The Tulane Green Wave football team has about two more months until fall camp begins in preparation for the 2025 college football season.

The Green Wave are entering their second season under head coach Jon Sumrall, who led the team to a 9-5 record last year, a third straight trip to the American Athletic Conference title game, and a berth to the Gasparilla Bowl.

While they lost a lot of star talent this offseason in the transfer portal, namely starting quarterback Darian Mensah and running back Makhi Hughes, Tulane football kept Sumrall and both coordinators, giving the program stability.

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Sumrall is only in his fourth year as a head coach in college football, but he’s catching attention across the nation as a coach to watch in the Group of Five.

Sumrall appeared on Josh Pate’s College Football Show this past offseason and made an impression on the CFB host in his first year with the Green Wave.

Pate recently named the most underrated head coaches in college football on his show.

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When Pate got to the G5 level, he immediately zeroed in on two AAC coaches he believes will be at Power Four jobs soon: Sumrall and South Florida Bulls head coach Alex Golesh.

Pate thinks Sumrall and Golesh could already have jobs at that level, but they know college football is a business first and foremost, and they’re both in good spots.

That’s good news for Tulane fans as he continued to boost Sumrall’s profile.

“Jon Sumrall is only a fourth-year head coach, but he’s got two titles at Troy,” Pate said. “He just went 9-5 at Tulane. We went down there a couple of months ago, spent the afternoon with him, and he just gets it. I don’t know; you know when you’re sitting with the real deal. He’s the real deal.”

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Pate likely saw a candid version of Sumrall, as that sit-down was around the time Mensah left for the Duke Blue Devils, and things were still raw.

That type of passion is also what has resonated with fans and insiders across the sport, as has his adaptable mentality that’s critical for success in the current NIL era.

Now, the Green Wave walloped the Bulls last year in a 45-10 win to start conference play, but they were a team that went toe-to-toe with the Alabama Crimson Tide and lost their quarterback to an injury in the loss at Yulman Stadium.

They won’t see them this season unless both make the title game—undoubtedly a goal for Tulane that they know they can reach.

For More Green Wave News, Head to Tulane Green Wave on SI

The New England Patriots’ running back room will largely revolve around workhorse Rhamondre Stevenson and incoming second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson. That leaves veteran Antonio Gibson to compete for the scraps, a battle he seems to be losing at the moment.

Jordy McElroy of the Patriots Wire identified Gibson as one of the biggest losers from New England’s organized team activities (OTAs) thus far. The listing isn’t necessarily because of what the rising sixth-year pro is or isn’t doing; it’s more about undrafted free agent (UDFA) tailback Lan Larison.

UDFA Lan Larison may spell the end of veteran RB Antonio Gibson’s time with the Patriots

Gibson’s “name is starting to fade into the background,” McElroy said, citing Henderson and Larison as reasons why. However, the writer sensibly highlights that this notion may be a tad premature, knowing the Patriots are still practicing in shorts and t-shirts.

Declaring the Pats ready to cut Gibson loose at this juncture in the offseason “might seem somewhat unfair, considering [they’ve] practiced without pads,” McElroy stated. Yet, Henderson’s arrival instantly moves him down the depth chart. Moreover, he “might not even be the No. 3 option if Larison’s stock continues to rise.”

Getting to know Patriots UDFA RB Lan Larison

Why favor Larison, an older (23) prospect from UC Davis who didn’t hear his name called in this year’s draft, over Gibson, you may ask? Versatility.

Larison can do it all. He can carve up opponents on the ground and through the air. His 2,387 all-purpose yards in 2024 marked a UC Davis school record, including a 284-1,465-17 rushing line and 62-847-6 receiving tally.

Furthermore, Larison was both effective and protective with the football in his hands in college. He never fumbled across five campaigns at UC Davis. Being able to tote and hold onto the rock is notable, especially because Gibson and Stevenson have each had their fair share of fumble problems.

Not only did Larison dominate the FCS out of the backfield, but he’s a kicking unit weapon. UC Davis relinquished him of this role during his final two collegiate seasons because he was too valuable as their offensive centerpiece. Nonetheless, his All-Big Sky First Team selection in 2022 came as a special teamer.

A true jack of all trades, Larison was even deployed as a passer at times! He completed 5-of-7 attempts for 45 scoreless yards and an interception as a fifth-year senior. So, Gibson isn’t the only one who should be on alert: Franchise quarterback Drake Maye could also be in trouble (kidding).

Sydney Moore and Sabrina Ootsburg were surrounded by hundreds of college athletes at a convention in Charlotte when news broke that the $2.8 billion NCAA settlement had been approved by a federal judge. In a room full of college athletes, they felt like the only two people who understood the gravity of the situation.

“I’m about to get paid,” Moore said a Division I football player told her.

“Yes, you are about to get paid, and a lot of your women athlete friends are about to get cut,” she responded.

