• Trump’s efforts to mediate between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have reportedly been unsuccessful, despite two meetings at the White House.
• Trump announced the 2027 NFL draft will be held in Washington D.C., despite previously criticizing the league and its players.

The man who single-handedly killed the United States Football League is attempting to fix some of sports biggest issues.

When Brian Kelly and GM Austin Thomas strode into the sleek headquarters of Baton Rouge’s MMR Group last December, few boosters realized they were witnessing a turning point in LSU football. In an in-depth report for TheAdvocate.com, Wilson Alexander peels back the curtain on how the Tigers went from lagging behind their SEC peers in NIL dollars to assembling what Kelly now calls “the best roster I’ve had in four years.”

A Fundraising Grind Born of Necessity

After consecutive seasons slipping below expectations—each costing Kelly at least three games—LSU faced a stark reality: to compete for championships, it had to out-raise funds in the new name, image and likeness arena. Enter Pepper Rutland, MMR’s founder, former LSU linebacker and long-time donor. Kelly’s first visit to Rutland’s office set the tone for a campaign that would lean heavily on convincing community leaders to buy into an ambitious NIL business plan.

“We had to go around the community,” Kelly told Alexander. “Show them our game plan—how we’d retain talent and recruit top transfers.” Their goal: raise at least $13 million in the Bayou Traditions collective before the transfer portal swung wide open. By comparison, LSU had spent $11 million on NIL in the previous three seasons, $5.5 million of it just last year. The stakes were clear: without more cash, key contributors would bolt, and top-tier transfers would look elsewhere.

Borrowing from the Pros

In a savvy twist, Thomas and AD Scott Woodward used LSU’s open week last fall to visit the Seattle Seahawks. They wanted a front-row seat to NFL salary‐cap mechanics, and to test their roster‐management ideas against a professional blueprint. “It was validation,” Woodward said. Thomas dialed in further refinement with contacts in Houston, sharpening LSU’s valuation model so the Tigers could hand out contracts with near‐NFL precision—while still staying under the looming collegiate cap.

That cap, a product of the pending House settlement, would let schools dole out up to $20.5 million in 2025-26, with an annual increase tied to revenue growth. LSU aims to allocate $13.5 million for football, split between two seasons. Bayou Traditions front-loaded $10 million in early 2025—dollars that skirt the revenue‐sharing threshold—so Kelly could promise recruits “an assertive, confident contract” without fear of clawbacks.

Building A Formula for Spending

Austin Thomas is no stranger to these high-stakes auctions. First tapped as LSU’s general manager in 2016, he was part of the 2019 national title run before a stint building Texas A&M’s Orange Bowl roster and back-to-back top-two transfer classes at Ole Miss. Rehired by LSU last spring, Thomas implemented a position‐by‐position valuation system inspired by NFL spending. Move one figure, and the spreadsheet rebalances automatically—let you know in real-time when to walk away or when to lean in.

That technology—house-built in partnership with NextGen Prospect—started as advanced scouting tools in early 2022. Under Thomas, it evolved into a unified platform marrying scouting, recruiting boards and budgetary controls. When the portal window creaked open, LSU could upload every prospect instantly and visualize who fit within their cap model. “That real-time transparency was a game‐changer,” Thomas says, “especially during crunch time.”

A Calculated Dive Into The Portal

Kelly has always favored home-grown talent, supplementing with transfers when necessary. But a year ago, LSU’s modest nine-man portal class left the Tigers short at defensive tackle and other key spots. Recognizing that philosophy hadn’t panned out, the staff spent last summer drilling into every Power Five player’s film, background and projected value. By August, LSU had a national board of portal targets—a readiness strategy tailor-made for December’s sprint.

And sprint they did. In a two-week blitz before the portal opened, the Tigers matched up to 25 donors with Thomas’s valuation analytics, Woodward’s business plan and Kelly’s transparent pitch. They hit their $13 million NIL goal, including multiple seven-figure gifts sparked by listening to donors’ fear of falling behind—an anxiety crystalized when five-star QB Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan. “It was an ‘aha’ moment,” Woodward recalls. “All of a sudden, people saw the urgency.”

The Payoff: 18 transfers

When LSU’s portal window closed, the Tigers had added 18 transfers—most in the Kelly era—equaling Miami and Texas Tech atop 247Sports’ transfer rankings. Seven newcomers were top-100 talents with a combined 262 career starts, and all except two came from Power Five programs. Kelly’s strict criteria—“frontline starters with experience”—meant no punts on projects from Ivy League schools. This was a roster designed to win now.

