NIL

New CIF

Templeton senior Kylie Bell fought through months of illness during her final high school swimming season. She fractured her rib from extensive coughing, which her coach Karen Neil says took 2.5 months to heal. As she resumed training, Neil says Bell would adapt her training to focus on whatever hurt the least that day, even […]

Published

1 month ago

May 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Templeton senior Kylie Bell fought through months of illness during her final high school swimming season. She fractured her rib from extensive coughing, which her coach Karen Neil says took 2.5 months to heal. As she resumed training, Neil says Bell would adapt her training to focus on whatever hurt the least that day, even if it meant she spent practice just kicking. “She’s such a worker,” Neill shared.

Bell persevered through a difficult winter and shined at last weekend’s CIF Central Section Division II Championships. She won the girls’ 100 backstroke title with a lifetime best 55.46, breaking the meet record of 57.18 that Ella Bettencourt swam two years ago by 1.72 seconds. It was her second win of the meet; she also swam a lifetime best 52.01 for gold in the 100 freestyle.

But despite her success this postseason–which isn’t over as she qualified for the CIF State Championships in the 100 backstroke–Bell might not be part of an NCAA team when she begins college this fall.

It is not by choice–Bell committed to the Cal Poly swim team last fall. The university cut the program in March, citing the ongoing instability caused by the House vs. NCAA settlement and the California state budget. The university has given the team a chance to save their program—after moving the goalposts several times, it seems they have settled on the deadline of June 4 for the program to raise $20 million. The team’s last update to SwimSwam a couple of weeks ago was that they had raised $7.5 million.

Now, it is the team and the incoming recruits like Bell who find themselves in a state of uncertainty. With the program cut, all the athletes who expected to race for the Mustangs next season must decide whether to stay or transfer, with current athletes doing so while fighting to save their program. The timing of the university’s decision was uncomfortable for the incoming freshmen class as well. Commits had to make similar decisions quickly; Chloe Quarles, for example, flipped her commitment from Cal Poly to UNLV. Simon Li, who finished 3^rd in the 50 freestyle and 4^th in the 100 freestyle at the CIF North Coast Championships, is still committed to Cal Poly on his SwimCloud page.

Typically, college decisions are settled by this point in the academic year. May 1^st is the deadline many colleges give their incoming class to commit and make a deposit. But for many of these athletes, next year remains unsettled.

Bell is in the transfer portal according to Neil, who is Bell’s high school and club coach. Neil says she hopes that Bell’s recent time drops will pique the interest of college coaches, particularly those who will be at the CIF State Championships. The drops have been impressive; she was a 57.31 in the 100 backstroke coming into this season and 54.02 in the 100 freestyle. Plus, she hit her new lifetime bests in blistering heat last weekend.

Bell and her younger brother Trevor Bell will both be at the CIF State Championships this weekend. Kylie is seeded 11^th in the 100 backstroke and Trevor is seeded first in the 50 freestyle Paralympic Class III. It’s a sweet way to end her high school swimming career, but Bell is still hoping there’s more to come in her career.

NIL

College World Series bracket 2025

Which NCAA baseball teams could blow up the bracket The Montgomery Advertiser’s Adam Cole and The Southwest Times Record’s Jackson Fuller break down who could wreck the tournament bracket. Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut against UCLA. The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 […]

Published

6 minutes ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut against UCLA.
The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

OMAHA, NE. — Murray State baseball is making its Men’s College World Series debut today against UCLA.

The Racers’ fourth NCAA Tournament has been a historic one. Murray State is one of two Group of Five schools (along with Coastal Carolina) in Omaha, a city dominated by the SEC and ACC as of late. Sixty-nine of the 120 MCWS spots over the last 15 years have gone to those conferences.

Meanwhile, Murray State makes 20 MCWS appearances for the Missouri Valley Conference. It’s the league’s first since Missouri State in 2003. The Racers are also the fourth No. 4 regional seed to make it this far since 1999.

