NIL

Nil, zip, nada, zero, nothing: Week 8 film room

Published

2 months ago

October 24, 2025

Did somebody say shutout? Northwestern held Purdue to zero points, the first time the ‘Cats have done so to a Big Ten opponent since 2017 and to Purdue specifically since 1956. While the Boilermakers aren’t the highest caliber of opponents in the Big Ten, they had been a potent offense throughout the season. Coming into their game against Northwestern, they had been held scoreless in just three of their 24 quarters played prior. Preston Stone didn’t have his best day, but the Wildcats still got the job done thanks to stellar defensive play. The game got sloppy on both sides as it progressed, especially in the fourth quarter, but the ‘Cats still pitched the shutout and dominated time of possession. Let’s dive in to the numbers from Week 8 for NU:

Stone’s stats were 11-of-26 for 132 yards and two touchdowns to go alongside one interception. This was the first game Stone has had both throwing a touchdown and an interception (every time he has thrown a touchdown pass, the Wildcats have won). His PFF offensive grade wasn’t great, coming in at a 57.1. He did have two PFF “big time throws” (a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window) though; a good sign despite some struggles. Stone didn’t need to do much in this one though as the running backs and defense were excellent.

Before exiting with an upper-body injury, Caleb Komolafe carried the rock 12 times for 67 yards. Once again, “The Beast” has looked the part, and it will be a huge loss if he misses the game against Nebraska. Joseph Himon II led NU with 22 carries for 87 yards, plus one reception for six yards. As the lead back with Komolafe’s injury, Himon did everything he needed to and more as the ‘Cats ran out the clock. Lastly, Dashun Reeder had five carries for 51 yards with a fumble. Reeder has taken his opportunities and really shown that he can be a guy to lean on and to give Komolafe and Himon some rest. Not to mention, Robby Preckel got some run and didn’t look too bad either. Griffin Wilde led the team with four catches for 47 yards plus his fourth receiving touchdown of the season.

The offensive line mauled in pass blocking. Northwestern has a higher PFF pass blocking grade (77.3, 17th in FBS) this season than Indiana (77.2, 18th in FBS). Through the first three games, Stone was sacked a total of eight times. After the bye week, he’s only been sacked four times total in four games. In two of those (ULM and Purdue), he wasn’t sacked at all. Ezomo Oratokhai led the team with an 87.4 PFF pass blocking grade (t-25th in FBS this week). Oratokhai has taken a huge leap as the season has gone on as he was named to The Athletic’s College Football Midseason All-Freshman team. Caleb Tiernan followed close behind with an 85.7 PFF pass blocking grade while Evan Beerntsen posted an 82.0. The rest of the O-line graded well in pass pro as well, but the big takeaway from this game is the progress Oratokhai has made and that the coaching staff was right to keep playing him when others had doubts.

Purdue did gain 305 total yards on offense, but still failed to score. Credit to the Wildcats’ defense for forcing three turnovers, five punts and three fourth down stops. Anto Saka and Michael Kilbane were both forces to be reckoned with, as the former posted an 85.7 PFF defensive grade (30th in FBS of players with at least 19 defensive snaps played) while the latter posted an 84.0 (t-36th in FBS). Both Saka and Kilbane also had PFF pass rush grades over 80.0 as both were able to sack Malachi Singleton (Saka forced a fumble too). Robert Fitzgerald, despite being questionable coming into the game, posted an 86.1 PFF run defense grade (t-16th in FBS of players with at least 19 defensive snaps played). All-in-all, pitching a shutout it not easy work, so credit where credit is due. Speaking of due, without further a do, here’s the film from Week 8:

Northwestern controlled the tempo of the game throughout on both offense and defense. 37:39 for Northwestern. That’s almost 2/3 of the entire game!

Big plays can flip momentum in an instance or build onto what is already there.

This was a rocket of a throw from Stone. Even without the extra 15 yards tacked on from the horse collar tackle, a 35-yard gain on its own is impressive. Stone faked the handoff, the offensive line gave him all the time in the world and he perfectly fires this one in to find Hayden Eligon II on the medium crossing route. Eligon’s run after the catch is also impressive here, but the throw and the blocking are what stand out most as this play got the ‘Cats into Purdue territory just like that.

