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NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech bring stunning end to Oklahoma softball’s dynastic run

OKLAHOMA CITY — We gather here today to say goodbye to the Oklahoma softball dynasty, and hello to the NIL era. Because if Texas Tech just proved anything, it’s that you can buy a championship. Last summer, the school spent a million dollars and change to lure the best player in softball to Lubbock, Texas, […]

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OKLAHOMA CITY — We gather here today to say goodbye to the Oklahoma softball dynasty, and hello to the NIL era.

Because if Texas Tech just proved anything, it’s that you can buy a championship. Last summer, the school spent a million dollars and change to lure the best player in softball to Lubbock, Texas, in hopes of making it to its first-ever Women’s College World Series.

Naturally, NiJaree Canady upped the ante.

The junior transfer from Stanford headlined a 3-2 defeat of No. 2 Oklahoma in the Women’s College World Series semifinal on Monday. Canady struck out eight batters, allowing four hits, to end the Sooners’ pursuit of a fifth straight national championship. Her efforts also helped send the Red Raiders to the championship series.

Of course, nothing is easy when it comes to facing the Sooners, who gave Canady everything she could handle.

In the top of the seventh, Canady was one strike away from shutting out the Sooners, who have not been held scoreless in more than 300 games, since exactly six years ago Monday, per the ESPN broadcast. Then, Oklahoma junior Abigale Dayton stepped up to home plate with everything going against her. The Sooners trailed 2-0 but had a runner on. There were two outs. It was the bottom of the seventh. And she was staring down a 0-2 count.

Dayton hammered one out of the park, bringing squealing Oklahoma fans to their feet and tying the score at two to give the Sooners life.

But if the Sooners suggested that if there’s one pitch left, there’s life, the Red Raiders proved it.

Red Raiders redshirt sophomore Lauren Allred hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh to secure Texas Tech’s first-ever appearance in the WCWS championship series.

Canady, playing in her third WCWS after steering the Cardinal there the past two years, leads the nation with a dumbfounding 0.86 ERA and the Red Raiders with 11 home runs.

Oklahoma ace Sam Landry recorded six strikeouts and allowed only six hits, but the Sooners couldn’t overcome the two-run hole it dug for itself in the second inning. After stomping their way to the WCWS by outscoring opponents 47-5, the Sooners were pinned to just eight runs and outscored 8-9 (if score stays 2-0) in Oklahoma City.

No. 12 Texas Tech meets No. 6 Texas in the championship series starting Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. Game 2 follows Thursday at 8 p.m. ET and Game 3, if necessary, is slotted for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

This story will be updated.

(Top photo of NiJaree Canady on Monday: Brett Rojo / Imagn Images)





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NIL

Cowgirl Soccer Trio Tabbed Preseason All-Big 12

IRVING, Texas – Three Oklahoma State Cowgirls were named to the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Soccer Team in a vote of the conference’s head coaches.   OSU midfielders Xcaret Pineda and Laudan Wilson and defender Jazmin Brown made the list of the league’s top 27 players, while the Cowgirls were picked by the coaches to finish […]

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IRVING, Texas – Three Oklahoma State Cowgirls were named to the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Soccer Team in a vote of the conference’s head coaches.
 
OSU midfielders Xcaret Pineda and Laudan Wilson and defender Jazmin Brown made the list of the league’s top 27 players, while the Cowgirls were picked by the coaches to finish seventh in the 16-team league.
 
TCU is the Big 12 favorite, receiving 13 first-place votes, while Texas Tech came in second with a pair of first-place nods. BYU, West Virginia, Kansas and Colorado were also picked ahead of the Cowgirls.
 
OSU is coming off a 2024 season in which it finished 14-5-3 overall and made its 14th appearance in the NCAA Championship. A year ago, the Cowgirls were picked to finish eighth in the preseason Big 12 poll but posted a 6-3-2 mark and fifth-place finish.
 
The Cowgirls return seven players who started at least 10 games last season, led by Pineda and Wilson, who were both All-Big 12 First Team performers.
 
A senior, Pineda has played in 61 career games and recorded 14 goals and 11 assists. She tallied six goals each of the last two seasons and also posted four assists as a junior en route to All-Midwest Region First Team honors.
 
Wilson is coming off a sophomore season in which she was OSU’s leading scorer with 19 points as she scored a career-high five goals and ranked second in the Big 12 with nine assists. She has eight goals and 15 assists in 39 career games.
 
