SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Chattanooga needed just one win Saturday to claim another Southern Conference softball tournament title, but Mercer got in the way. The Bears rallied late in the first game to beat the Mocs 6-5 and force the second game. They would go on to win the second game and claim their first SoCon Tournament crown.
 
The Mocs had nine hits in the first game and 12 for the day with three doubles and seven RBI. Acelynn Sellers was 1-for-1 with a double, two RBI and five walks and was hit by a pitch. Presley Williamson was 1-for-2 with a double as a pinch hitter. Camryn Cernuto was 3-for-8 and scored two runs.  Peja Goold started both games and struck out a tournament-best 10 in 12 innings pitched.
 
CHATTANOOGA 5, MERCER 6
The Mocs put up five runs through the first two innings, but the Bears plated six in the late innings to claim a 6-5 win over Chattanooga and force the “if” game in the Southern Conference Championship.
 
The Mocs scored three runs in the first on a trio of singles, a walk and a hit by pitch. Kailey Snell was hit by a pitch to start the inning and Camryn Cernuto beat out the throw to first to put two runners on. Olivia Lipari sacrificed both over and Acelynn Sellers was walked on four pitched.
 
Baileigh Pitts took a 3-2 count through the left side and drove in the first two runs of the game. Raven Jones, two batters later, drove in the third run of the inning with a single up the middle.
 
Chattanooga put together a two-out rally in the second to push the lead to five runs. With two outs, Cernuto picked up her second hit of the game and took second on a single by Lipari. Sellers, doubled to left field, driving in the pair to make it 5-0.
 
The Mocs stranded two in the third and fourth and went down in order in the final three innings.
 
Mercer cut the lead to one run in the fifth with a three-run triple and a sac fly to make it 5-4. In the sixth, the Bears added two more to take the lead and held on for the win.
 
Chattanooga moves to 41-14 overall and Mercer improves to 37-24.
 
Taylor Long is now 13-3 on the year. She struck out one, facing 11 batters. Peja Goold got the start and struck out seven, walked six and gave up four earned runs. Camryn Cernuto went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Sellers was 1-for-1 with three walks and two RBI. Pitts drove in two runs on one hit and Jones tallied an RBI on one hit.
 
 
GAME 2: CHATTANOOGA 2, MERCER 5
The Mocs scored a run in the bottom of the first to tie the deciding game Saturday, but wouldn’t get on the board again until the sixth. However, Mercer spread five runs over six innings to claim the win and its first SoCon Tournament title.
 
Kailey Snell led off the bottom of the first with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a ground out by Camryn Cernuto. Snell scored from second on a double into the gap in right center by Olivia Lipari. Acelynn Sellers was walked again and the pair was stranded.
 
Mercer struck first with a double down the left field line to score the runner from second. The Bears added two more in the third on a two-run blast from Tori Hedgecock to make it 3-1. In the fourth Hannah Rivers doubled to left and scored on an error at the fence putting Mercer out front 4-1.
 
Both teams added another run in the sixth. Mercer led off with a double and Rivers reached on a strike out swinging throwing error to first to leave runners at the corners. A pinch hit single drove in the fifth run and an error loaded the bases. The next at bat drew a play at the plate, stopping another run and a fly out ended the threat.
 
In the bottom of the sixth the Mocs added a second run. Sellers was hit to lead off the inning. With one out and one on, Presley Williamson doubled to right center to put runners at second and third. Raven Jones grounded out and pinch runner Abi Pikas trotted home to make it 5-2.
 
Chattanooga closed out the year at 41-15 while laying claim to its 16^th SoCon Regular Season title. Peja Goold tallied 25 wins and was third in the NCAA for shutouts with eight. She was named the SoCon Pitcher of the Year for the second straight season. Olivia Lipari was the Player of the Year and Frank Reed was named the league’s Coach of the Year. Taylor Long and Camryn Cernuto were named to the All-Conference Second Team while Lexi Cooley earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team.
 
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New Orleans (La.) McDonogh 35 four-star wide receiver Jakai Anderson has flipped his commitment from LSU to SMU.

He had previously been committed to the Tigers since June 2024, when he chose them over early offers from Georgia Tech, Memphis, Tulane, Troy and UTSA. The Mustangs, however, continued to pursue him despite his commitment and have ultimately landed their third four-star recruit in the 2026 class.