Back in the spring, sophomore edge Gabriel Reliford admitted he wondered, “Are they trying to replace me?” The coaching staff’s response: competition breeds excellence. And by opening up donor access—Kelly calls them “shareholders”—the staff gained an unprecedented level of accountability. “I’d never done it this way,” Kelly said. “But that’s what we needed to get the impact our program needed.”

A Blueprint for the Future?

LSU doesn’t expect to replicate an 18-man class every year. The Tigers still aim to lean on high-school recruiting and player retention—evident in their current No. 4 recruiting class for 2026. Yet as Alexander’s deep dive shows, 2024 was a “unique situation”: a confluence of donor skepticism, a looming cap structure and a roster that needed immediate overhaul. The result is a team, Kelly insists, “poised to play with anybody in the SEC.”

Now comes the real test: meshing a patchwork of newcomers with returning stars before a brutal opener at Clemson and an unforgiving conference slate. But if Alexander’s reporting is any guide, LSU’s off-season blueprint—fueled by booster buy-in, pro-style analytics and an “all-in” portal philosophy—has given the Tigers a shot at the College Football Playoff that once seemed out of reach. In Kelly’s own words: We needed help. Now, we don’t.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Seven-time gold medal sprinter Allyson Felix, four-time Olympic tennis champion Serena Williams and Mike Krzyzewski, who coached the U.S. to three basketball gold medals, are part of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.

Gymnastics champion Gabby Douglas, skiing’s Bode Miller, beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings and Nike founder Phil Knight are also in the group that will be inducted at a ceremony in Colorado Springs on July 12.

Others inductees are Steve Cash (sled hockey), Anita DeFrantz (longtime IOC member, rower), Susan Hagel (Para archery, Para track and field, wheelchair basketball), Flo Hyman (volleyball) and Marla Runyan (Para track and field), along with the 2010 four-man Olympic bobsled team led by Steve Holcomb, and the 2004 women’s wheelchair basketball team.

“We’re proud to welcome the Class of 2025 into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame and to honor the extraordinary accomplishments they’ve made as representatives of Team USA,” USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement. “This induction celebrates not only their remarkable performances and lasting impact but also acknowledges the essential contributions of those who supported their journeys every step of the way. Earning a place in the Hall of Fame is no small feat-especially given the incredible talent across this year’s group of finalists.”

The Hall of Fame’s inaugural class was inducted in 1983, and this will be the first class inducted since 2022. It will bring the total number of those enshrined to 210.

Bridgewater, NJ — The University of New Haven has accepted a full membership invitation from the Northeast Conference (NEC) Council of Presidents and will officially join the league on July 1, 2025. The announcement was made today by NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris and University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D.

Located on Connecticut’s southern coast, New Haven will begin its transition to NCAA Division I and the NEC during the 2025-26 academic year. The Chargers will attain full Division I membership in 2028-29 following the NCAA-mandated reclassification period.

“We are thrilled to welcome the University of New Haven to the Northeast Conference family,” said NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris. “Making the move to Division I is a bold step, and we’re honored that New Haven chose to take that step with us. From the start, it was clear that they share our values – putting academics, competitive excellence and the student-athlete experience at the forefront. I want to thank President Jens Frederiksen and Athletic Director Devin Crosby for their thoughtful leadership throughout this process. I’m also grateful to the NEC Council of Presidents for their support and shared vision as we continue to shape the future of the conference. We’re excited to partner with the Chargers as they make their mark in Division I and help elevate the NEC.”

Beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, New Haven is set to become the NEC’s tenth full-time member. The Chargers will join NEC charter members Fairleigh Dickinson University, Long Island University, Saint Francis University and Wagner College, along with Central Connecticut State University (joined in 1997), Stonehill College (2022), Le Moyne College (2023), Chicago State University (2024) and Mercyhurst University (2024).

A member of the Northeast-10 (NE10) Conference since 2008, New Haven sponsors 20 varsity programs, 19 of which align with NEC sponsored sports. The Chargers field teams in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track & field (indoor and outdoor) and women’s volleyball. The Chargers also sponsor women’s rugby.

