is taking over operations of Reading, Pa.’s Santander Arena. Matt Christine

The Berks County Convention Center Authority (BCCCA) has hired Oak View Group to manage operations, create a best-in-class food and beverage program, and sell sponsorships for the 8,800-seat Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

The deal also includes management of the Reading Royals, the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, who play at Santander Arena. The BCCCA owns the Royals after recently buying the team for a second time (it owned the club from 2011 to 2014) but budgeted a $274,000 loss for the Royals in the 2025 fiscal year. OVG has a similar relationship with the XL Center and the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. OVG is also involved with ownership of the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds in Palm Desert, Calif., alongside the Kraken, and has extensive hockey experience in its executive ranks, highlighted by OVG co-chair Peter Luukko, the former president and CEO of Comcast Spectacor and the Flyers.

The BCCCA’s venue management agreement with OVG includes day-to-day operations, booking, scheduling, marketing, advertising and sponsorship sales for Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center.

OVG is replacing ASM Global as the venue manager. The BCCCA voted late last year to not extend ASM Global’s venue management deal, which expires June 30. And OVG’s booking team will take over from ArenaNetwork, whose event booking business includes at least two dozen major arenas around North America like Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, Anaheim’s Honda Center, and Edmonton’s Rogers Place.

In Case You Missed It…

In case you missed it in SBJ’s Weekend Rap:

Speed Reads…

Legends has hired Brandon Nelson as Chief Legal Officer of the combined Legends and ASM Global business entity. Nelson will lead the combined company’s legal team and work, including partner negotiations, regulatory issues, public policy, compliance, labor law, and risk assessment and mitigation, while providing counsel on internal corporate strategy. Nelson joins Legends after two decades at JetBlue where he most recently was General Counsel and Corporate Secretary (Bret McCormick, SBJ).

Morning Hot Reads: Can They Co-Exist?

The Cleveland PLAIN DEALER went with the header, “Can Cleveland airport and a new Browns stadium coexist without a major traffic tangle?” If you’ve ever been caught in traffic heading to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, “you must be wondering — what if in the future I’m trying to catch a plane just before or after a big event at a new Browns stadium practically next door?” Whether you get stuck “could come down to what — if anything — is done to the Snow Road interchange with Interstate 71, and other nearby roadways.” Even before there was talk of a Browns stadium in Brook Park, “overhauling that interchange was identified in long-range planning as a possible solution to airport congestion.” Now, any redesign “might have to consider the added pressure of a massive sports venue wedged between the airport and the interstate.”

Also:

This Week’s Event: April 28-May4

MONDAY

TheTicketingBusiness Forum will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, and will explore the opportunities of open, multi-channel connections to discovery, sales and distribution. Speakers will include ASM Global SVP/Entertainment, Content & Programming (MENA) Mark Jan Kar, Letsgo Entertainment COO August Banegas, Tixr Dir of Partnerships Eric Valley, Silverstone Circuits Head of F1 British Grand Prix Commercial Development Ashley Kirk and many more (3 days).

TUESDAY

SportsPro Live 2025 will be held at the Kia Oval in London. Speakers will include IMG President Adam Kelly, Wasserman Boxing Global Head of Boxing Kallie Sauerland, Kynisca founder & CEO Michele Kang, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited COO Holly Murdoch, SURJ Sports Investment CEO Danny Townsend and many more (2 days).
Spotify Technology will release its quarterly earnings.
Caesars Entertainment will release its quarterly earnings.

THURSDAY

The 2025 espnW Summit NYC will be held at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and will feature panels led by ESPN host and SportsCenter anchor Elle Duncan; ESPN soccer analyst and World Cup Champion Julie Foudy; ESPN host and reporter Laura Rutledge; and MLB and softball analyst Jessica Mendoza. ESPN studio anchor and analyst Christine Williamson will host the livestream of the event. The lineup also includes Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Chiles; Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell; ESPN college football reporter Jess Sims; Athletes Unlimited Softball League Chief Growth Officer Allie Kleva; WNBAPA Exec Dir Terri Carmichael Jackson; SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn; and more (1 day).
PGA Tour player Rory McIlroy will appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Amazon will release its quarterly earnings.
Apple will release its quarterly earnings.
Roku will release its quarterly earnings.
SiriusXM will release its quarterly earnings.

If you have a sports business event for consideration in our listings, please send an email to calendar@sportsbusinessjournal.com.

