Dante Moore has played himself into a top pick if he comes out for the draft. (CFP/Getty Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders coach Joey McGuire spoke to the media ahead of the Orange Bowl against the Oregon Ducks, and McGuire was quite complimentary of Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks program. Much has been made about Texas Tech’s increased spending in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era of college football, and similarities between the Red Raiders and the Ducks have come up ahead of their College Football Playoff matchup.
Powered in part by Nike co-founder and philanthropist Phil Knight, Oregon’s rise in the college football world has been a unique one. On the other hand, Texas Tech’s NIL collective is led by billionaire booster Cody Campbell, whose investment into the Red Raiders program has helped the team climb up the ranks.
McGuire was asked to compare Oregon’s rise to Texas Tech’s, and the Red Raiders coach gave a thoughtful answer:
“First, they’ve done a good job of hiring coaches, and Dan (Lanning) was a slam dunk. Second, you know, they made it cool to be an Oregon Duck,” McGuire said. “I mean, they’ve got every uniform known to man, and players love that. So I think we’re really fortunate with Adidas, our partnership with Adidas and Patrick Mahomes, that we’re doing the same thing. We’ve got some some great looks.”

“And then, they have a great booster in Phil Knight that really said, ‘Hey, we’re going to go win at the highest level, and there’s no excuses whenever it comes to finance.’ You know, you turn around, and I think that we’ve shown that we’re doing that, and I think we’re really comparable,” McGuire continued.
“We’ve got guys that have really stepped up and done a great job. I kind of call them the big five whenever you talk about Cody and John and Mike, Dusty, and Gary. I mean, those guys have, along with everybody else in Red Raider Nation, but those guys really led the charge. And so whenever you’re talking, we’re kind of comparable on and off the field in this team. They’ve just done it for a little bit longer and that’s what we’re trying to do,” McGuire continued.

As mentioned by McGuire, Oregon has been on the cutting edge of college football uniforms as well as facilities, thanks in part to the program’s relationship with Knight and Nike. In the NIL era, fans often mistake how often Nike is involved in recruiting other than the brand power that Oregon has. Still, Ducks quarterback Dante Moore and wide receiver Dakorien Moore have NIL deals with Nike.
MORE: Oregon Ducks vs. Texas Tech Playoff Betting Odds Make A Clear Statement
MORE: Oregon Loses Two More Players to Transfer Portal Amid College Football Playoff Run
MORE: Dan Lanning’s Frustration Could Ignite Oregon vs. Texas Tech
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Under the leadership of Oregon coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has had success on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal, bringing in top prospects like Moore and Moore. Other contributors on the Ducks’ current roster came through the portal, including safety Dillon Thieneman, defensive lineman Bear Alexander, and offensive linemen Alex Harkey, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Isaiah World.

While financial stability and resources are paramount in the current era of college football, Lanning has also created a culture at Oregon that is seemingly built to last. After the Ducks’ dominant win over James Madison in the first round of the CFP, Lanning and his team were quick to acknowledge that they can play better.
Oregon and Texas Tech will kickoff from Miami, Florida, in the Orange Bowl at 9 a.m. PT on New Year’s Day.
It’s late December, and we still have nearly a month left of college football.
That means we still have a month to see which players will increase their draft stock in some incredible College Football Playoff matchups. FOX Sports Research has put together a mock for the 2026 NFL Draft ahead of the CFP quarterfinals.
The draft order below was determined by aggregating several projections for each team while still factoring in trades involving draft picks to account for teams with multiple selections.
Let’s take a look.
Note: Several players expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft have not because of their participation in upcoming CFP games; below is a projection of players who are expected to declare at the conclusion of their respective seasons.
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1. New York Jets (from Giants): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Jets are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Mendoza has exhibited all the tools you want to see in a top QB prospect: elite arm strength, the ability to throw into tight windows, and sneaky mobility for a 6-foot-5 signal caller. The Heisman winner leads all of FBS with 33 pass touchdowns this season, which is also the Indiana single-season record.
With a couple more clutch performances in the CFP, it’ll be tough for any team to pass on him with the first pick.
