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Sherrone Moore faces two-game suspension and looming NIL disaster as Michigan’s recruiting hopes hang by a thread

In the high-stakes world of college football, the University of Michigan and its co-offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, find themselves navigating through turbulent waters. The aftermath of a sign-stealing scandal, with Connor Stallions at its epicenter, has led to a significant setback for Moore: a two-game suspension that casts a long shadow over the upcoming season. […]

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In the high-stakes world of college football, the University of Michigan and its co-offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, find themselves navigating through turbulent waters. The aftermath of a sign-stealing scandal, with Connor Stallions at its epicenter, has led to a significant setback for Moore: a two-game suspension that casts a long shadow over the upcoming season. This development is not just a personal blow to Moore but also a critical juncture for Michigan’s football program, especially in the fiercely competitive arena of recruiting.

The Ripple Effect of a Scandal

The controversy surrounding the sign-stealing incident has reverberated far beyond the immediate punitive measures. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s head coach, has managed to steer through the storm relatively unscathed, securing victories that have kept the program’s hopes alive. However, the implications of Moore’s suspension extend beyond the sidelines and into the living rooms of potential recruits. The timing couldn’t be more precarious as Michigan finds itself in a delicate balancing act, trying to maintain its allure to top-tier talent in the face of adversity.

Recruiting Battles and NIL Dynamics

The landscape of college football recruiting has been irrevocably changed by the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, leveling the playing field in ways previously unimaginable. In this new era, the battle for five-star recruits has intensified, with programs not only showcasing their athletic prowess but also their ability to offer lucrative NIL deals. The suspension of a key figure like Moore could tilt the scales, giving an edge to SEC powerhouses renowned for their aggressive recruiting strategies and robust NIL opportunities. This situation places Michigan at a crossroads, challenging the program to navigate the complexities of modern recruiting while contending with the fallout from the scandal.

The Path Forward

As Michigan looks to the future, the questions loom large. How will the program adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, where the lines between athletic success and financial incentives are increasingly blurred? Can Michigan leverage its storied history and academic prestige to overcome the hurdles presented by the suspension and the broader implications of the NIL era?

A Reflection on Resilience and Redemption

The saga of Sherrone Moore and the Michigan football program is more than a story of scandal and suspension. It is a testament to the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of college athletics. As the Wolverines prepare to face the challenges ahead, they do so with the knowledge that adversity often paves the way for growth and redemption. The true measure of their success will not be found solely in wins and losses but in their ability to rise above the fray and continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. In the end, the legacy of Michigan football and its ability to weather the storm will be a powerful narrative of perseverance in the face of adversity.



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Ranking the Five Most Exciting Syracuse Players To Use in College Football 26

Share Tweet Share Share Email Today, July 7 at noon EST, marks the early release of College Football 26. Its predessecor, the College Football 25 video game, made over $1.5 billion and became the hottest game of 2025. This success allowed for a larger pot for player payments (An $1000 increase for each player), and […]

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Today, July 7 at noon EST, marks the early release of College Football 26. Its predessecor, the College Football 25 video game, made over $1.5 billion and became the hottest game of 2025. This success allowed for a larger pot for player payments (An $1000 increase for each player), and a pay-per-play model to compensate schools for their usage in the upcoming game. Some schools have begun to release player ratings; Syracuse has chosen to keep fans guessing until the game comes out. While my list will not predict overall, it will predict “Pop” which makes sports video games unlike any other. Here are the top five most exciting Orange players to use in the new game:

  1. WR/DB Demetres Samuel Jr, Freshman 

Samuel was a two-way standout at Heritage High School, playing both wide receiver and defensive back, and is currently listed with both positions on Syracuse’s official roster. This rare feat alone makes him intriguing; Heisman winner Travis Hunter excelled in a similar path. Samuel will have the athletic traits to be a gamebreaker: Speed, vertical, and contested catch stats will all be high for a true freshman. Similar to the Madden NFL series, College Football’s rating system boots certain players based off of fans’ hype. Samuel will quickly make himself a household name if he becomes a stallworth on both ends of the field, with an immediate platform in a nationally televised game against Tennessee. He will be an asset in College Football 26 at whatever position he plays.