Brown played her first three collegiate seasons at Kansas State, where she appeared in 55 games with 53 starts, before transferring to Stillwater for her final year.
 
As a junior last season, Brown started 18 games and earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades while leading the Wildcats’ field players in minutes played with 1,450.
 



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Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed inks NIL deal with Rhoback, Aggie fans receive special offer

Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed became the latest college football player to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Rhoback. The apparel company announced the news Tuesday while also releasing a new licensed A&M line for the 2025 season. According to Rhoback, Reed will receive a percentage of the revenue generated from […]

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Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed became the latest college football player to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Rhoback. The apparel company announced the news Tuesday while also releasing a new licensed A&M line for the 2025 season.

According to Rhoback, Reed will receive a percentage of the revenue generated from its items purchased through his 20% discount link for new customers. That discount link can be found here: Marcel Reed 20% off Rhoback discount link.

“From day one, Marcel stood out — not just for his talent on the field, but for the way he carries himself off it,” Rhoback athlete relations lead Shalen Moore said in a statement. “He represents everything we look for at Rhoback: authenticity, energy, and a connection to his communities and fanbase. We’re beyond excited to have him on board as a pillar and to support his journey every step of the way. With his help, we’re rolling out brand new custom designed Texas A&M collegiate gear, and we can’t wait to see how his community connects with it.”

For the first time in his college career, Reed is the cemented starter going into the season. He flashed promise as a redshirt freshman last fall, replacing the game-one starter for the Aggies, Conner Weigman, in the middle of the season before cementing himself as the top option.

Among freshmen in a single season in A&M history, Reed finished second in passing yards (1,864) and completions (147), third in passing touchdowns (15), tied for 10th in rushing touchdowns (seven) and 14th in rushing yards (547) despite appearing in only 11 games with eight starts.

“I’m fired up to officially join the Rhoback team,” Reed said in a statement, which Rhoback provided. “Ever since the first time I put Rhoback gear on, it’s all I’ve been wearing. What I love most about Rhoback, outside of their apparel, is they are for the athlete. They prioritize fun, authenticity, and most importantly, performance. I’m especially loving the brand-new Texas A&M pieces and cannot wait for our fanbase to wear their Gameday Collection this season. Some really fun things coming this season and we’re pumped to unveil them. In the meantime, I’ll see you all on Saturdays!”

Rhoback previously announced NIL deals with several other college football players, including Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, Penn State running back Nick Singleton and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.



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Marshall’s Jo’shon Barbie, Tony Mathis Named To Doak Walker Watch List

2025 Marshall Football Tickets  HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Football had two players named to the prestigious Doak Walker Award Watch List on Tuesday. Redshirt junior Jo’shon Barbie and redshirt senior Tony Mathis were named to the list, which annually honors the top running back in college football. Barbie exploded onto the scene as a top-tier […]

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2025 Marshall Football Tickets 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Football had two players named to the prestigious Doak Walker Award Watch List on Tuesday.

Redshirt junior Jo’shon Barbie and redshirt senior Tony Mathis were named to the list, which annually honors the top running back in college football.

Barbie exploded onto the scene as a top-tier running back and McNeese State at the end of 2023 and carried that momentum into the 2024 season.

The 5-9, 190-pound product of Harvey, La., has rushed for 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 17 career games as the primary back for the Cowboys.

In 2024, Barbie finished with 831 yards and eight touchdowns while being a consistent producer in the rushing attack. 

Mathis comes to Marshall from Houston where he spent the last two seasons. Prior to his injury-riddled time with the Cougars, Mathis was one of the best running backs in the Big 12 while in a running back rotation at West Virginia.

In 2022, Mathis started 10 games at running back, finishing No. 7 in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game at 56.2 and No. 11 in rushing yards at 562 while splitting time with two other backs.

The 6-1, 195-pound rusher had three 100-yard rushing games and two multi-TD games to his credit. He earned Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week following a performance against Baylor in which he rushed for 163 yards on 22 carries with 2 TDs. 

Both Barbie and Mathis join a Marshall offense that will be led by offensive coordinator Rod Smith, whose offenses at Jacksonville State have finished in the top-3 in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons. Smith’s Illinois rushing attack in 2019 also led the B1G.