2. Las Vegas Raiders: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Geno Smith is 35 years old and hasn’t lived up to expectations in Las Vegas. Moore was the third-ranked QB in his high school class and fourth-ranked player in the country (according to 247Sports) and has shown flashes of brilliance all year.
Moore can escape the pocket, but he’s still an extremely accurate passer with a completion rate of 72.4% on the year. The Oregon Duck is one of three Power 4 quarterbacks to have completed over 70% of his passes, been responsible for 30 or more TDs, thrown for over 3,000 yards, and have less than 10 interceptions. The other two were Julian Sayin and Diego Pavia, both Heisman finalists.
Dante Moore has played himself into a top pick if he comes out for the draft. (CFP/Getty Images)
3. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
While Cleveland could really use a receiver, it has two picks in the first round and can get better value at that position later in the first round. Mauigoa is a blue-chip prospect with freakish tools for an offensive lineman. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he’s given up just three sacks in 1,015 pass blocking snaps over the past two seasons – and in 2023, he was a freshman All-America selection. He can also move into the interior with his frame and agility.
4. New York Giants (from Jets): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Fano is another new-era offensive tackle with incredible athleticism for his size. In three seasons, he’s given up just three sacks and seven QB hits, highlighted by a 2025 campaign in which he didn’t allow a single sack in 382 pass blocking snaps (according to PFF).
With Jaxon Dart under center for the future, this is a step in the right direction for New York to build around him. Fano and Mauigoa are the 1A and 1B offensive tackles in this draft.
5. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Easily the best receiver in this draft, Tate is next in the long line of pro Buckeye receivers. With a disappointing and injury-riddled season from Calvin Ridley, he would be the surefire top target for Cam Ward and the ultimate security blanket for the young QB.
At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, he’s a big receiver who can dominate in the red zone while also serving as a deep threat. This year, he’s one of 10 Power 4 receivers to have nine receiving TDs and over 800 receiving yards.
6. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
A big riser on draft boards over the past few months, Reese has cemented himself as the clear-cut best linebacker in this draft. Due to his elite speed for his size, he can drop back into coverage as an off-ball backer or line up on the edge and rush the passer. Reese has 6.5 sacks and two passes defended on the year, and 105 total tackles in two seasons for the Buckeyes.
Reese is an instant boost for a struggling Cardinals defense.
7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs might be the smartest football player in this draft, having lined up all over the field during his time at Alabama and Ohio State. This past season, he has played 34 snaps on the defensive line, 214 in the box, 134 at slot corner, nine at wide corner, and 226 at free safety. For his career, he’s totaled 248 tackles, 158 solo tackles, 10 passes defended, and six interceptions.
There is nothing Downs can’t do, and whatever team gets him is landing a perennial Pro Bowler.
8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
Bain might have the best film of any edge player in this draft, dominating teams like Notre Dame, Florida and most recently Texas A&M. In that first round CFP game, he had a whopping three sacks against an Aggies offensive line that had given up just 12 in 12 games.
Bain is also an elite run stopper and can move inside when needed. According to PFF, he’s the only player in FBS to have over 400 pass-rushing snaps with a pass-rush grade over 90. The other five players to exceed 400 pass-rushing snaps didn’t break a grade higher than 78.9, and he also has a run defense grade of 86.7.
Bain is the perfect replacement for Cam Jordan.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
While Clemson had a down year, Woods has too many tools for any team looking for a dominant defensive lineman to pass on.
At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, he’s reported to have a lean muscle mass percentage of 77%. He’s also another player who was a freshman All-American in 2023 and posted a dominant follow-up campaign in 2024 while playing both defensive end and tackle for the Tigers. Woods finished 2025 with a career-high 30 tackles along with two sacks.
10. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs rank in the bottom 11 of the league in rushing at 108 yards per game. Love has 35 rushing touchdowns since 2024, which is the most of any player in that span, and has averaged 6.9 yards per carry over the last two seasons with a whopping 2,497 rushing yards.
Love would be a massive boost for a KC team that will need to establish the run more as Patrick Mahomes returns from a torn ACL.
Jeremiyah Love will be a popular name on fantasy draft boards in 2026. (Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
No player in Power 4 had a higher pass coverage grade on PFF than Delane at 90.9. In 357 coverage snaps, he gave up just 13 receptions for 147 yards and no touchdowns with opposing QBs sporting a 26.7 passer rating when targeting him.