The winner of Murray State-UCLA will play the winner of Arkansas-LSU at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

Buy Murray State baseball tickets for CWS

Follow below for updates throughout the MCWS game between the Racers and Bruins.

After walking three batters and allowing a hit to start, Schutte sent UCLA back to the dugout with clutch pitching. He struck out to batters with the bases loaded. The inning ended with a ground out to first.

1 hit, 1 run, 0 errors, 3 LOB

Barnett struck out two batters and walked two more to start the game.

0 hits, 0 runs, 0 errors, 2 LOB

Right-handed pitcher Michael Barnett will start for the Bruins. The junior is 12-1 on the mound and has a 4.09 ERA. He’s recorded 71 strikeouts and allowed 95 hits and 37 earned runs in 81 and 1/3 innings pitched.

Right-handed pitcher and Male High School alum Nic Shutte will start for the Racers in their MCWS debut. The junior is 8-4 on the mound and has a 4.85 ERA. He’s recorded 94 strikeouts and allowed 75 hits and 49 earned runs in 91 innings.

Date: Saturday, June 14
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Where: Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska

Here is the latest college baseball schedule and NCAA Tournament bracket update.

Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com, and follow her on X @petitus25.

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Reese Atwood, ex-coach deny report connecting them to Texas Tech, NIL

Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American-Statesman | Hearst – Austin Transition Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere. An article published Thursday afternoon by Softball on SI reported the rising senior was contacted by Texas Tech’s NIL collective the Matador Club or her former travel softball coach, Nathan Nelson, about transferring to Lubbock. “Reese never got […]

Published

24 minutes ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American-Statesman
| Hearst – Austin Transition

Texas softball catcher Reese Atwood isn’t going anywhere.

An article published Thursday afternoon by Softball on SI reported the rising senior was contacted by Texas Tech’s NIL collective the Matador Club or her former travel softball coach, Nathan Nelson, about transferring to Lubbock.

“Reese never got a phone call,” Nelson, coach of Texas-based Hotshots Fastpitch, told the Austin American-Statesman on Friday afternoon. Atwood, in a text message to the American-Statesman, denied that there was any tampering with her former coach.

Nelson in the article was accused of working with the Matador Club to bring players to Tech. He has alumnae that play for TTU but told the Statesman he denies the allegations raised in SI’s report, which cited an unnamed softball player’s parent who alleged he offered cash earlier this spring for a transfer to Tech.

“That did not occur,” Nelson said.

The report alleges that Nelson and the Matador Club have acted as a third parties to help Tech coach Gerry Glasco circumvent rules prohibiting contact with players at other schools. The article was based on conversations with six different softball programs and 10 sources, SI reports. But Nelson said most of the time he and his alumnae — including Atwood, who played four seasons for Nelson — would speak, they were discussing technique or tips, not transfers.

“How does my swing look? A certain pitch is being thrown at me, (how do I adjust)?” Nelson told the American-Statesman.

Tech has drawn attention of many in softball after reeling in almost a half-dozen talented transfers just days after the softball season ended. He denies any early or inappropriate contact.

“All I can speak for are my alumni,” Nelson said. “There were kids that were already in the portal… so I was involved in those conversations. I did contact them and told the third-party management (trying to recruit them) that I did not want to give out their numbers, that I would handle it myself. I called them (former players) and they have the right to say yes or no. Two of them said ‘no thank you, not interested,'” Nelson said.

Nelson said he does not know anyone at the Matador Club. A request for comment from the Matador Club about their recruiting practices and SI’s report did not draw a response Friday.

Reese Atwood shoots down report of possible transfer talk

The report listed Atwood among eight star players who had allegedly been reached out to on Tech’s behalf.

“I was never contacted by Nathan Nelson regarding anything related to playing softball at Texas Tech… I won’t be responding to any further comments about a false article,” Atwood said via text.

Atwood, a Sandia native, has become one of the top catchers in college softball. Her two-out, two-RBI single, in what was supposed to be an intentional walk, gave the Longhorns the lead, and the eventual win in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series finals. Her work behind the dish also earned Atwood a first-team All-American nod.