Marshall Football opens its 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Georgia. The team’s first home game is a Sept. 6 matchup with Missouri State. To purchase tickets, click HERE

For all the latest information about Marshall Football, follow @HerdFB on Twitter and @Herd_FB on Instagram.

To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.

 —HerdZone.com—



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IU basketball among six finalists for class of 2026 five-star guard Jordan Smith – Inside the Hall

Class of 2026 guard Jordan Smith is down to six schools and Indiana is among his finalists. The six finalists for Smith include Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky and Syracuse. Smith is a five-star prospect and the No. 3 player nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He plays at Paul VI Catholic in Chantilly, […]

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Class of 2026 guard Jordan Smith is down to six schools and Indiana is among his finalists.

The six finalists for Smith include Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky and Syracuse. Smith is a five-star prospect and the No. 3 player nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

He plays at Paul VI Catholic in Chantilly, Virginia and played for Team Takeover on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit. Indiana assistant coach Kenny Johnson has strong ties to the Team Takeover program, which features many players from the DMV area.

Smith landed a scholarship from the IU basketball staff in early May. Here’s a scouting report on Smith from Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports:

“There may not be a player in high school basketball who impacts winning in more ways or with the same consistency as Jordan Smith. The Paul VI and Team Takeover guard has terrific physical tools and even better competitive intangibles that allow him to change the game on both ends of the floor. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1 block per game during the recent EYBL season.

“Physically, he’s long and powerful with a 6-foot-8.5-inch wingspan and chiseled physique. He’s also a good athlete who excels defensively, has switchability on that end of the floor because of his physical strength and toughness, and is also an elite perimeter rebounder.

“Offensively, he gets downhill like few other guards in the class and has consistently developed his ball skills over the years so that he now has legitimate on/off ball versatility. He can initiate offense and make decisions (3.4 assists vs. 1.5 turnovers), put pressure on the rim with his force and physicality when he turns the corner, or take smaller guards into the post. He’s an improved shooter, with a notably high release, but still more consistent with his mid-range pull-up than his three with some occasional sidespin (25% 3pt & 68% FT).

“Smith’s transition to subsequent levels will also be lightened by the fact that he doesn’t need to be an offensive focal point to impact the game. He can do it with his defense, rebounding, energy, competitiveness, or unselfishness. His intangibles are truly elite and so while he may not have totally ideal size or ball skills, he’s extremely hard to bet against.”

See More: Recruiting, Jordan Smith





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Women’s Soccer to Play Three Nationally-Televised Games in 2025

RALEIGH, N.C. – ESPN has unveiled its broadcast schedule for the 2025 college women’s soccer season, with NC State set to appear three times on the nationally-televised ACC Network. Each of the Wolfpack’s ACCN matchups will come against opponents who reached the 2024 College Cup. NC State’s first national appearance will take place on Thursday, […]

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RALEIGH, N.C. – ESPN has unveiled its broadcast schedule for the 2025 college women’s soccer season, with NC State set to appear three times on the nationally-televised ACC Network. Each of the Wolfpack’s ACCN matchups will come against opponents who reached the 2024 College Cup.

NC State’s first national appearance will take place on Thursday, October 2 at 7 p.m., when the Pack hosts Wake Forest at Dail Soccer Field.

The Wolfpack will return to the network later in the month for two more contests, starting with another home match against Duke on Sunday, October 26 at 7 p.m. The regular season will conclude with a nationally-televised showdown on the road at North Carolina on Thursday, October 30 at 8 p.m.

All games airing on ESPN platforms will be available to stream via the ESPN app and ACC Network Extra (ACCNX). All home matches not selected for linear broadcast, as well as ACC road contests, will be streamed live on ACCNX.

For the most up-to-date schedule and streaming information, visit the women’s soccer schedule page on GoPack.com.

 

 



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Coaches Poll: Preseason Top 25 released ahead of 2025 college football season

The preseason top 25 rankings, via the Coaches Poll, are here ahead of the 2025 college football season. So, it’s time to pop the champagne! The rankings will certainly change week to week and by the end of the season of course. But this is a solid indication of where we will begin in a […]

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The preseason top 25 rankings, via the Coaches Poll, are here ahead of the 2025 college football season. So, it’s time to pop the champagne!

The rankings will certainly change week to week and by the end of the season of course. But this is a solid indication of where we will begin in a few weeks.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 25 rankings from the preseason Coaches Poll. We start at the top!

