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When Johnny Manziel famously debuted his “show me the money” gesture during his redshirt freshman season at Texas A&M, it wasn’t meant to take on larger-than-life symbolism. Instead, it was simply an inside joke between Manziel and teammate Ben Molina that the two would break out during practices or scrimmages. Once Manziel introduced the college […]

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When Johnny Manziel famously debuted his “show me the money” gesture during his redshirt freshman season at Texas A&M, it wasn’t meant to take on larger-than-life symbolism. Instead, it was simply an inside joke between Manziel and teammate Ben Molina that the two would break out during practices or scrimmages.

Once Manziel introduced the college football world to the gesture, where he would rub his fingers together like he was counting cash— it became a signature celebration that symbolized swagger, self-confidence, and defiance. It represented the financial value he brought to Texas A&M and the NCAA, and later came to represent the contradiction of high-revenue college athletics and unpaid players—making him an early icon of the NIL era.

A decade later, everything changed, as the NCAA’s policy allowing athletes to officially profit off NIL went into play. But what if NIL existed in college athletics before that time? What athletes would have been the most profitable if NIL went into effect at the turn of the century? How would former college standouts like Manziel or Florida’s Tim Tebow have fared?

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FOX Sports college football writers Laken Litman, RJ Young and Michael Cohen take a look at who they believe would have been the most profitable college football players if NIL had been around since 2000.

* All three writers were each given a hypothetical $100 million to distribute to their five choices while being asked to rank them from 1-5, with No. 1 being the most profitable. Here is a look at their picks and how they chose to distribute those funds.

Laken Litman, College Football & Soccer Analyst

1. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Literally nicknamed “Money Manziel.” That moniker complemented his well-known “show me the money” touchdown celebration as a nod to the NCAA, which punished him for profiting off signing autographs. As a freshman, Manziel mesmerized the college football world with a highlight-worthy season, passung for 3,419 yards with 24 touchdowns and adding 1,181 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. He led Texas A&M to an upset win of No. 1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa and went on to become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. 

NIL money: $35 million

2. Reggie Bush, RB, USC

The most electrifying player in college football at that time – and maybe ever. He was a threat on the run or in the passing games, and helped lead USC to back-to-back national championships in 2003 and 2004 before winning the Heisman – which was taken away due to receiving “improper benefits” and later given back – in 2005. If NIL existed then, perhaps the height of Bush’s powers would have come during the 2005 season after he put up an astounding 513 total yards against Fresno State

NIL money: $25 million

3. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

In 2010, the star quarterback led the Tigers to an undefeated season, which included putting the team on his back and leading them from a 24-0 deficit against Alabama to a thrilling 28-27 victory in Tuscaloosa before winning the Heisman and a national championship. Newton had a larger-than-life personality and smile – he was Superman, after all. This went along nicely with his stats: During his best season in 2010, the Tigers’ QB passed for 2,854 yards with 30 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, which went along with his 1,473 rushing yards and another 20 TDs.

NIL money: $20 million

4. Vince Young, QB, Texas

Young saved his best season and best game for last. As a junior in 2005, Young threw for more than 3,000 yards and ran for more than 1,000 while leading Texas to an undefeated season, culminating in the greatest national championship game of all time when the Longhorns beat Bush and USC, 41-38.  In that title game, Young threw for 267 yards and rushed for 200 yards with three touchdowns. He likely would have raked in all the NIL deals at that time given his charisma, swagger and natural talent, and then you add in the fact that he was the starting QB at Texas and the opportunities would have been endless. 

NIL money: $15 million

5. Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU

The most ruthless defensive player in college football at the time. Listed at just 5-foot-9 and hovering around 180 pounds, Mathieu played bigger than his frame. He was fearless and tenacious on defense and special teams, and had a unique look with a signature blonde hairdo – qualities that earned him the nickname “Honey Badger” and would have been quite appealing had NIL deals been on the table.