This is one of the two breakaway runs that Northwestern had against Purdue. Reeder has taken the opportunity presented to him and, no pun intended, run with it. This rush here starts thanks to the B-gap being opened up wide enough that a car could fit through it. Carson Grove delivered a good down field block as Reeder broke two tackles before taking it down the sideline for a gain of 28. The willingness of the Northwestern wide receivers to block their hearts out is always impressive.

This was the other big run of the day. This time, it was the C-gap that opened up thanks to the block from Hunter Welcing. Again, the offensive line has been more impressive than I would’ve expected when the season began back in August. Himon gets to the second level thanks to the blocks as he scampers down the far sideline for 37 yards before being brought down. All three backs on this team since Cam Porter went down with injury have been really impressive, but some of the credit needs to be placed on the offensive line’s play.

Wilde has been such a difference maker for Northwestern this season. There’s a real argument that he’s been one of the most impactful transfers in the Big Ten. Every week he makes plays and is a huge key to the Wildcats’ success this season. He’s a legit Big Ten receiver, and that’s saying something considering many of the nation’s best receivers reside in this conference. He’s up there with some of the best as he’s ninth in the Big Ten in receiving yards, ahead of players like Denzel Boston and Ja’Kobi Lane.

Wilde has caught a touchdown pass in each of the last four games. Prior to the bye week and the recent four-game stretch, he hadn’t found the end zone. His connection with Stone is only getting better and better by the week. When watching it, the stats don’t do it justice. On this play here, Wilde starts on the outside as he cuts inwards. Stone places the ball right into the chest of Wilde as he makes the falling grab with two defenders on him.

The pocket here is beautiful. Stone backs up almost 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage after the snap, but he steps up in the pocket to deliver a strike to the crossing Wilde. The throw was a tad high and Wilde did have to extend his arms a bit, but still good enough that he could catch it in stride as he cut across the field. He’s been targeted 24 times from lining up in the slot, catching 17 of those throws for 218 yards and a touchdown plus 13 of those going for first downs.

Normally, I don’t show defensive plays. Last week I did because it was what sealed the game. This week, Northwestern pitched a shutout and forced three turnovers while sacking Purdue twice. Here are those turnovers:

Northwestern forced all three of its turnovers in the fourth quarter. The first came in a huge spot as Braden Turner gave up a huge play to Corey Smith before making up for it as he punched the ball out. On the replay of it, you can see Turner get his hand on the ball and knock it out as Fitzgerald recovered the fumble. Not only was this a good recovery from Turner, but it also helped stop any possible momentum gain for the Boilermakers after what would have been about a 50-yard gain.

The second forced turnover was Mac Uihlein’s third interception of the season. Uihlein made a great play to get in front of the receiver and get the interception, but the main reason for the errant throw from Singleton was due to the combined pressure from Brendan Flakes and Richie Hagarty. They forced Singleton to get rid of it or try to make a play, but they were the ones who made the real play.

In his last three games played, Saka has gotten a sack. This one here gets credited to him (even though Kilbane was also in on the play) as he pushed Bakyne Coly into Singleton, forcing the ball out as it popped into the hands of Flakes. Kilbane would get a sack of his own later, but it was Saka here who aggressively won his rep to force the Wildcats’ third turnover of the day.

The Wildcats keep putting themselves in worse situations. Being held to three field goals and turning the ball over twice in the red zone accounts for five of the seven drives that made it into that territory of the field (the two turnovers were snapped from outside the red zone but happened within the 20-yard line). I know I’m being nitpicky here, but the schedule only gets tougher from here and no game remaining is a “gimme.”

Specifically looking at the turnovers, they happened at a time in the game where the ‘Cats did seem to have a grasp on it. However, turning the ball over in scoring territory, even when it’s field goal range, is something that hurts a team.

Firstly, there needs to be credit given to the defender. Hershey McLaurin popped Reeder and forced the ball loose with the big hit. The blocking on the play was good as Reeder was able to get into the second level, just unfortunately he got hit hard enough that the ball went flying. This turnover isn’t as bad as this next one, but still a point of emphasis will be on preventing turnovers.

Simply put, just not a good throw. Stone stared Wilde down the entire time and fired it right into the defender’s hands. While he has good at going through progressions, this is one he’d like back.

