NIL
No. 1 TE Reportedly Set to Earn Around $10 Million After Committing to Historic College Football Program
No. 1 TE Reportedly Set to Earn Around $10 Million After Committing to Historic College Football Program originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The USC Trojans have pulled off a massive recruiting win, landing five-star tight end Mark Bowman, the No. 1 TE in the 2026 class. On Friday, the Mater Dei standout committed to the […]

No. 1 TE Reportedly Set to Earn Around $10 Million After Committing to Historic College Football Program originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The USC Trojans have pulled off a massive recruiting win, landing five-star tight end Mark Bowman, the No. 1 TE in the 2026 class. On Friday, the Mater Dei standout committed to the Trojans, choosing USC over powerhouse programs like Georgia, Texas, and Oregon. His decision not only strengthened USC’s top-ranked recruiting class but also brought a major financial boost. Bowman is reportedly set to earn around $10 million in NIL deals.
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Bowman, a six-foot-four, 225-pound tight end, has drawn comparisons to former Georgia star Brock Bowers. His ability to move like a receiver, combined with his elite blocking skills, makes him one of the most complete tight end prospects in recent memory. In his sophomore season at Mater Dei, Bowman caught 32 passes for 435 yards and eight touchdowns, proving he can be a game-changer in both the passing and running game.
Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
USC’s recruiting turnaround under Lincoln Riley has been nothing short of remarkable. The Trojans now hold the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, surpassing LSU and Ohio State. Bowman’s commitment marks USC’s 27th pledge in the 2026 cycle, giving them more commits than any other program in the top 30.
Bowman’s NIL valuation reflects his star power. With deals reportedly totaling $10 million, he is set to be one of the highest-paid recruits in college football history. His marketability, combined with USC’s presence in Los Angeles, makes him a prime candidate for major endorsement opportunities.
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With Bowman now in the fold, USC’s offense is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in the country. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he could be an immediate impact player and a future NFL star.
Related: 5-Star USC Commit Makes Major Recruiting Decision on Friday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
NIL
2025 SEC Media Days kicks off in Atlanta
ATLANTA, Georgia (KBTX) – SEC Media Days returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2022 at the College Football Hall of Fame and Omni Hotel Monday-Thursday. Texas A&M will be the last of 16 teams to take the podium, Thursday afternoon. Taurean York, Ar’maj Reed Adams, and Will Lee III will accompany head coach […]

ATLANTA, Georgia (KBTX) – SEC Media Days returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2022 at the College Football Hall of Fame and Omni Hotel Monday-Thursday.
Texas A&M will be the last of 16 teams to take the podium, Thursday afternoon. Taurean York, Ar’maj Reed Adams, and Will Lee III will accompany head coach Mike Elko to preview the 2025 season.
Every head football coach in the SEC along with select athletes will address hundreds of media members over the next four days. While focusing on previewing their seasons, topics such as the future of the college football playoff format, revenue sharing, and NIL Go will likely be the focus of conversations this week.
For complete coverage of 2025 SEC Media Days from Texas A&M sportswriter Travis L. Brown and KBTX sports director Tyler Shaw, you can go to kbtx.com/sports and watch KBTX News.
Copyright 2025 KBTX. All rights reserved.
NIL
This latest prediction may be just enough for Texas A&M in College Football Playoff
Texas A&M football has been one of the hottest teams on the recruiting trail this summer, and while Elko will still have to prove himself on the gridiron for the 2025 season, the culture of Texas A&M has obviously shifted compared to the years under Jimbo Fisher. Before we get to what could be an […]