The 6-foot, 160-pounder is the No. 338 overall prospect and No. 53 wide receiver in this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3, however, is much higher on him than other services. In the most recent On300 rankings, Anderson was tabbed as the nation’s No. 216 recruit and No. 33 WR.

He is the latest pledge for Rhett Lashlee and Co., joining a class that also features four-star running back Christian Rhodes, four-star wideout Xzavier Barnett, three-star safety Markel Ford, three-star EDGE, Amontre Harris, quarterback Cole Leinart and defensive lineman Keith Dotie.

Anderson jumps off the page as a prospect

Earlier this spring, he was a standout during the third weekend of Overtime’s 7v7 competition — OT7.

“Anderson was not targeted a ton on Day 1 of OT7, but he was the straw that stirred the drink for the Coastline Stars offense on Sunday,” On3 National Scout Cody Bellaire wrote. “He was the most targeted receiver for Coastline on Day 2 and was putting the ball in the paint at will scoring multiple touchdowns on the day. His ability to separate from defenders and pluck the ball away from his frame set up his team for success all day long. He’s shifty, explosive and such a natural downfield ball tracker making even the most difficult catches look simple here at OT7.”

He is coming off a standout junior campaign where he was Class 4A all-state wide receiver selection with his 57 catches for 972 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also adding 151 yards and four scores on 16 carries.

He also dominated in the return game, with a combined 518 yards and seven touchdowns.

By Jim Fenton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — The 2025 Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference baseball season has come down to one game.

Top-seeded Bridgewater State University and the second-seeded Massachusetts Maritime Academy will square off Sunday at noon at Alumni Park for the conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III tournament.

The Bears, who are in the final round for a fourth consecutive year, won a pair of elimination games on Saturday.

After BSU stopped fifth-seeded Salem State University, 12-6, in the opener, the Bears then handed Mass. Maritime its first loss of the tournament, 12-3, in the second game of the day.

A record-breaking home run by junior Ryan Flaherty (Duxbury, Mass.) in the eighth inning of the second game helped break it open.

The Bears (29-13) and the Buccaneers (24-18) will meet for the third time in three days and the sixth time this season. BSU holds a 3-2 lead over Mass. Maritime in ’25, including a 10-0 loss to the Buccaneers on Friday.

The Bears needed three straight wins after that defeat to win a fourth consecutive MASCAC crown, and they are now one win away from making that happen.

Mass. Maritime, which was limited to five hits by two BSU pitchers, is just a win away from its first conference tourney championship.

Flaherty became the BSU all-time leader in home runs and RBI in a season during a five-run eighth inning that enabled the Bears to pull away from the Buccaneers.

Flaherty, a transfer from Stonehill College, hit his 16th homer with two runners on, breaking the record of 15 home runs held by John Kiely since 1986.

He also has 61 RBI after hitting the homer, breaking the mark of 59 that Jeremy Winters had in 2003.

The Bears never trailed against Mass. Maritime, which scored twice in the sixth inning to make it 3-3.

But BSU scored five times in the eighth, getting just two hits, to take the game over and force a deciding game.

Juniors Joshua Selander (Granby, Conn.) and Riley Thornell (Wareham, Mass.) drew walks and senior DJ Prampin (Worcester, Mass.) bunted for a hit to load the bases.

Senior Scott Emerson (Peabody, Mass.) was hit by a pitch to make it 4-3 and a sacrifice fly to right by senior Kevin Lindsay (East Bridgewater, Mass.) opened a 5-3 edge.

Flaherty then hit his record-setting homer with two outs to left field for the five-run advantage.

The Bears scored four more times in the ninth on a grand slam by Emerson, his fifth homer of the season and 69th hit this year.

Luna had singled, Thornell was hit by a pitch and Prampin walked to load the bases for Emerson.

BSU, which was the visiting team, took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-out double to left-center by senior Philip Messina (Dunkirk, N.Y.).

Emerson had led off with a single down the left-field line, and after two outs, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch before Flaherty walked.

Mass. Maritime scored a run in the third on a two-out RBI single to right by sophomore Damon White (Buzzards Bay, Mass.), bringing in senior Jake Houston (Bellingham, Mass.), who had singled.

The Bears went up, 3-1, in the fifth with two outs as Selander delivered a two-run single through the right side, bringing in Messina and freshman Jamie Luna (Warwick, R.I.), who had singled.