Social Scoop…

Odd deal at #ZurichClassic — nearly 2 hours without CBS coverage of final round due to “technical difficulties.” Asked a tournament director if the PGA Tour gives Zurich/event anything for the lost coverage. His reply: “Make goods — lots of ’em. Never seen this happen. This is…

— Scott Hamilton (@ScottHamiltonPC) April 27, 2025

Bill Simmons had some issues with ESPN going to commercial as Jalen Brunson was hurt and by repeatedly showing their former analyst, Jalen Rose. pic.twitter.com/pnnaghgGgp

— The Comeback NBA (@TheComebackNBA) April 28, 2025

“In this 1995 book, Pilgrim is taken to Tom, whose job it is to utter secrets ‘softly into pricked and troubled ears.’”

Off the presses…

The Morning Buzz offers today’s back pages and sports covers from some of North America’s major metropolitan newspapers:

Final Jeopardy…

“What is ‘The Horse Whisperer’?”

NIL

Notre Dame’s Joey O’Brien Joins Under Armour’s First NIL Squad

Published

25 minutes ago

January 5, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Notre Dame safety signee Joey O’Brien is one of six members of Under Armour’s first NIL squad, the athletic apparel brand announced on Instagram on Sunday.

O’Brien represents one of four players in the incoming Fighting Irish class who earned five-star status, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound defensive back will arrive in South Bend, Ind., as the No. 31 overall prospect and No. 2 safety in the country.

Last fall, he suited up for La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Penn., where he dominated on both sides of the ball. He had snagged 86 receptions for 1,247 yards and 18 receiving touchdowns and a 2-point conversion.

On defense, O’Brien had registered 49 tackles (1.0 for a loss), four interceptions, including a 94-yard pick-six, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Additionally, he blocked a punt on special teams.

“We’ve continued to add size at the defensive back position,” Notre Dame general manager Mike Martin said about the position group. “We talked about some [like] Joey O’Brien’s just long, rangy, unique ability to sort of get his hands on the ball and take the ball away…

“Not to backtrack, but Joey O’Brien [played] receiver and setting records on the offensive side. I think [he] recently broke Marvin Harrison’s receiving record, something crazy like that.”

Notre Dame has had its own partnership with UA since 2014, which will continue at least until the 2030s. The University finalized a 10-year contract extension with the brand in August 2023.

“10 more years of partnering with the Fighting Irish and supporting student-athletes both on AND off the field,” Under Armour wrote on social media at the time.

O’Brien isn’t the only Fighting Irish football player whose had his own apparel deal.

In 2025, Notre Dame Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiyah Love signed a deal with New Balance. Recently, Jordan Faison, Kyle Hamilton, Michael Mayer, Audric Estimè, Benjamin Morrison and Riley Leonard have all inked contracts with Rhoback.

UA signed five other players to its first NIL squad:

Ryder Lyons, BYU QB Signee

Zion Lee, Maryland EDGE Signee

Jireh Edwards, Alabama S Signee

Easton Royal, 2027 Texas Tech WR Commit

Eric McFarland, 2027 Four-Star WR Prospect

Link

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Nebraska predicted to land defensive player from transfer portal

Published

1 hour ago

January 5, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Former San Diego State linebacker Owen Chambliss visited Nebraska on Saturday and it sounds like that could be the only trip he takes.

I mentioned on Friday that there was a good chance Chambliss would be one and done and could commit to the Huskers shortly after his visit.

I continue to hear that’s the case and went ahead and put in a commit prediction for Nebraska to land the talented linebacker. Texas is one school to watch for but in talking to a source close to his recruitment, a commitment to the Huskers is now imminent.

Chambliss is one of the top linebackers available in the transfer portal. He’s currently rated the No. 130 player overall and the No. 6 linebacker in the transfer portal rating.

Chambliss is coming off a big year for the Aztecs where he totaled 109 tackles, 10 for loss, four sacks, one interception and five passes defended.

He has developed in to the, ‘jack of all trades,’ kind of player we saw in high school where he routinely lined up as an edge rusher, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and safety and was recruited all three positions.

Chambliss has his former defensive coordinator from San Diego State, Rob Aurich, now at Nebraska and thats huge for him.

He has a strong comfort level with Aurich, knows the defense and feels he’s the coach who can continue to develop him and get him to the NFL.

Link

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Two Truths and a Lie: LSU and the transfer portal

Published

2 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Your Sports Nation

By Chris Marler

In the chaos of the transfer portal, NIL and coaching carousel drama, it’s becoming clear that some long held truths in college football no longer apply.