New Haven will be integrated into NEC athletic schedules beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, with the exception of football. The timing of New Haven football’s addition to the conference schedule is still to be determined.

During its reclassification, the Chargers will immediately be able to participate in NEC Championships in NCAA non-automatic qualifier sports: cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field. New Haven athletic programs will gain full NEC Championship access as early as the 2026-27 academic year, but no later than 2027-28. Per conference policy, no more than two schools undergoing reclassification may have full championship access at the same time. As the third NEC member currently in transition, New Haven’s timeline is contingent on when the others complete their process. The Chargers will become eligible for NCAA Championship competition in 2028-29, upon successful completion of their reclassification period.

“We are thrilled about this opportunity for the University of New Haven,” said President Frederiksen. “Athletics has been and continues to be a vital driver of enrollment and brand recognition for the University. This move to the Northeast Conference and Division I positions the University for an exciting future – one consistent with the overall strategic focus on academic, professional and global return on investment.”

Devin Crosby, New Haven’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, shared his excitement about the university’s transition to Division I and its new partnership with the NEC.

“This is about positioning ourselves at the highest level,” said Crosby. “The University of New Haven’s momentum under President Frederiksen’s leadership aligns naturally with our transition to NCAA Division I and the Northeast Conference. The Blue & Gold deserve this.”
The University of New Haven is a private institution founded in 1920 on the campus of Yale University.

Nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report, New Haven offers more than 105 majors and has earned acclaim for academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines. Its forensic science program has been ranked No. 1 in the country, and the University also holds top national rankings in homeland security, law enforcement and firefighting. The University’s M.S. in Sports Management ranks among the top 10 globally and is No. 1 worldwide for graduate outcomes. New Haven also offers the only CAHME-accredited Master of Healthcare Administration program located between New York City and Boston.

New Haven boasts a proud athletic tradition, producing a National League Cy Young Award winner, a Harlon Hill Trophy recipient and a five-time NCAA track and field champion. The Chargers have enjoyed national success across multiple sports: women’s basketball captured the national championship in 1987, men’s basketball reached the NCAA quarterfinals in 2023 and women’s volleyball has made 37 NCAA Tournament appearances. On the gridiron, New Haven has ranked among the best in Division II and is one of only five football programs – and the only private school – to earn an NCAA playoff bid in each of the past four seasons. Since 2009, the Chargers have captured six conference football titles and play on a distinctive blue-and-gold field at DellaCamera Stadium, widely regarded as one of the most unique venues in Connecticut.

In 2023, the University unveiled the Peterson Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring a 7,000 square foot weight room, a 60-yard turf training area, a 1,500 square foot sports medicine center, a 2,500 square foot football locker room and a nutrition station overseen by a registered dietitian. Plans are also underway for a major renovation of the Jeffery P. Hazell Athletics Center, with enhancements including upgraded locker rooms, expanded seating and viewing areas, additional team meeting space and coaches’ offices, and a reimagined lobby to honor Charger legends and the program’s championship legacy.
For media inquiries, please contact Carolyn Meyer (University of New Haven Media Relations Manager) at CMeyer@newhaven.edu or Ron Ratner (NEC Senior Associate Commissioner) at rratner@northeastconference.org.

About the Northeast Conference
Now in its 44th season, the Northeast Conference is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association consisting of nine institutions of higher learning located throughout six states. Media coverage of the NEC extends to a number of the largest markets in the United States including New York (#1), Chicago (#3), Boston (#8). Hartford/New Haven (#32) and Syracuse (#87). Founded in 1981 as the basketball-only ECAC Metro Conference, the NEC has grown to sponsor 25 championship sports for men and women and now enjoys automatic access to 16 different NCAA Championships. NEC full member institutions include Central Connecticut, Chicago State, FDU, Le Moyne, LIU, Mercyhurst, Saint Francis U, Stonehill and Wagner. For more information on the NEC, visit the league’s official website (www.northeastconference.org) and digital network (www.necfrontrow.com), or follow the league on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, all @NECsports.

About the University of New Haven
The University of New Haven, founded in 1920, is a private university whose mission is to prepare students to excel and lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for academic excellence, nationally and internationally. In addition to its main campus in West Haven, the university has campuses in Orange, Conn., and Tuscany, Italy. For more information about the University of New Haven, visit www.newhaven.edu.     
 