NIL money: $5 million

RJ Young, National College Football Analyst

1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC

Following a 13-0 season and winning the Heisman Trophy as a junior, Leinart opted to run it back with what was the dynasty of the early 20th century: Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans. Not only was Leinart the starting quarterback for the undefeated defending national champions, but he was the man who won a Heisman before the highlight reel that was Reggie Bush, his teammate. Leinart was also a hometown hero in the entertainment capital of the world at the university Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre adopted as their own. After a dominant 55-19 victory over Oklahoma, who had made the BCS national title game three out of the last four years, and owning Notre Dame, there had never been a more “Name Your Price” Player than Leinart entering the 2005 season.

NIL money: $24 million

2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida 

The difference between Tebow at the height of his popularity and Leinart is simple: The year that Leinart won the Heisman, he followed up just a month later by raising the national championship trophy. Tebow, who won the 2007 Heisman, needed to wait a year before he could pair his ’07 accomplishment with an ‘08 national title. But that would’ve mattered little with the balance of power swinging from a couple of Big 12 and Pac-10 programs to what we now know as the vaunted SEC. And Tebow was a harbinger of the dominance to come. The homeschooled kid with a million-dollar smile and church charm would’ve been a ready-made spokesperson for many and worth every penny thrown his way following his Heisman-winning season, and the dollars would’ve only gone up as he got closer and closer to winning the national title.

NIL money: $22 million

Murray is the best high school football player the state of Texas has ever produced. But when he was selected ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, ahead of what would be the only full season he’d play as the starting QB at Oklahoma, his NIL value was at its peak. Given Murray played and won the Heisman in 2018, just three years before the advent of NIL profiting, as well as immediate transfer eligibility, the price Murray could’ve demanded for his service would’ve likely been on par with players like Leinart and Tebow.

NIL money: $20 million

After becoming the first true freshman QB to lead his team to a national title since Jamelle Holieway did it with Oklahoma in 1985, the number that Lawrence would’ve commanded as a sophomore and junior would’ve likely been the highest in the country, especially considering what he means to Clemson and the history of the College Football Playoff. With Lawrence at Clemson, the Tigers finished 34-2, a 94.4% winning record— third-best in college football history — and he finished second in the 2020 Heisman balloting.

NIL money: $19 million

5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Peterson wasn’t supposed to be featured as a freshman in 2004. But he was, and he finished No. 2 in the Heisman voting behind Leinart after rushing for 1,925 yards in 2004 and leading Oklahoma to a national title appearance. Given the freedom of movement players are allowed today to transfer alongside the advent of NIL, there’s no question that Peterson would command a price that is on-par with what Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith would receive to remain at OSU.

NIL money: $15 million

[Related: Jeremiah Smith launches into greater level of stardom]

Michael Cohen, College Football & Basketball Writer

As a redshirt freshman in 1999, the year before this theoretical exercise begins, Vick became a nationwide phenomenon during his first season as the Hokies’ starter. One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of all time, he scored three rushing touchdowns in the opening half of his collegiate debut against James Madison to kickstart an unforgettable campaign. Vick guided Virginia Tech to an 11-0 record that earned the Hokies a berth in the BCS National Championship game against Florida State. He finished the season third in the Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 585 yards and eight touchdowns. The NIL money would have poured in ahead of his second and final season as the Hokies’ starter in 2000 before the Atlanta Falcons selected him No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. 

NIL money: $30 million

The natural heir to Vick’s throne as an elite dual-threat weapon, Jackson turned in one of the greatest quarterback seasons in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy in 2016. His statistical production wildly outpaced anything Vick ever did at Virginia Tech with gaudy numbers in the air (3,543 yards, 30 TDs) and on the ground (1,571 yards, 21 TDs) to form a highlight reel that, to this day, still feels otherworldly. Can you imagine any other quarterback pulling off Jackson’s hurdle touchdown against Syracuse? He all but replicated that incredible season as a junior in 2017 by throwing for 3,660 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 1,601 yards and 18 additional scores. His market share in the NIL world would have been immense. 

