NIL

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

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

Published

3 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

John Fanta

College Basketball Broadcaster and Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sam Leavitt conquers the youth camp battlefield with $3M NIL statement and selfless gesture for teammates

In the heart of Arizona, amidst the scorching heat and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a young quarterback named Sam Leavitt has emerged not only as a beacon of hope for the Arizona State Sun Devils but also as a shining example of altruism in the competitive world of college football. His recent actions, both […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A Leader On and Off the Field

Sam Leavitt’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering character. As a player, his prowess on the field is undeniable, commanding the attention of fans and foes alike with his precision and determination. But it is his actions off the field that have truly captured the essence of his leadership. Arizona State’s Head Coach, Kenny Dillingham, couldn’t help but praise Leavitt, stating, “His willingness to sacrifice for his teammates, both on and off the field, is what makes him truly exceptional and a great role model for future Sun Devils.”

A Gesture of Generosity

In a remarkable display of selflessness, Leavitt recently made headlines not for his athletic achievements but for his generous spirit. At a youth camp, he made a significant financial gesture, donating a five-figure sum from his own earnings. This act of kindness was not just a donation but a statement, highlighting his belief in giving back to the community and supporting those around him. It’s a rare sight in the fiercely competitive arena of college sports, where individual accolades often overshadow team spirit and community support.

The Impact of a $3M NIL Statement

Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Leavitt’s approach to the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has been equally groundbreaking. By securing a staggering $3 million in NIL deals, he has not only set a new benchmark for collegiate athletes but has also shown a keen understanding of the value of his platform. This monumental achievement is not just a personal victory for Leavitt but a clear indication of the evolving landscape of college sports, where athletes are now recognized for their worth beyond the field.

A Role Model for Future Generations

Sam Leavitt’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when talent is matched with humility and generosity. His actions speak volumes about his character and set a shining example for young athletes everywhere. In a world where sports figures are often idolized for their physical abilities, Leavitt stands out as a role model who demonstrates the importance of compassion, teamwork, and community engagement.

Reflecting on a Bright Future

As we look to the future, Sam Leavitt’s journey offers a glimpse into the potential of modern athletes to influence society positively. His blend of exceptional talent, selfless acts, and savvy business acumen represents a new era of sportsmanship—one where success is measured not only by victories on the field but also by the impact made off it. For aspiring Sun Devils and young athletes around the world, Leavitt’s legacy is a beacon of hope, showing that true greatness comes from the heart.

In the end, Sam Leavitt’s story transcends the realm of college football, serving as a profound narrative about the power of giving, the importance of community, and the endless possibilities that arise when we choose to lead by example.

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Tennessee Boss Says Only One Way to Solve Revenue Sharing, NIL Issues

The House vs. NCAA settlement is still waiting approval, but one prominent athletic director isn’t sure it’s going to solve the problem. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken hasn’t ruled on the final proposed settlement. That could come next week. If approved, it will usher in a new world of college athletics, that includes revenue-sharing with […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Tennessee Boss Says Only One Way to Solve Revenue Sharing, NIL Issues

The House vs. NCAA settlement is still waiting approval, but one prominent athletic director isn’t sure it’s going to solve the problem.

U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken hasn’t ruled on the final proposed settlement. That could come next week. If approved, it will usher in a new world of college athletics, that includes revenue-sharing with student athletes.

It’s a geography Tennessee athletic director Danny White has been navigating for nearly a year. As part of a power conference, he and the Vols are required to opt into the settlement and pay as much as $20.5 million in direct money to student-athletes in 2025-26 — if House is approved.

It’s a lot to keep up with, White admits — but he believes there is a real solution that few seem prepared to discuss.

In a one-on-one conversation with Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman, White talked about the issues of dealing with all of this on a day-to-day basis.

“My job is to lead the University of Tennessee, but we also have a national issue in college sports that’s a real problem,” White said. “I talk about like the Tennessee hat versus the college sports hat and I’ve been probably wearing the Tennessee hat a lot more recently, thinking about just what’s our opportunity to be competitively excellent in this new world. But it’s a real issue and we could go on and on about what we need.”