Mass. Maritime tied it in the bottom of the sixth when MASCAC Player of the Year senior Brett Velzis (Cypress, Texas) homered to center after a single by senior AJ Pietrafesa (Harwinton, Conn.).

Sophomore Jaden Arruda (Seekonk, Mass.) started for BSU and allowed a run and two hits with two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

Senior Cameron Breault (Buzzards Bay, Mass.) pitched the final 4 2/3 innings, giving up two runs and three hits with four strikeouts.

Emerson led the 10-hit attack, going 3-for-5 with five RBI. Messina was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI and Luna had two hits.

Pietrafes had two of the five Buccaneers’ hits.

Three years ago, college athletes had zero financial leverage regarding sponsorship deals. Fast-forward to 2025, and players like Arch Manning are securing NIL contracts worth $6.5 million—a staggering figure, especially compared to the NFL’s minimum rookie salary of $795,000.

With brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre pouring millions into partnerships, NIL deals have become one of college athletes’ most lucrative financial opportunities. Some players even choose to stay in school longer rather than declare themselves for the NFL Draft, knowing their NIL earnings can exceed pro contracts.

But which brands dominate the NIL landscape? Here are the major brands that are actively contributing to the NIL revolution.

NIL Giants Revealed: Which Brands Offer the Most Lucrative Deals For College Football’s Athletes?

Nike

Nike has always been a leader in athlete endorsements, and its NIL strategy only strengthens that reputation. The brand has landed major deals with stars like Bronny James, Caitlin Clark, Travis Hunter, and Shedeur Sanders. These partnerships span basketball, football, and track and field, ensuring Nike’s presence in multiple sports.

Nike’s focus on generational talent is clear, especially with Shedeur’s recent partnership. It continues his father, Deion Sanders’ historic Nike connection from the 1990s. As Shedeur noted, he hopes his NIL deal will help revive and modernize his father’s Nike Air DT Trainer line, showcasing how NIL partnerships can carry historical significance while shaping the future of athlete branding.

Adidas

Adidas has made a big move in the world of NIL deals. They launched a program that includes 109 Division I schools, giving thousands of athletes the chance to earn money as brand ambassadors. This initiative has positioned Adidas as a major player in collegiate sports sponsorships, particularly benefiting athletes at Kansas, Miami, and Arizona State.

Instead of focusing on individual athletes, they have formed strong partnerships with entire schools. As a result, numerous sports programs effectively represent their brand.

Gatorade

Gatorade has smartly made itself a top player in NIL deals. The brand targets athletes with high performance and endurance in sports like basketball, football, soccer, and track & field.

They’ve already teamed up with stars like Paige Bueckers, Shedeur Sanders, DJ Lagway, and Dia Bell, a five-star quarterback from Texas. By partnering with top talent early, Gatorade is solidifying its substantial presence in college and pro sports, making it one of the leading brands in the NIL world.

Beats by Dre

The audio software company is turning up the volume on its NIL game. The audio giant recently launched its new “Beats Elite” campaign, featuring 11 exceptional college football stars . Big names like Jalen Milroe, Carson Beck, and Shedeur Sanders lead the charge.

These athletes will be the face of Beats in new marketing campaigns. They’ll also receive custom headphones made just for them. Some players, like Milroe, even share Beats gear with their whole team. Moves like that help Beats build strong roots in college football and boost their presence across programs nationwide.

Red Bull

The popular Aussie energy drink brand, Red Bull, has made a big move in the NIL space by signing Texas quarterback Arch Manning to a historic multi-year deal. This deal makes Manning one of the highest earners in college football, with his NIL valuation reaching $6.6 million.

It shows their commitment to supporting top talent in the NIL world. Manning’s deal is just one example of how Red Bull uses these partnerships to boost its exposure. The brand loves working with elite athletes, especially those who fit their high-energy image.

Celsius Holdings

Celsius Holdings may not sign direct NIL deals, but the brand knows how to stay in the game. Instead of traditional sponsorships, it uses clever marketing to boost visibility and connect with athletes who promote healthy, active lifestyles. Their “Essential Six” campaign has helped the brand become a major player in athlete sponsorships.

RELATED: Michigan’s NIL-Era Transformation Explained—From Complacency To Top-10 Status In New College Football Job Rankings

Partnerships with athletes like Jayden Daniels and Juan Soto strengthen their presence in sports and performance-focused markets, even without official NIL deals. They have also partnered with Donovan Edwards, Dillon Gabriel, Jalen Milroe, DJ Uiagalelei, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to expand their NIL presence rapidly.

