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On April 11 (just five days after the UConn Huskies won the 2025 national title), Qadence Samuels, who spent the first two seasons of her college career in Connecticut, announced that she would be entering the NCAA transfer portal.

In an Instagram post announcing this decision, Samuels wrote, “To my teammates, thank you for always being there for me and for pushing me to become a better player. The incredible moments we’ve both shared on and off the court have truly been unforgettable. You are all the best sisterhood I ever could have asked for. To my coaches thank you for pushing me to be my very best, not just as a player but as a person.

“With that said, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and look forward to the next chapter of my journey,” she added.

However, given some of Samuels’ social media activity and it taking her a longer time than many other players to decide on a new school, there was some speculation that she could be returning to UConn after all.

But it’s now clear that this is not the case, as Samuels announced on May 30 that she has committed to NC State.

A joint Instagram post from Samuels and the NC State women’s basketball team showcased a graphic of her commitment, along with several photos of her wearing a Wolfpack jersey. The post was captioned, “Welcome to the Pack, Qadence We have a playmaker coming to Raleigh!”

Several current (and former) Huskies players have reacted to this news. UConn guard Ashlynn Shade commented by writing, “Congrats Q! Happy for you!!”

Guard Morgan Cheli posted the announcement on her Instagram story and added, “”. And former Huskies icon Nika Muhl, who played with Samuels in 2023-24 and is now with the Seattle Storm, commented, saying, “Congrats Q!!!!<3”.

Clearly Samuels’ former teammates are feeling happy for her in the wake of this transfer decision.

Emerging Star on the Field and in the Market: Michael Hawkins Jr’s Rise in College Football

In the dynamic and fiercely competitive arena of college football, a new star is rapidly ascending. Michael Hawkins Jr., a freshman quarterback for Oklahoma, is not just making waves with his exceptional skills on the field but also marking his territory in the burgeoning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) market. His journey, characterized by a remarkable dual-threat capability and mature composure, is a testament to the evolving landscape of college sports where talent meets opportunity.

A Dual-Threat Dynamo

Michael Hawkins Jr. stands out as a beacon of versatility and adaptability in the modern game. His ability to dismantle defenses, not just with his arm but also with his legs, has quickly made him a focal point of Oklahoma’s offensive strategy. This dual-threat prowess is not just a tactical advantage on the field; it’s a symbolic representation of the modern athlete’s multifaceted role in sports today. Hawkins Jr.’s playing style, which seamlessly blends power with agility, offers a glimpse into the future of quarterbacking, where versatility reigns supreme.

Navigating the NIL Landscape

Off the field, Hawkins Jr.’s impact is equally significant. His confirmed partnerships with major brands like Dr. Pepper and Leaf Trading Cards signal a new era where collegiate athletes can leverage their personal brand to secure lucrative deals. These high-profile NIL deals not only underscore Hawkins Jr.’s marketability but also highlight the shifting dynamics of college sports, where athletes now have unprecedented opportunities to benefit from their name, image, and likeness.

The Broader Implications

The rise of athletes like Michael Hawkins Jr. in the NIL space is a watershed moment for college sports. It represents a paradigm shift where the lines between amateurism and professionalism blur, offering a preview of how future generations of athletes will navigate their careers. Hawkins Jr.’s success in securing such deals as a freshman speaks volumes about his potential, not just as an athlete but as a brand ambassador. It underscores the importance of personal branding and marketability in the modern sports era, where athletes must excel both on and off the field to maximize their career opportunities.

A Promising Future Ahead

As Michael Hawkins Jr. continues to develop his game and expand his presence in the NIL market, his journey will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes who dream of following in his footsteps. His ability to balance athletic excellence with savvy business acumen sets a new standard for what it means to be a student-athlete in the 21st century. As college sports continue to evolve, Hawkins Jr.’s story will likely serve as a blueprint for the dual-threat athlete of the future: one who can dominate the competition while also building a personal brand that transcends the boundaries of the field.

In conclusion, Michael Hawkins Jr.’s early success is not just a personal triumph but a signpost for the future of college sports. His journey encapsulates the essence of the modern athlete: versatile, marketable, and unapologetically ambitious. As he continues to carve his path both on the field and in the marketplace, Hawkins Jr. is not just playing the game; he’s changing it.

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