Moore acknowledged that her response might be a stretch, but while the sprawling House settlement clears the way for college athletes to get a share of revenue directly from their schools and provides a lucky few a shot at long-term financial stability, it raises genuine concerns for others.

Schools that opt in will be able to share up to $20.5 million with their athletes over the next year starting July 1. The majority is expected to be spent on high-revenue generating sports, with most projections estimating 75% of funds will go toward football.

So what happens to the non-revenue-generating sports which, outside of football and basketball, is pretty much all of them?

It’s a query that’s top of mind for Ootsburg as she enters her senior year at Belmont, where she competes on the track and field team.

“My initial thought was, is this good or bad? What does this mean for me? How does this affect me? But more importantly, in the bigger picture, how does it affect athletes as a whole?” Ootsburg said.

“You look at the numbers where it says most of the revenue, up to 75% to 85%, will go toward football players. You understand it’s coming from the TV deals, but then it’s like, how does that affect you on the back end?” Ootsburg asked. “Let’s say $800K goes toward other athletes. Will they be able to afford other things like care, facilities, resources or even just snacks?”

Moore has similar concerns. She just completed her fifth and final year of eligibility at Syracuse University, where she was a key member of the volleyball team. Like Ootsburg, she’s become a pioneer in the NIL space and an advocate for college athletes, even though her on-court ventures are behind her.

Moore says most female athletes aren’t worried about how much – if any – money they’ll receive. They fear how changes could impact the student-athlete experience.

“A lot of us would much rather know that our resources and our experience as a student-athlete is going to stay the same, or possibly get better, rather than be given $3,000, but now I have to cover my meals, I have to pay for my insurance, I have to buy ankle braces because we don’t have any, and the athletic training room isn’t stocked,” Moore said over the weekend as news of Friday night’s settlement approval spread.

One of the biggest problems, Ootsburg and Moore said, is that athletes aren’t familiar with the changes. At AthleteCon in Charlotte, North Carolina, they said, perhaps the biggest change in college sports history was a push notification generally shrugged off by those directly impacted.

“Athletes do not know what’s happening,” Ootsburg said. “Talking to my teammates, it’s so new, and they see the headlines and they’re like, ‘OK, cool, but is someone going to explain this?’ because they can read it, but then there’s so many underlying factors that go into this. This is a complex problem that you have to understand the nuances behind, and not every athlete truly does.”

Some coaches, too, are still trying to understand what’s coming.

Mike White, coach of the national champion Texas softball team, called it “the great unknown right now.”

“My athletic director, Chris Del Conte, said it’s like sailing out on a flat world and coming off the edge; we just don’t know what’s going to be out there yet, especially the way the landscape is changing,” he said at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. “Who knows what it’s going to be?”

Jake Rimmel got a crash course on the settlement in the fall of 2024, when he said he was cut from the Virginia Tech cross-country team alongside several other walk-ons. The topic held up the House case for weeks as the judge basically forced schools to give athletes cut in anticipation of approval a chance to play — they have to earn the spot, no guarantees — without counting against roster limits.

Rimmel packed up and moved back to his parents’ house in Purcellville, Virginia. For the past six months, he’s held on to a glimmer of hope that maybe he could return.

“The past six months have been very tough,” he said. “I’ve felt so alone through this, even though I wasn’t. I just felt like the whole world was out there – I would see teammates of mine and other people I knew just doing all of these things and still being part of a team. I felt like I was sidelined and on pause, while they’re continuing to do all these things.”

News that the settlement had been approved sent Rimmel looking for details.

“I didn’t see much about roster limits,” he said. “Everyone wants to talk about NIL and the revenue-sharing and I mean, that’s definitely a big piece of it, but I just didn’t see anything about the roster limits, and that’s obviously my biggest concern.”

The answer only presents more questions for Rimmel.

“We were hoping for more of a forced decision with the grandfathering, which now it’s only voluntary, so I’m a little skeptical of things because I have zero clue how schools are going to react to that,” Rimmel told The Associated Press.

Rimmel is still deciding what’s best for him, but echoed Moore and Ootsburg in saying that answers are not obvious: “I’m just hoping the schools can make the right decisions with things and have the best interest of the people who were cut.”

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AP Sports Writer Cliff Brunt contributed.

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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

Simone Biles Sparks Debate with Bold Comment

Simone Biles, a titan in the gymnastics world with 11 Olympic medals to her name, found herself at the center of a heated debate this week. Her critique of former swimmer and activist Riley Gaines, whom she labeled “sick” for comments about a transgender softball player, has ignited a fervent discussion online. Biles’ assertion that Gaines was “bullying” a high school athlete has drawn significant attention and backlash, reflecting the complex nature of discussions surrounding sports and gender identity.

The Power of Influence

Biles’ words carry immense weight, given her status as an iconic figure in sports. Her decision to publicly challenge Gaines highlights the responsibility that comes with such influence. By stepping into this contentious arena, Biles underscores the ongoing tension between advocacy and differing viewpoints within the sports community. Her comment not only reflects her personal stance but also serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on inclusivity and representation in athletics.