Nautica

Nautica is growing its presence in the NIL world, featuring LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III in its Fall 2024 “New Legends” campaign. Dunne, one of the highest-paid female college athletes, has an impressive NIL valuation of $3.4 million.

Meanwhile, Luther, a first-team All-SEC star, has seen his NIL value grow from $769K last year after partnering with the American apparel brand. Nautica’s focus on college sports sponsorships is part of a larger trend, as NIL earnings reached over $1.6 billion in 2025. This shows the brand’s dedication to partnering with top young talent.

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With a month behind us since the end of the college basketball season, ESPN is looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign. Jeff Borzello has updated his early Top 25 rankings in a big way.

The sport is in a fascinating place, with the transfer portal having a gigantic impact on the Top 25 after March Madness came to a close. While it’s certainly subject to change, Borzello has a pretty good idea regarding which teams will be contending for it all next season.

With that in mind, let’s dive into ESPN’s latest Top 25 rankings. Expect them to fluctuate over the next couple of months, but Borzello has provided a nice baseline for where we stand in May.

Purdue made a bit of a run during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. While they fell short of their ultimate goal, they have the team to make some major noise this coming season, and it’s evident ESPN is a believer in the Boilermakers at the moment.

Borzello: “There’s a chance Purdue has the preseason Wooden Award favorite and two All-Americans on its roster next season. Braden Smith will start the season as the best guard in the country after taking the next step in his development this past campaign, while Trey Kaufman-Renn is a dominant paint force.”

Connecticut took Florida to the brink during the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament. The Huskies fell short of a three-peat, but they have nothing to hang their heads about. They’re slated to return with a vengeance this coming season.

Borzello: “UConn’s national championship streak ended at two, but Dan Hurley and the Huskies have reloaded to make another run. … If Tarris Reed Jr. can stay on the floor consistently, UConn is as loaded as any team in America.”

St. John’s were the darlings of college basketball for much of the 2024-25 season. However, an unceremonious exit during the Round of 32 shocked the world. Rick Pitino has reloaded his team once again though, and the Red Storm don’t seem to be going away ahead of a new campaign.

Borzello: “The Red Storm’s NCAA tournament run ended earlier than expected, but Rick Pitino guided them to the Big East regular-season and tournament titles and has them back in the national discussion. … Pitino has one of the best portal classes in the country, led by five top-100 additions.”

Houston was heartbreakingly close to winning the national title this past season. Now, the Cougars have to get back on the horse and try, try again. Don’t bet against them getting over the hump, as they’ve made some major moves since their demoralizing defeat to Florida.

Borzello: “Milos Uzan declared for the NBA draft last month, but we might not know his final decision until the withdrawal deadline on May 28. If Uzan returns, there’s a strong case to put the Cougars at No. 1. If he doesn’t, Kelvin Sampson has already recruited an experienced guard to help replace Uzan, landing Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs, a scorer who can create opportunities for others.”

5. BYU (+2)

BYU couldn’t stop a nose bleed during their defeat at the hands of Alabama in the Sweet 16. What’s changed? Well, the top recruit in the nation in A.J. Dybantsa chose the Cougars. 2026 could be special, and ESPN is confident Provo’s team will be a contender.

Borzello: “All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars. How has Kevin Young built around Dybantsa? Teaming him up with high-level scorer Richie Saunders on the wing was a great start, and landing Robert Wright III at point guard was a boost. That trio should be one of the country’s most explosive on the offensive end.”

Jon Scheyer and company couldn’t get the job done with generational talent Cooper Flagg in 2025. The faith many have in Duke winning another title might’ve been shaken, but they’ve made some key moves that are flying a bit under the radar. We’ll see if it all pays off for the Blue Devils after a tough Final Four loss last month.

Borzello: “Isaiah Evans‘ decision to forgo the NBA draft and transfer portal to return to Durham gives the Blue Devils a significant perimeter boost, as did beating out Alabama for Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, a legitimate NBA prospect with size and shooting ability on the wings. Jon Scheyer also brings in the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, which he might need to start multiple freshmen again next season if Coward opts to stay in the draft.”

Louisville received a face-lift this offseason. They had a tremendous regular season, but a forgettable performance in the NCAA Tournament after many picked them to make a run as an under-seeded team. There will be a chip on the shoulder of the Cardinals this time around.

