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Everywhere you look across the landscape of college sports, athletic directors are holed up in boardrooms and budget meetings, furrowing their brows over spreadsheets and taking a chainsaw to line items like movie villains in a slasher flick — desperately trying to figure out how they’re going to come up with an additional $20.5 million […]

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Bianchi

Everywhere you look across the landscape of college sports, athletic directors are holed up in boardrooms and budget meetings, furrowing their brows over spreadsheets and taking a chainsaw to line items like movie villains in a slasher flick — desperately trying to figure out how they’re going to come up with an additional $20.5 million a year to pay their athletes.

Programs are bracing for staff cuts. Olympic sports are sweating their survival. Facility upgrades are being shelved or downsized.

The University of Kentucky’s athletics department expects to operate at a net loss of nearly $31 million over the next two fiscal years and is borrowing $141 million from the university’s general fund to offset the deficit.

The hoity-toity University of Michigan athletic department is receiving $15 million in support from the university’s general fund so it can balance its budget this year.

And then there’s UCF … calm, calculating and oddly comfortable amid the chaos.

“We’re in a little better position because we’re getting some new money [from the Big 12] as opposed to some other programs that have a $20.5 million bill coming to their athletic department,” UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir says.

I would say UCF isn’t just in a little better position; it’s in a much better position.

Yes, UCF — the young, brash program often dismissed by traditionalists as a Johnny-come-lately — may actually be better equipped to navigate the beginning of the pay-for-play era than the so-called bluebloods.

Why? Because unlike Florida, Florida State, Miami and other marquee programs throughout the country that have long been dining at the wagyu-laden lobster-stuffed banquet table of TV riches, UCF has been living off the crumbs — and learning how to stretch every dollar like a Depression-era homemaker. Now, just as this new system demands schools pony up as much as $20.5 million annually to pay athletes, UCF is suddenly flush with new money, having joined the Big 12 and becoming eligible for a full share of TV revenue starting this year.

To put it plainly: While some schools will need to scramble, cut and beg to fund this new mandate, UCF will simply carve out its share from this fresh windfall of Big 12 media money.

Before moving to the Big 12, UCF’s annual TV revenue from the American Athletic Conference hovered around $9 million. Starting this year, UCF’s Big 12 revenue will spike to approximately $45 million annually — nearly a $36 million jump from the AAC. Even after setting aside the NCAA’s proposed $20.5 million for athlete payments, UCF still pockets $24.5 million. That’s a $15.5 million net increase in TV revenue from where the program was just two years ago.

Meanwhile, the established programs like Florida and Florida State already have baked their SEC and ACC TV money into their oversized athletic budgets. They’ve committed millions to coaching buyouts, bloated staffs and opulent facilities.

Now, they must find $20.5 million more per year — on top of what they’re already spending — to meet the athlete compensation requirements. Some — like Kentucky, Michigan and Washington —are borrowing while others may have to lean harder than ever on donors already fatigued by name-image-likeness (NIL) collectives.

But UCF? The Knights get to pay players with new money — and still come out ahead.

And maybe, too, UCF is better-equipped to navigate the current financial landscape because the Knights are accustomed to pinching pennies, turning dimes into dollars and digging into the couch cushions to stay competitive.

Consider their stadium. While many major programs have spent hundreds of millions on NFL-style cathedrals, UCF opened The Acrisure Bounce House in 2007 for roughly $55 million — a bargain at the time and an incredible steal by today’s standards. FSU would spend more than $55 million if it  needed to buy out Mike Norvell’s contract after this season.

Or consider UCF’s indoor practice facility, completed in 2005. UCF was the first program in the state to build one, beating Florida and Florida State to the punch by nearly a decade. Again, it was constructed with resourcefulness, not extravagance.

UCF has always been a program that maximized efficiency and had to adapt and improvise out of necessity. And this is precisely the type of entrepreneurial spirit that the Knights and other programs will need to succeed in the era of revenue-sharing.

However, where UCF is at a massive disadvantage within the state  and within its own conference is that the Knights don’t have nearly as many well-heeled boosters ready to supplement player salaries with exorbitant “NIL” deals. Even though conference commissioners and coaches say they will follow the new rules in regard to policing third-party (booster) NIL deals, color me skeptical.