Miami needs immediate help at the position, with four cornerbacks on injured reserve at the end of the season. Delane should be an instant starter for them.
12. Los Angeles Rams: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Matthew Stafford is the current MVP favorite with no signs of slowing down. At 37 years old, everything the Rams do from a roster construction standpoint should and will likely be with the intent of winning a Super Bowl immediately.
Proctor is a specimen at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds and has given up just five sacks in the last two seasons (according to PFF). Rob Havenstein is 33 years old and dealing with injuries, making this an ideal fit for Los Angeles.
13. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk is a monster at 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, and he displayed an incredible ability to blow past offensive tackles in the SEC over the past two seasons. He posted 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 45 total tackles for the Tigers in his true sophomore season in 2024.
Despite less production in 2025, he has Baltimore Raven written all over him, given his tools and athleticism.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
If it weren’t for Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles would be getting a lot more recognition as a Buckeye linebacker. In his past two seasons at Ohio State, he’s totaled 181 tackles, 94 solo tackles, eight passes defended, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He hits like a truck and can move well in space.
Lavonte David is 35 years old and this is a good chance for Tampa to replace him.
15. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The heartbeat of Georgia’s defense this year, Allen is a tenacious tackler who thrives in the run game and can also cover receivers in the slot. Dallas has bolstered its defensive line with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, but it needs an off-ball backer with a high IQ to prevent explosive plays at the second level.
In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Allen totaled 202 tackles, 115 solo tackles, 10 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
16. Detroit Lions: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Bailey is second in all the FBS in sacks at 13.5 and leads all Power 4 players, as well. Even looking back at his three seasons at Stanford, he’s had consistent production, with totaling 28 sacks from 2022 to 2025, the third-most of any player in that span.
Bailey is a bit undersized at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, but there’s no denying his bend and burst off the edge. He should be a huge help to a Lions defense that has struggled all season.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The brother of All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell, Avieon has had a ton of production in three seasons at Clemson, recording 25 passes defended, 125 total tackles, eight forced fumbles, four sacks, and three interceptions in 1,860 defensive snaps played in that span.
Avieon will be a great compliment to a secondary already featuring Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers.
18. New York Jets: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
If he didn’t tear his ACL back in January and miss the entire 2025 season, McCoy would easily be the first corner taken in this draft. He was a first-team All-American last season, finishing with four interceptions and seven passes defended while also holding opposing QBs to a 53.6 passer rating (PFF).
With the departure of Sauce Gardner, McCoy would be a huge addition to New York’s secondary.
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Sadiq is the best tight end in the draft, and it’s not close. He can run, block well and has great hands. His eight receiving touchdowns was the most of any tight end in FBS, making him a big-time red zone threat, as well.
Carolina could go with a defensive player here, but quarterback Bryce Young has taken a huge step this year. A lot of that progress has to do with the addition of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in last year’s draft. Expect the Panthers to continue to give their young QB offensive weapons.
Kenyon Sadiq is likely to be the first tight end taken in the 2026 draft. (Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
It’s still unclear if he’ll return to school, but Simpson is the clear No. 3 QB in this draft. He’s had a mix of incredible games along with some terrible ones, but his decisiveness and accuracy are tools teams can work with. On the year, he’s thrown for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also just took down a vaunted Oklahoma defense on the road in the first round of the CFP.
Regardless of whether the Steelers re-sign Aaron Rodgers, they’ll need to draft a quarterback at some point in this draft. Simpson would be a good pick, and Pittsburgh would be a solid landing spot.
21. Dallas Cowboys: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland both dealt with injuries this season, and the Cowboys defense is giving up 253.6 passing yards per game, which is the worst mark in the league.
Cisse is a tough corner who isn’t afraid to tackle and has 10 passes defended over the past two seasons, and he gave up just 18 receptions and one TD in 2025 (PFF).
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Yup, Fano isn’t the only stud offensive lineman for the Utes. Lomu gave up just two sacks in 807 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons and is a high-ceiling prospect, having just 28 collegiate games under his belt.
