College Sports

Federal judge approves $2.8B settlement, paving way for U.S. colleges to pay athletes millions

By EDDIE PELLS A federal judge in Oakland signed off on arguably the biggest change in the history of college sports Friday, clearing the way for schools to begin paying their athletes millions of dollars as soon as next month as the multibillion-dollar industry shreds the last vestiges of the amateur model that defined it […]

Published

3 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Federal judge approves $2.8B settlement, paving way for U.S. colleges to pay athletes millions

By EDDIE PELLS

A federal judge in Oakland signed off on arguably the biggest change in the history of college sports Friday, clearing the way for schools to begin paying their athletes millions of dollars as soon as next month as the multibillion-dollar industry shreds the last vestiges of the amateur model that defined it for more than a century.

Nearly five years after Arizona State swimmer Grant House sued the NCAA and its five biggest conferences to lift restrictions on revenue sharing, U.S. Judge Claudia Wilken approved the final proposal that had been hung up on roster limits, just one of many changes ahead amid concerns that thousands of walk-on athletes will lose their chance to play college sports.

The sweeping terms of the so-called House settlement include approval for each school to share up to $20.5 million with athletes over the next year and $2.7 billion that will be paid over the next decade to thousands of former players who were barred from that revenue for years.

The agreement brings a seismic shift to hundreds of schools that were forced to reckon with the reality that their players are the ones producing the billions in TV and other revenue, mostly through football and basketball, that keep this machine humming.

The scope of the changes — some have already begun — is difficult to overstate. The professionalization of college athletics will be seen in the high-stakes and expensive recruitment of stars on their way to the NFL and NBA, and they will be felt by athletes whose schools have decided to pare their programs. The agreement will resonate in nearly every one of the NCAA’s 1,100 member schools boasting nearly 500,000 athletes.

“Approving the agreement reached by the NCAA, the defendant conferences and student-athletes in the settlement opens a pathway to begin stabilizing college sports,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said.

The road to a settlement

Wilken’s ruling comes 11 years after she dealt the first significant blow to the NCAA ideal of amateurism when she ruled in favor of former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and others who were seeking a way to earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) — a term that is now as common in college sports as “March Madness” or “Roll Tide.” It was just four years ago that the NCAA cleared the way for NIL money to start flowing, but the changes coming are even bigger.

Wilken granted preliminary approval to the settlement last October. That sent colleges scurrying to determine not only how they were going to afford the payments, but how to regulate an industry that also allows players to cut deals with third parties so long as they are deemed compliant by a newly formed enforcement group that will be run by auditors at Deloitte.

The agreement takes a big chunk of oversight away from the NCAA and puts it in the hands of the four biggest conferences. The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC hold most of the power and decision-making heft, especially when it comes to the College Football Playoff, which is the most significant financial driver in the industry and is not under the NCAA umbrella like the March Madness tournaments are.

Roster limits held things up

The deal looked ready to go since last fall, but Wilken put a halt to it after listening to a number of players who had lost their spots because of newly imposed roster limits being placed on teams.

The limits were part of a trade-off that allowed the schools to offer scholarships to everyone on the roster, instead of only a fraction, as has been the case for decades. Schools started cutting walk-ons in anticipation of the deal being approved.

Wilken asked for a solution and, after weeks, the parties decided to let anyone cut from a roster — now termed a “Designated Student-Athlete” — return to their old school or play for a new one without counting against the new limit.

Wilken ultimately agreed, going point-by-point through the objectors’ arguments to explain why they didn’t hold up.

“The modifications provide Designated Student-Athletes with what they had prior to the roster limits provisions being implemented, which was the opportunity to be on a roster at the discretion of a Division I school,” Wilken wrote.

Her decision, however, took nearly a month to write, leaving the schools and conferences in limbo — unsure if the plans they’d been making for months, really years, would go into play.

“It remains to be seen how this will impact the future of inter-collegiate athletics — but as we continue to evolve, Carolina remains committed to providing outstanding experiences and broad-based programming to student-athletes,” North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham said.

Winners and losers

The list of winners and losers is long and, in some cases, hard to tease out.

A rough guide of winners would include football and basketball stars at the biggest schools, which will devote much of their bankroll to signing and retaining them. For instance, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s NIL deal is reportedly worth between $10.5 million and $12 million.

Losers, despite Wilken’s ruling, figure to be at least some of the walk-ons and partial scholarship athletes whose spots are gone.

Also in limbo are Olympic sports many of those athletes play and that serve as the main pipeline for a U.S. team that has won the most medals at every Olympics since the downfall of the Soviet Union.