It’s been reported by CBSSports.com that Texas Tech — aided by free-spending billionaire booster Cody Campbell — currently has an athletic payroll of $55 million. When I made the statement to Mohajir that it “doesn’t seem believable” that some schools are suddenly going to tell their athletes that they have to take a pay cut, the UCF AD responded, “It doesn’t seem believable, but that’s what they’re going to have to do. There are a lot of provisions to guardrail cap circumvention … and the penalties are punitive.

“I know there are a lot of cynics,” Mohajir added, “but I feel pretty good about it [the new system]. I have to look at it from an optimist’s standpoint. I feel like we’re on the right track. Is it perfect? No. But at this particular time, we need progress over perfection.”

Progress over perfection isn’t just a Mohajir soundbite; you could say it’s a summary of UCF’s entire journey and how it has prepared the Knights for this new era..

You see, this isn’t just about money; it’s about mindset.

UCF was built on budget discipline, innovation and adaptability.

In this new world of college football, a case could be made that the Knights are no longer an afterthought; they’re a trendsetter.

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen

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New NIL deal is a game changer for Georgia’s pursuit of No. 1 LB

Tyler Atkinson is the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class and is a top target for Georgia. Atkinson is yet to announce a commitment date yet, but the expectation is that he could share that news sometime this next month. So while the college football world waits for that announcement, Atkinson recently shared […]

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Tyler Atkinson is the No. 1 linebacker in the 2026 recruiting class and is a top target for Georgia. Atkinson is yet to announce a commitment date yet, but the expectation is that he could share that news sometime this next month.

So while the college football world waits for that announcement, Atkinson recently shared some big personal news involving a new NIL deal.

Tyler Atkinson’s Adidas NIL deal changes the game

It isn’t very common for high school athletes to sign NIL deals, but certain brands will strike deals with the top players in the country. Apparently Atkinson fits that description because he was one of six top high school recruits that have signed a deal with Adidas.

While this is an amazing accomplishment for him and his family, this could be an interesting development for Georgia in their pursuit of him. Atkinson now will likely only wear Adidas gear for the time being because of this NIL deal, but Georgia wears Nike gear for all of their sports. So could this new NIL deal impact Georgia’s chances?

Thankfully this deal likely won’t impact Atkinson’s recruitment in any way because all five of his finalists are Nike schools. This includes Oregon, Clemson, Texas, Ohio State and Georgia who all wear Nike gear every game.

There’s a chance this deal with Adidas will only last during the rest of his high school career, but it could bleed into his time at Georgia or any other school he commits to. Atkinson could still wear Adidas gear in his personal life and make appearances for the brand while still wearing Nike gear during game days. This is something Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith currently does, so that likely would be allowed at Georgia as well.

It’s a good sign that this deal won’t impact Georgia’s chances of landing Atkinson because they’ve been the leader for a few months now. So hopefully Atkinson announces his commitment soon, because Georgia fans would love nothing more than to add another five-star recruit to their recruiting class.





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Every Ohio State offensive player rating in ‘College Football 26’

It’s almost here. Yes, college football season would fit that description, and by extension, the Ohio State football season, but we’re talking about the release of EA Sports back by popular demand and NIL pondering, “College Football 26.” Leading up to the mass release on July 10, but those who bought the Deluxe edition have […]

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It’s almost here. Yes, college football season would fit that description, and by extension, the Ohio State football season, but we’re talking about the release of EA Sports back by popular demand and NIL pondering, “College Football 26.”

Leading up to the mass release on July 10, but those who bought the Deluxe edition have access as of Monday. So, with it, we have a look at what all of the player ratings are, and that includes each and every Ohio State football player in the game.

We already know, based on previous information released by EA Sports, that Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs are the two highest-rated players in the game, and that Ohio State is the No. 3 ranked squad in the game, but now we get an under-the-hood look at each rating.

Here’s a look at every position group and the Ohio State football player ratings for each on the offensive side of the ball. We’ll bring you the defensive player ratings on Tuesday, so check back.

Quarterbacks

The ratings from highest to lowest

This makes sense here. Though there is a quarterback battle ongoing between Sayin and Kienholz, it would be a pretty major surprise if Kienholz came out of it as the starter with the hype and skills the former 5-star recruit Sayin possesses. If anything, Kineholz should probably be rated a little higher than the freshman St. Clair.

Running Backs

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • James Peoples | 87
  • CJ Donaldson Jr. | 86
  • Bo Jackson | 80
  • Sam Williams-Dixon | 76

No issue with this at all. Peoples and Donaldson will most likely be used as a tandem just like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins were last year. Carries should be split pretty evenly, but we’ll see how it all plays out when the season gets rolling.