NIL money: $25 million

3. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Given that only one of McFadden’s three seasons at Arkansas ended with double-digit victories, it’s easy to forget just how good this legendary tailback really was. He rushed for 1,113 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2005 to set the stage for two unforgettable campaigns in 2006 and 2007, both of which saw McFadden finish second in the Heisman Trophy voting before the Oakland Raiders took him No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft. He ran for 1,647 yards and 14 touchdowns in ’06 for a Razorbacks team that finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the SEC while also completing 7-of-9 passes for 69 yards and three touchdowns as the team’s wildcat quarterback. His junior season was even better: 325 carries for 1,830 yards and 21 touchdowns with an additional four passing touchdowns through the air. A player doesn’t get much more marketable than that. 

NIL Money: $20 million

Another player whose career straddles the turn of the century, Peppers would have had immense market value given his crossover appeal as a member of both the football and basketball teams for the Tar Heels. On the football field, where Peppers was a menacing pass rusher, he earned first-team All-American honors in 2000 after leading the nation with 15 sacks and finishing third in the country with 24 tackles for loss. The following year, in 2001, he was named a consensus All-American after ranking up 9.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and three interceptions, all of which netted him the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, the Bill Willis Award and a 10th-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. On the basketball court, where Peppers played two seasons, he averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game across 56 appearances. He scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game against Penn State in 2001. Tar Heels boosters would have swooned. 

NIL money: $15 million

Who doesn’t love a diminutive dynamo? Austin measured in at a lithe 5-8 and 174 pounds when he attended the NFL scouting combine in 2013 and ran the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.29 seconds following an exceptional career with the Mountaineers. A standout high school running back, Austin was officially converted to wide receiver during his freshman season at West Virginia, but he remained an explosive threat wherever and whenever he touched the ball: as a pass catcher (29 career TDs), as a runner (six career TDs), as a kick returner (four career TDs), as a punt returner (one career TD). He finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting as a senior in 2012 after catching 114 passes for 1,289 yards and 12 scores while also carrying the ball 72 times for 643 yards and three more touchdowns, plus one touchdown each as a kick returner and punt returner. Austin was a beloved weapon among loyal disciples of the EA Sports College Football video game franchise. 

NIL money: $10 million

Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of “Strong Like a Woman,” published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman.

RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports and the host of the podcast “The Number One College Football Show.” Follow him at @RJ_Young.

Michael Cohen covers college football and basketball for FOX Sports with an emphasis on the Big Ten. Follow him at @Michael_Cohen13.

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Mount Savage native gaining interest as college soccer prospect

MOUNT SAVAGE — Mount Savage native and Mountain Ridge rising senior Jesseca Kline is garnering interest from numerous college soccer programs after spending the last decade playing high-level travel and club soccer. Kline has a chance to become the first Division I women’s soccer recruit from Mountain Ridge since 2016. Advertisement Kline does not hold […]

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MOUNT SAVAGE — Mount Savage native and Mountain Ridge rising senior Jesseca Kline is garnering interest from numerous college soccer programs after spending the last decade playing high-level travel and club soccer.

Kline has a chance to become the first Division I women’s soccer recruit from Mountain Ridge since 2016.

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Kline does not hold any offers but has received interest from 15 Division I and 11 Division II programs, also holding interest from 31 Division III and several Juco and NAIA schools.

“It is an honor to represent the area at any division, especially D1,” Kline said. “I love playing soccer very much, but my academics are very important to me. I’m looking for the right fit for myself to balance both academics, athletics, and costs, which might be a D2 instead.”

Niven Hegeman was the Miners’ last Division 1 recruit, signing with the University of Maryland.

The stout defender was the Area Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015 and went 29-1 in the Appalachian Mountain Athletic Conference (AMAC) in her career, losing her first high school game to Hampshire.

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Hegeman spent the next four seasons at Maryland and played 35 games for the Terrapins with 26 starts.

Kline played five of her six years of club soccer in sanctioned leagues, earning two State Cup championships and three finalists.

In 2022 with BVBIA (BVB International Academy) of Morgantown, Kline’s team finished first in West Virginia.

The BVB Academy is the international academy for Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund with locations across the United States.