All this is a price worth paying, according to the attorneys who crafted the settlement and argue they delivered exactly what they were asked for: an attempt to put more money in the pockets of the players whose sweat and toil keep people watching from the start of football season through March Madness and the College World Series in June.

What the settlement does not solve is the threat of further litigation.

Though this deal brings some uniformity to the rules, states still have separate laws regarding how NIL can be doled out, which could lead to legal challenges. NCAA President Charlie Baker has been consistent in pushing for federal legislation that would put college sports under one rulebook and, if he has his way, provide some form of antitrust protection to prevent the new model from being disrupted again.

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

Originally Published: June 6, 2025 at 7:35 PM PDT

College Sports

College Credits: Northbrook Residents Make President’s List At University Of Iowa

NORTHBROOK, IL — We’re keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of area students. Send your submissions to eric.degrechie@patch.com. Cohen Named To Spring Deans’ List At Nebraska Ellie Madison Cohen, of Northbrook, has been named to the Deans’ List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year. […]

Published

11 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NORTHBROOK, IL — We’re keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of area students. Send your submissions to eric.degrechie@patch.com.

Cohen Named To Spring Deans’ List At Nebraska

Ellie Madison Cohen, of Northbrook, has been named to the Deans’ List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Cohen, a sophomore majoring in computer science, was named to the Dean’s List for the College of Engineering.

— Merit Pages News

2025 Spring Semester President’s List Honorees Announced At Iowa

More than 1,250 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa were named to the president’s list for the 2025 spring semester. Students from Northbrook making the list include:

Morgan McGee
Aidan Meek
Delaney Resnick
Sarah Zhang

— Merit Pages News

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College Sports

Graduates from Archdiocesan High Schools Head to Collegiate Athletics – CatholicPhilly

By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted June 24, 2025 A total of 288 graduating senior student-athletes from archdiocesan high schools will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level in the 2025–2026 academic year. These students will compete across a wide range of sports including football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, cross country, softball, baseball, […]

Published

11 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted June 24, 2025

A total of 288 graduating senior student-athletes from archdiocesan high schools will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level in the 2025–2026 academic year.

These students will compete across a wide range of sports including football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, cross country, softball, baseball, field hockey, wrestling, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, swimming, gymnastics, crew, acrobatics and tumbling, dance, and ice hockey.

Below is the full listing of student-athletes and the colleges or universities they will attend.

ARCHBISHOP CARROLL

Bridget Archbold, Girls’ Basketball – The Catholic University of America
Michael Bugler, Track & Field – Muhlenberg College
Ryan Cook, Boys’ Soccer – Goldey–Beacom College
Pete Cudjoe, Football – Millersville University
Nick D’Alicandro, Football – Stevenson University
Jason DiRita, Golf – Albright College
Dakotah Johnson, Softball – East Stroudsburg University
Omar Johnson, Football – Wheeling University
Grace Kucia, Girls’ Lacrosse – Neumann University
Madison Long, Softball – Caldwell University
Maddie McFillin, Girls’ Basketball – United States Air Force Academy
Matt McGaughey, Football – Ursinus College
Olivia Nardi, Girls’ Basketball – Ursinus College
Brooke Olender, Girls’ Basketball – University of Scranton
Kate O’Neill, Girls’ Lacrosse – Villanova University
Tory Quintois, Acrobatics & Tumbling – La Salle University
Mei Rader, Girls’ Lacrosse – Drexel University
Claire Sexton, Girls’ Lacrosse – William & Mary
Ava Talago, Girls’ Lacrosse – Canisius University
Jalyn Tidwell, Baseball – Erskine College
Sophia Verglinhieri, Girls’ Soccer – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Dana Williams, Crew – La Salle University