Wide Receivers

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Jeremiah Smith | 98
  • Carnell Tate | 91
  • Brandon Inniss | 80
  • Mylan Graham | 78
  • Quincy Porter | 78
  • Bryson Rodgers | 76
  • De’Zie Jones | 72
  • Bodpegn Miller | 71

I am often amazed at how realistic these ratings are from EA Sports. They really do their homework, and I have no issue here with the top six. Maybe Mylan Graham should be a little higher, but the pecking order makes a lot of sense.

Tight Ends

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Max Klare | 91
  • Will Kacmarek | 82
  • Jelani Thurman | 82
  • Bennett Christian | 79
  • Nate Roberts | 75
  • Max LeBlanc | 71
  • John Ferlmann | 56

Klare is clearly the class of the tight ends and is rated as such. However, I don’t know that the game is giving the next two guys — Kacmarek and Thurman — their due and think they should be rated a wee bit higher than 82. It’s hard to argue too much with where this stands, however.

Left Tackle

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Ethan Onianwa | 85
  • Ian Moore | 75
  • Carter Lowe | 74

This actually lines up quite well with what we project with the two-deep offensive depth chart, so no complaints here. It’s really hard to get a massive rating as an offensive lineman in the game, and that’s reflected here.

Left Guard

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Luke Montgomery | 78
  • Devontae Armstrong | 69
  • Jake Cook | 69

Montgomery makes sense here, but during spring, we didn’t see either of the Armstrong twins really make a move. Don’t be surprised if Devontae is further behind on the depth chart here. The rating makes sense, but not sure someone else won’t be slotted in as backup should they be needed.

Center

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Carson Hinzman: 81
  • Joshua Padilla: 73

Hinzman will start, so that makes sense, but the 81 rating is a bit low considering the experience and how he played at the end of last year. I expect an All-Big Ten type of year from him.

Right Guard

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Tegra Tshabola | 80
  • Gabe VanSickle | 71
  • Julian Goines-Jackson | 67

The depth here is thin, but it is on the roster as well as what many consider the weakest link on the offensive line. No issues from us, but as we stated in our offensive depth chart projection, someone (Ian Moore perhaps) could slide down the line and take Tshabola’s spot if there are issues during the season.

Right Tackle

The ratings from highest to lowest

  • Austin Siereveld: 78
  • Phillip Daniels: 76
  • Deontae Armstrong: 73

Siereveld’s rating is way too low based on what we’ve heard from the coaching staff, but the order and depth look pretty good. With the praise he’s drawing, Siereveld could be a breakout star on the offensive line, and you definitely feel better about this spot than right guard.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.



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Troubling NIL deal, Kirby Smart message, 5-star woes

It’s been a few days now since Georgia football has earned a commitment, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a lot of important updates on the recruiting trail. This is especially the case with the best players in the country who Georgia is aggressively pursuing. So let’s dive right in and discuss three important […]

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It’s been a few days now since Georgia football has earned a commitment, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a lot of important updates on the recruiting trail. This is especially the case with the best players in the country who Georgia is aggressively pursuing.

So let’s dive right in and discuss three important updates, beginning with the No. 1 linebacker in the country.

Georgia hits potential speed bump in Tyler Atkinson’s recruitment

Georgia’s top remaining target in the 2026 class is five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson. A commitment date isn’t none for Atkinson yet, but many experts believe that Georgia is the current team to beat. But a new NIL deal that Atkinson signed could be changing that.

Atkinson is one of six top high school recruits who have just signed an NIL deal with Adidas. The reason this could be a problem for Georgia is because they wear Nike gear, not Adidas.

The good news for Georgia is that every other finalist in Atkinson’s recruitment (Clemson, Oregon, Texas and Ohio State) are all Nike schools as well. There are also examples of current college football players who have an NIL deal with Adidas even though their team wears Nike gear. But this latest NIL deal is a small reason for Georgia fans to be a little worried in Atkinson’s recruitment.

Kirby Smart wants the No. 3 EDGE bad

One of Georgia’s top targets in the 2027 recruiting class was made abundantly clear earlier this week. David Jacobs Jr. is a four-star EDGE and the No. 12 overall player in the country according to On3. Jacobs is also from the Peach State, so it isn’t surprising to find out how badly Kirby Smart wants him in Georgia’s recruiting class. But Jacobs recently was quoted stating the last message Smart shared with him.