There are a lot of things to be pleased about. Northwestern dominated time of possession in this game, holding the ball for just under 38 minutes. The running game is still the backbone of this offense and Wilde is the majority of the passing game. The defense showed just how shutdown it can be against a Purdue offense that had scored at least 17 points in its first six games. As I mentioned earlier, the schedule only gets tougher as the weather gets colder. A bowl appearance is a real possibility, especially with the ‘Cats now sitting at 5-2. If NU can limit the turnovers and play a bit cleaner, this team truly can compete with some of the best. Coach David Braun has his guys playing Big Ten football to a T as it’s now time to take the show on the road to play against Nebraska.

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NIL

Arch Manning takes NIL pay cut to boost 2026 Texas Football roster

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

There are plenty of examples of a star in pro sports taking less money in order to help the overall roster. But it isn’t something that’s hit college football yet … until now, thanks to Arch Manning. Manning has asked to take a reduced portion of the Longhorns’ direct payout pool.

Manning’s aim at taking less NIL funds is to help improve the roster around him. Just like Patrick Mahomes, who regularly gives up millions to help the Kansas City Chief’s roster. Tom Brady did it with New England. Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger have all helped the rosters around them by taking less.

In the pros, there are salary caps to negotiate. While college has no salary cap (yet), there is a finite amount in the NIL house pool. Texas can only spend what it has available. And while that pool is one of the biggest in the nation, Texas still follows a budget.

No doubt, Manning will be hoping the Texas coaching staff uses some of the freed up football revenue sharing funds on the offensive line. The line struggled in front of Manning all season and certainly inhibited his development early in the season.

Two offensive linemen are gone after the Citrus Bowl and Texas might lose a third. Left tackle Trevor Goosby was named first-team All-SEC is now contemplating going pro. Running back Jadan Baugh from Florida is also on Texas’ radar. The talented RB won’t be cheap.

Of course, it’s not like Manning will starve. The redshirt sophomore has one of the highest NIL valuations in nation. Manning has NIL deals with Red Bull, Panani, Uber and Warby Parker. Manning made north of $3.5 million in NIL deals in 2025, according to the Houston Chronicle.

With a big name that attracts major brands, Manning doesn’t need his big deals supplemented. But most college athletes are paid by the common pool of funds. Manning frees up some of that money for transfers.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Manning Pay Cut: Texas QB asks for less NIL money to help boost roster

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Top 5 transfer portal landing spots for TCU quarterback Josh Hoover

Published

9 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The NCAA Transfer Portal claimed another big name on Thursday night.

TCU star quarterback Josh Hoover has announced he intends to move on from the program. Hoover spent the last four seasons with the Horned Frogs, taking over as the starter midway through the 2023 campaign and putting up big numbers in each of the last two years.

In 36 career games, Hoover has completed 771/1183 passes for 9,629 yards with 71 touchdowns to 33 interceptions. He added eight more scores on the ground. There’s a very real likelihood that Hoover’s the most productive quarterback returning to the sport in 2026.

Hoover ranks in the top 5 in TCU program history in touchdown passes and total offense. He’s expected to be a coveted option in the portal.

Where are five landing spots that make sense for Hoover?

Indiana Hoosiers

Back in the College Football Playoff with a different starter for the second consecutive season, Indiana has put together one of the most impressive runs in the sport since Curt Cignetti took over the program.

The undefeated Hoosiers produced their first Heisman Trophy winner in school history last weekend as star quarterback Fernando Mendoza ran away with the award. Mendoza has another season of eligibility remaining, but is projected to be a top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Indiana has already been linked to Hoover, per CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer.

Miami Hurricanes

Miami has lived in the transfer portal over the past few years, investing plenty of time and money into building a contender for Mario Cristobal. The moves finally worked out in 2025 as a massive financial commitment to secure Carson Beck from Georgia helped power the Hurricanes to the playoffs.

Though the conclusion of the 2024 season was a disappointment, former Miami quarterback Cam Ward was developed into the No. 1 pick in the most recent NFL Draft. Beck will likely get a shot at the professional level as well.

With little proven depth on the roster, it makes sense to bring in another experienced quarterback like Hoover to keep the Hurricanes on the right track. Miami has proven it’s willing to pay up.

Oregon Ducks

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon is a known quarterback factory, sending former stars such as Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert to the NFL. That hasn’t changed since Dan Lanning took over the program in 2022.

