College Sports

Pitches to revamp college sports – NBC4 Washington

As the amateur model of college athletics disintegrates, a handful of unusual ideas have been floated as ways to reign in some of the chaos surrounding the explosion in name, image and likeness compensation and a transfer portal that sees thousands of athletes changing schools every season. Whether any of the ideas end up being […]

Published

2 weeks ago

May 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Whether any of the ideas end up being implemented is unknown and every school is awaiting a decision from a federal judge on whether a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement against the NCAA and the five largest conferences will take effect as early as July 1. If it does, that opens the floodgates for schools to share millions in revenue directly with their athletes amid a host of other changes.

Access Hollywood’s digital guest correspondent Lauren Herbert spoke to Livvy Dunne as she was hosting Club SI at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The former LSU gymnast and influencer shared her excitement for being at her first Derby and how she is preparing for the honor of doing the Riders Up at the Kentucky Oaks.

Here is a look at some of the topics:

Athlete contracts

A formal agreement between an athlete and a school is not a new concept, but with the uptick of NIL deals the thought of pro-style contracts is becoming increasingly more common.

There are plenty of ways to get creative with contracts. Rich Stankewicz, operations director for Penn State’s NIL collective Happy Valley United, said he favors an incentive-based approach — essentially adding money for athletes who not only perform but stick around.

“I personally really like the idea of incentivizing performance in school, those kinds of things that would only be occurring in the season while they’re playing,” Stankewicz said. “If more money is paid out in those time frames, then that gives the incentive for the player to stay and see those dollars from their contract, rather than potentially collect up front and then decide the grass is greener somewhere else three months later, barely doing any school, you know, without playing at all.”

Transfers and buyouts

This topic is red hot at the moment. Entering the transfer portal comes with the risk of not landing in a better spot — or any spot — but athletes have shown every single season over the past few years that they are comfortable going anyway. Athletic departments are beginning to fight back.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek recently encouraged the school’s NIL collective to pursue legal action after quarterback Madden Iamaleava departed for UCLA after just five months in Fayetteville. Iamaleava allegedly collected significant money upfront and cited homesickness as his reason for following his brother to California.

CNBC reporter Michael Ozanian explains the analysis behind CNBC’s list of the top 75 most valuable college athletic programs.

This is a scenario Penn State hopes to avoid. And the importance of contract details is clear.

“Commonly, there’s nothing binding students in certain instances to the institution they’re with for the entirety of the contract,” Stankewicz said. “We’ve definitely looked into having measures in place to discourage transfers during the time of the contract. There are a bunch of different ways to do that, from buyouts to how you load the contract.”

Athletes as employees

Groundbreaking shifts in the landscape have sparked conversations about athletes becoming official employees of their universities.

It’s a controversial subject to say the least. Universities would become responsible for paying wages, benefits, and workers’ compensation and schools and conferences have insisted they will fight any such move in court (some already have).

Complexities go beyond the concept. While private institutions fall under the National Labor Relations Board, public universities must follow labor laws that vary from state to state and it’s worth noting that virtually every state in the South has “right to work” laws that present challenges for unions.

There is also a new administration in power now, said Michael LeRoy, a labor and employment professor at Illinois who has studied the NCAA and athlete rights.

“With the election of Donald Trump, and what that would mean for a new National Labor Relations Board, what that would mean for repopulating the courts with judges who are likely not congenial to that view, I no longer have much hope that we’ll get a ruling in the next 5-10 years that these are employees,” LeRoy said.

Despite the lack of employment status, LeRoy said, athletes should advocate for themselves and use the entertainment industry as a model. He said athletes currently are offered “take-it-or-leave-it” NIL contracts when a broader approach might have benefits.

“I think athletes should start to look at Hollywood and Broadway contracting arrangements that deal with publicity rights,” he said. “I think there’s a way to frame this collectively. The framework of collective bargaining and employment, I would say, the entertainment industry generally offers a blueprint for success.”

Here are five things to know about Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers.

Playing for another school

Things are so chaotic right now that the very lines of who an athlete is playing for could get blurred.