“He (Smart) was like, ‘Lock me in, your future head coach.’”

It will be interesting to see how this recruitment plays out over the next year, but Georgia has a great chance to strike gold if Smart is taking this much of an interest in Jacobs’ recruitment.

Texas Tech moving past Georgia for top ranked recruit

The No. 1 recruit in the 2027 recruiting class is LaDamion Guyton who just so happens to be from the state of Georgia as well. Everyone knows this means Georgia will have a great chance to win this recruitment, and that was confirmed when 247Sports originally logged a prediction for UGA to win this recruitment.

Georgia however no longer appears to be trending for Guyton anymore as Rivals insider Sam Spiegelman placed a prediction on Monday for Guyton to commit to Texas Tech instead.

Who knows how accurate this prediction is, but seeing Guyton trend to any school not named Georgia is a little concerning. Thankfully there is still plenty of time in Guyton’s recruitment, so Georgia will have many opportunities to surpass the Red Raiders by the time his recruitment comes to an end.



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Dick Vitale

With his signature catch phrases, ESPN’s Dick Vitale assessed college basketball’s transfer portal winners on Monday. He really likes Michigan’s class. Vitale noted that about 2,300 Division I men’s basketball players entered the portal this year. His top-five “PTPers (prime-time players)” from that group include a new Wolverine. If you purchase a product or register […]

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Dick Vitale

With his signature catch phrases, ESPN’s Dick Vitale assessed college basketball’s transfer portal winners on Monday. He really likes Michigan’s class.

Vitale noted that about 2,300 Division I men’s basketball players entered the portal this year. His top-five “PTPers (prime-time players)” from that group include a new Wolverine.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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College basketball too

The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and the pieces are mostly in place for the coming men’s college basketball season.We previously did our too-early Top 25 preseason rankings after Florida finished as national champions in April. Now three months later, we revisit whether the Gators and others have moved up or […]

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College basketball too


The transfer portal has closed, the NBA draft is complete and the pieces are mostly in place for the coming men’s college basketball season.We previously did our too-early Top 25 preseason rankings after Florida finished as national champions in April. Now three months later, we revisit whether the Gators and others have moved up or down in our projections.

Unsurprisingly, the list is mostly filled with teams from the Big 12, Big Ten and SEC but the top half of the rankings have a balanced spread across the five major conferences, portending a wide-open race for who will be crowned national champion in Indianapolis at the end of the season. For reference, the previous rankings are in parenthesis.