Despite Lane Johnson’s dominance, he’s 35 years old and likely doesn’t have too many years left. Lomu is a more game-ready version of Jordan Mailata, who the Eagles drafted in 2018 as a project player and made First Team All-Pro last season.
23. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Sheldon Rankins has been a surprising bright spot this season, but he’s 31 years old and on a one-year deal. McDonald has been an absolute monster in the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line, which is holding opponents to 8.2 points per game and 84.5 rush yards per game.
The 6-foot-3, 326-pound defensive tackle has three sacks and two forced fumbles on the year.
24. Buffalo Bills: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
It’s amazing what Josh Allen has done despite not having a go-to deep threat in Buffalo. While Keon Coleman has shown flashes, he hasn’t been consistent or reliable enough.
Lemon won this year’s Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the best wide receiver in college football. He can also play in the slot and is tough to tackle, having also rushed for two scores on the year. In fact, he’s the only player in all of FBS to have caught 10 touchdowns and have multiple rushing scores, as well.
Makai Lemon is coming off another stellar season for USC. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Uigagalelei is an ultra-strong player at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, and he posted a whopping 10.5 sacks in 2024 with five so far this year. He can play both inside and out, possessing all the tools to be a dominant run stopper and pass rusher.
He has “John Harbaugh player” written all over him.
26. San Francisco 49ers: A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
Washington has quickly risen up draft boards after a dominant campaign with the Ducks in his first season as a full-time starter, exhibiting elite power and quickness for someone who’s 6-foot-3, 330 pounds. If he can continue to build on his season with some dominant run-stopping play in the CFP, he could find himself in the top 20 by April.
27. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson could easily go top 10 or 15 in this draft, depending on how badly teams want a receiver. Tate is the clear-cut No. 1 receiver, though, so expect Tyson to fall into the end of the first round as most teams need help in the trenches or on defense.
Tyson is a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and he catches everything thrown at him, serving as just the type of explosive playmaker Cleveland so desperately needs. In two seasons with ASU, he’s caught 136 balls for 1,812 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns.
28. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
It’s not often you see an interior lineman lead your team in pressures, but that’s just what Banks did for Florida in 2024 with 29. He also added 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He only played three games this season due to injury, but he has all the tools to dominate at the next level with his 6-foot-6, 330-pound frame. This would be a steal for the Rams to add to a defense that already features several young stars.
29. Chicago Bears: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Overton fits the mold of all the past Alabama defensive linemen over the past decade in that he’s incredibly athletic, nasty, physical and relentless.
At 6-foot-5, 283 pounds, he can play inside and can thrive in multiple schemes. Chicago can go with an offensive player here, but Overton has the potential to be a game-wrecker for it if he’s available.
30. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Like most of Clemson’s stars this season, Parker had a less productive 2025, only finishing with five sacks and 37 tackles. His 2024 tape is undeniable, though, with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. He’s showcased above-average bend during his time at Clemson and can also drop in coverage. Parker’s 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023 were also a school record for a true freshman.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel could very well fulfill all the potential scouts saw in him going into the season.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Howell ranks fourth in FBS in sacks since 2022 with 27 to his name in that span, but he’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds. Still, he has an incredible burst off the edge and would be a great supplement to 33-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence, who has two years left on his contract with Seattle.
32. Denver Broncos: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
There isn’t much Denver needs, currently sitting at 13-3. But Ioane is easily the best guard in the draft and could be a steal for them, as Ben Powers only has one year left on his contract after 2025.
This season, Ioane was the only Big Ten guard to play 300+ pass blocking snaps, record a pass block grade of 87+ and not give up a single sack or QB hit.
Fernando Mendoza: -200 (bet $10 to win $15 total)
Dante Moore: +250 (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Rueben Bain Jr.: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Arvell Reese: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Ty Simpson: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Keldric Faulk: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Jordyn Tyson: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Francis Mauigoa: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
T.J. Parker: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Spencer Fano: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Peter Woods: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
David Bailey: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Cashius Howell: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Garrett Nussmeier: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Drew Allar: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Carson Beck: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Carnell Tate: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Caleb Downs: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
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Drew Mestemaker finished this season as the most-productive single passer in college football, and now the former North Texas quarterback is poised to enter the transfer portal, setting off a bonanza to secure one of the nation’s most consequential players.