ARCHBISHOP RYAN

Rylee Baird, Field Hockey – Gwynedd Mercy University
Drew Bark, Boys’ Soccer – Gwynedd Mercy University
Isabella Baron, Softball – Widener University
Peyton Barton, Boys’ Soccer – Penn State Abington
Molly Botthof, Field Hockey/Track & Field – Gwynedd Mercy University
Francesca Brunkel, Girls’ Flag Football – Immaculata University
Carter Buccello, Football – Delaware Valley University
Alexis Byrne, Girls’ Lacrosse – Western New England University
Kaitlyn Cannon, Girls’ Flag Football – Holy Family University
Shawn Dixon, Boys’ Soccer – Penn State Abington
Madelyn Grier, Girls’ Bowling – Holy Family University
Hayden Johnston, Girls’ Soccer/Lacrosse – Chestnut Hill College
Brianna Kolodij, Field Hockey/Lacrosse – Immaculata University
Riley Lukach, Girls’ Soccer – Drexel University
Kate MacAlister, Swimming – Lock Haven University
Willette Makor, Girls’ Flag Football – Holy Family University
Jake Marchesano, Baseball – University of Delaware
Moira Maw, Softball – Chestnut Hill College
Connor McLaughlin, Track & Field – Holy Family University
Adrianna Moffo, Cheerleading – La Salle University
Damien Morgan, Football/Lacrosse – Widener University
Hugh Owens V, Football – Eastern University
Dave Perez, Baseball – West Virginia University
Jaide Quarles, Ice Hockey – Stevenson University
Brandon Russell, Boys’ Basketball – Saint Francis University
Angelina Salera, Girls’ Volleyball – Alvernia University
Lailah Scarborough Nguyen, Cheerleading – La Salle University
Tori Shamanow, Girls’ Volleyball – DeSales University
Arianna Shinholster, Girls’ Flag Football – Neumann University
Mikayla Steger, Field Hockey – Neumann University
Madison Velez, Softball – Alvernia University
Sarah Wright, Cheerleading – Widener University

ARCHBISHOP WOOD

Sophia Azzarano, Softball – Delaware Valley University
Jason Baldwin, Football – Ursinus College
Richard Bayachek, Baseball – Stockton University
John Bogdan, Baseball – Alvernia University
Sage Bost, Girls’ Soccer – Seton Hill University
James Casey, Baseball – Stockton University
Jack Costello, Baseball – Bucks County Community College
Joseph DeAngelis, Cross Country/Track & Field – DeSales University
Davis Deihl, Football – Ursinus College
Deven Demusz, Football – Wheeling University
Graciene Gale, Softball – Washington & Jefferson College
Abigail Gilroy, Beach Volleyball – Saint Leo University
Michael Green, Boys’ Basketball – Lock Haven University
Kevin Griffin, Wrestling – King’s College (Pennsylvania)
Regan Kelso, Girls’ Soccer – Saint Michael’s College
Emerson Kiss, Girls’ Soccer – Saint Vincent College
Haley Kley, Softball – Delaware Valley University
Emily Knouse, Girls’ Basketball – Saint Joseph’s University
Yasin Lowry, Football – Ursinus College
Logan Madison, Baseball – Stockton University
Sebastian McNab, Baseball – Immaculata University
Zachary Neeld, Baseball – Penn State Harrisburg
Isabella Preston, Dance – Temple University
Casey Schuette, Girls’ Lacrosse – Holy Family University
Tamir Taylor, Football – McDaniel College

BISHOP SHANAHAN

Ryan Ambrose – Boys’ Basketball, King’s College (PA)
Ava Barnhart – Girls’ Volleyball, Endicott College
Brooke Bowden – Girls’ Soccer, Bridgewater College
Sam Conte – Football, Ursinus College
Devan Cosgrove – Girls’ Soccer/Flag Football, Immaculata University
Carly Cunningham – Girls’ Lacrosse, Coastal Carolina University
Stella D’Ambro – Girls’ Lacrosse, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Cat Detweiler – Girls’ Volleyball, Stonehill College
Thomas Fischer – Boys’ Lacrosse, Holy Family University
Colin Gaffney – Boys’ Lacrosse, Elizabethtown College
Gabriella Gigliotti – Girls’ Volleyball, York College of Pennsylvania
Gillian Greco – Girls’ Lacrosse, Drexel University
Marissa Haragos – Girls’ Lacrosse, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Julia Hashem – Golf, Methodist University
Julian Haylock – Football, Millersville University
Charly Hungerford – Cheerleading, Providence College
Matthew Manley – Boys’ Lacrosse, The Catholic University of America
Meghan McGonagle – Girls’ Soccer, Elizabethtown College
Morgan McIntyre – Girls’ Lacrosse, Lock Haven University
Medeline Metcalf – Girls’ Volleyball, Temple University
Riley Murray – Girls’ Lacrosse, Manhattan College
Luke Nicolas – Boys’ Lacrosse, Ursinus College
Elise Pezone – Girls’ Lacrosse, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Jack Polizzi – Track & Field, Hillsdale College
Anna Ruhno – Field Hockey, Central Michigan University
Jake Scott – Baseball, Millersville University
Jayden Snook – Football, Millersville University
Karoline Springman – Girls’ Volleyball, Lees-McRae College
Gabriella Stephens – Cheerleading, West Chester University
Adrianna Sward – Girls’ Lacrosse, University of Scranton
Julia Taylor – Swimming, The Catholic University of America
Michael Ziegler – Boys’ Soccer, La Salle University