Saying he was inspired by the NBA’s G League, University of Albany basketball coach Dwayne Killings is proposing a two-way contract for college players. Albany would welcome transfers from top-tier programs who need more seasoning and help them develop — with plenty of game time vs. sitting on the bench — before sending them back to their original program, where they’d be ready to compete.

“The best development happens on the floor, not necessarily on the scout team, given the new 15-man scholarship limits,” Killings told CBS Sports.

And then there is Division III, which recently approved an unusual pilot program: Athletes would play for one school but do their coursework at another school that does not sponsor varsity athletics.

The NCAA said the program, which would run during the next academic year, “will offer expanded pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic objectives and complete their participation opportunity.”

“This program intends to address the changing, dynamic higher education environment we find ourselves in right now,” said Jim Troha, president of Juniata and chairman of the DIII President’s Council. “It recognizes existing academic programs and provides flexibility to expand participation opportunities for student-athletes.”

The program will be assessed before any decisions on whether to make it permanent or expand it.

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College Sports

Michigan State hockey star Isaac Howard wins another national award

A decorated season earned Michigan State star Isaac Howard yet another accolade. USA Hockey announced Howard as its Jim Johannson College Player of the Year on Tuesday, just days after Howard won a gold medal as a reserve for Team USA at the IIHF Men’s World Championship. Awarded since 1994 and renamed for the late […]

Published

12 minutes ago

May 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A decorated season earned Michigan State star Isaac Howard yet another accolade.

USA Hockey announced Howard as its Jim Johannson College Player of the Year on Tuesday, just days after Howard won a gold medal as a reserve for Team USA at the IIHF Men’s World Championship.

Awarded since 1994 and renamed for the late USA Hockey executive Jim Johannson, the College Hockey Player of the Year award boasts a strong list of past winners, including Chris Drury, Johnny Gaudreau, Jack Eichel and Adam Fox. Howard is the fourth Spartan to win the honor, joining Mike York in 1999, Ryan Miller in 2001 and Jeff Lerg in 2007.

In April, Howard won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in men’s college hockey, already named Big Ten Player of the Year and a first team All-American. He was the first Hobey Baker winner since Miller in 2001 and only the third in program history.

In his junior season, his second with Michigan State, Howard’s season was among the best in the country. He led the Spartans with 52 points (fifth in Division I), split evenly at 26 goals (third) and assists. He led the nation in points per game at 1.41.

Led by Howard, Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles — the latter won by Howard’s goal in double-overtime — and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That run ended short of expectations. It lost its first and only game in the single elimination tournament, 4-3 to Cornell.

Days before Howard won the Hobey Baker Award, his agent confirmed to The Detroit News that he plans to return to Michigan State this season. Negotiations with Tampa Bay — who drafted him 31st in the 2022 NHL Draft — fell through. Barring a trade of his NHL rights, Howard could enter next offseason as an unrestricted free agent when his rights expire Aug. 15, 2026.

Even with all the hardware he earned this season — a list that’s only growing with Tuesday’s addition — Howard said that he is chasing a bigger trophy this coming season.

“I want to win a national championship,” Howard said, standing on stage mere feet behind the trophy he’d just won. “I didn’t play to win a Hobey. I want to win a national championship. I think we’re gonna have the group to do it. It comes down to the Tournament at the end of the year. … We just gotta be ready and make sure (we don’t leave anything on the table).”

Howard and the Spartans embark on a revenge tour this fall. Howard and star goaltender Trey Augustine lead the charge, joined by a number of offseason reinforcements. Michigan State added defenseman Colin Ralph, a second-round pick of Buffalo, in the transfer portal before picking up commitments from Vancouver pick Anthony Romani and top European prospect Eric Nilson in recent weeks. After losing the pledge of defenseman Tyson Jugnauth of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, the Spartans added defenseman Travis Shoudy — brother of forward Tiernan Shoudy — from Ferris State.

And as the hardware keeps coming in for Howard, it’s clear what kind of star Michigan State is bringing back to lead the way.