Tennessee has already implemented new initiatives to increase revenue, even though it is in the SEC and it receives television payouts that are among the biggest in college sports. The House settlement may usher in a new age of college sports, but White isn’t sure it’s going to solve every issue.

In fact, he believes there is only one way to truly solve the issues that came up in the House settlement and level the playing field for everyone.

“I’ll say it. We’ve got a camera on this, but I don’t really care at this point,” he said. “Collective bargaining is the only issue, the only solution, it’s the only way we’re going to get there.”

The House settlement does not include collective bargaining.

The House v. NCAA settlement is a combination of three different cases brought by current and former student-athletes. It will allow for $2.75 billion in damages will be paid to thousands of college athletes over 10 years as part of restitution for their inability to access things like Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.

The new settlement won’t prohibit student-athletes from leveraging NIL, but they will need to report any deals valued at $600 or more.

The settlement also caps scholarships and, in some cases, expands them for certain sports through roster limits.

NIL

Karl Kani Makes NIL History with King Kendrick Signing and “90s Kid” Campaign

When Karl Kani steps into a new lane, he doesn’t just enter — he redefines it. The trailblazing streetwear designer, widely credited with merging fashion and hip-hop in the ’90s and becoming the first non-athletic brand to be worn courtside in the NBA, is once again making history. This time, it’s in the world of […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Karl Kani Makes NIL History with King Kendrick Signing and “90s Kid” Campaign

In a first for the Karl Kani brand, the legendary designer has signed rising high school basketball star King Kendrick to an NIL partnership in collaboration with Overtime Sports Management Group (OSMG) @teamosmgwest. The move signifies more than a business deal — it’s a declaration that athlete identity can be rooted in more than just stats. It can be style, story, and self-expression.

King Kendrick @_iamkingggg is already turning heads. Known for his fluid and ambidextrous play, Kendrick has led his team to a state championship and is carving out a reputation as one of the most creative and versatile high school athletes in the game. During All-Star Weekend, Kyrie Irving himself called attention to Kendrick, noting how the next evolution in basketball will demand true ambidexterity. That moment wasn’t just hype — it was a sign that Kendrick’s game is the future.

To capture the essence of this groundbreaking partnership, Karl Kani launched the “90s Kid” campaign, a visual homage to the era that birthed his iconic designs. But this wasn’t a retro rehash. Instead, it’s a cultural crossroad of then and now — a declaration that the past informs the future when told through the right lens. That lens was in the hands of Carell Augustus, a celebrated photographer known for his Black Hollywood Book project. Augustus brought a cinematic flair to the campaign, photographing Kendrick in vintage-inspired but entirely fresh looks that fuse streetwear legacy with a new kind of athlete swagger.

This collaboration is not just about threads or highlight reels. Karl Kani is stepping into the role of Investor, Mentor, Stylist, and Creative Director. For Kendrick, it means more than just wearing a name — it’s about building one. For Karl Kani, it marks an evolution from dressing icons to shaping them. Together, they are telling a different kind of NIL story — one where the athlete is seen as a brand from the jump, with a look, feel, and voice all their own.

It also signals a strategic shift in how NIL deals can work. With most NIL partnerships rooted in mainstream sportswear or local endorsements, this Kani x Kendrick deal shows that style can be the bridge between athlete identity and cultural influence. Instead of waiting until a player goes pro to shape their brand, Kani is helping Kendrick own his narrative now — while still in high school.

This move also underscores the role of OSMG, a management group quietly setting the bar for how young athletes can enter the NIL space with dignity, agency, and vision. Instead of chasing the biggest logo or check, they’re aligning their athletes with long-term cultural partnerships that build not just buzz, but equity. Teaming up with Kani to launch Kendrick’s NIL career was a statement: the future of NIL will be driven by culture, not just commerce.

The “90s Kid” campaign is just the beginning. Upcoming drops, limited edition pieces, and appearances are already being discussed. There are plans to bring the campaign to pop-ups, community events, and digital platforms, positioning King Kendrick not just as a baller, but as a cultural voice for Gen Z athletes redefining the blueprint. No longer are athletes waiting to be chosen — they’re choosing how to show up, and Karl Kani is making sure they look damn good doing it.