Texas comes back with national championship expectations following two straight years making the semifinal. Arch Manning takes over at quarterback with the weight of the world on his shoulders, practically.

Steve Sarkisian has weapons all over the field and it’s arguably his best team during his Texas tenure. Buckle up Austin, this could be a historic year.

Ryan Day, Ohio State
Ryan Day, Ohio State – © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Can Ohio State win back to back national titles? They’re ranked in the preseason polls with a narrative that yes, they could do so.

Ryan Day can coach freely now that he has that elusive first title. Stars like WR Jeremiah Smith and DB Caleb Downs lead this group. TBD on new quarterback Julian Sayin or Lincoln Keinholz to continue the trend of high level play under center.

Penn State is running it back, similar to what Big Ten foe Ohio State did last season. Drew Allar leads the charge at QB and is aided by RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen.

On defense, Dani Dennis-Sutton headlines an elite defensive unit, as they’ll collectively replace Abdul Carter. The Nittany Lions are on the short list of national title contenders.

Georgia might not be as talked about compared to recent years. Coming off an SEC title and No. 2 seed in the CFP, the Bulldogs should be back in the thick of the title race.

New QB Gunner Stockton has a large task ahead of him: continue a high level of play. WR Zachariah Branch, who transferred in from USC, should help. Army LB transfer Elo Modozie should be a factor.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during a football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in South Bend.
© MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Marcus Freeman nearly went on one of the best runs we’ve seen last year, but the Irish fell short in the national championship. But, Notre Dame brings a lot of talent back to compete for another CFP run.

CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey will come out on top in the QB race, but the offense likely runs through Heisman contender Jeremiyah Love at RB. Defensive back DeVonta Smith transferred in from Alabama and should be key in the secondary.

Dabo Swinney and Clemson returned to a large national spotlight last season with their most successful year in a few seasons. Winning the ACC and returning to the CFP was just the first step.

As far as how the Coaches Poll sees them, this will be a very competitive team that could climb its way to national title contender. QB Cade Klubnik is the de facto leader, but there are first round picks, potentially, on defense with Peter Woods and TJ Parker on the defensive line.

Oregon has to replace a lot of production at QB and step it up at wide receiver with the potential season-ending injury to Evan Stewart. Dante Moore is expected to step up for QB Dillon Gabriel after sitting a year.

But if there’s one thing Dan Lanning can do, it’s coach up his squad. They’ve improved each season under his watch and perhaps they could win the Big Ten for a second straight year.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer
Kalen DeBoer (Courtesy of Alabama Athletics)

Year 1 for Kalen DeBoer and Alabama didn’t go as planned, not making the playoff and losing to Michigan in a bowl game. Still, DeBoer’s coaching prowess and development can’t be understated.

Ty Simpson is the expected QB and he has an all-star at WR in Ryan Williams to throw to. The defense is loaded with stars such as LT Overton. They’re back to SEC contender and have a chance to make a run in the CFP.

Can Brian Kelly finally get his team to the College Football Playoff? The LSU coach should have a great chance based on the preseason Coaches Poll.

QB Garrett Nussmeier is a Heisman contender going into the fall. Not only that, Harold Perkins captains the defense at linebacker and if he returns to form, that could be a scary unit for the Tigers.

Miami fell short last season with some missed opportunities to get to the ACC title game. To be fair, they had a little bit of Lady Luck on their side as well.

Carson Beck transferred in to replace Cam Ward at QB. That’ll be the biggest spotlight in Coral Gables this season. Mario Cristobal has a lot of talent at his disposal and the College Football Playoff should be the minimum.

Preseason Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings for 2025

11. Arizona State
12. Illinois
13. South Carolina
14. Michigan
15. Ole Miss
16. SMU
17. Florida
18. Tennessee
19. Indiana
20. Kansas State
T21. Texas A&M
T21. Iowa State
23. BYU
24. Texas Tech
25. Boise State

Others receiving votes in Coaches Poll: Oklahoma 221; Missouri 142; Louisville 126; USC 116; Utah 86; Baylor 76; Auburn 50; Iowa 49; Memphis 34; Army West Point 33; Tulane 31; Georgia Tech 27; TCU 24; Nebraska 19; Syracuse 16; Washington 15; Navy 14; Arkansas 14; Duke 12; Colorado 12; Minnesota 11; UNLV 8; Florida State 8; Kansas 6; Vanderbilt 3; Buffalo 1



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