BONNER & PRENDIE

Tamasen Allen Bey, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field – Saint Joseph’s University
Amaya Cash, Girls’ Basketball – Washington College
Jeremiah Coleman, Football – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Michael Coleman, Baseball – Gettysburg College
Taylor Eagan, Field Hockey – Immaculata University
Rob Ford, Football – King’s College (Pennsylvania)
Joey Graziani, Baseball – Ursinus College
Jalil Hall, Football – Purdue University
Khalil Holley, Football – King’s College (Pennsylvania)
Chaz Ingram, Football – Pennsylvania Western University, California
Mick Johnson, Football – West Chester University
Chris Jones, Football – Stevenson University
Michael Klawansky, Baseball – Alvernia University
Xavier Mills, Football – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Devon Nelson, Boys’ Basketball – Lock Haven University
Robert Nettles-Carter, Football – Pennsylvania Western University, California
Gbenga Olaore, Football – Delaware Valley University
Johnny Ortegae, Baseball – La Salle University
Jack Redding, Baseball – Holy Family University
Emily Riehl, Softball – University of Scranton
Samari Rodriguez-Panepinto, Field Hockey – Immaculata University
Cory Sheridan, Baseball – Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Drew Spahr, Boys’ Lacrosse – Widener University
Dylan Spriddle, Football – Pennsylvania Western University, California
Elizabeth Tomassetti, Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field – Marywood University

CARDINAL O’HARA

Jay Borelli, Boys’ Lacrosse – Pennsylvania College of Technology
John Brown, Football – The Catholic University of America
Khalil Epps, Football – Pennsylvania Western University, California
Auria Greto, Gymnastics – Kutztown University
Nate Kutufaris, Football – Duke University
Logan Maloney, Track & Field – Saint Joseph’s University
Ishane McEwan, Football – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Marina Mersch, Girls’ Lacrosse – University of Delaware
Julia Riley, Girls’ Volleyball – Kutztown University
Molly Rullo, Girls’ Basketball – Drexel University
Hayden Sissons, Softball – Widener University
Solei Staggs, Girls’ Volleyball – Neumann University
Zydan Stewart, Boys’ Soccer – Delaware Valley University
Emma Thorton, Girls’ Volleyball – Immaculata University
Brendan Till, Baseball – La Salle University
Raymond Wong, Football – Williamson College of the Trades

CONWELL-EGAN

FATHER JUDGE

Everett Barnes, Boys’ Basketball – Loyola University Maryland
Kevin Beck, Boys’ Basketball – Montclair State University
Matteo Cancelliere, Crew – La Salle University
Bobby Clark, Track & Field – Widener University
Eddie Collins, Track & Field – Widener University
Thomas Connolly, Track & Field – Immaculata University
James Conte, Boys’ Lacrosse – Marymount University
George Conway, Baseball – Chestnut Hill College
Gavin Dunlop, Boys’ Soccer – Thomas Jefferson University
Gavin Dwyer, Track & Field – Holy Family University
Aidan Emmett, Boys’ Lacrosse – Holy Family University
Brian Hackert, Boys’ Lacrosse – Gwynedd Mercy University
Dylan Handley, Boys’ Basketball – Elizabethtown College
Derrick Kennedy, Football – McPherson College
Joseph Kennedy, Boys’ Soccer – DeSales University
Kevair Kennedy, Boys’ Basketball – Merrimack College
Justin Kennish, Boys’ Soccer – Rutgers University–Camden
Colin Mahon, Track & Field – Widener University
Joseph Mahon, Boys’ Soccer – Penn State Abington
Matt Marino, Baseball – Rutgers University–Camden
Michael Regan, Boys’ Soccer – West Chester University
Kiev Rucker, Football – Lock Haven University
Ryan Shelton, Football – Delaware Valley University
Ryan Stankiewicz, Track & Field – La Salle University
John Stelacio, Boys’ Lacrosse – Immaculata University
Kenny Weatherall, Baseball – Immaculata University

LANSDALE CATHOLIC

Shannon Duffy, Girls’ Soccer/Flag Football – Neumann University
Gabrielle Innaurato, Cheerleading – Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Madeline Kennedy, Girls’ Lacrosse – The Catholic University of America
Lauren Leshak, Softball – Elizabethtown College
Sanyiah Littlejohn, Girls’ Basketball – George Mason University
Grace McDonough, Girls’ Basketball – James Madison University
Taylor McKeta, Baseball – Delaware Valley University
Sean McMahon, Boys’ Lacrosse – Moravian University
Isabella Mignogna, Cheerleading – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Kevin Montagna, Boys’ Volleyball – Penn State Altoona
Gavin Selchert, Boys’ Lacrosse – Pennsylvania College of Technology
Zachary Shragher, Golf – Susquehanna University
Hayden Stasuk, Baseball – University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise)
Chris Ulmer, Football – Monmouth University