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HTX Soccer Celebrates Over 100 Graduating Seniors, Including 64 College Soccer Commits

HTX Soccer is thrilled to congratulate more than 100 of our talented players who will be graduating this spring of 2025. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and achievements both on and off the field. As they prepare to take the next step in their journeys, we look forward to seeing them […]

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

HTX Soccer Celebrates Over 100 Graduating Seniors, Including 64 College Soccer Commits

A special recognition goes to the 64 players who have committed to play soccer in college. These individuals have shown exceptional skill, commitment, and passion throughout their time with our club. We are honored to have played a role in their development and are excited to follow their continued success on the field.

“I would like to thank all the parents, family members, and coaching staff who have supported our players through this long and exciting process,” said Randy Evans, Technical Director. “I want to wish every success to the players and their respective families.”

“The players have worked tremendously hard both on and off the field to get this opportunity,” said Simon Boddison, Director of Soccer Operations | College Center Director. “The admission and recruitment process continues to be more vigorous, with many variables affecting college decisions. We look forward to following their progress and celebrating their accomplishments as future student-athletes.”

“Earning the opportunity to pursue a degree is a tremendous accomplishment,” added Dave Dengerink, Boys Director. “With rising admission standards and competition, our players have proven that they are driven to succeed! I wish them the very best in their academic and athletic journeys.”

“Congratulations to the players moving on to play and study at the next level,” said Andrew Squire, Girls Director. “Their choice of school may have been recent, but their journey towards this opportunity started over a decade ago. We are proud to have supported them and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Best wishes to the Class of 2025!”

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the families, coaches, and supporters who have helped our players achieve their dreams. Your dedication and belief in their potential have been crucial to their success.

Once again, congratulations to all our graduating seniors. We are proud of you and wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of your lives.

The College Center Program is brought to you by:

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To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit www.htxsoccer.com

College Sports

2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships: Schedule, how to watch, results

The 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships are May 26-31 in Leipzig, Germany. Check back here throughout the week for the latest results. Jump to: 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Schedule Date Session Time (CEST/EDT) Subdivisions Monday, May 26 Women’s Team Finaland Qualification forIndividual Finals 11:00 a.m./5:00 a.m. Subdivision 1 12:30 p.m./6:30 a.m. Subdivision 2 3:30 p.m./9:30 […]

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Leipzig, Germany plays host to the 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

The 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships are May 26-31 in Leipzig, Germany. Check back here throughout the week for the latest results.

Jump to:

2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships Schedule

Date	Session	Time (CEST/EDT)	Subdivisions
Monday, May 26
	Women’s Team Final and Qualification for Individual Finals	11:00 a.m./5:00 a.m.	Subdivision 1
		12:30 p.m./6:30 a.m.	Subdivision 2
		3:30 p.m./9:30 a.m.	Subdivision 3
		6:00 p.m./12:00 p.m.	Subdivision 4
Tuesday, May 27	Men’s Team Final and Qualification for Individual Finals	10:00 a.m./4:00 a.m.	Subdivision 1
		2:00 p.m./8:00 a.m.	Subdivision 2
		5:30 p.m./11:30 a.m.	Subdivision 3
Wednesday, May 28	Mixed Team Final	5:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.	Teams of 1 male and 1 female
Thursday, May 29	Women’s Individual All-Around Final	2:00 p.m./8:00 a.m.	Top 24 from qualifications
Thursday, May 29	Men’s Individual All-Around Final	6:30 p.m./12:30 p.m.	Top 24 from qualifications
Friday, May 30	Individual Apparatus Finals	4:00 p.m./10:00 a.m.	MAG: Floor, Pommel horse, Rings
Friday, May 30		4:00 p.m./10:00 a.m.	WAG: Vault, Uneven bars
Saturday, May 31		1:00 p.m./7:00 a.m.	MAG: Vault, Parallel bars, Horizontal bar
Saturday, May 31		1:00 p.m./7:00 a.m.	WAG: Balance beam, Floor
All times listed in CEST/EDT.