WINTHROP, MA- Junior defender Kevin Wood (Danvers, MA), junior attack Tiger Hopkins (Leeds, ME), and senior Anthony Samiotes (Hampstead, NH) received All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) honors as announced by the conference office today. 

Kevin Wood, a key force on the Monks’ defensive unit, has been named to the All-Conference Second Team. A steady presence on the back line, Wood consistently shut down opposing attackers and led the Monks in caused turnovers. 

On the offensive end, attack Tiger Hopkins was named All-Conference Third Team. Hopkins showcased his dynamic scoring ability and playmaking vision throughout the season. Hopkins was a major contributor to the Monks’ offense all season long, leading the team in assists and points.

Anthony Samiotes was selected to the All-Sportsmanship Team, highlighting his commitment to integrity, leadership, and respect for the game. Samiotes exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the season.

For the complete list of all-conference honorees, major award winners, and all-sportsmanship selections, please see below.

2025 Men’s Lacrosse All-GNAC Teams

ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

A – Michael Ference, Rivier

A – Diego Alvarez-Segee, Dean

A – Jack Condon, Lasell

M – Cole Cloney, Emmanuel

M – Aidan D’Amato, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)

M – Coby Mercier, Rivier

D – Adam Hailey, Rivier

D – Jack Antico, Emmanuel

D – Bubba Baumeister, Lasell

GK – Sawyer Gagnon, Rivier

FOM – Nathan Powers, Anna Maria

LSM – Francis Pino, Lasell

SSDM – Ty Carroll, Emmanuel

ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM

A – Cooper Mehlhorn, Emmanuel

A – Daniel Varga, New England College

A – Alec Speirs, Dean

M – Braxton Bragg, Emmanuel

M – Chris Heitmiller, Rivier

M – Jason Martin, Lasell

D – Clayton Cisar, Norwich

D – Kevin Wood, Saint Joseph’s (Maine)

D – CJ Denson, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)

GK – Trey McCann, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)

FOM – Matthew Carbone, Lasell

LSM – Jackson Kain, New England College

SSDM – Joseph O’Reilly, Rivier                                                                                            

ALL-CONFERENCE THIRD TEAM

A – Henri Pfeifle, New England College

A – Drew Fleury, Norwich

A – Tiger Hopkins, Saint Joseph’s (Maine)

M – Sam Guilmette, Lasell

M – Donny McInnis, Johnson & Wales

M – Jacob Tresser, Johnson & Wales

D – Scott Miller, Rivier

D – David Hill, Johnson & Wales

D – Trevor Reid, Johnson & Wales

GK – Michael Catalano, Lasell

FOM – Owen McDuffie, Rivier

LSM – Evan Decker, Emmanuel

SSDM – Jack Donnelly, Johnson & Wales 

ALL-SPORTSMANSHIP TEAM

Cooper Strecker, Albertus Magnus

Matthew Brooker, Anna Maria

Isaiah Williams, Dean

Sam Yan, Emmanuel

Donny McInnis, Johnson & Wales

Kieran Oliver, Lasell

Cameron Haefs, Mitchell

Jared O’Connor, New England College

Cole Funk, Norwich

Brendan Cook, Regis

Owen McDuffie, Rivier

Anthony Samiotes, Saint Joseph’s (Maine)

Nick Pulcini, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)

MAJOR AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year – Michael Ference, Rivier

Defensive Player of the Year – Adam Hailey, Rivier

Goalkeeper of the Year – Sawyer Gagnon, Rivier

Faceoff Specialist of the Year – Nathan Powers, Anna Maria

Rookie of the Year – Jack Condon, Lasell

Coach of the Year – Dieter Treusdell, Lasell

Institutional Sportsmanship – Mitchell College

Once seen as a regional program on the outside looking in, the SMU Mustangs have transformed into a recruiting juggernaut, especially in the high-stakes Dallas-Fort Worth battleground. With high-level talent flowing into their locker room, it’s no longer a surprise when SMU beats out SEC programs.

Rhett Lashlee and his staff are winning in their own backyard. The DFW is one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country, long dominated by schools like Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU.

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But that tide is turning fast. SMU’s aggressive push for top-tier talent is forcing traditional powers to rethink their strategy. As Locked In Oklahoma’s Grayson Singleton put it, “SMU is getting the blue chippers in DFW. And that’s a problem… not just for Oklahoma, that’s a problem for Texas, LSU, Arkansas… This is the fastest rising program in the country.”