She hit .393 this season with an .504 OBS and a team-high 21 home runs and 89 RBIs.

“They call travel ball coaches, us, people they trust… that’s my conversations and my communication lines with my girls,” Nelson said.

Third parties, have reached out to Nelson, he said. At least one group has asked for phone numbers for his former players, but he said he does not provide that information freely.

He said he would be a buffer between the players and those groups.

Nelson had 22 former players appear in the Women’s College World Series, including Atwood and members of Texas Tech’s team. According to unnamed sources in Softball on SI’s story, Atwood, Taylor Pannell (who committed Thursday to play for the Red Raiders), Isa Torres, Dakota Kennedy, Kasidi Pickering, Maci Bergeron, Dez Spearman, and Tori Edwards were names that Nelson or Matador, allegedly contacted.

However, Kennedy, Bergeron, Spearman and Edwards, are not Nelson’s former players. Nelson told the Statesman that any contact information for Pannell came from her parents.

“For Maci and Tori, there names shouldn’t have been in there (the story) at all. To have to explain to their coaches why their names are in there is completely unfair,” said Nelson.

Tech has been busy since losing to Texas

Since the championship game eight days ago, the Red Raiders signed five transfer portal prospects: Pannell (Tennessee), infielder Mia Williams (Florida), two-way player Kaitlyn Terry (UCLA), infielder Jackie Lis (Southern Illinois) and catcher/utility Jasmyn Burns (Ohio State). All but Burns, an All-American, made it to Oklahoma City with their respective teams

Glasco, known for an aggressive approach to taking in transfers since his days with Louisiana, could not contact players during the WCWS because NCAA rules prohibit coaches from contacting the player of a rostered opponent unless permission is granted or a player is already in the portal. But the Matador Club can.

Thursday’s addition of Pannell, a star third baseman who played at Tennessee, seemed to draw a rebuke from Lady Vols coach Karen Weekly.

“I think we can all agree on 2 things: 1) women making money in sports is awesome and long overdue; 2) contacting players (directly or indirectly) before their season ends and signing them to NIL deals before they enter the portal is wrong. Money isn’t the issue – tampering is!” the veteran coach posted Friday on social media.

It’s unclear if the NCAA will investigate any transfer activity.

A non-profit, Matador Collective helped bring pitcher NiJaree Canady from Stanford, where she led the Cardinal to back-to-back trips to OKC, to Lubbock with a $1 million NIL deal in 2024. She signed another seven-figure deal during the WCWS Finals. While Canady boasted the second-lowest ERA in college softball at 1.11 and hit 11 home runs and 34 RBIs, Tech’s lack of depth in the circle played a role in its demise in Game Three of the title series.

One thing seems clear: No matter who Tech adds, Atwood is staying put.

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Bill Belichick Elevates UNC with Record NIL Funding Boost

A Maestro in Chapel Hill Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already […]

Published

42 minutes ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A Maestro in Chapel Hill

Bill Belichick, a name synonymous with NFL success, has brought his legendary expertise to the University of North Carolina, sparking a transformation that few could have anticipated. The Tar Heels’ decision to bring in the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach has proven to be a masterstroke, as Belichick’s influence is already reshaping the landscape of the university’s athletic program.

Revolutionizing NIL Funding

Under Belichick’s guidance, the university has seen a meteoric rise in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding, skyrocketing from a modest $4 million to an impressive $20 million. This surge not only reflects the increased confidence and interest in the program but also highlights Belichick’s ability to attract resources and attention. His presence has turned UNC into a beacon for young athletes, eager to be part of a program with such a storied leader at the helm.

A Magnet for Talent

The influx of over 60 transfers is a testament to the magnetic pull of Belichick’s reputation. Young players are flocking to Chapel Hill, drawn by the opportunity to learn from one of football’s greatest minds. This rejuvenation of the roster is setting the stage for a new era in Tar Heels football, one that promises to be as competitive as it is exciting.