Kline’s team became one of two girl’s teams in BVBIA club history to reach the USYS (United States Youth Soccer) National League, competing in the Great Lakes Conference against teams from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

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“I think Jesseca’s got a great personality, she’s a hard worker,” BVBIA head coach Kernell Borneo said. “Definitely understands the game as well as a level of commitment, being able to drive over an hour to practice in Morgantown.”

After Kline’s freshman year, she was offered to compete in the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) midwest division as part of the Super Y.

The ECNL is considered the top level of youth soccer while the Super Y is one of the top tier summer leagues.

In Super Y play, Kline scored one goal and added a pair of assists, leading her team to a third-place finish and a berth in the national championship.

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Due to a lack of available players, her team was unable to compete at nationals.

In Kline’s sophomore year, she competed in the Olympic Development Program and reached the East Region ID event, one level shy of the interregional event that provides the selection pool for the national team.

As BVBIA was changing leagues, Kline joined the top ranked team in PA West, FC 814 Energy in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

“From a skill standpoint, I would say decision making,” Travis Delio, Kline’s trainer, said of where she’s improved the most in the two years he’s worked with her. “She’s always had a nice foundation of skill. Her decision making has improved, and her willingness to be more involved in the game because of her confidence in her skill level.”

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Kline played her second consecutive season in the USYS National League Great Lakes Conference, leading FC 814 to it’s highest national ranking in North America (12th).

FC 814 earned a spot in the 2023 USYS National Championship Playoffs, considered one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments.

Kline earned the game-winning assist in the first game and went the length of the field for a goal denying tackle in the 75th minute, securing a 2-1 win and earning the top seed in the semifinals.

After dropping the first semifinal game in penalties, and the second 1-0, Kline’s play at defender prevented any scoring opportunities and allowed her team to complete a 3-2 comeback victory.

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“My biggest benefit from playing club soccer would be that it makes me a better all-around player,” Kline said. “They focus more on the smaller stuff and controlling the ball at your feet. They are also really big on confidence and believing that you can beat someone one-on-one with confidence and always hyping you up. The girls are fantastic and always supportive.”

Her father Dave Kline has been involved in travel soccer for 15 years and does not believe anyone else from the area has played in two national championships.

In Kline’s first season on varsity at Mountain Ridge last fall, she led the Miners in shots on goal (63%), goals per SOG (50%), tackles (74%), one-on-one duels/challenges (73%) with beating up to three defenders, pass completion (67%), and forward passes completed in the attacking third (66%).

Dave Kline said he acquired the stats from iSportsAnalysis in England, which calculates the stats based on minutes played.

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Kline was on all but one of the area statistical leaderboards for points and finished second on the Miners and 22nd locally with 14.

Notably, Kline did not start a game last season.

“I think the biggest difference is the level of play, and all the teams play possession soccer,” Jesseca Kline said of comparing club soccer to high school. “In the National League, everyone trains and practices year-round. Final decision making and passing are critical because the speed of play is fast.”

Kline spent the following winter playing in the YMCA U19 boy’s winter indoor league, scoring nine goals over eight games.

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Several Mountain Ridge boys players were on the team including Owen Cooper, Trey Idol and Austin Simpson.

Kline then rejoined her BVBIA team which won three games over college teams including Division II West Virginia Wesleyan and Hagerstown Community College, which was a quarterfinalist in Region 20.

“We really push our girls playing at our level to understand the level of competition, and what it takes to play at the college level,” Borneo said.

They also defeated Christendom College of the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) who reached the national championship in 2024.

Kline’s team tied Division II Fairmont State which is also coached by Borneo.

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Kline competed at the Eastern Regional Championships last weekend in Aldie, Virginia, where her team defeated the third-ranked team in the country before falling to the fourth-ranked squad.

“One is speed, something she certainly has,” Delio said of what separates college prospects from high school players. “Some people can train it, some people have it naturally. I think she has a little bit of both, naturally fast but also improving in speed. It’s a major element, especially in women’s soccer. If you’re fast, a coach will find you.”