Truth No. 1 – Don’t get caught up in rankings and “big” names.

Star rankings and blue chip recruits have been the name of the game for a long time in college football. The highest ranked recruits generate the most buzz, and it’s human nature to love the shiny, expensive things, especially in college football.

Racking up five-star studded class after five-star studded class for your depth chart worked beautifully in the pre-portal era. We are no longer in a time where waves of elite recruits are waiting their turn on the depth chart, though.

While it’s awesome to sign the top prospects available out of high school or the portal, losing out on a player like Sam Leavitt or a former five-star isn’t the end of the world. So, as rumors about the No. 1 overall player in the country potentially going to Kentucky continue to swirl, there is no reason to worry if you’re LSU.

In fact, there is no better example of why that isn’t the end of the world than LSU. Look no further than Lane Kiffin’s success with a DII quarterback, and LSU going 7-6 with an $18 million roster.

Truth No. 2 – The drama isn’t over yet.

The day that college football season ends is usually the most depressing day of the year, besides that first Sunday where it gets dark at like 4:30 p.m.. I dread the end of the season every year, but I cannot wait for this drama with the LSU-Ole Miss coaching staffs to end.

What is happening now isn’t sustainable. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. has traveled to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, back to Baton Rouge for recruiting and meetings and back to Oxford for Fiesta Bowl prep. That’s all in a 72 hour window.

As noted Saturday, Charlie Weis Jr. went from New Orleans after the Sugar Bowl, to Baton Rouge for LSU meetings, to Oxford for Ole Miss Fiesta Bowl prep, back to Baton Rouge for LSU recruiting and is expected back in Oxford for more game prep.https://t.co/KvaJhxRoz6

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 4, 2026

At this point, I can only imagine they’re just meeting every other Tuesday in a McDonald’s parking lot like my parents did. Nothing says resentment and contentious agreement like a Happy Meal and McFlurry, coach!

The Lie – Lane Kiffin is just hoping for the best for everyone.

Can we just stop with this charade that Lane Kiffin is actively hoping for the best for everyone. This whole “I just hope both sides have fun” schtick is ridiculous. I am not blaming Kiffin, and I genuinely don’t even disagree with most of the decisions he’s made throughout this process, regardless of the theatrics involved.

Divorce is messy, and this is no different.

I firmly believe that Lane Kiffin wanted Ole Miss to win against Tulane and Georgia. I also believed he wanted them to win up until the point that he realized they may actually do it. It’s really simple to pretend you have genuine goodwill towards something, someone or some team (you used to coach), when deep down you never thought they’d succeed without you in the first place.

Maybe that’s just me overreacting and reading too much into it. I’m not inside Kiffin’s head and maybe my assessment of the situation is completely off base. If it is, fine. Either way, I think the general feeling from everyone at this point is wishing that both sides would completely part ways and stop making this somehow even messier at every turn.

I’m not sure what the exact therapy buzzword is for that level of disingenuous gaslighting, but I’ll let you know when I meet with Dr. Frankie on Tuesday.

Happy as can be. “Let them and Love them all” https://t.co/J3jI4bdKm8

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) January 3, 2026

Link

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College football quarterback with 6,600 career passing yards enters transfer portal

Published

3 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Your Sports Nation

A quarterback with nearly 7,000 career passing yards has elected to enter the college football transfer portal in search of what will be his fifth school heading into the 2026 season.

North Texas quarterback Reese Poffenbarger has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal looking for a new school next year, according to CBS Sports.

Over the last four seasons, the quarterback has been on three different rosters after redshirting his first year at Old Dominion in 2021.

His best performance to date

Poffenbarger had his two best overall outings in the 2022 and 2023 seasons when suited up for Albany, where he transferred to the FCS ranks.

He was named the starter at Albany after competing with two other candidates for the position and established a school record with 412 passing yards in a game against Fordham.

That year, Poffenbarger finished with one yard shy of 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and was named the Colonial Athletic Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He led Albany to the FCS playoff semifinal round the following season, and elected to transfer away after leading the FCS with 36 passing touchdowns and 3,603 passing yards.

The quarterback finished as the school’s touchdown passing record-holder in his time with the program.

Where he’s been lately

Poffenbarger transferred to Miami ahead of the 2024 season, ultimately serving as the backup to Cam Ward, himself a transfer to the school who went on to lead college football’s top-ranked passing attack that year.