Texas A&M football has been one of the hottest teams on the recruiting trail this summer, and while Elko will still have to prove himself on the gridiron for the 2025 season, the culture of Texas A&M has obviously shifted compared to the years under Jimbo Fisher.
Before we get to what could be an electrifying 2025 season, we’ve seen tons of predictions on how the A&M season will go. We’ve seen anywhere from a 10-2 season to a 5-7 season, but we can all agree that Aggie fans are expecting huge things this season, and anything remotely less will be considered a failure.
The good news: You don’t necessarily have to get to Atlanta to be considered for a CFP spot anymore. SEC Mike, also known as one of the SEC’s most infamous sports personalities, has Texas A&M ranked where we can argue is enough for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
SEC Mike has Texas A&M football finishing 4th in SEC
Headed to Atlanta for SEC Media Days 2025
My SEC Ballot
pic.twitter.com/4WOsPNJ0C5
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 13, 2025
This is about as high of a ranking as we’ve seen from anybody in the media this offseason. With the Aggie offense featuring multiple weapons at the skill positions, along with a veteran offensive line, this has the makings for an unstoppable offense.
With a maximum of three teams making the CFP in the Big Ten and SEC conferences, respectively, it’s still going to be an uphill battle for Texas A&M to have a spot, if this prediction actually does hold up. Especially considering that there’s a potential loss in the non-conference when they head to Notre Dame, there could be an issue there too.
Honestly, Texas putting Arch Manning on a high pedestal means they are going to succeed expectations or completely flop. I believe Alabama and Georgia will be in the mix, but of course, we already know what fans say about the Aggies. Texas A&M has to perform to their potential, and if they don’t, we’ll just hear the same old Aggie hokes about flopping on expectations.
NIL
Paul Finebaum continues to give Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart more ammo ahead of …
Paul Finebaum continues to give Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart more ammo ahead of 2025 college football season originally appeared on A to Z Sports. ESPN and SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum can’t seem to help himself from doubting Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs ahead of this upcoming season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an appearance on ESPN’s […]

Paul Finebaum continues to give Georgia Bulldogs and Kirby Smart more ammo ahead of 2025 college football season originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
ESPN and SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum can’t seem to help himself from doubting Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs ahead of this upcoming season.
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During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Finebaum was asked about Georgia‘s chances to make the 2025 College Football Playoffs and gave his brutally honest opinion.
Finebaum cited Georgia losing several key players to the NFL and their tough schedule.
“I believe they’ll be fighting to be in the Playoffs. And we all respect Kirby Smart, I think he’s the best coach in college football. But that doesn’t mean anything if you lose players like they have lost over the last couple of years,” Finebaum said. “Three years ago, that draft in Vegas everyone remembers, it was one Georgia player after another. I’ve never seen anything quite like that. But they haven’t been quite able to fill those needs.
“And I know the point was made earlier about Stetson Bennett winning two national championships. But he had one of the all-time defenses, and I don’t think Georgia has that (this season). That Alabama game is problematic in September, and so are a number of other games that Georgia is going to have to deal with, including a visit from Arch Manning late in the season.”
Maybe Finebaum overlooked the fact that Georgia has made the College Football Playoff three times in the last four years, no matter how tough their schedule has been.
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As for losing players to the NFL, Coach Smart quickly filled those gaps through the NCAA transfer portal, bringing in Illinois running back Josh McCray and USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch. On top of that, he boosted the defense with top-tier talent during the 2025 recruiting class by landing five-star prospects Isaiah Gibson and Elijah Griffin. And of offense, the Dawgs were able to snag a handful of four-star pass catchers, Talyn Taylor, CJ Wiley, Elyiss Williams, and more.
Sure, quarterback Gunner Stockon might be inexperienced, but if anyone can develop a young QB into a winner, it’s Smart and his coaching staff.
So go ahead, Finebaum, keep those doubts coming.
Related: Georgia Bulldogs beat out SEC rival to land 4-star Buford safety
View the original article to see embedded media.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
NIL
Which college football stars have the highest NIL projection in 2025?
There is no shortage of star power in college football this year, and some of the game’s biggest names are projected to rake in millions of Name, Image and Likeness dollars as they compete for a postseason berth. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is the only true freshman ranked inside the top 10 of college football’s […]

There is no shortage of star power in college football this year, and some of the game’s biggest names are projected to rake in millions of Name, Image and Likeness dollars as they compete for a postseason berth.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is the only true freshman ranked inside the top 10 of college football’s top NIL earners after signing a reported $12.5 million deal with the Wolverines. The former five-star holds an On3 NIL valuation of $3 million as he prepares to take the starting role.
Experienced starting quarterbacks like Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt ($3.1 million), Penn State’s Drew Allar ($3.1 million) and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik ($3.4 million) passed up the opportunity to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, but more development and enticing NIL earnings were too good to ignore.
Among the SEC’s top quarterbacks, Florida’s DJ Lagway ($3.7 million) and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers both hold NIL valuations of $3.7 million after breaking out as freshmen last season.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, another star passer that declined turning pro, ranks fourth nationally with a $3.8 million NIL valuation after leading the SEC in passing.
The only non-quarterback on the list is Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The sophomore holds an NIL valuation of $4.2 million after helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.
Miami paid handsomely for Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck, a two-year starter that posted a 24-3 record leading the Bulldogs. The sixth-year senior ranks second with an NIL valuation of $4.3 million and reportedly accepted $4.5 million to play for the Hurricanes.
No. 10 Michigan QB Bryce Underwood, $3 million
No. 9 Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt, $3.1 million
No. 8 Penn State QB Drew Allar, $3.1 million
No. 7 Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, $3.4 million
No. 6 Florida QB DJ Lagway, $3.7 million
No. 5 South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers, $3.7 million
No. 4 LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier, $3.8 million
No. 3 Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith, $4.2 million
No. 2 Miami QB Carson Beck, $4.3 million
No. 1 Texas QB Arch Manning, $6.8 million
Leading all college athletes is non other than Texas quarterback Arch Manning. The former five-star has only started two games through his first two seasons, but his talent and family legacy have propelled him to the top in NIL valuations ($6.8 million) by a wide margin.
NIL
Seattle Mariners pick LSU baseball's Kade Anderson No. 3 overall in 2025 MLB Draft
LSU baseball ace Kade Anderson was selected by the Seattle Mariners with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday night. After a dominant 2025 season, which included one of the best pitching performances at the College World Series in LSU history with a three-hit complete game shutout victory over Coastal […]