  1. WR Johntay Cook II, Redshirt Sophomore 

Before he debuts on field, Syracuse fans can test out Cook and his fit with the offense. Cook was a high-profile transfer, choosing Syracuse over other top 25 programs such as Arizona State. His speed makes him a great option for run-after-catch situations; Cook will be dangerous in the video game on short routes. After two solid years at Texas, Cook comes together with Darrell Gill Jr. Their skill set’s complement each other’s, leading to a lot of optimism about filling the shoes of now-NFL pass catchers Oronde Gadsden and Jaxson Meeks. Football video games have always been about speed: Just think about swerving through the field with Cook’s electric burst.

  1. RB Yasin Willis, Sophomore

Willis is tasked with filling the shoes of NFL draft pick (Jaguars) Lequint Allen. Through his touches during the 2024 season, Willis looks ready to establish himself as a top running back in the ACC. Most sophomore backs have either a downhill power game or a nice selection of cuts and jukes for a finesse game; Willis possesses both power and finesse styles, and correctly assesses when to use either. He is a three-down, workhouse running back that can contribute in any situation. Willis will be the “Go-to guy” that will force opposing defenses to stack the box. Look for something similar in College Football 26, the reliable ground game will keep a defense guessing. Willis already is a multi-faceted back coming into his sophomore year; He will be a blue chip piece of the offense.

  1. TE Dan Villari, Redshirt Senior

Villari, a fan favorite since his transfer from Michigan, can play any position or role that the Orange need on that particular day. He has played tight end and receiver in a pass catching role, and has both thrown the ball and gone into a wildcat role at quarterback during different games. If that doesn’t scream video game excitement, I don’t know what does. Villari will be a reliable option for Syracuse in 2025; Once he gets the ball, he is tough to bring down. This unique blend with multiple positions makes him extremely shifty with his tight end frame. He creates mismatches as opposing coaches are forced to either cover Villari with smaller defensive backs or risk getting burned upfield by using a linebacker. His quarterback background makes him a premium choice for any fleaflicker plays in College Football 26. Villari regains his spot as the Orange’s top tight end after Oronde Gadsden’s move to the NFL (Chargers), and will go out with a bang in his senior season.

  1. DB Duce Chestnut, Redshirt Senior 

Chestnut will be a veteran leader for the Orange in 2025, as well as a key player to watch in the NFL Draft. He opted to return because of “Unfinished business”, and will look to guide this younger Syracuse team through an arduous schedule. Chestnut will be depended on by Head Coach Fran Brown to lock down and take away opposing teams’ top wide receivers. He will be one of the highest rated Syracuse players to begin College Football 26. His strong tackling ability will make him a fun “User” option for fans. Syracuse’s multiple ranked opponents will give him opportunities to boost both his draft stock and video game rating.

The 2025 Syracuse football team doesn’t have the household names such as Kyle McCord or Oronde Gadsden. However, they have a motivated group that has shown their worth in appearances last year. The new video game, College Football 26, offers fans the chance to experiment with this retooled Orange roster and get a small glimpse of how the team fits together on the field. Happy gaming from all of us at Orange Fizz!











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Athlon Sports ranks Top 10 LB units in college football for 2025

The 2025 college football season is still roughly two months away from offically kicking off, but that leaves plenty of time for Ranking Season to continue. And Athlon Sports more than provided with its 2025 preseason college football preview magazine. As part of its annual preseason preview, Athlon Sports identified the Top 10 positional groupings […]

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The 2025 college football season is still roughly two months away from offically kicking off, but that leaves plenty of time for Ranking Season to continue. And Athlon Sports more than provided with its 2025 preseason college football preview magazine.

As part of its annual preseason preview, Athlon Sports identified the Top 10 positional groupings entering the 2025 regular season, including the Top 10 linebacker units. To little surprise, the SEC leads the way with four of Athlon’s Top 10 linebacker rooms, including the Top 2 overall units. The Big Ten was also well-represented with three teams in the Top 10, including the last two College Football Playoff national champions.

Reigning national runner-up Notre Dame also managed to crack Athlon’s Top 5, while the ACC earned a pair of Top 10 spots. Check out Athlon Sports’ full Top 10 list of best linebacker units below:

CLICK HERE to buy Athlon’s 2025 magazine online.