How to watch the 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships

You can watch qualifying online at GymTV.online for €20. Finals will be streamed free on Eurovision Sport. Live scores are via SmartScoring.

Results from the 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships

The following are the results from the 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Results are from qualifying until the final for the event is over. Once final competition is over, the below results will include the top 12 teams, mixed teams, and all-arounders, as well as the full event final top 8. You can see the complete results here. The two-per-country rule is in effect at this meet, meaning some athletes/scores have been omitted below if they were two-per-countried out of a final.

Women’s Team Final (May 26)

Only the top 12 teams are listed.

GOLD: Italy – 161.930
SILVER: Germany – 158.396
BRONZE: France – 156.728
Romania – 156.231
Netherlands – 155.162
Great Britain – 154.695
Sweden – 154.230
Hungary – 154.195
Spain – 153.962
Belgium – 152.796
Finland – 151.962
Israel – 149.828

Men’s Team Final (May 27)

Only the top 12 teams are listed.

GOLD: Great Britain – 247.528
SILVER: Switzerland – 245.727
BRONZE: Italy – 242.826
Germany – 242.595
France – 238.461
Netherlands – 238.329
Hungary – 238.262
Belgium – 237.895
Finland – 236.861
Spain – 235.895
Ukraine – 235.529
Norway – 234.562

Qualifiers: Mixed Team Final (May 28)

Top 16 qualify to final. More on how the mixed team final works here.

Italy (Casali/Esposito) – 81.732
Great Britain (Jarman/Evans) – 79.932
France (Mansard/Osyssek-Reimer) – 79.830
Hungary (Meszaros/Mayer) – 79.798
Germany (Eder/Schoenmaier) – 79.232
Spain (Abad/Petisco) – 78.597
Switzerland (Seifert/Wu) – 77.998
Sweden (Hyll/Williams) – 77.765
Netherlands (Schmidt/Visser) – 77.431
Finland (Kirmes/Tanskanen) – 77.398
Israel (Zeidel/Raz) – 77.165
Norway (Skogvang/Lockert) – 76.831
Turkey (Asil/Savranbasi) – 76.632
Belgium (Onoshima/Vansteenkiste) – 76.599
Romania (Tarca/Barbosu) – 76.598
Poland (Garnczarek/Drobniak) – 76.432
R1: Austria (Benda/Kickinger) – 76.198
R2: Czech Republic (Kalny/Masova) – 75.532
R3: Ukraine (Chepurnyi/Lobok) – 75.532

Qualifiers: Women’s All-Around Final (May 29)

Top 24 qualify to final.

Manila Esposito (ITA) – 54.399
Ana Barbosu (ROU) – 53.933
Helen Kevric (GER) – 53.932
Sofia Tonelli (ITA) – 53.332
Alba Petisco (ESP) – 53.031
Naomi Visser (NED) – 52.098
Lorette Charpy (FRA) – 52.065
Karina Schoenmaier (GER) – 52.032
Vanesa Masova (CZE) – 51.932
Morgane Osyssek-Reimer (FRA) – 51.898
Denisa Golgota (ROU) – 51.632
Lihie Raz (ISR) – 51.432
Greta Mayer (HUN) – 51.232
Kaia Tanskanen (FIN) – 51.132
Ruby Evans (GBR) – 50.765
Maisa Kuusikko (FIN) – 50.598
Zoja Szekely (HUN) – 50.298
Selina Kickinger (AUT) – 50.232
Jade Vansteenkiste (BEL) – 49.866
Lucija Hribar (SLO) – 49.698
Yali Shoshani (ISR) – 49.365
Leni Bohle (AUT) – 49.365
Nazli Savranbasi (TUR) – 49.233
Anny Wu (SUI) – 49.199
R1: Floor Slooff (NED) – 49.166
R2: Sona Artamonova (CZE) – 49.064
R3: Elian Gravin (SWE) – 48.966

Qualifiers: Men’s All-Around Final (May 29)

Top 24 qualify to final.