The Belichick Effect

Belichick’s impact extends beyond the field. His approach to leadership and team-building is instilling a culture of discipline and excellence that resonates throughout the entire athletic department. The changes he has implemented are not just about winning games, but about creating a sustainable model for success that will benefit UNC for years to come.

Looking to the Future

As the Tar Heels continue to evolve under Belichick’s stewardship, the future looks brighter than ever. His transformative influence is setting a new standard for college athletics, proving that with the right leadership, even the most ambitious goals are within reach. The legacy of Bill Belichick at UNC is only just beginning, but its impact is already profound, promising an exciting journey ahead for the Tar Heels and their fans.

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Tennessee softball coach Karen Weekly calls out tampering, transfer portal issues with NIL

Imagn Images Tennessee softball coach Karen Weekly spoke out Friday on the growing concerns around NIL recruiting. The Lady Volunteers recently made the Women’s College World Series, advancing to the semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Texas earlier this month. But the offseason tension is already mounting. “I think we can all agree on […]

Published

45 minutes ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Imagn Images

Tennessee softball coach Karen Weekly spoke out Friday on the growing concerns around NIL recruiting. The Lady Volunteers recently made the Women’s College World Series, advancing to the semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Texas earlier this month. But the offseason tension is already mounting.

“I think we can all agree on [two] things: 1) women making money in sports is awesome and long overdue; 2) contacting players (directly or indirectly) before their season ends and signing them to NIL deals before they enter the portal is wrong,” Weekly wrote on social media. “Money isn’t the issue — tampering is!”

While Weekly didn’t call out any specific player or program, her post came less than 24 hours after former Tennessee All-American third baseman Taylor Pannell announced her transfer to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, which finished runner-up in the WCWS, have emerged as a growing NIL force, building around national player of the year NiJaree Canady — who recently signed her second NIL deal worth more than $1 million — by stacking talent through aggressive transfer portal recruiting and well-funded support.

No title, but NiJaree Canady brought the crowd, the spotlight and the cash to a sport that’s ready to erupt

Erica Ayala

Pannell was the top hitter for Tennessee this past season, finishing with a career-best. .398 batting average. The first-team All-SEC selection had 74 hits, 65 RBIs and 16 home runs. Ironically, Pannell committed to Texas Tech the same day she entered the portal.

CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello reported last week that Texas Tech is expected to pay its athletes a combined $55 million through revenue sharing and NIL — likely making it the highest-paying college athletic program in the country.

Tennessee finished 47-17 this season, marking Karen Weekly’s 24th year leading the program. The Lady Vols have reached the WCWS nine times under her guidance — including runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2013. Weekly previously shared head coaching duties with her husband, Ralph, until his retirement in 2021.

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How to watch, listen, stream Arkansas baseball vs LSU, College World Series

It’s been three years since Arkansas made it to this moment, but the Ohamhogs are back in Omaha. And their first challenge is national 6-seed LSU. The first time the two met, the Tiger had the upper hand. Game one went into extra innings, and Arkansas lost by one run, but some fans may have […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

It’s been three years since Arkansas made it to this moment, but the Ohamhogs are back in Omaha. And their first challenge is national 6-seed LSU.

The first time the two met, the Tiger had the upper hand. Game one went into extra innings, and Arkansas lost by one run, but some fans may have been asleep because the game didn’t start until 10:00 PM. In game two, LSU blew out the Razorbacks for the first and only time this season, 13-3. Arkansas salvaged some pride, beating the Tigers in game three.

This time, all of those external circumstances that may have affected Arkansas’ performance are gone—no weather delays are expected, and despite what Jay Johnson thinks, half of the stadium will be filled with raging Razorback fans looking for revenge. On top of all that, the Diamond Hogs are firing on all cylinders for the first time all season.

