No consensus reached after CFP meetings; a longtime Fox reporter will depart the network; Nielsen reports streaming tops linear TV for the first time last month.

No agreement on CFP format

College Football Playoff leadership has no clear consensus on the future of the tournament after meetings this week, according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich. The Big Ten and SEC, who control the discussion about the playoff, are in disagreement about key points of a new deal.

Previous models explored include a format in which the Big Ten and SEC would be guaranteed four spots each, with two more reserved for each the Big 12 and ACC. The “5+11” model appeared to gain traction last month, which would simply expand the current format to four additional at-large teams.

Among the points of contention is the Big Ten’s objection to the SEC and ACC continuing to play eight conference games annually, instead of nine. The SEC is seeking compensation from ESPN as well as assurances of playoff access before adding additional losses to its teams’ resumes.

A deadline of December 1 is in place to reach agreement on the playoff format for 2026-27 and beyond. This year’s playoff will repeat the twelve-team format from last year, with the slight modification that conference champions will not automatically be given a bye if not ranked in the top four spots.

Laura Okmin departing Fox Sports

Longtime Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter Laura Okmin will not renew her contract, ending her 23-year run with the network, according to Front Office Sports. The network was reportedly “surprised” by Okmin’s departure. Okmin primarily worked on Fox’s lower-tier NFL crews, including this past season alongside Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston.

Okmin said in an interview with FOS that she will continue to work the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl for Westwood One’s radio coverage, but her primary focus will be on her own women’s sports development company.

Okmin finishes her TV career at #3 on the list of all-time NFL sideline broadcasts worked, behind Fox’s Pam Oliver and former NBC reporter Michele Tafoya. Prior to Fox, Okmin worked for TNT Sports and CNN.



Streaming surpasses linear in May, per Nielsen

Viewing of streaming video in the US has surpassed broadcast and cable viewership combined for the first time, according to Nielsen’s analysis of May 2025 data. Combined streaming viewership was 44.8% of all content, exceeding the combined share of broadcast TV (20.1%) and cable (24.1%).

YouTube led all platforms with 12.5% share of media consumption. To put it another way, one out of every eight minutes of video watched last month in the US was accessed through YouTube. Netflix remains in second place with a 7.5% share. Even smaller free platforms have a surprising audience: the combined viewership of Tubi, Roku Channel, and PlutoTV was larger than any individual broadcast television network last month.

Nielsen’s “broadcast” and “cable” categories include linear networks like ABC and ESPN, even when accessed through a streaming platform like YouTube TV. Viewership of ESPN+ is included in the “streaming” category, along with other platforms like Prime Video, Peacock, and Paramount+.

The class of 2027 NCAA gymnastics recruits are garnering attention as they can now commit to college programs despite competing elite through summer and fall. Prominent gymnasts like Claire Pease, Lia Monica Fontaine, and Alyssa Guerrier Calixte highlight the talent pool. Pease has already made headlines with standout performances in the junior ranks, while Fontaine dominates in Canadian competitions. This recruiting period marks a pivotal moment for these young athletes as they aim to secure their spots in top gymnastics programs.

By the Numbers

• Claire Pease won the U.S. junior all-around title and multiple elite competitions.
• Lia Monica Fontaine achieved a personal best all-around score of 54.316 at the Canadian Championships.

State of Play

• Recruiting for the class of 2027 has officially begun, with gymnasts actively competing in elite events.
• Pease and Fontaine are among the leading figures, attracting attention from major NCAA programs.

What’s Next

As these recruits continue to perform in competitions, their collegiate commitments will likely be announced over the coming months. Expect further developments in outstanding performances at national and international events that could elevate their recruitment status. The upcoming U.S Championships will be crucial for Pease and others seeking to enhance their visibility.

Bottom Line

The class of 2027 is poised to make a significant impact on NCAA gymnastics, with talented individuals like Pease and Fontaine leading the charge. As they solidify their skills and competitive standings, all eyes will be on them as potential future stars in the sport.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Fisk University made history in 2023 as the first Historically Black College or University to launch a gymnastics program. Now, just three years later, the university has announced the program will end after Spring 2026.