The Ducks have had a quarterback drafted in back-to-back years, with Bo Nix going in the first round in 2024 and Dillon Gabriel being selected within the top-100 picks in 2025. Lanning could do it again next April with Dante Moore, who is nearing the end of a career year.

If Moore does leap to the professional level, Hoover would be a solid fit. Nix, Gabriel, and Moore all began their college careers at different schools and later transferred to Oregon, a similar path Hoover is embarking on.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Suiting up for a playoff contender is pretty cool. Having a chance to win championships and staying home in the process might be even cooler.

Texas Tech has firmly entrenched itself as a program to reckon with in the modern age of the sport. The Red Raiders have plenty of money, and they’ve shown they’re willing to use it to pull in elite talent from the transfer portal and high school ranks.

With Behren Morton exhausting his eligibility following the playoff run, Texas Tech has to decide if it wants to turn the program over to another transfer or a homegrown talent like Will Hammond.

Either way, Hoover is from Texas and he’s already in the state.

Houston Cougars

An outlier among four other programs that have a chance to win it all, Houston is on the come-up. The Cougars haven’t been shy about writing checks, evidenced by the program signing five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson during the Early Signing Period.

Redshirt junior starter Conner Weigman does have one season of eligibility remaining and has stated he intends to return next season. Decisions are quick to change in this era, so never say never.

Would Houston bring in Hoover while Henderson develops for a season? Or should the program stick with Weigman as a veteran leader for Henderson?

Weigman just joined the program as a transfer last year. He was fine, but unspectacular this fall, and an upgrade could help the Cougars break their ceiling.

South Carolina Upstate visits Youngstown State after Carroll’s 31-point outing

Published

10 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

South Carolina Upstate Spartans (8-6) at Youngstown State Penguins (7-5, 2-1 Horizon League)

Youngstown, Ohio; Saturday, 1 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Youngstown State hosts South Carolina Upstate after Cris Carroll scored 31 points in Youngstown State’s 80-77 overtime loss to the Robert Morris Colonials.

The Penguins are 4-0 on their home court. Youngstown State scores 80.2 points and has outscored opponents by 10.9 points per game.

The Spartans are 2-5 on the road. South Carolina Upstate is fifth in the Big South scoring 79.6 points per game and is shooting 46.2%.

Youngstown State averages 10.4 made 3-pointers per game, 3.8 more made shots than the 6.6 per game South Carolina Upstate gives up. South Carolina Upstate has shot at a 46.2% rate from the field this season, 3.3 percentage points greater than the 42.9% shooting opponents of Youngstown State have averaged.

TOP PERFORMERS: Carroll averages 3.0 made 3-pointers per game for the Penguins, scoring 16.4 points while shooting 48.6% from beyond the arc. Rich Rolf is averaging 10.8 points over the last 10 games.

Mason Bendinger is scoring 16.1 points per game and averaging 3.1 rebounds for the Spartans. Carmelo Adkins is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Penguins: 6-4, averaging 81.3 points, 33.6 rebounds, 15.2 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.7 points per game.

Spartans: 5-5, averaging 75.4 points, 33.5 rebounds, 14.1 assists, 6.1 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.2 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Arch Manning agrees to reduced NIL share to help Texas build roster

Published

11 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In a college football world where NIL numbers keep climbing, Arch Manning is going the other way.

Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns reacts before the Texas Football Orange-White Spring Football Game

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Texas quarterback has agreed to take a reduced share from the Longhorns’ revenue-sharing pool for the 2026 season, according to Justin Wells of Inside Texas. Manning was entitled to a full portion of the program’s revenue cap but opted to scale it back in an effort to give Texas more flexibility to strengthen its roster.

It is a move that stands out in the current landscape. It is also one Manning can afford to make.

Manning remains one of the most marketable players in college football and has a long list of endorsement deals that will continue to pay handsomely. Even with less money coming directly from the school, he is still expected to earn millions in 2026.

This is not the first time he has shown restraint, either. Manning has consistently been selective with his NIL opportunities since arriving in Austin.

The timing matters. The 2026 season is widely expected to be Manning’s last at Texas before he makes the jump to the NFL. From that perspective, the decision is straightforward. He wants the best possible team around him for one more run at a national championship.

