College Sports
Kraken get an elite playmaker in drafting Jake O’Brien at No. 8 overall
With the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Seattle Kraken added another talented center to their growing pipeline, selecting Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs. The Toronto native turned heads this season with his elite vision and playmaking ability, racking up 32 goals and 66 assists for 98 points in just […]


With the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Seattle Kraken added another talented center to their growing pipeline, selecting Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs. The Toronto native turned heads this season with his elite vision and playmaking ability, racking up 32 goals and 66 assists for 98 points in just 68 OHL regular-season games.
O’Brien was the engine behind Brantford’s power play, quarterbacking the top unit and piling up 41 power-play assists—a testament to both his patience and precision. His ability to manipulate defenders and carve through coverage is already drawing praise from scouts. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects described O’Brien as a player whose “head is always up, scanning, adjusting routes, and inviting defenders to make the first move before slicing them apart with a feed.” In short: he sees plays develop before they even happen.
At 6-foot-1.5 and 172 pounds, O’Brien isn’t the biggest player on the ice, but he rarely needs to be. His game is built on feel, finesse, and hockey sense. While many analysts have noted that he still has room to grow in terms of shooting and skating, his offensive instincts are already NHL-caliber.
Brantford opens the scoring 🚨#NHLDraft prospect Jake O’Brien scores a late first period goal for the @BulldogsOHL to put them up 1-0 heading into the first intermission!#OHLPlayoffs | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/p1EaqcmBTA
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) April 19, 2025
The Kraken are banking on that upside. O’Brien’s pedigree also speaks volumes, his mom played high-level hockey and now runs her own hockey school, which Jake frequented growing up to fine-tune his craft. His dad also played Division I college hockey and logged a year in the ECHL. The hockey DNA runs deep in the O’Brien family.
This selection marks the fourth time in five drafts that Seattle has used a first-round pick on a center, following Matty Beniers (2021), Shane Wright (2022), and Berkly Catton (2024). And while not all centers stay at that position as pros, the organizational philosophy is clear: keep stacking the middle of the ice. The old saying goes, “You can never have too many centers,” and Seattle seems happy to live by that rule.
Whether O’Brien eventually lands at center or shifts to the wing, his ability to create offense and tilt the ice is what earned him OHL Rookie of the Year honors in 2023-24, when he posted 64 points in 61 games as a 16-year-old. That was just the beginning. The Kraken hope he’s only getting started.
College Sports
CU Athletics unveils The Arch NIL program for businesses
BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado Athletic Department has introduced “The Arch,” a new Name, Image and Likeness initiative aimed at connecting CU student-athletes with local businesses. In Brief: CU launches The Arch to connect athletes with businesses Program offers two membership levels for participants Members gain access to student-athletes and CU perks “Buffs […]

BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado Athletic Department has introduced “The Arch,” a new Name, Image and Likeness initiative aimed at connecting CU student-athletes with local businesses.
In Brief:
- CU launches The Arch to connect athletes with businesses
- Program offers two membership levels for participants
- Members gain access to student-athletes and CU perks
- “Buffs Bargains” promotes partners to Buff Club donors
The program allows businesses of any size to participate through two membership levels. Members will gain the opportunity to use Colorado student-athletes in marketing efforts and tap into the visibility of CU Athletics to boost their brand. Participants will also receive exclusive access to programs and facilities.
“Now more than ever thanks to NIL, our student-athletes have an incredible ability to bring their formidable power to enhance businesses,” said Athletic Director Rick George. “With The Arch, we are connecting area businesses of any size to our student-athletes while giving businesses the ability to leverage the national attention that comes with being a partner of CU Athletics.”
Participating companies will also be featured in a new “Buffs Bargains” initiative, which offers promotional access to Buff Club donors. To support the expansion of its NIL programs, CU Athletics has added two new staff members through Buffalo Sports Properties.
Businesses interested in joining the program can submit an interest form. More information is available on The Arch landing page.
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College Sports
July 26, 2025 – Bulldawg Illustrated
Jump To Top of Page In Kirby Smart’s world, championships are built in January, shaped in July, and now financed throughout the year. The introduction of NIL has redefined how Georgia recruits, retains, and rallies its roster, but make no mistake: the Bulldogs aren’t playing by the same chaotic rules as everyone else. While other […]