1. Houston (1)The defending national runner-up loses stalwarts L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts but is poised to make another run to the title game behind one of the top recruiting classes in the country, led by five-star forward Chris Cenac Jr. and guard Isiah Harwell. Returning contributors include guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp and frontcourt defensive standout Joseph Tugler.Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach are off to the NBA along with Tyrese Proctor, but Jon Scheyer put together another top recruiting class. Next year’s group will be led by wingers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the twin sons of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer. Also arriving are guards Dame Sarr and Sebastian Wilkins. They’ll join several veterans who opted to return, including Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster.3. Connecticut (3)Three in a row wasn’t in the cards, but a third title in four years isn’t out of the question for UConn. Liam McNeeley is gone after just one year in Storrs, but reinforcements are coming for Danny Hurley, whose top-five recruiting class features a pair of McDonald’s All-Americans and an international prospect from Down Under. Post man Eric Reibe and guard Braylon Mullins comprise the domestic talent, and Australian wingman Jacob Furphy will arrive in the States this summer. Georgia transfer Silas Demary will provide even more backcourt depth. In addition, veteran forward Alex Karaban and rising junior Solo Ball return.Connecticut forward Alex Karaban (11) dribbles the ball against Alabama during the national semifinals of the 2024 NCAA men's basketball tournament at State Farm Stadium.4. Purdue (11)The news that rising seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn would be back along with sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer vaulted the Boilermakers into the top spot in the Big Ten projections for 2025-26. The veteran-laden team with league title and Final Four potential also returns C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris, and big man Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) arrives via the portal to provide the low-post presence that was lacking in 2024-25.5. Florida (8)All-America guard and Final Four MVP Walter Clayton will be hard to replace. Backcourt mate Elijah Martin and Will Richard are also gone, but the Gators will defend their title with most of their inside players returning. Thomas Haugh, Micah Handlogten, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu are all back. Denzel Aberdeen was a key reserve who should pick up more minutes, and the arrival of transfers Boogie Fland (Arkansas) and Xaivian Lee (Princeton) means there should be little to no drop-off in perimeter production.6. Michigan (9)Despite losing its top three players, things could get even better in year two for coach Dusty May in Ann Arbor thanks to a huge haul in the transfer portal. Yaxel Lendeborg (Alabama-Birmingham) elected to forgo the NBA for another year and should thrive in the Wolverines’ system. The newcomers also include point guard Elliott Cadeau (North Carolina) and frontcourt players Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois) and Aday Mara (UCLA). Michigan also brings in an impact freshman in combo guard Trey McKenney and another top-100 recruit in Winters Grady.7. Brigham Young (5)After making the Sweet 16 for the second time since 1981, BYU is poised for a big year with the arrival of hyped freshman AJ Dybantsa. He’ll join a rotation that lost point guard Egor Demin to the NBA but brings back Dawson Baker and forwards Richie Saunders and Mihailo Boskovic. If Dybantsa is as good as expected, the Cougars could be a serious threat for the Final Four.8. Alabama (6)The Crimson Tide should again be among the SEC favorites. Losing catalyst Mark Sears puts pressure on the backcourt to replicate his scoring production and leadership, but the return of guard Lebaron Philon for a sophomore season will help. Aden Holloway should take up much of that slack as well, along with Miami (Fla.) transfer Jalil Bethea. Inside additions Noah Williamson (Bucknell) and Taylor Bol Bowen (Florida State) should take on big roles.Alabama guard Labaron Philon (0) drives the ball against LSU during the second half at Coleman Coliseum.9. St. John’s (13)Now that Rick Pitino has instilled the work ethic needed to bring the Red Storm program back to prominence, he hopes the shooters he’s brought in via the portal will improve the team’s accuracy. Bryce Hopkins (Providence) should provide an immediate boost in that regard if he can stay healthy, with Joson Sanon (Arizona State) and Ian Jackson (North Carolina) adding back-court depth. Big East player of the year R.J. Luis is gone and Simeon Wilcher transferred out, but Zuby Ejiofor is back to anchor the interior.