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How Ohio State Will Dominate with the House Settlement and SCORE Act Wins

The landscape of college football is shifting faster than TreVeyon Henderson on a screen pass through the Texas defense! Recent developments like the House settlement, the proposed SCORE Act, and the push for collective bargaining are reshaping the sport, and the Buckeyes are ready to capitalize. With Athletic Director Ross Bjork both steering the ship […]

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The landscape of college football is shifting faster than TreVeyon Henderson on a screen pass through the Texas defense!

Recent developments like the House settlement, the proposed SCORE Act, and the push for collective bargaining are reshaping the sport, and the Buckeyes are ready to capitalize. With Athletic Director Ross Bjork both steering the ship for Ohio State and deeply involved with the recent changes to College Football, Ohio State’s strategic moves and massive fan base make it a powerhouse in this new era of revenue sharing and regulated Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.

The House settlement, a multi-billion-dollar agreement finalized in 2025, is a game-changer. It allows schools to share revenue directly with athletes, capped at $20 million annually, while cracking down on shady NIL deals orchestrated by booster-backed collectives.

The College Sports Commission (CSC), the settlement’s enforcement arm, is already rejecting deals that don’t meet a “valid business purpose,” particularly those from collectives trying to skirt the cap with pay-for-play schemes disguised as NIL.

Ohio State, under Bjork’s leadership, has been well out in front and prepared for this new reality. By bringing NIL operations in-house and partnering with firms like Learfield, the Buckeyes are playing by the rules and avoiding the pitfalls of third-party collectives.

Some programs have seemingly given in to temptation to try and game the system, as they have thrived in the wild west era of college athletics, where money has been flaunted and seemingly purchased players. Ohio State’s compliance-focused approach ensures it won’t face the CSC’s wrath of penalties that could range from fines to roster restrictions, depending on the violation’s severity.

The introduction of the SCORE Act in Congress is just one more piece of reassurance that Ohio State and Ross Bjork have been prepared. This bipartisan bill, moving at lightning speed, aims to codify the settlement’s rules into federal law, preempting state laws like those in Tennessee or Michigan that tried to dodge oversight. It also protects athletes from predatory agents by capping fees at 5%.

While other programs like those up north have banked on legal loopholes, Ohio State’s legal team—backed by the university’s formidable resources—knew Congress was likely to step in. The SCORE Act’s swift progress means the Buckeyes’ above-board approach will pay dividends, potentially limiting recruiting disruptions to just one cycle.

Ohio State’s edge doesn’t stop at compliance. The Buckeyes’ massive fan base and deep-pocketed alumni network are tailor-made for the new NIL landscape. With millions of supporters and Ohio State’s national brand, businesses across America are lining up to ink legitimate NIL deals with Buckeye players.

Jeremiah Smith’s recent deal with Adidas is a prime example. Ohio State is giving players real deals that pass the CSC’s scrutiny, not collectives funneling booster cash. Ohio State’s in-house Buckeye Sports Group can broker these deals, acting as a middleman to connect players with companies while staying within the rules. This setup maximizes opportunities for athletes to earn without risking penalties, and bolsters their names before they ever get to the NFL.

As the sport inches toward a model where athletes are treated more like employees, the Buckeyes’ infrastructure—legal expertise, financial resources, and brand power—positions them to negotiate favorable terms. Unlike smaller programs or those reliant on single billionaires, Ohio State’s broad support base and institutional stability make it a leader in shaping this future.

The Juck on Bucks podcast nailed it: the days of collectives are numbered, and Ohio State’s decision to internalize operations was a masterstroke. While collectives scramble to justify their existence, Ohio State is building a sustainable model that empowers athletes and engages fans without the chaos of “lawlessness.”

In this new era, Ohio State isn’t just keeping up—they’re setting the pace. The House settlement ensures fair compensation, the SCORE Act locks in a level playing field, and collective bargaining looms as a chance to cement their advantage.

With Bjork’s foresight, a compliance-first mindset, the national brand of Ohio State, and a fan base that bleeds scarlet and gray, the Buckeyes are poised to dominate recruiting, revenue, and, yes, the national championship race. As the CSC shuts down shady deals and Congress steps in, Ohio State’s rivals might be sweating, but Buckeye Nation can sit back and enjoy the view from the top.