From there, Poffenbarger transferred to the Group of Five ranks, landing at North Texas, where he competed for and ultimately lost the starting quarterback job to eventual NCAA passing leader Drew Mestemaker.

What he’s done on the field

In his career, Poffenbarger boasts a 14-12 overall record in 26 starts across 32 total games, passing for 6,669 yards with 60 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

He rushed for an additional 342 yards and eight more touchdowns.

Poffenbarger’s best outing came with Albany in the 2023 season, going 11-4 overall with 3,614 yards with 36 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, rushing for 6 touchdowns.

How the college football transfer portal works

The new 15-day transfer portal window from Jan. 2-16 and the elimination of the spring transfer period has condensed the timeline for players and programs to make their moves.

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a private database that includes the names of student-athletes in every sport at the Division I, II, and III levels. The full list of names is not available to the public.

(CBS)

No. 8 transfer WR sets official visits with two major college football programs

Published

4 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Your Sports Nation

One of the top offensive weapons on a Big Ten team and one of the highest-ranked players at his position in the college football transfer portal is in play and two notable programs are already making overtures as the 2026 cycle heats up.

Former Rutgers wide receiver Ian Strong is in the NCAA transfer portal coming off a very productive season, and has already set two official visits as he scouts a new school, according to On3 Sports.

Who is interested in the wideout?

Notre Dame is at the front of the line for the wide receiver, and is scheduled to meet him on campus for an official visit some time this week, according to the report.

The wide receiver position is an area of some need for the Fighting Irish looking ahead to the 2026 season with one notable player on the way out.

Malachi Fields, himself a transfer from Virginia last offseason, led Notre Dame in total receiving production in 2025, but is set to exit the program and enter the NFL Draft.

And while there are other notable receiving targets currently on the roster for quarterback CJ Carr, most notably Jordan Faison, the Fighting Irish are said to be in the market for another go-to wide receiver talent for their offense next season.

Where has Strong been?

A notable ACC hopeful undergoing a notable coaching change and returning a potentially-elite quarterback in 2026 is in the market for the wide receiver.

California recently hosted Strong on an official visit, which took place on Sunday, according to the most recent reporting.

Head coach Tosh Lupoi earned a major re-commitment in December when star quarterback and former five-star prospect Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele confirmed his decision to return as QB1 for the Golden Bears in 2026.

Now he needs a go-to target, and Strong is a player who would theoretically fit the bill, and would potentially give the Cal offense an instant upgrade.

What Strong has done on the field

Rutgers played one of the most productive passing offenses in the Big Ten this past season, and Strong’s performance at wide receiver was one of the reasons why.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound wideout, the former top prospect from the state of New York, had 111 receptions for 1,668 yards and 12 touchdowns over the last three seasons.

This past season saw Strong’s best effort as he finished with 52 grabs for 762 yards and five touchdowns, all career-highs in a Rutgers offense that was top 25 nationally in passing output.

Strong is listed as the No. 8 transfer wide receiver in the 2026 college football transfer portal cycle, according to the On3 Sports national player rankings.

IU football adds TCU QB Josh Hoover out of the transfer portal – The Daily Hoosier

Published

5 hours ago

January 5, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Indiana has an experienced veteran in the stable at quarterback for 2026.

Texas Christian transfer Josh Hoover is headed to Bloomington based on multiple Sunday reports.

For his career the Heath, Texas product projects to have the most passing yards (9,629) and touchdown passes (71) of any player returning to college football next season.

The 6-foot-2 and 200-pound Hoover has been with TCU each of the last four seasons, taking a redshirt year in 2022. Since he took over as the starter in October 2023, the team went 19-12, including 17-8 in the last two years. He led the Horned Frogs to nine wins in 2024 and eight this season.

He was originally committed to Tom Allen and the Hoosiers out of high school before flipping his decision late in the cycle following the 2021 season.

Hoover has one year of eligibility remaining.

As a redshirt freshman in 2023, Hoover started the final six games of the season. He completed 62.1% of his throws for 2,206 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

In 2024 Hoover completed 66.5% of his passes for 3,949 yards with 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

This season he completed 65.9% of his throws for 3,472 yards with 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Hoover was sacked 18 times in 2025 and 16 times in 2024.

Like Indiana, TCU ran a lot of RPO offense with Hoover as the starter under offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, who has left for South Carolina. In that system Hoover showed he is a capable runner too. Over the last three years he has rushed for 267 yards (before sack adjustment) with eight touchdowns.