Projected starters: MLB Jaishawn Barham, WLB Ernest Hausmann, EDGEs TJ Guy, Derrick Moore

The Wolverines return a particularly experienced group in the heart of its defense, including starting linebackers in Barham (66 tackles) and Hausmann (team-high 89 tackles, both of whom started all 13 games last season. Michigan also returns veteran pass rushers in Moore (4 sacks, 6 TFL) and Guy (5.5 sacks, 7 TFL), who combined for 9.5 sacks and 13 TFL in 2024.

Linebackers Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks
Whit Weeks | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Projected starters: MLB Whit Weeks, WLB Harold Perkins

The heart of the Tigers’ defense rests with Perkins and Weeks in 2025. Perkins, a former 5-star recruit in 2022, has had his once-promising collegiate career derailed by injuries, including being limited to just four games in 2024. Meanwhile, Weeks has emerged as one of the SEC’s top tacklers after finishing second in the league with 125 total tackles in 2024, including 10 for loss.

Projected starters: MAC Bryce Boettcher, MONEY Devon Jackson, JACK Teitum Tuioti

Much likes others on this list, the Ducks return all three of their projected starters from last season, including 13-game starting ‘backers Boettcher and Tuiioti. Boettcher, a two-sport star and former walk-on to the football team, led Oregon with 94 total tackles in 2024, while Tuitoti added 58 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Jackson started one game in 2024 and will replace Kansas City Chiefs draft pick Jeffery Bassa.

Projected starters: WLB Rasheem Biles, STAR Kyle Louis, MLB Braylan Lovelace

Louis returns after receiving All-American honors and a first-team All-ACC selection after racking up 101 total tackles, including a team-high 15.5 TFL and 7 sacks, while making 13 starts in 2024. Biles wasn’t far behind him with 82 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks across 8 starts last season, while Lovelace appears in line to replace Brandon George as the Panthers’ starting middle linebacker in 2025.

Alabama LB Deontae Lawson
Deontae Lawson | Photo courtesy of UA Athletics

Projected starters: MLB Justin Jefferson, STING Deontae Lawson, WOLF Qua Russaw

Lawson and Jefferson both opted to return for their fifth season, giving the Crimson Tide one of the SEC’s most experienced LB units. Lawson (76 total tackles, 6.5 TFL) is back after suffering a season-ending injury against Oklahoma, while Jefferson (60 tackles, 6.5 TFL) earned a NCAA waiver following Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia‘s court win last year. Russaw becomes a full-time starter after tallying 36 tackles in limited role as a true freshamn.

Projected starters: MLB Wade Woodaz, WLB Sammy Brown

While they might not have the star power of their peers in the trenches, Brown and Woodaz are arguably the true heart of the Clemson defense after combining on 163 total tackles in 2024. Woodaz started 13 games last season and led the team with 83 stops, while Brown won ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year after ranking second to superstar DE T.J. Parker with 11.5 TFL, 5 sacks and 80 tackles last season.

Projected starters: ROVER Jaiden Ausberry, MLB Drayk Bowen, WLB Jaylen Sneed

The Fighting Irish lost leading tackler Jack Kiser to the NFL, but still returns serious talent in the middle of its defense, including rising juniors Bowen (78 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles) and Sneed (51 tackles). But arguably the most impactful returner is Ausberry, who splashed as sophomore with 58 total tackles, 6.5 TFL, and two QB hurries despite just two starts in 2024.

Sonny Styles-Ohio State-Ohio State football-Buckeyes
Sonny Styles | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Projected starters: EDGE Beau Atkinson, WLB Sonny Styles, MLB Arvell Reese

Despite significant turnover within the Buckeyes’ championship defense, including losing leading tackler Cody Simon, Ohio State still features plenty of talent and experience at LB. Styles has started 28 straight games and ranked second on the team with 100 total tackles last season, while Reese will replace Simon after making two starts in 2024. Atkinson transferred in from North Carolina after racking up 7.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 12 TFL and 35 tackles last season.

Projected starters: MONEY CJ Allen, JACK Elo Modozie, MAC Raylen Wilson

While the Bulldogs’ 2024 defense took its share of lumps, the heart of the unit more than held its own last season. Led by Allen (76 total tackles, 5 QB hurries, 4 PBUs) and Wilson (47 tackles, 7 TFL) in the middle, Georgia’s linebackers made plays all over the field. After losing some of its best pass rushers off last season’s squad, the Bulldogs added 6-foot-3, 245-pound EDGE Modozie (6.5 sacks, 8 TFL) from Army out of the transfer portal.