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Angel Reese declares Chicago Sky ‘best young core in the league’ after upset of Minnesota Lynx

For the first time this year, the Chicago Sky defeated a team over .500. They did so by taking down the best team in the WNBA with an 87-81 victory over the Minnesota Lynx at Wintrust Arena. Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso helped lead the charge, each recording a double-double. In fact, Reese saw Saturday’s […]

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For the first time this year, the Chicago Sky defeated a team over .500. They did so by taking down the best team in the WNBA with an 87-81 victory over the Minnesota Lynx at Wintrust Arena.

Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso helped lead the charge, each recording a double-double. In fact, Reese saw Saturday’s performance as a statement.

The former LSU star declared the sky the WNBA’s “best young core,” likely alluding to an ESPN article released last month on that topic. The Sky came in as the No. 7-ranked core in the league, though the trio of Reese, Cardoso and Hailey Van Lith were listed as players to build around. To Reese, though, Chicago proved it should be at the top.

“Somebody said we wasn’t the best young core in the league. I think we’re the best young core in the league, for sure. Hands down,” Reese told Angel Gray on the ABC broadcast. “The Skyscrapers, we’re doing it every single night. I’m really proud of everybody, including [Elizabeth Williams]. E-Will comes in and does what she does. I’m just super happy for the team.”

Reese recorded her eighth straight double-double with Saturday’s victory as she totaled 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cardoso – in her second straight game back in Chicago following her stint with the Brazilian National Team – had 17 points and a game-high 15 boards.

But Ariel Atkins was the top scorer in the victory, dropping 27 points. She hit some big shots down the stretch, and Reese sees a player finding her stride with her new team. Of course, that includes on the defensive end of the floor.

“She’s tough,” Reese said. “And people slept on her, people kept saying she was washed. She shows up every single night and put on. Every bucket was tough. … I’m just really happy for her. She’s getting her groove. That’s just not offensively – that’s defensively, too.

“You’ve got to know, this is a two-way player. She’s been on defensive teams. I’m super happy to have her. Dubs in the chat.”

With the victory, the Sky improve to 7-13 overall this season while also handing the Lynx their fourth loss. The two teams will square off again on Monday, staying in Chicago at Wintrust Arena. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET.



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Paul Finebaum warns Ohio State football coach Ryan Day of ending up back on hot seat this season

Paul Finebaum doesn’t expect the honeymoon period in Columbus to last long. The SEC Network host made a bol prediction that Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day could struggle this season to return another high-priced roster back to the College Football Playoff. Finebaum also spoke about losing to the Texas Longhorns in Week 1 […]

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Paul Finebaum doesn’t expect the honeymoon period in Columbus to last long.

The SEC Network host made a bol prediction that Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day could struggle this season to return another high-priced roster back to the College Football Playoff. Finebaum also spoke about losing to the Texas Longhorns in Week 1 because of Arch Manning as a formality.

“I am as married to Arch Manning as an old geezer like me can be to a young, great college quarterback, but I like everything about him, and I think you said something,” Finebaum said on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

“The Manning name matters, but it isn’t going to matter on that field in a couple of weeks at Ohio State. The experience of being an understudy to Ewers and understanding Sark’s system is what’s going to get them over the top and probably — well, not probably — definitely beat Ohio State in the opener.

“I don’t like Ohio State. I think Ohio State is going to lose in the opener against Texas, and they are going to struggle to make the playoffs, let alone win it all.”

New NIL rules could change the game slightly for OSU. In August, the new house settlement will go into effect, and it’s unclear if the juggernauts of the country like Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Georgia are playing by the rules — the other headline juggernaut, Michigan, has been confirmed not to play by the rules.

Were the numbers these schools threw around lies? Some recruits may get clarity on that popular college football conspiracy in a few weeks and hit the portal before the season starts, just ahead of the summer transfer window closing on August 5.