LITTLE FLOWER

Alexa Harr, Girls’ Soccer – La Roche University
Addyson Sparks, Girls’ Soccer – Gwynedd Mercy University
Rylee Sundermeir, Girls’ Soccer – Penn State Abington

NEUMANN-GORETTI

Daniel Adefolarin, Football – United States Military Academy at West Point
DonJuan Clark, Football – Eastern University
Anthony Coppola, Baseball – Harford Community College
Luca Costabile, Baseball – Eastern University
Carryn Easley, Girls’ Basketball – Fordham University
Adriana Elnicki, Cheerleading – Holy Family University
Julissa Lewis, Track & Field – La Salle University
Devon Major, Football – Widener University
Jewell McConnell, Girls’ Flag Football – Neumann University
Addison McGinnis, Cheerleading – University of Scranton
Christian Meitzler, Baseball – Rutgers University–Camden
Juliana Pinto, Cheerleading – Rowan University
Richard Rosati, Baseball – Rutgers University–Camden
Deante Ruffin, Football – Kent State University
Amya Scott, Girls’ Basketball – Delaware State University
Nicholas Torres, Football – Ursinus College

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Josie Arezina, Girls’ Volleyball – Eastern University
Reece Benner, Girls’ Volleyball – Gettysburg College
Emma Bond, Girls’ Volleyball – St. Petersburg College
AJ DiAddezio, Baseball – West Chester University
Ryan Edde, Track & Field/XC – Eastern University
Chase Frantz, Baseball – East Stroudsburg University
Maeve Gallagher, Girls’ Volleyball – West Chester University
Shae Gonzales, Swimming – Roger Williams University
Camryn Grimley, Girls’ Ice Hockey – University of Connecticut
Molly Houchins, Softball – Roanoke College
Mallory Hurlock, Girls’ Soccer – Gettysburg College
Jason Krum, Boys’ Soccer – Susquehanna University
Patrick McNerney, Baseball – Chestnut Hill College
Abigale Millhouse, Softball – Alvernia University
Brooke Pappa, Girls’ Soccer – University of Lynchburg
Makel Parker, Football – Monroe College
Braden Reed, Football – Villanova University
Carl Robinson III, Boys’ Soccer – Shippensburg University
Luke Sandor, Baseball – Eastern University
Hannah Satalin, Track & Field/XC – Gwynedd Mercy University
Christopher Scruggs, Football – Lycoming College
Abby Simmers, Softball – Thomas Jefferson University
Luke Terlesky, Baseball – West Chester University
Ian Young, Boys’ Lacrosse – Misericordia University

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Christian Adams, Boys’ Volleyball – Widener University
Louis Cerone, Football – West Chester University
Fernando DiNardo, Football – Eastern University
Sebastian Edwards, Boys’ Basketball – Shippensburg University
William Felder, Football – Duke University
Jehiel Ferrell, Track & Field – Widener University
Mykell Ford, Football – East Stroudsburg University
Louis Gaddy, Football – Stony Brook University
Julian Green, Football – Howard University
Shareef Jackson, Boys’ Basketball – Lafayette College
Zxavier Kingcade, Football – Millersville University
Tayden Mines, Football – Lock Haven University
Zamir Newsuan, Football – Saint Francis University (Pennsylvania)
Christian Palmer, Football – Monmouth University
Axley Ramos, Soccer – Rutgers University–Camden
Rayshawn Scott, Football – West Chester University
Jaasai Simmons, Football – Marshall University
James Taft, Wrestling – Arcadia University
LaZaryus Toombs, Football – Central Connecticut State University
Rocco Trivelli, Wrestling – West Chester University

ST. HUBERT’S

Mya Baker, Cheerleading – Rider University
Mackenzie Bolduc, Cheerleading – Widener University
Hope Bucci, Cheerleading – University of Delaware
Jenna Carr, Swimming – Arcadia University
Allie McNesby, Cheerleading – The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Rachel Nice, Girls’ Volleyball – Penn State Brandywine
Sophia Sermarini, Cheerleading – Temple University