Borzello: “Pat Kelsey had as strong an offseason as any coach in the country so far, landing impact transfers Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State) to go with top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. in the backcourt. … (His) first NCAA tournament win isn’t far away.”

Texas Tech gave Florida all they could handle in the Elite Eight, after a legendary comeback in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas. While it ended up not being enough, they have the talent to make some noise once again in 2026. ESPN certainly believes in them.

Borzello: “Grant McCasland’s team had the biggest rise from the first iteration of our rankings on championship Monday to the mid-April update. The biggest move was the return of JT Toppin, a preseason All-American who dominated the second half of the season.”

Dusty May has made a habit of replenishing his teams via the transfer portal, and Michigan made some major additions once again this time around. The Wolverines had Auburn on the ropes in the Sweet 16, but they couldn’t finish the job. That’ll be the bare minimum in 2026 for the reigning Big Ten Tournament victors.

Borzello: “Dusty May hit the portal early in the cycle, landing three potential starters for the next season in Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB), Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina) and Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois). Lendeborg is a borderline first-round pick, so there is a chance he’ll remain in the NBA draft instead. But Cadeau is an incredibly gifted passer and Johnson is primed for a big jump down low.”

What a rollercoaster ride of a season John Calipari took Arkansas on in Year 1. What’s in store for Year 2? He’s hoping the Razorbacks will go even further than the Sweet 16, after falling just short of the Elite Eight due to a furious comeback by Texas Tech.

Borzello: “Arkansas surged down the stretch of the season, earning an NCAA tournament bid then making a run to the Sweet 16 before losing to Texas Tech in overtime. Can John Calipari carry that momentum over to next season? Four of the Razorbacks’ top six minute-getters from the postseason run should be back next season.”

ESPN’s early Top 25 ranking — Nos. 11-25:

11. Kentucky (-1)
12. Arizona
13. Iowa State
14. UCLA (+2)
15. Auburn
16. Wisconsin (+1)
17. Illinois (NR)
18. Florida (+1)
19. Creighton (NR)
20. Tennessee (-4)
21. Kansas (-3)
22. Gonzaga (+1)
23. Michigan State (-3)
24. Alabama (-3)
25. North Carolina (-3)

Next in line: Ohio State, Texas, San Diego State, USC, Oregon

The Virginia Cavaliers have been fairly successful with the transfer portal in the offseason so far. With new head coach Ryan Odom at the helm, the Cavaliers have been active in the transfer portal the past few months. On Saturday, Virginia landed arguably their biggest commitment yet out of the transfer portal in former USF Dons star guard Malik Thomas, as per Joe Tipton of On3 Sports.

Malik Thomas’s commitment to Virginia out of the transfer portal comes as the star guard was awarded an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. Thomas has played two seasons at USC from 2021-2023, and then two seasons at USF from 2023-2025. He did not have an extra year of eligibility due to arriving after the NCAA granted athletes an additional year due to COVID-19.

Following Thomas’ waiver being granted by the NCAA, Virginia had become the favorite to land him, as per college basketball insider Jeff Goodman. Thomas joins the Cavaliers after a breakout senior year at USF where he led the West Coast Conference in scoring and was named the All-WCC First Team.

Last season, Thomas appeared in 34 games for the Dons, all starts at a little over 31 minutes per game. He averaged 19.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals with splits of 44.4 percent shooting from the field, 39.4 percent shooting from the three-point line and 85.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Thomas was considered one of the best available guards in the transfer portal and should compete for a starting spot at Virginia from the get-go.

He joins an incoming group of seven players added through the transfer portal this offseason. That group includes former Kansas State center Ugonna Onyenso, former UC Irvine forward Devin Tills, former Yale guard Dallin Hall, former VCU forward Martin Carrere, former Toledo guard Sam Lewis and former North Dakota State guard Jacari White.

Virginia had lost several players to the transfer portal this offseason, including last season’s leading scorer Isaac McKneely.

Odom will be taking over a Virginia team that finished 15-17 last season and 8-12 in ACC play. Ron Sanchez was the Cavaliers head coach last season, filling in on an interim basis after the abrupt retirement of Tony Bennett.

David Yapkowitz is a basketball journalist for ClutchPoints, writing news on the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA Basketball for both men and women. The Los Angeles native has bylines with Basketball Insiders, SB Nation, and The Next Hoops.