If Ohio State is one of those schools, Finebaum has a point. And if Jim Knowles was the glue that made everything fit in leading that legendary defense last year, then he really has a point.

Otherwise, Finebaum may have to adjust with the times and realize Day has something that could be sustainable beyond what the talking head is implying could’ve been a flash-in-the-pan year in 2024.



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John Calipari calls for college basketball to have summer exhibition games

Summertime has long been thought of as a long, grueling period in the college basketball offseason. Arkansas head coach John Calipari has a proposal to spice it up a little. Calipari has always been one to adapt to change in the college space. He believes a bit of extra competition, and maybe a bit of […]

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Summertime has long been thought of as a long, grueling period in the college basketball offseason. Arkansas head coach John Calipari has a proposal to spice it up a little.

Calipari has always been one to adapt to change in the college space. He believes a bit of extra competition, and maybe a bit of travel could go a long way in preparing his Razorbacks for the long season ahead.

“I think that college basketball has got to compete in the July area. There’s got to be games even the first weeks of August, there has got to be exhibition games in the summer,” Calipari told reporters. “We’re getting swallowed by everything else, and it can’t just be the tournament. In the summer, in July, it’s a space where we could take over. Right now, you have the NBA Summer League. Why don’t we have something?”

In January, the NCAA took a step forward in loosening its preseason exhibition restrictions. The Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee voted to allow teams to play up to two exhibition games during their preseason against any four-year school.

That includes Division I teams. Previously, teams had to be approved through a waiver process. The proceeds from the games would have to be donated to a charity.

Arkansas played in two such preseason charity games before the 2025-25 season, infamously hosting and then beating Kansas, the preseason No. 1 team, before dropping the other to TCU on the road. It’s clear that Calipari is interested

“I’ve been saying that for a number of years. I also said there shouldn’t be a one every four years go on a foreign trip. If you want to go every year, go and then let those games be televised,” Calipari proposed. “If you don’t want to go, don’t go. Everybody should have 10 practice days in the summer, as though you’re making a foreign trip.

“And if you don’t want to, play some games against people you want to play against. They can be scrimmages or they can be open, but why wouldn’t we do that? Do you think our kids just like to do (practices in the summer), or would they like to play against somebody?”

With changes seemingly coming to the college athletics landscape on an annual basis, perhaps Calipari’s plea may finally be heard. Fans can get to see a preview of what their teams can do with the stakes as low as possible. January’s lightened restrictions on preseason exhibitions could be the first step in making this a reality.



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Jake Retzlaff's Next Stop? Big 12 School in the Mix

Jake Retzlaff’s next stop isn’t official yet, but the interest is already pouring in. After withdrawing from BYU earlier this week, the veteran quarterback is being looked at by several high-profile programs, including Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Tulane, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, Stanford, and UNLV. Retzlaff made headlines by skipping the NCAA transfer portal […]

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Jake Retzlaff's Next Stop? Big 12 School in the Mix

Jake Retzlaff’s next stop isn’t official yet, but the interest is already pouring in.

After withdrawing from BYU earlier this week, the veteran quarterback is being looked at by several high-profile programs, including Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Tulane, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska, Stanford, and UNLV.

Retzlaff made headlines by skipping the NCAA transfer portal and instead opting to walk on at a new school. That workaround is connected to a seven-game suspension tied to BYU’s honor code, which Retzlaff broke in an incident on campus. It’s a calculated move that keeps him eligible for the 2025 season and opens up his transfer process without formal restrictions.

The former JUCO standout started games for BYU in both 2023 and 2024, and although his numbers were pretty modest, his 2024 campaign did draw interest from suitors, though. With nearly 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, Retzlaff helped guide his team to an 11-2 finish and re-established himself as a viable Power Four quarterback.

Now, schools across the country are weighing whether to bring him in as a veteran presence with starting potential. Some are dealing with depth issues, others are simply looking for insurance. And with fall camp approaching fast, Retzlaff’s situation could move quickly.

Oklahoma State is one of the more intriguing fits here, given their Big 12 ties and need for quarterback competition heading into August. But the list is vast, and the clock is ticking.

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