Noe Seifert (SUI) – 81.898
Krisztofer Meszaros (HUN) – 81.699
Luke Whitehouse (GBR) – 80.732
Matteo Giubellini (SUI) – 80.431
Adem Asil (TUR) – 80.198
Jamie Lewis (GBR) – 80.165
Nils Dunkel (GER) – 80.165
Timo Eder (GER) – 80.132
Robert Kirmes (FIN) – 80.098
Yumin Abbadini (ITA) – 80.098
Anthony Mansard (FRA) – 79.797
Casimir Schmidt (NED) – 79.599
Victor Martinez (BEL) – 78.965
Nazar Chepurnyi (UKR) – 78.699
Vladyslav Hryko (UKR) – 78.632
Nicola Cuyle (BEL) – 78.232
Leo Saladino (FRA) – 78.164
Mario Macchiati (ITA) – 78.099
Benedek Tomcsanyi (HUN) – 77.932
Nestor Abad (ESP) – 77.798
Elijah Faverus (NED) – 77.731
Joel Plata (ESP) – 77.565
Kacper Garnczarek (POL) – 77.431
Sebastian Sponevik (NOR) – 77.365
R1: Harald Wibye (NOR) – 76.932
R2: Elias Koski (FIN) – 76.531
R3: Peder Skogvang (NOR) – 76.431

Qualifiers: Men’s Floor Final (May 30)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Lorenzo Minh Casali (ITA) – 14.433
Artem Dolgopyat (ISR) – 14.400
Harry Hepworth (GBR) – 14.400
Luke Whitehouse (GBR) – 14.266
Luca Murabito (SUI) – 14.166
Nazar Chepurnyi (UKR) – 14.100
Luca Giubellini (SUI) – 14.066
Kevin Penev (BUL) – 14.000
R1: Peder Skogvang (NOR) – 13.933
R2: Eddie Penev (BUL) – 13.866
R3: Nikolaj Bozic (SLO) – 13.833

Qualifiers: Women’s Vault Final (May 30)

Top 8 qualify to final. Qualifying score is average of two vaults.

Karina Schoenmaier (GER) – 13.833
Lisa Vaelen (BEL) – 13.716
Ming Van Eijken (FRA) – 13.716
Valentina Georgieva (BUL) – 13.650
Teja Belak (SLO) – 13.350
Elisabeth Geurts (NED) – 13.299
Laia Font (ESP) – 13.250
Greta Mayer (HUN) – 13.249
R1: Lihie Raz (ISR) – 13.133
R2: Emma Fioravanti (ITA) – 13.133
R3: Ruby Stacey (GBR) – 13.066

Qualifiers: Men’s Pommel Horse Final (May 30)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Hamlet Manukyan (ARM) – 14.566
Gabriele Targhetta (ITA) – 14.533
Mamikon Khachatryan (ARM) – 14.400
Matvei Petrov (ALB) – 14.333
Yumin Abbadini (ITA) – 14.233
Gregor Rakovic (SLO) – 14.066
Robert Kirmes (FIN) – 14.066
Kristijonas Padegimas (LTU) – 14.033
R1: Eyal Indig (ISR) – 14.033
R2: Matteo Giubellini (SUI) – 14.000
R3: Kilan Van Der Aa (BEL) – 13.966

Qualifiers: Women’s Uneven Bars Final (May 30)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Helen Kevric (GER) – 14.766
Nina Derwael (BEL) – 14.400
Naomi Visser (NED) – 13.966
Maisa Kuusikko (FIN) – 13.700
Manila Esposito (ITA) – 13.666
Zoja Szekely (HUN) – 13.566
Vanesa Masova (CZE) – 13.433
Bettina Lili Czifra (HUN) – 13.433
R1: Ana Barbosu (ROU) – 13.400
R1: Sofia Tonelli (ITA) – 13.400
R3: Nathalie Westlund (SWE) – 13.300

Qualifiers: Men’s Still Rings Final (May 30)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Eleftherios Petrounias (GRE) – 14.700
Adem Asil (TUR) – 14.533
Courtney Tulloch (GBR) – 14.400
Harry Hepworth (GBR) – 14.400
Artur Avetisyan (ARM) – 14.300
Samir Ait Said (FRA) – 14.233
Nikita Simonov (AZE) – 14.033
Vahagn Davtyan (ARM) – 13.866
R1: Leo Saladino (FRA) – 13.766
R2: Liam De Smet (BEL) – 13.666
R3: Robert Kirmes (FIN) – 13.633

Qualifiers: Men’s Vault Final (May 31)

Top 8 qualify to final. Qualifying score is average of two vaults.