WEST CATHOLIC

Jaden Banner, Boys’ Basketball – Delaware Valley University
Kal El Durham, Football – Shippensburg University
Saaid Lee, Boys’ Basketball – Salem Community College
Jaden Meekins, Football – Millersville University
Isaiah Muhammad, Boys’ Basketball – Thomas Jefferson University

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College Sports

Five-star QB Ryder Lyons commits to BYU as program’s highest-rated pledge in modern recruiting era

Published

36 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BYU made another major splash on the recruiting trail Tuesday with the addition of five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, who chose the Cougars over a litany of heavyweight offers from programs like Oregon, USC and Ole Miss. Lyons is the first five-star to commit to BYU since 247Sports started rating prospects in 2010 and he’s the highest-rated recruit to make his pledge to the Cougars in the modern era. Taking in all of that context, Lyons’ commitment to BYU registers a 10 out of 10 in the Commitment Impact Score.

Lyons explained his decision on the “Pat McAfee Show.”

“They were the first ones (to offer me a scholarship) in eighth grade,” Lyons said. “They pulled the trigger on me. They believed in me early and it’s just crazy how it all comes full circle.”

A product of Folsom, California, Lyons took two unofficial visits to BYU during the 2024 season and officially visited the Cougars the weekend of June 19. Lyons, the No. 13 prospect nationally and No. 4 quarterback, was the highest-rated uncommitted quarterback left in the 2026 class prior to his announcement.

The 6-foot-2.5 and 220-pound Lyons earned 2024 California Gatorade Player of the Year honors after leading Folsom to an 11-2 record as a starter while throwing for 3,011 yards and 46 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He also rushed 118 times for 585 yards and 14 touchdowns.

It may not take long for Lyons to have an impact on BYU’s football team when he arrives on campus, according to 247Sports’ evaluation:

A pure thrower with a live arm and understands how to change speeds and throw with anticipation. Accurate to all three levels of the field and throws the deep ball with touch and can rip fastballs in to tight windows. Equally dangerous when a play breaks down and has to improvise off-script. Elite in his ability to make multiple defenders miss and is creative in how he can buy time and make a throw down the field or take off and run for plus yards. He’s a tough kid who doesn’t shy away from contact and will take a shot but hang in the pocket to deliver the football. A highly competitive player with a strong off the field work ethic and draws raves from his coaches and teammates for his leadership skill. Has one of the highest ceilings among the quarterback group in his class and assuming he continues to develop, should be playing on Sunday’s for a very long time.

BYU amassing impressive 2026 haul

With Lyons in the fold, BYU’s 2026 recruiting class jumped from No. 46 to No. 38 in the 247Sports Team Composite Recruiting Rankings. With 14 commits already in the fold, the Cougars are on track to have their best high school signing haul since coach Kalani Sitake took over in 2016.

BYU now has three top-100 prospects committed, more than any other year in modern recruiting history. Lyons is joined by a pair of major in-state recruiting wins in tight end Brock Harris (St. George, Utah) and offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo (American Fork), who both committed in April.

Harris, the No. 67 prospect nationally and No. 5 tight end, chose BYU over the likes of Michigan, Georgia and Alabama while Mulitalo (No. 92 nationally) would be the first top-100 offensive lineman to sign with BYU in the Sitake era. Harris and Mulitalo also rank as the No. 2 and No. 3 prospects in the state of Utah, respectively.

Cougars thriving in NIL era

Lyons isn’t the first high-profile recruiting battle that BYU has won in recent months. The Cougars are firing on all cylinders in almost every major sport.

In December, BYU’s men’s basketball team beat a litany of blue-chip programs to sign AJ Dybantsa, the No. 2 prospect nationally in 2025. Shortly after Dybantsa’s decision, Royal Blue NIL — BYU’s NIL collective — released a statement lauding the efforts of BYU’s alumni base.

Court Report: The details on why AJ Dybantsa chose BYU and how much NIL money the No. 1 recruit is set to make

Matt Norlander

“As the official NIL collective of BYU Athletics, we are glad to play a role in AJ’s NIL deal while he’s with the program,” the statement read. “The collective’s efforts are indeed collective. We are thankful for the 875 donors from more than 30 different states who have provided support to more than 300 BYU student-athletes across 13 teams. The collective has received major gifts from 32 alumni. We are grateful for the unprecedented ecosystem of BYU. The entrepreneurial DNA of Cougar Nation is unrivaled.”

Ryan Smith, a co-founder of Qualitrics and the owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, has been involved with his alma mater, though he stated on social media that he had no direct hand in landing Dybantsa and instead credited Cougars coach Kevin Young and the program he’s built. Young’s 2024-25 BYU team later made a run to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.