Jump To Top of Page


In Kirby Smart’s world, championships are built in January, shaped in July, and now financed throughout the year. The introduction of NIL has redefined how Georgia recruits, retains, and rallies its roster, but make no mistake: the Bulldogs aren’t playing by the same chaotic rules as everyone else.
While other programs boast massive NIL headlines, UGA operates a more disciplined and sustainable model quietly. Think of it as the Belichickian approach to college football’s new economy—except Kirby actually smiles sometimes.
The NIL Hierarchy: Not All Checks Are Equal
Inside Georgia’s 2025 locker room, a silent tier system exists—undocumented but well understood. Let’s break it down:
Tier 1: Stars & Proven Playmakers
These are the individuals who capitalize on their performance and profile. They’re the ones showing up in car dealership ads, NIL apparel drops, and hometown billboards.
Raylen Wilson (LB, Jr.): A fast, physical linebacker who’s become a cornerstone of the defense. After a breakout 2024, Wilson entered 2025 with increased buzz and value. His local NIL presence is growing fast.
Monroe Freeling (OL, RSo.): Big, marketable, and articulate—Freeling represents the new breed of offensive linemen who double as influencers. Anchoring the line gives him both credibility and camera time.
Tier 2: Freshman with Buzz
These aren’t just any newcomers—they’re five-star arrivals who brought NIL interest with them to Athens.
Justus Terry (DL, Fr.): The 6-5, 275-pound menace from Manchester, GA, committed early and stayed true. Georgia is building him as the next Jordan Davis. Expect NIL support to match that trajectory.
Kirby’s NIL Philosophy: Keep It Earned, Keep It Quiet
Kirby Smart doesn’t babysit NIL deals, but he also doesn’t let them disrupt the culture. Behind the scenes, the message is crystal clear: “We don’t pay for promises—we reward production.”
NIL has its place, but inside the Butts-Mehre building, you still earn your respect with sweat. Team-first players like CJ Allen (LB, So.) and Demello Jones (DB, So.) set the tone—grinders who get more shine through performance than promo codes.
Collective Power: Classic City Collective’s Role
The Classic City Collective is Georgia’s not-so-secret NIL engine. Unlike schools throwing cash at the latest portal diva, CCC’s model is about:
- Sustainable Teamwide Deals
- Event-Based Endorsements
- Education + Branding Workshops
- Partnership Vetting
That structure keeps the money flowing without flooding egos. Even walk-ons have earned NIL compensation for community events and social media tie-ins.
Potential Flashpoints
Despite UGA’s strong internal structure, the NIL world brings risks:
The Transfer Lure: Backups like Ryan Puglisi (QB, RFr.) may be tempted by starting spots—and bigger checks—elsewhere.
Position Imbalance: What happens when your third-string WR is making more than your starting guard?
External Noise: Agents and third-party handlers continue to try to get their hands in. Georgia’s staff fights hard to filter that influence.
So far, the staff’s proactive education, access to vetted financial guidance, and strict internal messaging have held off any major blow-ups.
The Pitch That Wins: “Get Paid Now, Get Rich Later”
Georgia’s recruiting pitch in the NIL era isn’t about topping the highest bidder. It’s about building a brand while winning games and developing into a first-round pick. In Athens, the NIL path looks like this:
Freshman Year: Learn the system, earn your reps, do some low-key NIL.
Sophomore Year: Playmaker status + rising visibility = NIL bump.
Junior Year: National exposure + draft buzz = high-end NIL and long-term brand deals.
Smart often reminds recruits: the best players in his program don’t need NIL leverage—they’re on a path to generational wealth.
Georgia’s NIL Game Is Built for the Long Haul
In 2025, Georgia doesn’t just survive NIL—they’re leveraging it with the precision of a championship program. While others flail for five-star flash or short-term splash, Kirby and crew are building a locker room that knows what it is, what it wants, and what it’s worth.
The checks are clearing in Athens, but the culture still cashes first.
Jump To Today’s Discussion Thread
College Sports
Sommerville returns to Wichita | Pro Hockey News
WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks and American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda, announced the re-signing of defenseman Nico Somerville for the 2025-26 season. Somerville, 26, returns to Wichita for a second year. The Port Alberni, British Columbia native appeared in 49 games as a […]

WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks and American Hockey League’s San Jose Barracuda, announced the re-signing of defenseman Nico Somerville for the 2025-26 season.
Somerville, 26, returns to Wichita for a second year. The Port Alberni, British Columbia native appeared in 49 games as a rookie, collecting 11 points (3g-8a).
He turned pro last year after playing four years at American International College. In 110 career games, he tallied 22 points (7g-15a). Somerville was named to the AHA All-Tournament Team during his senior campaign. Somerville scored the overtime winner against Air Force in March 2024 to help AIC advance to the semifinals of the Atlantic Hockey Tournament. Somerville was captain during the 2022-23 season and an alternate captain this past year.
Prior to his time in college, he spent five years in the British Columbia Hockey League. Somerville played four seasons with the Victoria Grizzlies before being traded midway through the 2019-20 season to the Penticton Vees. He recorded 84 points (17g-67a) in 210 career games.