10. UCLA (4)Mick Cronin has put together a transfer class that should make the Bruins one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The biggest addition is point guard Donovan Dent from New Mexico, who led the Mountain West with 20.4 points per game this season and may have been the best overall player in the portal. Another three incoming transfers join a roster headlined by returning starters forwards Eric Dailey Jr. and Tyler Bilodeau.11. Louisville (10)While several key pieces behind last year’s rebound under coach Pat Kelsey have been lost to graduation, Louisville was a sought-after destination for a strong transfer class. The impact newcomers include Isaac McKneely from Virginia, Ryan Conwell from Xavier and Adrian Wooley from Kennesaw State. The Cardinals will add another perimeter threat in freshman Mikel Brown and will get a boost from the return of big man Aly Khalifa, who redshirted last season after knee surgery.12. Texas Tech (7)Texas Tech’s roster has taken shape after reigning Big 12 Player of the Year JT Toppin and guard Christian Anderson opted to return to Lubbock. This pair will set the pace for another run at the Final Four after coming up one win shy this March. The Red Raiders’ transfer haul includes sharpshooting guards Donovan Atwell (UNC Greensboro) and Tyeree Bryan (Santa Clara) along with forward LeJuan Watts (Washington State) and center Luke Bamgboye (Virginia Commonwealth).13. Iowa State (14)A very deep roster took a hit with Eastern Washington transfer Mason Williams needing hip surgery that is likely keeps him out for the season.. But Iowa State has the bodies to replace that projected production and make a March Madness run. Newcomers such as forwards Blake Buchanan (Virginia) and forward Eric Mulder (Purdue-Fort Wayne) and a highly rated recruiting class will join holdovers in Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic to make the Cyclones a national player.14. Kentucky (16)Getting leading scorer Otega Oweh back in the fold for another year will keep the Wildcats in the mix for the SEC crown under second-year coach Mark Pope. One huge factor that could determine where Kentucky lands is the health of sophomore transfer Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State), one of the top prospects in the nation and a potential difference-maker on the defensive end. Quaintance injured his knee last season but is expected to be ready in the fall. Kentucky also upgraded its backcourt by adding Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida).Kentucky guard Otega Oweh (00) drives to the basket against Troy forward Jackson Fields (15) during their first-round game of the 2025 NCAA men's tournament at Fiserv Forum.15. Tennessee (19)Tennessee is looking at a roster overhaul with just one returning starter in center Felix Okpara. The Volunteers need to land production in increased action from forwards Cade Phillips and J.D. Estrella while blending in point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Maryland), guard Amaree Abram (Louisiana Tech) and forward Jaylen Carey (Vanderbilt). Tennessee will also lean on a really strong traditional recruiting class starring five-star forward Nate Ament.16. Wisconsin (19)Wisconsin will build around guard John Blackwell, who took his name out of the draft in favor of another year in Madison. He’ll team with former Florida Atlantic and San Diego State guard Nick Boyd will form one of the top backcourts in the Big Ten. The Badgers also brought in a deep threat in wing Andrew Rohde (Virginia) and a very promising young big man in sophomore Austin Rapp (Portland), the reigning West Coast Conference rookie of the year.17. Arizona (23)Guard Jaden Bradley will be one of the best players in the Big 12. Returning role players in forward Tobe Awaka and guard Anthony Dell’Orso add experience and production after last year’s Sweet 16 berth. But the Wildcats are going to be young, with six freshmen among the seven new additions to the roster. Included in this group are prized recruits Dwayne Aristode and Koa Peat.18. Gonzaga (20)Even though Mark Few is losing his strong backcourt of Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle, the frontcourt is made up of a group of stars. Graham Ike is back and is a conference player of the year contender. He’ll be paired with Braden Huff, but the real key is the addition of Grand Canyon transfer Tyon Grant-Foster, a 25-year-old perennial scorer that could be the playmaker for the Zags. Former Big Sky player of the year Steele Venters will finally suit up after missing back-to-back seasons with injuries, putting the Bulldogs in great position for their final year in the West Coast Conference.19. Arkansas (12)The momentum from the Sweet 16 run should continue for John Calipari as he was able to bring back some last year’s core. D.J. Wagner and Karter Knox stayed but the Razorbacks took a hit when Adou Thiero decided to go to the NBA. Still, Calipari brings in another talented recruiting class, headlined by guard Darius Acuff Jr., who has SEC freshman of the year potential. Other incoming freshman Meleek Thomas could provide solid production off the bench.20. Creighton (21)Greg McDermott knew replacing Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth was the top priority, and he brought in transfers that should keep the Bluejays among Big East contenders. Iowa transfers Josh Dix and Owen Freeman will assume the leadership, while guard Nik Graves (Charlotte) and forward Blake Harper (Howard) will be X-factors after they each led their previous schools in scoring last season. Plus, you can’t forget the potential from Serbian 7-foot freshman Aleksa Dimitrijevic.

21. Kansas (17)

There were plenty of swings and misses by Bill Self in the transfer portal as he was unable to add a big-time playmaker. He was able to salvage it by bringing Tre White from Illinois and Jayden Dawson of Loyola-Chicago. Still, the Jayhawks await the arrival of top recruit Darryn Peterson. He has top NBA draft pick potential and he will join sophomore forward Flory Bidunga, who saved the offseason by choosing to stay in Kansas. The Jayhawks still feel like a bit of a mystery of whether it’ll be a boom or bust season.

22. Michigan State (15)

The Spartans will have to replace their top production as Jase Richardson’s jump to the NBA means last season’s top three scorers are gone. Michigan State played a deep rotation, so experience isn’t a big issue. Jeremy Fears Jr. will have to assume a bigger role and Carson Cooper will have to be a force down low. They’ll get help in Coen Carr and Jaxon Kohler. The transfer and recruiting haul is promising, but perimeter shooting still appears to be an issue.

23. Illinois (NR)

Illinois jumps into the rankings thanks to the international flair coming to Champaign; Mihailo Petrovic leads the Balkan squad now playing for Brad Underwood. Petrovic is a 22-years-old guard among the best players in the European ABA League. Also joining is Andrej Stojakovic, who had a great freshman season at California, and former Arkansas big man Zvonimir Ivišić, who joins brother Tomislav Ivišić to form a terrifying 7-foot duo. Also in the mix is guard Kylan Boswell after he showed maturity in the move to Illinois after leaving Arizona.