What college football programs are expected to be involved in the bidding? When considering an ideal matchup pairing, one major SEC program currently sticks out.
On3 Sports analyst Kaiden Smith outlined what he thinks is the best destination for both parties.
“If you’re Tennessee, you have this excellent track record with this offense, with transfer quarterbacks. Why not get a guy who you can get a couple years out of, as well?” Smith said.
“Parlay your offense and your transfer success with a guy who apparently is very early on his football journey in general,” he added.
Mestemaker led the FBS with 4,129 passing yards and was third in passer rating, placing behind just Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and finalist Julian Sayin.
He completed 70 percent of his pass attempts with 31 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, being named the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, leading North Texas to an appearance in the league title game.
But head coach Eric Morris left the school and took the same position at Oklahoma State, so that program could emerge as a contender for the quarterback.
Recruiting transfer quarterbacks is something Tennessee has done well over the last several seasons, bringing on Hendon Hooker and then Joey Aguilar to lead productive offenses.
But both those players didn’t get to suit up for the Vols for too long. Bringing on Mestemaker would represent a longer-term investment in a very promising player.
“I think this is a guy that not only would fit perfectly with the scheme, with how quickly players have been able to understand the scheme,” Smith said.
He added: “You get a full offseason with him. But he can maybe build on that and build on that for years to come as just a redshirt freshman.”
Aguilar is about to exhaust his NCAA eligibility and with precious little experience remaining on its quarterback depth chart, Tennessee is very much in the market for a signal caller with proven experience as a starter.
Aguilar is likely on the way out and redshirt freshman Jake Merlinger is planning to enter the transfer portal.
That leaves George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon on the Volunteers’ expected quarterback depth chart heading into 2026.
MacIntyre has played in just two games, going 7 of 9 passing with 69 yards, and Brandon was a five-star commitment in the 2026 class, but with no NCAA experience.
Tennessee could look at Mestemaker as a proven commodity worth going after now rather than waiting for their prospects to develop.
Mestemaker is only a redshirt freshman with three seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining. Tennessee going after him could potentially inspire both MacIntyre and ultimately Brandon to leave the program.
So the question for the Vols would be if he’s worth that risk.
College football’s transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, but that hasn’t stopped a flurry of players from entering their names for consideration at a new school right now.
The new 15-day transfer portal window from Jan. 2-16 and the elimination of the spring transfer period has condensed the timeline for players and programs to make their moves.
The NCAA Transfer Portal is a private database that includes the names of student-athletes in every sport at the Division I, II, and III levels. The full list of names is not available to the public.
A player can enter their name into the transfer portal through their school’s compliance office.
Once a player gives written notification of their intent to transfer, the office puts the player’s name into the database, and they officially become a transfer.
The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request and NCAA rules forbid anyone from refusing that request.
The database includes the player’s name, contact information, info on whether the player was on scholarship, and if he is a graduate student.
Once a player’s name appears in the transfer portal database, other schools are free to contact the player, who can change his mind at any point in the process and withdraw from the transfer portal.
Notably, once a player enters the portal, his school no longer has to honor the athletic scholarship it gave him.
And if that player decides to leave the portal and return to his original school, the school doesn’t have to give him another scholarship.
(On3)
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TEMPE — The NIL sphere has created a seismic shift in the world of college athletics – the ways in which Arizona State has been impacted are very real in the midst of the changes to the structure of athletics.
ASU football head coach Kenny Dillingham has been quite vocal in finding avenues for the football program to improve in that sphere – most recently making a plea for a mega-donor to make a program-changing contribution – much in the same way that Texas Tech’s fortunes were changed nearly overnight.
Arizona State on SI selects four power brokers who are affiliated with the school and have the potential to become folk heroes in Tempe.

Mickelson – an Arizona State graduate in 1992 – is considered one of the best golfers of all time, ranking 8th in PGA Tour victories (45) and earning six major victories.
The legendary golfer has frequently shouted out the football program in social media posts over the last two seasons as well, confirming that he still associates with the university.
Mickelson is also reportedly boasting a net worth of $350 million, making the golfer one of, if not the prime candidates, to commit a hefty check to not only improve the football infrastructure, but university athletics as a whole.