College Sports
Cam Davidson – Penn State
Cam Davidson will enter his fourth year as the Penn State men’s hockey team’s strength and conditioning coach in 2016-17. As an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University, Davidson also works with Penn State’s women’s volleyball and track & field programs. During his time in State College, he also assisted in the design […]
College Sports
Singer: A look at one key transfer pickup for each CCHA team in 2025-26 – Sioux Falls Live
With the college hockey transfer portal winding down, it’s time to assess the impact across the CCHA. A total of 50 players from NCAA and U Sports programs have been added across the league’s nine teams. Ferris State leads the way with more than a dozen pickups, while reigning conference champion Minnesota State isn’t far […]

With the college hockey transfer portal winding down, it’s time to assess the impact across the CCHA.
A total of 50 players from NCAA and U Sports programs have been added across the league’s nine teams. Ferris State leads the way with more than a dozen pickups, while reigning conference champion Minnesota State isn’t far behind with 10 additions.
Some programs saw minimal turnover, while others used the portal to remake their rosters. It’s the latest example of a familiar trend — the portal gives and takes — but this offseason, its influence may be tapering off as activity regresses to the mean.
With the 2025-26 season just over two months away, here’s one transfer portal addition to watch from each CCHA program.
Cole Burtch, R-Jr., Forward
After losing zero players to the transfer portal during the offseason, the Vikings got exactly what they needed in Burtch, who has two years of college eligibility remaining. The native of Markham, Ontario, had a career year in 2024-25 at Ferris State, where he led the Bulldogs in both points (26) and assists (19). He figures to slot into the top six this season and can contribute primarily at center, where Augustana has its biggest holes to fill.

Courtesy / Merrimack College Athletics
Vann Yuhas, So., Forward
This was a rather easy choice — Yuhas is the Beavers’ only newcomer in the portal to date — but there’s plenty to like about this addition. For starters, Yuhas’ 6-foot, 174-pound frame provides imposing size for BSU on the attack. In his introduction to college hockey last season, Yuhas notched a pair of goals in 16 total appearances at Merrimack. He should receive plenty of opportunities to prove himself, too, after Bemidji State lost eight players to graduation.
Tyler Hotson, Jr., Forward
The Falcons picked up a proven contributor at the college level in Hotson, who was both efficient and productive last season at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In each of his first two college seasons, Hotson recorded 22 points. In 2024-25, he was second among the Engineers’ forwards in ice time, averaging 17:33 minutes per game. This offseason, BGSU brought in a load of young talent from the Canadian Hockey League, but Hotson’s collegiate experience should open the door for plenty of opportunities in the Falcons’ top six.
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
Carter Rapalje, R-Jr., Forward
No team in the CCHA hit the portal harder than the Bulldogs, who are one of two squads in the league with new coaches this season. Brett Riley, who takes over the program following the retirement of legendary coach Bob Daniels, added 13 players via the portal, including five from his former Long Island team. Among them was Rapalje, who paced the Sharks with 30 points (17 goals, 13 assists) in 2024-25. The 5-11 attacker has two years of eligibility remaining at the college level and is one of FSU’s six portal additions who had double-digit points last season.
Adam Manji, So., Goalie
Rorke Applebee more than held his own for the Lakers as a rookie last season, but LSSU was far from perfect defensively, finishing third-to-last in the conference in goals allowed per game (3.19). Obviously, those numbers don’t fall entirely on Applebee, who was 10-19-1 between the pipes with a 3.00 goals-against average, but the need to improve defensively is apparent. Manji offers another goalie option after going 2-1-0 with a 2.70 GAA and .921 save percentage in 2024-25 at American International College. At 6-5, Manji has ideal size at the position, too.
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
Jack Anderson, Sr., Defenseman
After losing both Matthew Campbell and Nick Williams to the portal, the Huskies had looming areas of need on the left side of their defense. Anderson figures to be an answer. The 6-6 native of St. Louis follows new MTU coach Bill Muckalt to Houghton after putting together a 2024-25 campaign in which he tallied 12 points on six goals and six assists to go along with a plus-7 rating on the ice. Anderson is one of three transfers from Muckalt’s previous stop at Lindenwood, where he amassed 25 points in his first three college seasons.
Tristan Lemyre, Sr., Forward
More than anything, Lemyre brings a winning pedigree to the Mavericks’ lineup. Two years ago, he produced six points in 24 appearances in helping guide Denver to a national title. Then, last season, he transferred to Western Michigan, where he racked up 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 42 appearances for the national champion Broncos. Lemyre should have plenty of chances to earn playing time with the Mavs, who lost 13 forwards from their CCHA championship team in 2024-25.