Manning has already demonstrated his commitment to the program. He waited his turn behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons without entertaining a transfer and now is willing to sacrifice a portion of his compensation for the good of the roster.

On the field, the growth showed. After a shaky start in 2025, Manning finished with 2,942 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Texas rebounded from a 3-2 opening to win six of its final seven games, punctuated by a decisive win over Texas A&M.

It is not a common move. It is a very Arch Manning one.

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Miami WR Malachi Toney inks NIL deal with Hellstar

Published

12 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ahead of the College Football Playoff opener, Malachi Toney added a notable NIL deal. The Miami wide receiver has inked a partnership with apparel company Hellstar.

Toney is Hellstar’s first NIL athlete, the Los Angeles-based brand said in an Instagram post. He became a crucial part of the Hurricanes’ offense during the regular season, helping lead the program to a College Football Playoff appearance as the last team in the field.

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It was part of a decorated freshman year for Toney, who’s emerging as one of the top young stars in the sport. Repped by NETWORK, he has a $878,000 On3 NIL Valuation.

“We are so proud to announce our first Hellstar Sports College Athlete NIL signing – Malachi Toney,” Hellstar wrote in its announcement. “We had the privilege to coach @malitoney10 while he was apart of our high school 7 on 7 program, so now seeing him shine on the collegiate level we couldn’t be more proud.

“We will continue to do our part to help these young athletes stay on the right path, and shine their light to the rest of the world. From Liberty City to the stars!”

It’s the latest notable NIL deal for Toney amid his freshman season. He also secured a partnership with Leaf Trading Cards in October.

More on Malachi Toney’s freshman season

Through his freshman year at Miami, Malachi Toney emerged as a top target for Carson Beck. He led the Hurricanes with 84 receptions for 970 yards, and his seven touchdown catches put him atop the ACC. Toney also added 89 rushing yards this year, as well as a rushing touchdown against Louisville.

Those numbers helped Toney become an On3 True Freshman All-American this year. In addition, he was a central figure in Miami’s run to the College Football Playoff.

“Toney’s quickness and playmaking instincts make him dangerous after the catch. He accounted for 350 yards after the catch with an average depth of target of 6.6, according to Pro Football Focus,” On3 | Rivals’ Charles Power wrote. “Whether working out of the slot or moving around the formation, the South Florida native has proven nearly impossible to contain. His playmaking ability was pivotal to Miami’s playoff push as he became the focal point of the Hurricanes’ passing attack.

“Given his play as a true freshman, it’s safe to say the Fort Lauderdale American Heritage product will enter next season as one of college football’s premier wide receivers. Toney’s performance as a true freshman is even more impressive considering that he should still be in high school, having reclassified into the 2025 cycle late in the recruiting process.”

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Arch Manning taking pay cut after first Texas season didn’t go as planned

Published

13 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Arch Manning is taking a pay cut.

The Texas quarterback agreed to take a reduced share of the team’s revenue-sharing pool “as part of an effort to help the Longhorn football program do whatever it takes to support a 2026 championship run,” according to On3’s Justin Wells.

The savings “could be used on transfer portal talent or as part of retention efforts” for the Longhorns, per Wells.

This season, athletic programs were capped at $20.5 million in revenue-sharing, although that number is likely to increase next season and beyond.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 28: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) — Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns looks on during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Getty Images

Manning, the nephew of NFL icons Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of legendary quarterback Archie, is one of the most marketable athletes in college sports.

On3 currently gives Manning an NIL valuation of $5.3 million, which leads all student-athletes.

Although he is getting less money from Texas, Manning still holds NIL deals with brands like Red Bull, Uber and EA Sports, among others.

However, Manning sometimes struggled in a season that started with Heisman hype and the Longhorns ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Texas finished the season 9-3 and out of the College Football Playoff, a disappointing midseason loss against a poor Florida team all but ended their chances of being in the 12-team field.

Manning’s season was underwhelming as well, throwing for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The news comes after Manning’s father, Cooper Manning, told ESPN earlier this week that his son would return to the Longhorns in 2026 for his junior season despite previously mulling entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

“Arch is playing football at Texas next year,” Cooper said.

Texas finished No. 13 in the end of season rankings and will be on the sidelines for the College Football Playoff, which kicks off on Friday.

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