Here’s how you can watch:

Arkansas baseball vs LSU: How to watch, listen, or stream

1. Arkansas vs LSU: How to watch

Dave Van Horn Tony Vitell — Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn and Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello greet each other at home plate before game one of the NCAA baseball tournament Fayetteville Super Regional between Tennessee and Arkansas held at Baum-Walker Stadium on Saturday, June 7, 2025. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Date: June 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (CT)
Network: ESPN
Streaming: FuboTV

2. Arkansas vs LSU: How to listen

Ryder helfrick — Arkansas’ Ryder Helfrick (27) smiles after hitting a two-run home run during game one of the NCAA baseball tournament Fayetteville Super Regional between Tennessee and Arkansas held at Baum-Walker Stadium on Saturday, June 7, 2025. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fayetteville: Station KQSM-FM, Channel 92.1
Little Rock: Station KABZ-FM, Channel 103.7
Texarkana: Station KKTK-AM, Channel AM 1400
Jonesboro: Station KJXK-FM, Channel 106.5

3. Key LSU players

Ethan Frey — LSU v Arkansas | Wesley Hitt/GettyImages

Derek Curiel: .347 AVG, .473 OBP, .531 SLG, 52 RBIs, 7 HR, 19 2B, 2 3B
Ethan Frey: .340 AVG, .423 OBP, .673 SLG, 49 RBIs, 13 HR, 13 2B, 1 3B
Jared Jones: .328 AVG, .424 OBP, .621 SLG, 70 RBIs, 20 HR, 15 2B

4. Key Arkansas players

Arkansas’ Wehiwa Aloy (9) throws to first after getting Tennessee’s Gavin Kilen (6) out at second base during game one of the NCAA baseball tournament Fayetteville Super Regional between Tennessee and Arkansas held at Baum-Walker Stadium on Saturday, June 7, 2025. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Logan Maxwell: .360 AVG, .460 OBP, .622 SLG, 35 RBIs, 13 HR, 4 2B
Charles Davalan: .355 AVG, .444 OBP, .586 SLG, 59 RBIs, 14 HR, 12 2B, 2 3B
Wehiwa Aloy: .348 AVG, .433 OBP, .668 SLG, 64 RBIs, 20 HR, 18 2B, 1 3B

5. LSU head coach

Tigers Head Coach Jay Johnson as the LSU Tigers take on Alabama Baseball in Baton Rouge, LA. Thursday, April 17, 2025. | SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Record at LSU: 185-77 (.706)
Fourth season with the Tigers
Three CWS appearances, two CWS final appearances

6. Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn

Record at Arkansas: 930-470 (.664)
23rd season with the Hogs
20 NCAA Tournament appearances
Seven College World Series appearances

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USC will dominate college football again, and that should scare everyone else

Too many refuse to acknowledge how the improper NCAA sanctions from the coach Pete Carroll days affected USC. Not only has it been proven in court that it was a complete overreach by the entity at the time, but the allegations have also been shown to be baseless. Even so, the result and repercussions remained […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Even so, the result and repercussions remained long after the fact. This has been the case despite history shining a light on the misjudgment of the collegiate institution at the time.

Take the recruiting limits, for example. That is an aspect that lingers well past the end date from when those were lifted. The cumulative butterfly effect has harmed the Trojan program well after the gruesome day in sports history.

There is something going on now, however, that is restoring the scales within college sports and football in particular.

After Judge Claudia Wilken’s ruling from the NCAA House settlement, schools will be able to directly help student-athletes earn for their on-the-field efforts. When looking at USC and where it is placed in the culture and economy of the country as a whole, there will not be any shortage of NIL opportunities that will be able to easily pass the guidelines set by the clearinghouse.

It is a new dawn that is also coinciding with a Trojan staff and administration that has proactively anticipated many of these changes. Coach Lincoln Riley also has the right people throughout the football program in a position to best help the team. Everything combined will allow USC to stand out among other programs.

Encouraging signs are only the beginning for USC

Sure, USC may have the top classes for 2026 and 2027 now. It may only be something that is about to take off even further.

The rest of the country may have enjoyed the Trojans not firing on all cylinders. Many, on social media and otherwise, have enjoyed laughing at the program and kicking the Trojans while they were down.

With what is currently going to be allowed and due to the administrative arm of USC being set up the way it is, USC is on the cusp of a long run of dominance that will see other teams around the nation find it difficult to keep up with.

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