Abe Kraus / Ferris State Athletics
Caiden Gault, Sr., Forward
There’s nowhere for the Wildcats to go but upward, and adding Gault is a great start. The 6-1 attacker from Oakbank, Manitoba, had the second-most points last season for FSU with 25. He led the Bulldogs with 15 goals and a 16.1% shot conversion rate. In total, NMU added seven players via the portal, and there’s plenty of room for growth. The Wildcats were the league’s lowest-scoring team in 2024-25, during which they generated just 1.62 goals per contest. In fact, that scoring average ranked dead last in all of college hockey.
Carsen Musser, So., Goalie
The Tommies have plenty of returning contributors on the ice, but the departure of Jake Sibell could leave a mark at goaltender. Adding Musser to the mix certainly helps to alleviate that. Musser turned in a 3-3-0 record, 3.94 GAA and .879 save percentage as a freshman last season at Colorado College. His NHL rights are currently held by the Utah Mammoth after the Arizona Coyotes drafted him in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. For now, Aaron Trotter appears to be UST’s starter between the pipes, but don’t be shocked if Musser makes a push for playing time.
College Sports
Love Island USA's Liv Walker Dating Mystery Athlete: 'Living Our Best Life' – Yahoo
Love Island USA alum Olivia Walker has found love outside the villa! The returning bombshell opened up on Love Island: Beyond the Villa and spoke about her new beau and how she’s really happy. Olivia first appeared on Love Island Season 6. And she’s among the cast members starring in the brand new spinoff. The […]

Love Island USA alum Olivia Walker has found love outside the villa! The returning bombshell opened up on Love Island: Beyond the Villa and spoke about her new beau and how she’s really happy.
Olivia first appeared on Love Island Season 6. And she’s among the cast members starring in the brand new spinoff. The docuseries follows former islanders as they navigate their real lives. The show gives viewers the drama they want to see and a peek at what happens outside the fun and games of the villa.
Liv Walker is “happy” in her new relationship after Love Island USA
Fans were especially excited to see Kaylor Martin reunite with ex Aaron Evans. She’s admitted to still loving him but that doesn’t mean reconciliation. And it shouldn’t considering their toxic past.
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But Kaylor and Aaron aren’t the only ones fans are watching. Australian bombshell Liv admitted on the first episode that she was “seeing someone new.” And while the series was filmed in the spring, Liv confirmed that they are still together now.
She appeared on SiriusXM’s Reality Checked and Dorinda Medley asked her, “Now we hear there might be a budding romance between you and an unnamed athlete. Can you give us any update on that?”
Liv smiled and confirmed, “I’m happy, in a relationship. We’re both living our best life.” She also clarified that she wasn’t purposefully trying to be cagey on the show.
“I feel like during the show it’s kind of early days so you see like different, I don’t get into detail with it just because I signed up for this life, but also because we’re still navigating it and working it out,” she explained.
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She added, “I’m never hiding anything from the audience of wanting to keep my whole love life completely offline. That’s not the case. I just feel like we are just pick and choosing when to kind of share and making sure we’re happy, which we are with each other.”
It’s smart of her to tread cautiously. Going public can get quite complicated. But it seems like she’s pretty thrilled. “I’m excited when the time comes to share with everyone,” Liv said.
Love Island USA: Beyond the Villa is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – HAVE YOU BEEN ENJOYING BEYOND THE VILLA? WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SO FAR?
The post Love Island USA’s Liv Walker Dating Mystery Athlete: ‘Living Our Best Life’ appeared first on Reality Tea.
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