Projected starters: MLB Anthony Hill Jr., WLB Trey Moore, BUCK Colin Simmons

Given the sheer wealth of returning talent, it’s no surprise the Longhorns would have college football’s top-ranked LB room. After opting to forgo the NFL, the senior Hill comes back as arguably the best individual linebacker in college football after racking up 113 total tackles and a SEC-leading 16.5 TFL in 2024. Simmons added a team-high nine sacks and 14 TFL despite not starting a single game as a true freshman. That’ll change in 2025. On the other side, Moore has made 15 consecutive starts after adding 5.5 sacks and 9.5 TFL last season.



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Grok predicts college football’s 12 playoff teams based on new seeding model

A big change is coming to the College Football Playoff with a new seeding model ready to debut this season, as the committee will forgo the distinction between rankings and seedings, and simply award the 12 highest-ranked teams a place in the postseason field. “After evaluating the first year of the 12-team playoff, the CFP […]

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A big change is coming to the College Football Playoff with a new seeding model ready to debut this season, as the committee will forgo the distinction between rankings and seedings, and simply award the 12 highest-ranked teams a place in the postseason field.

“After evaluating the first year of the 12-team playoff, the CFP Management Committee felt it was in the best interest of the game to make this adjustment,” College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark said.

“This change will continue to allow guaranteed access to the playoff by rewarding teams for winning their conference championship, but it will also allow us to construct a postseason bracket that recognizes the best performance on the field during the entire regular season.”

What can we expect in what should be another historic College Football Playoff field? For that, we turned to Grok to get a preview of who will be seeded where.

1. Ohio State





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Kentucky baseball facing a recruiting rankings reality check with stunning SEC numbers

Kentucky baseball has a Top 10 transfer class — and still just 7th in the SEC If you needed another reminder of how brutal life in the SEC is, Kentucky baseball just gave you one: the Wildcats landed the 7th-best transfer portal class in the country, per 64Analytics — and still rank only 7th in […]

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Kentucky baseball has a Top 10 transfer class — and still just 7th in the SEC

If you needed another reminder of how brutal life in the SEC is, Kentucky baseball just gave you one: the Wildcats landed the 7th-best transfer portal class in the country, per 64Analytics — and still rank only 7th in the conference.

Kentucky baseball

University of Kentucky players wave between innings playing Clemson during the bottom of the fourth inning at the NCAA baseball Clemson Regional at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Sunday, June 1, 2025. | Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

That’s not an indictment of Kentucky. That’s a reflection of how loaded the SEC remains, fresh off LSU sweeping the College World Series and the league sending a record number of teams to the NCAA Tournament.

Here’s how the SEC dominates the national transfer rankings:

1. Mississippi State
2. Tennessee
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. South Carolina
6. Auburn
7. Kentucky
8. Alabama

Nick Mingione’s squad might not have the flashiest class, but it’s deep, balanced, and built for postseason baseball. Kentucky reloaded the pitching staff with Kaden Echeman (Northern Kentucky), Burkley Bounds (Eastern Kentucky), Jack Bennett (Western Kentucky), Ryan Mullan (Loyola Marymount), and Bryson Treichel (North Florida). That’s five arms with college experience and toughness.

Jackson Soucie joins from South Carolina to bolster the left side. In the infield, Tyler Cerny (Indiana) and Connor Mattison (Grand Canyon) bring versatility. Alex Duffey (Elon) adds pop behind the plate, while Scott Campbell (USC Upstate) is a name to know in the outfield.

On the freshman front, Kentucky’s class is ranked 24th nationally, headlined by Owen Jenkins, a top-30 national prospect and a big-time catcher out of Lexington Catholic. Add in pitching depth with righties Joshua Flores, Lucas Hall, and Jacks Sams, plus lefties like Will Coleman and Toby Peterson, and the foundation is set.

Let’s not forget — the Bat ‘Cats reached a Regional Final last season, coughing up two separate five-run leads in a gutting elimination loss. That stung. But with this infusion of talent, the goal is clear: win those close games in 2025 and make a deeper postseason run.

In the SEC, standing still means falling behind. But Kentucky isn’t standing still. They’re building a roster that can go toe-to-toe with anyone.



