Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere.

A Maestro in Chapel Hill

Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already reshaping the landscape of the university’s athletic program.

Revolutionizing NIL Funding

Under Belichick’s guidance, the university has seen a meteoric rise in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding, skyrocketing from a modest $4 million to an impressive $20 million. This surge not only reflects the increased confidence and interest in the program but also highlights Belichick’s ability to attract resources and attention. His presence has turned UNC into a beacon for young athletes, eager to be part of a program with such a storied leader at the helm.

A Magnet for Talent

The influx of over 60 transfers is a testament to the magnetic pull of Belichick’s reputation. Young players are flocking to Chapel Hill, drawn by the opportunity to learn from one of football’s greatest minds. This rejuvenation of the roster is setting the stage for a new era in Tar Heels football, one that promises to be as competitive as it is exciting.

The Belichick Effect

Belichick’s impact extends beyond the field. His approach to leadership and team-building is instilling a culture of discipline and excellence that resonates throughout the entire athletic department. The changes he has implemented are not just about winning games, but about creating a sustainable model for success that will benefit UNC for years to come.

Looking to the Future

As the Tar Heels continue to evolve under Belichick’s stewardship, the future looks brighter than ever. His transformative influence is setting a new standard for college athletics, proving that with the right leadership, even the most ambitious goals are within reach. The legacy of Bill Belichick at UNC is only just beginning, but its impact is already profound, promising an exciting journey ahead for the Tar Heels and their fans.

It’s been three years since Arkansas made it to this moment, but the Ohamhogs are back in Omaha. And their first challenge is national 6-seed LSU.

The first time the two met, the Tiger had the upper hand. Game one went into extra innings, and Arkansas lost by one run, but some fans may have been asleep because the game didn’t start until 10:00 PM. In game two, LSU blew out the Razorbacks for the first and only time this season, 13-3. Arkansas salvaged some pride, beating the Tigers in game three.

This time, all of those external circumstances that may have affected Arkansas’ performance are gone—no weather delays are expected, and despite what Jay Johnson thinks, half of the stadium will be filled with raging Razorback fans looking for revenge. On top of all that, the Diamond Hogs are firing on all cylinders for the first time all season.

Here’s how you can watch:

Arkansas baseball vs LSU: How to watch, listen, or stream

1. Arkansas vs LSU: How to watch

• Date: June 14, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM (CT)
• Network: ESPN
• Streaming: FuboTV

2. Arkansas vs LSU: How to listen

• Fayetteville: Station KQSM-FM, Channel 92.1
• Little Rock: Station KABZ-FM, Channel 103.7
• Texarkana: Station KKTK-AM, Channel AM 1400
• Jonesboro: Station KJXK-FM, Channel 106.5

3. Key LSU players

• Derek Curiel: .347 AVG, .473 OBP, .531 SLG, 52 RBIs, 7 HR, 19 2B, 2 3B
• Ethan Frey: .340 AVG, .423 OBP, .673 SLG, 49 RBIs, 13 HR, 13 2B, 1 3B
• Jared Jones: .328 AVG, .424 OBP, .621 SLG, 70 RBIs, 20 HR, 15 2B

4. Key Arkansas players

• Logan Maxwell: .360 AVG, .460 OBP, .622 SLG, 35 RBIs, 13 HR, 4 2B
• Charles Davalan: .355 AVG, .444 OBP, .586 SLG, 59 RBIs, 14 HR, 12 2B, 2 3B
• Wehiwa Aloy: .348 AVG, .433 OBP, .668 SLG, 64 RBIs, 20 HR, 18 2B, 1 3B

5. LSU head coach

• Record at LSU: 185-77 (.706)
• Fourth season with the Tigers
• Three CWS appearances, two CWS final appearances

6. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn

• Record at Arkansas: 930-470 (.664)
• 23rd season with the Hogs
• 20 NCAA Tournament appearances
• Seven College World Series appearances

Too many refuse to acknowledge how the improper NCAA sanctions from the coach Pete Carroll days affected USC. Not only has it been proven in court that it was a complete overreach by the entity at the time, but the allegations have also been shown to be baseless.

Even so, the result and repercussions remained long after the fact. This has been the case despite history shining a light on the misjudgment of the collegiate institution at the time.

Take the recruiting limits, for example. That is an aspect that lingers well past the end date from when those were lifted. The cumulative butterfly effect has harmed the Trojan program well after the gruesome day in sports history.  

There is something going on now, however, that is restoring the scales within college sports and football in particular.

After Judge Claudia Wilken’s ruling from the NCAA House settlement, schools will be able to directly help student-athletes earn for their on-the-field efforts. When looking at USC and where it is placed in the culture and economy of the country as a whole, there will not be any shortage of NIL opportunities that will be able to easily pass the guidelines set by the clearinghouse.

It is a new dawn that is also coinciding with a Trojan staff and administration that has proactively anticipated many of these changes. Coach Lincoln Riley also has the right people throughout the football program in a position to best help the team. Everything combined will allow USC to stand out among other programs.

Encouraging signs are only the beginning for USC

Sure, USC may have the top classes for 2026 and 2027 now. It may only be something that is about to take off even further.

The rest of the country may have enjoyed the Trojans not firing on all cylinders. Many, on social media and otherwise, have enjoyed laughing at the program and kicking the Trojans while they were down.

With what is currently going to be allowed and due to the administrative arm of USC being set up the way it is, USC is on the cusp of a long run of dominance that will see other teams around the nation find it difficult to keep up with. 

Expectations for the College World Series

Murray State is a veteran team. They’ve got guys who have played a ton of college baseball, JUCO ball, small-conference ball, summer ball, you name it. They’ve leaned into the “no one believes in us” mentality and it’s working.

They’ve also shown they can adapt. They won a slugfest against Ole Miss and then won a tense, low-scoring game against Duke. That kind of versatility, being able to play different styles, is essential in Omaha.

And then there’s the pressure, or lack of it. Murray State isn’t supposed to win. They’re playing with house money, and that’s a dangerous position for a confident team with nothing to lose.

The Racers draw UCLA in their opening game, a team with a strong pitching staff and plenty of Omaha experience. Also in their half of the bracket are LSU and Arkansas, two of the most talented lineups in the country. It’s a gauntlet, no doubt.

But Murray State’s been walking through fire for the past two weeks. At this point, they’ve earned the right to believe.

If the bats stay hot and the bullpen can hold things together, there’s no reason they can’t keep the magic going. We’ve seen it before, Fresno State, Coastal Carolina, Stony Brook.

College baseball doesn’t care how many resources you have. Sometimes, it just takes a group of guys who believe in each other and a coach who knows how to get the most out of them.

Players to Watch

OF Jonathan Hogart

The engine of the offense. Hogart has crushed postseason pitching and hit two homers in the Super Regional clincher. He’s batting over .400 this postseason with five home runs and a knack for the big moment. On the season, he’s slashing .339/.449/.713 with 26 2B, 22 HR, and 65 RBI. Some video game numbers. He’s been the catalyst and as Jonathan Hogart goes, so does the rest of the Murray State Racers.