From Tupac to Biggie, Karl Kani outfitted legends before they were icons. With King Kendrick, he’s doing it again — not by chasing nostalgia, but by investing in legacy before it happens. It’s a move that flips the script on NIL, proving that branding a high school athlete doesn’t have to be corporate, sterile, or manufactured. It can be bold. It can be Black. It can be stylish. It can be real.

As NIL deals continue to evolve, this one will be remembered as more than a milestone — it’s a model. King Kendrick brings the skills. Karl Kani brings the blueprint. And together, they’re reminding everyone that the game doesn’t end at the buzzer — it starts with the first look.

If you’re following the future of sports, fashion, or culture — pay attention. King Kendrick is here. Karl Kani never left. And history just got another chapter.

For more updates, follow @KarlKani, @_iamkingggg, and @teamosmgwest. When athletes show up with style, the world notices.

NIL

Lightning strike delays Super Regional between Florida and Georgia

The Super Regional winner-take-all game between Florida and Georgia has been delayed by a lightning strike in the area. The game will be paused until all lightning has cleared the area for at least 30 minutes. Lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius will reset the timer. But for now, the game is scheduled to resume […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Super Regional winner-take-all game between Florida and Georgia has been delayed by a lightning strike in the area. The game will be paused until all lightning has cleared the area for at least 30 minutes.

Lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius will reset the timer. But for now, the game is scheduled to resume at 6:28 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Florida led 1-0 in the middle of the fourth inning at the time of the delay. It will resume batting after the delay.

Florida built its lead early in the contest, taking advantage of some Georgia miscues in the bottom of the first inning. But it could have easily been a bigger lead.

The Gators got on the board after Kendra Falby walked after a full count, then stole second. Right fielder Taylor Shumaker then singled her in with a knock up the middle, making it 1-0 Florida.

The team had opportunities to score others after a single put runners at first and second with one out, and it appeared the Bulldogs might crack under the pressure. But Gators slugger Jocelyn Erickson lined into a double play at second base to take some steam out of the inning, and Georgia would escape it without further damage.

The game was headed to the bottom of the fourth inning at the time of the delay. Florida was set to bat as the home team in today’s game.

You can view the series history to date below. It’s been back and forth.

Florida vs. Georgia Super Regional Results

Game 1: Florida def. Georgia, 6-1

The third-ranked Gators jumped ahead with a 3-run first inning and never looked back as Florida starter Keagan Rothrock allowed just two hits with seven strikeouts in the complete-game effort Friday. Gators senior Reagan Walsh started things off with a three-run home run in the bottom of the first while Ava Brown went 2-fof-4 at the plate with a two-run home run in a three-run fifth inning.

Game 2: Georgia def. Florida, 2-1

Facing elimination, Georgia held Florida scoreless through the first four innings of play. The Gators cut the lead in half on a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded from Korbe Otis in the fifth. The Bulldogs would take a one run lead into the seventh inning. Florida put two runners on base, forcing Georgia starting pitcher Lillie Backes out of the game with two outs remaining. Randi Roelling who relieve her, and would shut down the Gators in four pitches to end the game. The series is tied at one a piece, forcing a game three on Sunday.

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Rece Davis states ‘there’s no such thing as right’ in College Football Playoff expansion

On Thursday, the College Football Playoff management committee announced that the 2026 playoff would follow a straight-seeding format. However, the updated seeding methodology may be far from the last change made to the CFP. There’s been a large push from conference commissioners and coaches across the country to expand the 12-team format to include 14 […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

On Thursday, the College Football Playoff management committee announced that the 2026 playoff would follow a straight-seeding format. However, the updated seeding methodology may be far from the last change made to the CFP.

There’s been a large push from conference commissioners and coaches across the country to expand the 12-team format to include 14 or even 16 teams. On the College GameDay Podcast, ESPN analyst Rece Davis weighed in on the demands being thrown at the CFP management committee.

“No matter how many good intentions there are, and no matter how many hours they spend in committee, and no matter how many studies they do and data points of data they analyze, they’re not going to get it right, because they can’t. There’s no such thing as right,” Davis said.