Jake Jarman (GBR) – 14.549
Artur Davtyan (ARM) – 14.516
Nazar Chepurnyi (UKR) – 14.466
Harry Hepworth (GBR) – 14.349
Nicola Bartolini (ITA) – 14.199
Sebastian Sponevik (NOR) – 14.066
Yazz Ramsahai (NED) – 14.033
Neofytos Kyriakou (CYP) – 13.949
R1: Emirhan Kartin (TUR) – 13.933
R2: Luca Murabito (SUI) – 13.916
R3: Kevin Penev (BUL) – 13.916

Qualifiers: Women’s Balance Beam Final (May 31)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Jennifer Williams (SWE) – 14.533
Manila Esposito (ITA) – 14.300
Morgane Osyssek-Reimer (FRA) – 13.733
Ana Barbosu (ROU) – 13.600
Sofia Tonelli (ITA) – 13.566
Nina Derwael (BEL) – 13.466
Lorette Charpy (FRA) – 13.366
Denisa Golgota (ROU) – 13.300
R1: Alba Petisco (ESP) – 13.266
R2: Vanesa Masova (CZE) – 13.133
R3: Lea Marie Quaas (GER) – 13.133

Qualifiers: Men’s Parallel Bars Final (May 31)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Ferhat Arican (TUR) – 14.400
Ian Raubal (SUI) – 13.900
Courtney Tulloch (GBR) – 13.833
Leo Saladino (FRA) – 13.833
Oleg Verniaiev (UKR) – 13.833
Timo Eder (GER) – 13.800
Harald Wibye (NOR) – 13.800
Nils Dunkel (GER) – 13.800
R1: Krisztofer Meszaros (HUN) – 13.800
R2: Matteo Giubellini (SUI) – 13.766
R3: Andrei-Vasile Muntean (ROU) – 13.733

Qualifiers: Women’s Floor Exercise Final (May 31)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Manila Esposito (ITA) – 13.800
Ana Barbosu (ROU) – 13.600
Jennifer Williams (SWE) – 13.433
Ruby Evans (GBR) – 13.266
Alba Petisco (ESP) – 13.233
Karina Schoenmaier (GER) – 13.200
Ming Van Eijken (FRA) – 13.166
Emma Fioravanti (ITA) – 13.133
R1: Charlize Moerz (AUT) – 13.000
R2: Emily Kate Roper (GBR) – 12.966
R3: Kaia Tanskanen (FIN) – 12.900

Qualifiers: Men’s High Bar Final (May 31)

Top 8 qualify to final.

Robert Tvorogal (LTU) – 14.066
Noe Seifert (SUI) – 13.966
Anthony Mansard (FRA) – 13.766
Marios Georgiou (CYP) – 13.766
Joel Plata (ESP) – 13.700
Andreas Toba (GER) – 13.666
Adem Asil (TUR) – 13.533
Krisztofer Meszaros (HUN) – 13.433
R1: Vladyslav Hryko (UKR) – 13.400
R2: Kilan Van Der Aa (BEL) – 13.366
R3: Elias Koski (FIN) – 13.366

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College Sports

USA Hockey Announces 2025 Annual Award Winners

A two-time Spencer Penrose Coach of the Year award winner, Jeff Jackson’s journey began in Roseville, Michigan. Growing up in the local rinks of a hockey-crazy town, it was inevitable that hockey would play a key role in Jackson’s future, especially after attending Michigan State University for college. Upon graduation in 1979, Jackson’s path was […]

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2025

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Upon graduation in 1979, Jackson’s path was clear, he jumped into coaching, beginning what proved to be a legendary career behind the bench.