Reaction and Repercussions

The response to Biles’ comment was swift and polarized. Among the voices was that of former sportscaster Sage Steele, who openly criticized Biles for her stance. This reaction underscores the divisive nature of the topic, where opinions are deeply entrenched and emotions run high. The backlash Biles faced illustrates the challenges athletes encounter when they leverage their platforms to address societal issues, particularly those as complex as gender identity in sports.

A Broader Conversation

This incident serves as a microcosm of the larger discourse on the intersection of sports, identity, and fairness. Biles’ engagement in this dialogue brings to light the evolving landscape of athletics, where traditional norms are being questioned and redefined. The conversation extends beyond the individuals involved, touching on the principles of inclusion, the rights of transgender athletes, and the role of public figures in shaping these narratives.

Looking Forward

As the dust settles, the implications of this exchange are likely to resonate within the sports community and beyond. Biles’ willingness to speak out on such a sensitive issue may inspire others to voice their perspectives, fostering a more open dialogue. Ultimately, this moment serves as a reminder of the power of athletes to influence societal change, and the importance of navigating these discussions with empathy and understanding. As the world of sports continues to evolve, the voices of athletes like Biles will be crucial in guiding the path forward.

“When I’m not mentally well enough to read the comments, I turn them off or ignore them,” she said. She also reminds herself that many of these people are strangers: “They don’t know me, and they don’t know my character, so how can they judge through a screen?”

During the one-hour event hosted by UBS investment bank, Biles spoke to more than 500 students – many of them budding gymnasts – about her record-breaking career and maintaining her mental health under so much public pressure.

As a professional athlete, taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, Biles explained.

“Elite athletes [face] a lot of mental effort to step onto the big stage and compete for your country. Obviously, it’s such an honour, but it can be really tough,” she said.

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Knowing when to step back

The training schedule of a professional athlete is gruelling: Biles and her team train 32 to 34 hours a week. They do two workouts on weekdays and one on Saturday, taking only Sunday off.

Considering how much time is spent training, Biles stunned the world at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when she withdrew from several events, including the team final, all-around final, and individual event finals.

The reason for her decision was a mental condition called the “twisties”, a term gymnasts use to describe the feeling of losing perception of their bodies while in the air.

Having the twisties can make them feel like their rhythm is off and that they are not in control of their movements – and it can lead to serious injuries.

Biles looks back on the experience – and the way she prioritised her mental health – positively.

Simone Biles poses with her gold medal during the podium ceremony after the artistic gymnastics women’s all around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on August 1, 2024. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

“I think the mental health journey is something so unique and special, and it’s very personal to you, but really, it’s the most courageous I’ve ever felt,” she said. “The number one reason why I did it was to speak out and stand up for myself. And for the first time, I felt worth more than gold, and that people could relate to me.”

Having a strong support system helped her feel confident about her decision: “My team, my family, the nurses and doctors and the mental health specialists, they all understood, and we were all on the same page that this was the correct move,” she said.

“Having people in your circle of trust that help you and you can confide in really, really helps,” she explained. “If I’m ever having a bad day, they let me have bad days, and they cheer me up. On the good days, they still uplift me.”

Just three years later, Biles competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and one silver.

‘Fly High’ charity sports programme gets Hong Kong youth moving

Meaning of mentorship

Outside of gymnastics, Biles is also passionate about supporting children in the foster care community.

When she was only three years old, she and her siblings entered foster care because their biological mom was struggling with substance abuse. After a few years, Biles was adopted by her grandfather and his wife.

“I never let what happened to me stop me from believing in my dreams,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how you start; it matters where your journey takes you and how you walk that path.”

For the last few years, she has worked with Friends of the Children. The organisation partners with community organisations, schools, and foster care systems to pair children in need of long-term, nurturing relationships with an older friend who acts as their mentor.

Biles said the organisation has expanded from around four chapters to more than 40 across the US during her involvement.

“A lot of people think that foster kids can’t do great things, but I think we’ve proven over so many years [we can]. Never let that determine who you are,” she said.

Biles’ story inspired many of the students who came to listen to her. Photo: Handout

Students who listened to her story said they were inspired. Fifteen-year-old Ila Chan, who has been on the Hong Kong gymnastics team since she was nine, said her biggest takeaway was learning how to cope with stress and handle high-pressure situations.

“She should keep going because she’s an idol for lots of people around the world,” Ila said.

Meanwhile, Lexie Rhodes, 12, who has been doing gymnastics for around five years, said she felt encouraged to recharge, saying she learned the importance of letting off steam and taking the time to relax.

Biles appreciates the chance to serve as a role model and encourage young people, especially aspiring athletes. She offered up a tip for staying motivated and avoiding burnout: make sure you’re always having fun.

“You never know how long your career is gonna last,” she said. “So I would say to just have fun. Dream big, and then dream bigger after that. As long as you’re having fun, you can accomplish anything and love what you do.”