Many of the college football coaches arguing for CFP expansion claim that too many deserving teams are being excluded from the postseason format due to its size. This argument never rang truer than in 2023, when 13-0 Florida State was excluded from the CFP.

In turn, the management committee expanded the CFP from a four-team format to a 12-team bracket. Nonetheless, fans of teams like Alabama and Miami — who narrowly missed the CFP — still complained that the 12-team format was too exclusive.

These sort of complaints back up Davis’ argument that the CFP management committee will never be able to “get it right.” Davis pointed out that even if the CFP expands to 16 teams, the 17th team in the country will be unhappy.

Of course, it’s easy to point out the issues with the College Football Playoff without offering any solutions. Thus, Davis proposed how he would fix the seemingly endless debate surrounding the CFP’s size and selection process.

“The BCS formula changing every time somebody got mad about what the formula spit out was its biggest problem. It wasn’t all the other stuff… It undermined the credibility with the public,” Davis said. “The best way to do this would be to have conference champions — how many ever you decided — and then after that, you assign a criteria, almost like the old BCS.

“The subjectivity of the people in the room would be a certain percentage of the formula. And the best set of data — compilation of various computer rankings, strength of schedule, whatever you want to use, becomes a certain percentage of the ranking. How you fair to your conference becomes a certain percentage of the ranking.

“And then there the subjectivity, more so than the old poll system in the BCS, where that factored in, but the actual evaluation of the committee maybe carries a huge percentage of that. And then you come out with the top 16. In some years, the Big Ten might get seven. And some years, they might get three, and that would be best for the sport.”

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Tyler Bell headed to USA Baseball Training Camp

Kentucky freshman shortstop Tyler Bell‘s incredible first season of college baseball continues, as he has been invited to USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp. He is the first ‘Cat to be invited since left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson in 2018. Bell, who will be among the youngest players to participate, is now the ninth Kentucky […]

Published

3 hours ago

May 25, 2025

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Kentucky freshman shortstop Tyler Bell‘s incredible first season of college baseball continues, as he has been invited to USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp. He is the first ‘Cat to be invited since left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson in 2018.

Bell, who will be among the youngest players to participate, is now the ninth Kentucky player to ever be selected by USA Baseball. The entire list is below.

2025: SS Tyler Bell
2018: LHP Zack Thompson
2016: 1B Evan White
2013: OF Austin Cousino
2012: OF Austin Cousino
1999: C John Wilson
1996: OF Chad Green
1989: SS Billy White
1986: RHP Tom Deller
1986: 2B Terry Shumpert

Bell, who was selected with the No. 66 pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2024 MLB Draft but did not sign, had one of the greatest freshman campaigns in Kentucky Baseball history this season. The Frankfort, IL native reached base in 49 of Kentucky’s 50 games and became the first freshman to hit double-digit home runs since 1993.

“He’s an amazing competitor first off,” Nick Mingione said about Bell following Kentucky’s 11-5 win over South Carolina earlier this season. “Just a gifted baseball player and he has awareness and feel. Man, has he played well. He’s come up with big hit after big hit and has played great defensively. But he works, he works. If you watch him pregame, it’s of the highest level. Because of that, he has confidence and he should.”

On March 31, Bell became just the second player of the Nick Mingione Era (2017-present) at Kentucky to be named SEC Freshman of the Week (previously just Travis Smith in 2023). Along with the Freshman All-SEC selection (first since Sean Hjelle in 2016), he also looks like a lock to be just Kentucky’s third Freshman All-American selection since 2017. There was one point where the program didn’t even know if he would make it to campus or not, and now he has blossomed into one of the most exciting players in all of College Baseball.

“It’s all about the preparation and taking on a bigger role,” Bell said earlier this season. “If I’m hitting the team’s hitting and just coming through in big spots for the team has been a lot of fun and we’re playing good.”

Heading into Regional play, Bell leads the team in doubles (17), RBI (46) and total bases (117). He is second on the team with a .306 batting average and 10 home runs and totaled four hits in a game TWICE this season. The future is extremely bright for the freshman, who will be back in action in NCAA Tournament Regional play.

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