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What Matt Ponatoski Can Do for Kentucky Baseball

To steal a line from Freddie Maggard, “Play ’em all!” You probably know him as an exceptional KSR Football Podcast host who spent a couple of years starting under center at Commonwealth Stadium. What you probably didn’t know is that Freddie nearly skipped college to play Major League Baseball. Scouts filled the Cumberland stands when […]

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To steal a line from Freddie Maggard, “Play ’em all!” You probably know him as an exceptional KSR Football Podcast host who spent a couple of years starting under center at Commonwealth Stadium. What you probably didn’t know is that Freddie nearly skipped college to play Major League Baseball. Scouts filled the Cumberland stands when he threw a no-hitter and hit three home runs. Matt Ponatoski is the modern day Maggard, but better (no offense, Freddie).

We’ve spent plenty of time dissecting what Ponatoski can bring to the Kentucky football team, but what exactly could he do for Nick Mingione’s baseball program?

Playing two sports at the Power Conference level is a challenge rarely accepted. Austin Simmons spent one year on the diamond at Ole Miss before focusing all of his attention on learning the quarterback position for Lane Kiffin. The merits of this undertaking will be discussed thoroughly in the coming months and years. We can save that for another day.

Professional baseball scouts have eyed Ponatoski for years. As you might suspect, the quarterback is also a pretty good pitcher who can throw it up to 97 mph. He can also swing the bat. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Ponatoski hit .462 as a junior with seven doubles, four home runs, 37 RBIs, and a .556 on-base percentage. 

Following his junior season, Ponatoski was the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year in football and baseball. He was a Second Team All-American selection as a shortstop, the position he’s projected to play at the next level.

Prep Baseball Report ranks Ponatoski as the No. 14 recruit in the 2026 class. Ohio Scouting Director Kyle Weldon shared with Bat Cats Central’s Derek Terry what makes him such a special prospect.

“Matt has elite arm strength,” Weldon said. “He has a plus hit tool with the potential to be a plus power guy eventually. He’s a winner profile, which has been seen on the football field too. This is a guy that’s highly competitive, highly skilled and has a lot of natural talent. When you combine all those things, it makes him a really sought-after prospect.”

Today was a big win for Mark Stoops and Nick Mingione. The talented athlete made the short drive from Cincinnati to Lexington often, but actually used his official visit for baseball. Before the baseball vs. football debate begins, Ponatoski made it clear to Jacob Polacheck that he wants to play ’em all.

“I’m going to try and do both for as long as possible,” he said. “The goal for me is to be drafted in both [sports]. It sounds crazy, but Kyler Murray did it not too long ago.”

In a conversation with reporters following his decision, he added, “I think people might think it might be too much, but it’s what I signed up for and I’m ready to go.”

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.



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Urban Meyer makes it clear where he stands on returning to college football

One of the significant shifts of the NIL and transfer portal era, some college football programs have turned to general manager roles to help lead the way in roster management. Programs have hired from within the assistant ranks while others have plucked former head coaches and NFL executives. Most recently, Ron Rivera, a two-time NFL […]

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One of the significant shifts of the NIL and transfer portal era, some college football programs have turned to general manager roles to help lead the way in roster management.

Programs have hired from within the assistant ranks while others have plucked former head coaches and NFL executives.

Most recently, Ron Rivera, a two-time NFL Head Coach of the Year, is back at his alma mater Cal as general manager. And Oklahoma hired former NFL executive Jim Nagy to the same position.

Three-time national champion head coach Urban Meyer, now with Fox Sports as an analyst, admitted he was approached by a college program for their general manager role. The former Utah, Florida, Ohio State and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach even met with leadership to hear the program’s pitch.

“I had a school come see me this year and ask if I wanted to be the GM,” Meyer said on “The Triple Option.” “And a couple other phone calls. And you start to think, ‘OK, they actually came to see me,’ so I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll meet and I’ll sit down with you guys.’”

Despite Meyer’s early interest, he wasn’t inclined to take the offer after learning about the job description. In fact, Meyer would rather “step on a rusty nail” than dealing with players’ agents.

“I said, ‘OK, what is the job description?.’ “They said, ‘Well, basically you meet with all the agents of the 17-, 18-year-olds,’” Meyer said. “And I thought, ‘I’d rather step on a rusty nail and pull it out myself.’”

Meyer’s name is regularly mentioned when major head coaching roles open, and it wouldn’t be a big shock to see the 60-year-old return to college football at some point. As a general manager, though, it’s safe to say Meyer won’t be taking up that title.



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