LSU baseball ace Kade Anderson was selected by the Seattle Mariners with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday night.
After a dominant 2025 season, which included one of the best pitching performances at the College World Series in LSU history with a three-hit complete game shutout victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the NCAA championship finals, Anderson climbed his way to the top of a lot of draft projections as an eligible sophomore.
It looked as if Anderson was going to go to the Washington Nationals at No. 1 overall but the organization decided to take high school shortstop Eli Willits, who was rated the No. 5 overall draft eligible prospect.
At No. 2 overall, the Los Angeles Angeles picked UC-Santa Barbara pitcher Tyler Bremner, the No. 18 rated player heading into the draft.
KADE ANDERSON BECOMES LSU BASEBALL LEGEND
“He’s the best pitcher in college baseball,” LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said of Anderson last month after his stellar outing in the CWS championship. “I mean, we had the best pitcher on the planet two years ago in a similar situation. I felt like Kade’s had a very similar season to that.
“His next pitch should be for someplace in the Washington Nationals organization.”
Anderson went 12-1 on the mound for LSU in 2025 with a 3.18 ERA. He led college baseball in strikeouts with 180 and limited opponents to a .189 batting average. He was named the Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series.
What Seattle Mariners are getting in LSU baseball pitcher Kade Anderson
Many mock draft experts discussed Anderson’s prospective ability to reach the majors quickly, which should have gave him the edge over high school infielder Ethan Holliday as the top overall selection.
Anderson has four pitches he not only throws for strikes but all four are also strikeout pitches. Throwing from the left side, he hides the ball well in his hand and has pop on release. There should be room for velocity increase on his fastball, which sits around 92-95 mph right now but he’s hit 97 in some pressure situations.Perhaps his best trait is he rarely gets rattled. His poise and composure on the mound was a vital asset for LSU in its run to the NCAA championship this season.Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
NIL
Time ticking before Orioles on draft clock later today
The day has arrived when the Orioles can make bold strokes in painting a rosier future for the organization. The draft begins at 6 p.m. and the Orioles hold the 19th selection, followed by the 30th, 31st, 37th, 58th, 69th and 93rd through three rounds. The rest of it plays out Monday. The Orioles obtained […]