24. Oregon (NR)

Another new addition to the rankings, Oregon is looking to maintain success after an up-and-down season. Back are the top two scorers in Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad, who are consistent scorer. But they can’t be the only ones producing, and the Ducks have to replace TJ Bamba. That appears to be answered in the transfer portal. TK Simpkins led Elon in scoring last season and improved his 3-point shooting. Sean Stewart (Ohio State) also could be a breakout player as he finds a more elevated role.

25. Auburn (24)

Experienced stars led Auburn last season, but the entire starting unit is gone following the tough loss of Chad Baker-Mazara to Southern California. Bruce Pearl knew he had to replenish the roster, and he did so with significant recruiting and transfer classes. Keyshawn Hall (Central Florida) and Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) arrive after strong season, and there’s intrigue with the Tigers brining in the top junior college transfer, Abdul Bashir. A new crop of players will join Tahaad Pettiford, the one key returnee that had a big role in the Final Four squad.

Dropped out: Baylor, North Carolina.

Just missed: Texas, North Carolina State and Oklahoma.

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Keely Hodgkinson stuns in bikini as fellow athletes brand Team GB Olympic hero 'sexy'

EVEN Keely Hodgkinson’s fellow athletes flooded her with compliments after she stripped down to a bikini for a bath. The Team GB Olympic hero put on a bold display as she dunked herself in a tub of water. 12 Keely Hodgkinson was branded ‘sexy’ by fellow athletesCredit: Instagram 12 She wore a black bikini as […]

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Keely Hodgkinson stuns in bikini as fellow athletes brand Team GB Olympic hero 'sexy'

EVEN Keely Hodgkinson’s fellow athletes flooded her with compliments after she stripped down to a bikini for a bath.

The Team GB Olympic hero put on a bold display as she dunked herself in a tub of water.

Woman in a black bikini sitting in a black inflatable hot tub.

12

Keely Hodgkinson was branded ‘sexy’ by fellow athletesCredit: Instagram
Woman in black bikini entering a hot tub.

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She wore a black bikini as she took a dipCredit: Instagram
Keely Hodgkinson wearing sunglasses and a graphic t-shirt.

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Hodgkinson also showed off her chic sideCredit: Instagram
Two women hugging at a concert.

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She lived her best life on stage at a festivalCredit: Instagram

Hodgkinson, 23, wore a sleek black bikini as she posed for snaps while clutching the sides.

But she made sure to keep her blonde locks away from the splash zone with a blue headband.

In another picture, Hodgkinson showed off her chic side as she donned some fashionable clothes and sunglasses.

While in another snap, the ace posed with a friend behind a DJ booth at a music festival.

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Hodgkinson captioned her set of photos: “Balance.”

And they saw fans go crazy in the comments.

But it was other athletes who led the way.

Ireland’s Lauren Cadden was thrilled with the pictures and commented: “Sexxiiii.”

While fellow Team GB pal Jemma Reekie showed her support with a fire emoji.

Meanwhile, a fan said: “Oh my goodness.”

Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford
Keely Hodgkinson on a staircase in a black dress.

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Hodgkinson has been loving life in the past 12 monthsCredit: Instagram / @keely.hodgkinson
Woman in a black swimsuit relaxing on a wooden daybed.

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She regularly sizzles with saucy snapsCredit: instagram @keely.hodgkinson
Woman in a bucket hat and red bikini top sunbathing.

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She’s been loving fun in the sunCredit: Instagram/keely.hodgkinson
Woman holding up a red soccer jersey with "Hodgkinson 1" on the back.

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She’s also been enjoying favourite team Manchester UnitedCredit: Instagram @keely.hodgkinson

One declared: “Superb photos.”

Another noted: “Stupendous.”

One added: “Balance never looked so good.”

Hodgkinson’s summer of fun comes a year after she set the Paris Olympics alight with a barnstorming performance.

The Manchester native saw off world champion Mary Moraa to clinch gold in the Women’s 800m, having won silver at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

And Hodgkinson’s efforts were recognised back home when she won the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award.

Keely Hodgkinson winning a race.

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Hodgkinson became a Team GB hero at the Paris OlympicsCredit: PA
Keely Hodgkinson, holding a British flag and a crown, nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

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She won gold in the women’s 800mCredit: PA
Keely Hodgkinson, a gold medalist from Great Britain, smiles and holds her medal.

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She saw off the world champ to clinch gloryCredit: Getty
Keely Hodgkinson holding the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

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Hodgkinson was later named Sports Personality of the YearCredit: PA
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