He spent two years in the North American Hockey League, before arriving at Lake Superior State in 1986, a school of just 1,600 students located in the upper peninsula of Michigan, as an assistant coach. After four seasons, including an NCAA title in 1988, Jackson took the reigns as head coach in 1990.

During his six-year tenure as head coach for the Lakers, Jackson’s teams appeared in three national championship games, winning the title in 1992 and 1994, along with two CCHA regular season championships and four CCHA Mason Cup trophies.

In 1996, an opportunity arose to influence the development and advancement of the game in the United States when he was named the inaugural head coach of the newly formed USA Hockey National Team Development program.

During his four years with the NTDP, Jackson served as the head coach for the silver medal-winning 1997 U.S. Junior National Team, the highest finish for a U.S. team at the time, as well as an assistant for the 1998 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.

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Michigan State Athletics

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The accolades keep rolling in for rising senior Isaac Howard following a historic 2024-25 campaign, who was announced as the recipient of USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award on Tuesday. Howard is the fourth Spartan to earn this distinction, following in the footsteps of Jeff Lerg (2007), […]

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2025

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EAST LANSING, Mich. – The accolades keep rolling in for rising senior Isaac Howard following a historic 2024-25 campaign, who was announced as the recipient of USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award on Tuesday. Howard is the fourth Spartan to earn this distinction, following in the footsteps of Jeff Lerg (2007), Ryan Miller (2001) and Mike York (1999). He’ll be officially recognized during the USA Hockey President’s Award Dinner on Friday, June 6 in Denver.

Howard previously became the program’s third all-time recipient of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award after delivering a career-best 26 goals and 52 points across Michigan State’s 37 games. He ranked first nationally in points per game (1.41), was third in goals per game (0.70) and finished No. 23 in assists per game (0.70). In addition to being named a First Team AHCA All-American, Howard earned Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player and was First Team All-B1G.

The Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award was first established in 1994 and recognizes accomplishments of the top American-born player in NCAA Division I men’s college hockey. In 2019, the award was renamed in honor of Johannson, who won a national championship while playing at the University of Wisconsin and spent two decades as an executive at USA Hockey.

Howard is fresh off a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. The Hudson, Wis. native was named to the U.S. Hockey Men’s National Team in April, contributing an assist across four appearances in pool play in addition to an assist in an exhibition against Germany. Alongside Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale who served as an assistant coach on Team USA, the pair helped the United State bring home its first gold medal at the World Championships since 1933.

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College Sports

Isaac Howard Named USA Hockey College Player of Year

It has been a great season for the Michigan State University men’s Hockey team this year. One of the best we have seen in many years, and the excitement has called the infamous Munn Ice Arena to be sold out for many of their home games this year. Scroll to Bottom: Michigan State Hockey […]

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4 hours ago

May 28, 2025

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A certain player was just announced as USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson College Player of the Year, which puts him as the fourth Spartan to receive this award in the program’s history.

USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson Award

These awards first began back in 1994 and were renamed in 2019 to honor the former USA Hockey executive and national champion Jim Johannson. It helps recognize the top American-born player in the NCAA Division in men’s college hockey.

2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft – Round One

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His name is Isaac Howard, and he is the lucky Spartan who got honored with this award. He joins Jeff Lerg, Ryan Miller, and Mike York, all previous MSU recipients of this award, and will be recognized in Denver at the USA Hockey President’s Award Dinner on June 6th.

Record-Setting 2024–25 Campaign

Howard had an amazing season, scoring 26 goals and 52 points in just 37 games during his 2024-2025 season, which was one of his career bests. He led the nation with a 1.31 points per game, and ranked third with 0.70 per game, as well as 0.70 assists per game.

International Glory in Stockholm

Additionally, Howard is also fresh off winning some gold from the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championships in Stockholm. Howard contributed with assists in both pool play and exhibition against Germany. He helped secure Team USA’s first World Championship Gold since 1933.

Additional Honors & All-American Teams

On top of it, Howard earned First Team AHCA All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, as well as Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player. He also got First Team All-B1G honors.