The day has arrived when the Orioles can make bold strokes in painting a rosier future for the organization.
The draft begins at 6 p.m. and the Orioles hold the 19th selection, followed by the 30th, 31st, 37th, 58th, 69th and 93rd through three rounds. The rest of it plays out Monday.
The Orioles obtained the 37th pick in the Competitive Balance A round after trading reliever Bryan Baker to the Rays. The move didn’t increase their workload or alter the strategy beyond having the extra selection.
“It’s exciting for our group because this is what we work towards all year is to get ready for the draft, and it just gives us another shot, another pick, some more money, which in terms of strategy gives you a little more flexibility to maybe do some more things,” said Matt Blood, the vice president of player development and domestic scouting. “But it’s really just another opportunity to get another really good player.”
The hope, of course, is that the Orioles land a bunch of them.
Scoring big in the draft is an ideal way to win without substantial increases in payroll. That’s also logic. And the farm system has taken the expected fall from atop baseball’s perch with player promotions and trades.
“My whole world is around now acquiring talent as well as developing talent, and when we have this many picks this high, it gives us an opportunity to acquire more talent than other teams have an opportunity to acquire,” Blood said. “And then it’s a challenge for our coaches to get them to be better than they came in and hopefully get up here and play, so yes, it’s very important.”
“Look, I think they’re all really important,” said executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias. “By and large, we’ve drafted well the last six years or whatever, and a lot of that is the great players that you see out on the field. So all the drafts are important. But when you have this amount of picks, it is more important. There’s no question about it.
“We’ve just got a much bigger opportunity ahead of us and the draft is a lifeblood for a franchise like ours.”
The usual questions hang in the air.
* Are the Orioles attracted to specific characteristics in this class?
“It’s no different than normal,” Blood said. “I think we’re always looking for good baseball players, whether they’re pitchers or hitters, and the things that play at the major league level. That’s what we’re looking for, and that doesn’t really change.”
* Is there more pressure to take a pitcher with so many picks on Day One?
The highest drafted pitcher under Elias was Florida State right-hander Jackson Baumeister at 63rd overall in 2023. Oklahoma State’s Nolan McLean didn’t sign after he was chosen 81st in 2022.
“I personally don’t,” Blood said of feeling the pressure. “I think that my job is to pick the best player that we can possibly pick. And we have pitchers on the board, we have position players on the board, and ultimately we’re gonna be graded on the major league value that we draft. And so our job is to do the best we can at drafting major league value, and if that happens to be a position player, then it is. And if it happens to be a pitcher, then it is. I personally feel pressure to get major league value.”
Elias described it as “very possible,” so he’s saying there’s a chance.
“I hope that we do,” he added. “If you have a lot of picks like this, it’s nice to have a diverse set of picks. But I also, I’ve talked to people, I’ve seen drafts over the years where scouting directors will say they regret trying to diversify a group of picks for its own sake. We’re going to line up the board with how we think the talent is and we’ll take in that regard. But we definitely want to get some pitching in this draft.”
* But what about all those Day One picks?
“We have more picks, so more chances, so yes, if you’re doing the math that way,” Blood said. “I think that we’re gonna continue to follow our strategy of finding the best bet we can, and when you have four picks, that’s four chances versus one, so yeah.”
* Will the Orioles go college or high school at No. 19?
They aren’t saying because they don’t know. Draft life was much easier in the top five.
Blood didn’t agree that high school depth is more pronounced this year, but he added, “There’s definitely a nice group of players that we’re interested in and I think the industry is, as well, and we’re always very excited about young, athletic players, so that’ll be cool.”
* Can the Orioles repeat their recent success when selecting in the 30s and 40s?
That’s overall picks, not rounds, which don’t exist anymore.
Henderson was taken 42nd overall in 2019, Elias’ first draft class. Jordan Westburg was 30th in 2020. Dylan Beavers was 33rd in 2022.
“We absolutely want to,” Blood said. “There’s gonna be some good options there and we’re gonna be excited about the players that we get there. It’s better than picking in the 50s and the 60s and the 70s, so I’ll take it. Three picks there is very exciting for our entire group and I think it’s a great opportunity for the organization.”
* How about that draft money?
The Orioles are packing an unprecedented $19,144,500 in bonus pool funds. They can go overslot, for example, on a high school kid who falls to them.
“We’ll see,” Blood said. “I think that what it allows us to do is be dynamic. I think that we’re gonna be able to make some decisions that other teams aren’t gonna have the opportunity to make, and I think that based on how the draft comes to us – we are picking a little bit later at 19 and then down below that – we’ll have to see what happens. But we’re gonna have the ability to make some decisions that other teams aren’t, and that’s exciting.”
“That gives us a big opportunity to flex our muscle and hopefully, if there are players that cost a little extra money because they’ve got college commitments, we’ll be able to use it,” Elias said. “And I think that the fact that we had picks at 30 and 31 already, it makes us able to acquire a 37th pick because you’ve kind of already scouted players in that neighborhood of the draft. So we should be pretty well prepared for the picks at 37.”
* Can we trust a mock?
You’ll be ridiculed if you do.
The pundits fight the urge to punt on the Orioles, who reveal little to nothing. Heston Kjerstad, for example, seemed to catch just about everyone by surprise after going second overall in 2020.
The only common thread in 2025 is the likelihood of a position player at No. 19, which isn’t much of a reach.
MLB Pipeline has the Orioles selecting California prep third baseman Gavin Fien. ESPN says University of Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy. CBS Sports tabs Washington prep third baseman Xavier Neyens, who ESPN predicts will go to the Orioles at No. 30. Baseball America’s 6.0 mock predicts that the Orioles will select Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette.
So yes, it’s an exact science.
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