Regardless of who’s buying in, it’s clear that BYU has adapted well to the constantly shifting college athletics landscape.

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College Sports

Denver Gymnastics Signs Addie Hewitt for 2025-26

Story Links DENVER – The University of Denver gymnastics team has signed transfer Addie Hewitt beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, Joy S. Burns Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart announced on Tuesday. “We’re excited to welcome Addie to our team and back home to Colorado,” Kutcher-Rinehart said. “She […]

Published

37 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

DENVER – The University of Denver gymnastics team has signed transfer Addie Hewitt beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, Joy S. Burns Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart announced on Tuesday.

“We’re excited to welcome Addie to our team and back home to Colorado,” Kutcher-Rinehart said. “She will be a great teammate who will bring a strong work ethic and contribute depth to our lineups. We can’t wait to see her continue to thrive here at Denver.”

Hewitt began her collegiate career at the University of Maryland, spending her freshman year with the Terrapins in 2024-25 and competing in exhibition on vault twice.

Prior to entering NCAA gymnastics, Hewitt was a three-star recruit, according to College Gym News. She qualified for USA Gymnastics Level 10 Nationals four times and collected five Colorado state titles in her club career including twice in the all-around. In 2023, she was the Region 3 all-around champion and added a tie for first on beam.

Hewitt will be one of six newcomers to the Denver roster in 2025-26, joining the No. 9 recruiting class in the country featuring incoming freshmen Megan Aamold, Shyla Bhatia, Sevana Kasparian, Kaitlynd Kastl and Terra Rutter.

Denver finished the 2025 season ranked No. 13 nationally and reached its sixth consecutive NCAA Regional Final after tying with No. 4 Utah for first place and upsetting then-No. 13 Stanford in the NCAA Second Round. DU was just three tenths from a team berth to the NCAA National Championships, placing behind only eventual NCAA runner-up UCLA and NCAA finalist Utah.

TICKETS:
Season ticket renewals and deposits for the 2026 University of Denver gymnastics season are now on sale and can be purchased online, by calling 303-871-4625 or by visiting the Ritchie

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College Sports

USA Field Hockey | Olympian Hammel Retires from U.S. Women’s National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After six years, Olympian and prominent U.S. Women’s National Team defender, Ally Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), has officially announced her retirement. The 28-year-old competed in 80 international matches for Team USA. The Duxbury, Mass. native started playing field hockey in the 7th grade when her mother, who played collegiately at the University […]

Published

38 minutes ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After six years, Olympian and prominent U.S. Women’s National Team defender, Ally Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), has officially announced her retirement. The 28-year-old competed in 80 international matches for Team USA.

The Duxbury, Mass. native started playing field hockey in the 7th grade when her mother, who played collegiately at the University of Connecticut, started a club in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. Hammel played other sports growing up, including soccer, lacrosse, and ice hockey, and found field hockey was the perfect cross between soccer and ice hockey. From when she was first introduced, she enjoyed playing and was always excited to show up to training.

Hammel attended Duxbury High School and Loomis Chaffee School, where she earned Patriot League All-Star honors in 2011, 2012 and 2013, and helped the team claim three league titles. She was a 2013 Boston Herald and Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic selection and named to the 2014 NFHCA All-American Third Team. She played for HTC Field Hockey club team.

In 2013, Hammel got involved in the Olympic Development Pathway when she first joined Futures (now Nexus).

Hammel played collegiately at Boston University (2015-2018), where she was the first player in program history to be a two-time NFHCA First Team All-American (2017, 2018), in addition to winning back-to-back NFHCA Northeast Region Player of the Year (2017, 2018) and Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018). She was a unanimous selection to the All Patriot League First Team (2017, 2018), named the 2018 Patriot League Championship Most Outstanding Player, and named to the All-Tournament Team (2017, 2018).

From 2016 to 2019, Hammel participated in High Performance Centers in the north region and was selected to the U-21 or Development Junior National Camps and Young Women’s National Championship all four years. In 2018 and 2019, she was named to the U.S. Women’s National Development Team and went on a tour to Chile and Holland.

In May 2019, Hammel was named to the senior U.S. Women’s National Team and on February 7, 2020, played in her first cap against Argentina in the FIH Hockey Pro League. She competed in three editions of the League through the 2023-24 season, only missing four of the team’s 48 matches. An integral part of the United Eagles defense, she was the squad that earned fourth at the 2022 Pan American Cup and was a key individual in the relocation of the USWNT to Charlotte, N.C.