Rahm, 31, is a native of Spain who played at Arizona State from 2012-2016, becoming one of the top amateurs in golf during those four years.
Rahm continues to maintain a residence in the Phoenix area and has seemingly stayed connected with the university over the years – he has the potential to be another heavy-hitting contributor alongside Mickelson.
Kimmel, 58, is an outside-the-box addition to the equation here, as he attended, but didn’t graduate from Arizona State.
Still, it’s fascinating to bring up the possibility of a late-night show host contributing to the program and becoming immortalized amongst the fanbase despite not holding a diploma from the school.
Harden is another clear option that is out there for a mega-donor.
The 36-year-old NBA star has built up multi-generational wealth over his career, and has never shied away from continuing to proudly display his affiliation with the program – even openly donating in the high-six figure totals to the basketball program’s NIL efforts, as well as returning to interact/practice with Sun Devil teams that are incoming each summer.
Regardless of what happens in NIL efforts of the university moving forward, there are options that could surely fulfill Dillingham’s desires.

Read more on why the Arizona State men’s basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on why the bright future of the football program isn’t dimmed by the loss to Arizona here.
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Duke’s Peyton Jones runs the ball during the second half of the Blue Devils’ 45-17 win over Elon on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C.
The News & Observer
With roster management and player retention a big part of coaches’ jobs, Duke’s Manny Diaz had some good news to share at Christmastime: Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate are both returning for the 2026 football season.
Mensah, a redshirt sophomore this season and the ACC’s leading passer, had talked with Diaz and others about his NFL possibilities. But the former Tulane transfer decided to come back for a second year with the Blue Devils, where he again is expected to receive one of the top NIL packages in college football.
Barkate, who transferred to Duke from Harvard before last season, had 68 catches for 1,069 yards for the 2025 ACC champions, averaging 15.7 yards a grab, and scored six touchdowns.
The Blue Devils, who face Arizona State in the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, had just three players miss bowl practices, according to Diaz. One was offensive tackle Brian Parker II, who announced he would leave Duke early to enter the NFL Draft. Cornerback Chandler Rivers and defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr., also are preparing for the 2026 draft.
Duke also has another departure: running backs coach Chris Foster, who has joined the Florida staff after one year on the Diaz staff.
“The situation is always fluid, but I expect our retention rate to be very good, again,” Diaz said. Here’s a look at who the Devils will have leaving when the NCAA transfer portal opens Jan. 2:
RB Peyton Jones: Became something of a forgotten man in the offense in 2025 with the emergence of Nate Sheppard and power running of transfer Anderson Castle. Played in four games after being Star Thomas’ backup in 2024 and rushing for 317 yards.
TE Vance Bolyard: The redshirt sophomore from Greensboro was used primarily on special teams in 2025. Played in 10 games in 2024.
OL Jack Small: A redshirt freshman this year, the 6-6, 300-pounder was used in just two games.
S Kenzy Paul: Redshirt junior saw little action in the secondary this season, playing in one game, the win over Clemson.
S Maliki Wright: Did not play as a freshman this past season.
CB Kyren Condoll: The California native played in one game in 2024 and again saw little action this season.
CB Vontae Floyd: Limited to three games because of injury in 2025, the sophomore played in 11 games in 2024 and was one of four true freshmen to letter for Devils.
DT Terry Simmons Jr.: The redshirt sophomore, a 6-2, 305-pounder, played nine games in 2025 as a backup defensive tackle and was at Duke for three seasons.
Dec. 26, 2025, 5:40 a.m. CT
NORMAN – For University of Oklahoma defensive lineman Danny Okoye, his current spot – as the face of a social media campaign seeking to spread awareness of a life-saving drug for those who have overdosed on opioids – was a case of fortuitous timing.
Okoye is the first of a series of OU student-athletes who will participate in an NIL (name, image and likeness) deal with the nonprofit HarborPath of Charlotte, North Carolina, to promote Narcan, the brand name under which the generic drug naloxone is distributed.
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Rick Ware Racing switching to Chevrolet for 2026
DeSantis Talks College Football, Calls for Reforms to NIL and Transfer Portal · The Floridian
#11 Volleyball Practices, Then Meets Media Prior to #2 Kentucky Match