The team quickly gained national attention, breaking records, competing nationwide, and inspiring fans across the country.

“I didn’t really realize we were making history or I was making history until maybe halfway through, because at the end of every meet we have to stay, Oh my God, sometimes an hour after the competition, signing autographs, taking pictures, meeting alumni from Fisk, and also letting the other little girls that were looking up to us and inspired by us,” said Naimah Muhammad, a former Fisk University gymnast.

Muhammad, who graduated in May, had hoped to mentor the team but was shocked to learn about the program’s discontinuation.

“Never expected it to happen, especially knowing how much support we got from not just people on the outside of school, but inside the school. The students, the faculty, the staff, the alumni especially really loved the gymnastics team,” Muhammad said.

The university cited the lack of HBCU Athletic Conference sanctioning as a major hurdle, making it difficult to schedule meets and recruit athletes. Fisk competes in the HBCU Athletic Conference, where gymnastics isn’t sanctioned.

“While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” said Valencia Jordan, Director of Fisk Athletics. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”

“It was very much a shock when they announced the dismantling,” Muhammad said. “It made me very upset.”

Now, Muhammad and fellow alumni are rallying to save the program, launching a petition to raise awareness.

“At the end of the day, you can’t take away the history we made for the past three years that literally shook and impacted the whole world,” Muhammad said.

Since Fisk’s groundbreaking move, two other HBCUs created gymnastics programs. Talladega College in Alabama started shortly after Fisk in 2023 but ended its program in 2024 due to financial reasons. After Spring 2026, only Wilberforce University in Ohio will remain as an HBCU with a gymnastics program.

Muhammad says if she can’t save Fisk’s program, she will focus her efforts on supporting Wilberforce.

This story was reported on-air and written by Kelsey Gibbs and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Longtime breakfast tradition continues for friends who met through Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship

This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn’t have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child’s life. The story of De’Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone – through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.

– Rebecca Schleicher

ADRIAN, Mich. – The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced its Regional All-Defensive Teams on Thursday afternoon, with each region selecting one player per position. Representing Adrian College on the Region 7 All-Defensive Team for the 2025 season is catcher David Kedrow.

Kedrow had an outstanding season behind the plate, earning First Team All-MIAA honors. In 321 defensive chances, he recorded 285 putouts, 33 assists, and committed just three errors, finishing the year with an impressive .991 fielding percentage. He also threw out 20 baserunners attempting to steal.

The honor follows the recent announcement of Kedrow signing a professional contract with the Eastside Diamond Hoppers of the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL).

Kedrow becomes the first player in Adrian College history to be named to an ABCA Regional All-Defensive Team since the awards were introduced in 2023. He joins Todd Meyers (2009) and Gunner Rainey (2021) as the only Bulldogs to receive ABCA Defensive Awards, with both earning national Gold Glove honors.

West listed No. 27 in final NHL Central Scouting rankings for North American skaters

Mason West, highly sought on both the gridiron and the ice, committed to play hockey at Michigan State Thursday.

West’s decision comes shortly after he announced he would pursue hockey beyond high school rather than football where is has been highly recruited as a quarterback. West announced recently he will forgo his senior season of hockey at Edina and join the USHL’s Fargo Force, but will still play his senior year of football this fall.

West was a member of the 2024 state champion Edina hockey team, but fell short of winning a football state title, finishing runner up in 2023 in a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Centennial.

“It was really important for me to play football as a senior with my friends,” West said in an interview with NHL.com form the NHL Scouting Combine. “I always set goals for the year, and that was to win a state high school hockey championship and also a football championship. I haven’t done it in football so I kind of want to achieve that and stay loyal to my team because I think they need me.”

The 6”6’ West had 27 goals and 22 assists last season in 31 games during his junior season for the Hornets as a right wing. He joined the Fargo Force following the state tournament and recorded a goal and eight assists in 10 games. He is currently ranked No. 27 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

West turns 18 years old in early August.