Although often part of the attacking penalty corner unit, Hammel also recorded handful of defensive saves – especially in key moments. One of those came in the battle against Argentina in the 2023 Pan American Games final, where the close 1-2 contest earned them a silver medal and qualifier spot. The most notable was at the 2024 FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier against Japan in a must-win game with a spot to Paris 2024 on the line, when she had solid post play to help USA secure the 2-1 win.

In June 2024, Hammel was named to the U.S. Olympic Women’s National Team roster to represent USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Years of dedication and sacrifices paid off.

“Being part of Team USA is an experience that’s tough to put into words,” commented Hammel. “Competing for the United States against the world’s top players and teams was an incredible honor. The countless hours of unseen effort and the challenging moments that made us question our commitment and what it truly meant to dedicate ourselves to our shared goal were all worth it the moment we pulled on that jersey. While there were certainly some challenging times, the highs made every low worthwhile. There’s truly nothing else like it!”

Hammel notes a handful of memorable highlights throughout her career. Among them are earning her first international cap against Argentina, and getting the opportunity to play against several former Boston University teammates, including Gunsom (NZL) in the FIH Hockey Pro League, Valentina Cerde Eimbcke (CHI) at the 2022 Pan American Cup and Sofi Laurito (ITA) at the 2024 FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier.

“I would have to say winning a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, and knowing we had a great opportunity in front of us to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” added Hammel.

“Playing in an Olympic Qualifier in one of the most passionate hockey countries in the world (India) as well as hearing the final horn against Japan and realizing we did the unthinkable and qualified for the Paris – it’s unforgettable.”

For most athletes, being selected to represent their country on the Olympic stage is the pinnacle of sport. “Seeing my name on the selection roster to represent the United States of America at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as well as stepping foot on the pitch, singing the National Anthem and becoming an Olympian – it will forever be a moment ingrained in my career highlights.”

Hammel’s final international competition was helping USA to a fourth-place finish at the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile. She retires having competed in 80 international senior matches.

Hammel has an extensive list of those she would like to thank who have impacted her career. First off, she wants to express her heartfelt gratitude to her parents, Jenn and Dave, her fiancé Travis, her brothers Matt and Jon, and all her extended family and friends. She notes that their unwavering support is what was her anchor through the highs and low of professional sport.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the coaches who have shaped my journey. From my club field hockey coaches, Deb Brickey and Darren Smallhorn, to my high school mentors, Pam Manley and Terry Vandewater, each of you laid the foundation for my growth. At Boston University, Sally Starr, Tracey Paul, and Sarah Shute pushed my ability and guided me to be the best version of myself both on and off the pitch. My Development Squad coaches – Jun Kentwell, Mark Atherton, Marc Hardy, and Roz Ellis – provided invaluable guidance and support at pivotal moments in my career.”

Hammel added, she would like to thank Longstreth Sporting Goods and Grays Hockey for sponsoring her throughout her time on the USWNT.

“I am deeply grateful to the coaches and support staff who have been integral to my journey with the U.S. Women’s National Team. A special thank you to Janneke Schopman who believed in my ability and gave me the opportunity to join the senior team. To David Williamson, Anthony Farry, Greg Drake, David Passmore, Javi Telechea, Tracey Fuchs, Maddie Hinch and Bert Remmerswaal – your guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been invaluable. Each of you has played a significant role in my development, and you all hold a very special place in my heart”

Finally, Hammel would like to thank all her Team USA teammates. She expressed that all have impacted her career – big and small – and that she is grateful for the experiences shared, lessons learned, and growth made together. She is excited to see the future of the USWNT and looks toward the continued fight to represent the United States.

“Ally has been a member of the squad and integral in our development over the past few years providing solidity to our defense through the Olympic qualification process and in Paris,” said David Passmore, USWNT Head Coach. “While pleased for Ally that she has made a decision she is happy with, she will be missed for her composure, calm head, and leadership in the Paris cycle having converted from a forward at college to a defender internationally. She led a young inexperienced group in New Zealand and Chile and has been integral in the young players settling into the squad and understanding our processes and tactics. On behalf of the whole team we wish Ally and her fiancé Travis the very best for their future.”

Hammel has a USA Field Hockey Level 1 Coaching Certification. She coached at HTC Field Hockey from 2012 through 2020 and has been Coaching Director, Recruiting Coordinator and Head Coach at DELTA Field Hockey since the summer of 2023.

She was recently named the assistant coach at Penn State University, and she, Travis, and their dog, Harper, will be making the move to Happy Valley.

“Stepping away from playing the sport you love is always difficult, but I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to further my field hockey knowledge and give back to the community that has given me so much!

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Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation