There was plenty of controversy surrounding Duke and Oklahoma State in the NCAA Baseball Tournament, as Chris Pollard explained. The Blue Devils head coach was baffled by the ejection of star play AJ Gracia.

Gracia hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to begin a late rally in a 3-2 win over the Cowboys. After he cut the lead, Pollard’s squad saw Sam Harris drive in two runs with a long single to take a 3-2 lead.

There was a controversial ending due to a runner leaving the lane violation in the ninth, resulting in the final out and an Oklahoma State loss. But, what was even more mind boggling was Gracia’s ejection as Duke took the lead in the eighth as he was in the middle of celebration.

“Incredibly disappointed in the rule and the way the rule was interpreted and executed tonight,” Pollard said postgame. “AJ Gracia, who’s one of the best players in college baseball, hit a home run earlier in the inning to put us within one run. We have a celebration in our dugout where we give the construction helmet to the player that makes a big play. It’s a symbol of our blue collar culture, and it’s something that we rally around, and it gets our guys excited and creates energy. 

“AJ was wearing the helmet because he had just hit the home run later in the inning, Sam Harris hits a single. We score from first on a single to take the lead in the championship game of regional to go to a Super Regional. Our guys are undoubtedly excited, and they should be, and they jump out of the dugout to high five their teammates as they’re running back over to the dugout.” 

AJ Gracia ejection baffles head coach Chris Pollard

Now that Pollard set the stage, the celebration seemed pretty harmless right? Pollard thought so, but Gracia was still ejected.

“AJ still had the helmet on from where he had hit the home run and celebrated,” Pollard said. “He took two steps out of our dugout, not to show anybody up, not to not be disrespectful of the game, not to disrespect Oklahoma State, to cheer on his teammate and give him high fives. This rule and this type of action by the umpire is why people get so frustrated with the NCAA. I’m disappointed for AJ Gracia, that he won’t play in one of the biggest games of his life when we start the Super Regional. 

“I’m disappointed for Duke baseball, and I’m disappointed for college baseball, and I want to get that off my chest, and if I get fined, I get fined, but we deserve better than that. AJ Gracia deserves better than that. Our sport deserves better than that.”

There’s no doubt disappointment for one of the most exciting players in college baseball not playing. But Pollard and Duke will take on Murray State or Ole Miss in the Super Regional without Gracia.

Bill Belichick has never coached a game in college football before. That leaves many, including Joel Klatt, with no clue yet of what his debut season will look like in Chapel Hill.

Klatt, during an appearance on ‘The Herd’ with Colin Cowherd, answered what this fall would look like for Belichick at North Carolina. He, like others, has no idea what it’ll look like for the Tar Heels, especially considering they’re bringing in 40-plus transfers into the program.

“I have no idea,” admitted Klatt. “I think it’s a huge question and it’s boom-or-bust when you go in the transfer portal that heavy. We’ve seen teams succeed, like Indiana, and we’ve seen teams fail, like Florida State, you know”

“So, like, trying to predict what’s going to happen with Bill Belichick and North Carolina is a fool’s errand,” Klatt said. “They could been an eight-win team, they could be a two-win team. I have no idea what to expect from the Tar Heels.”

Again, North Carolina is in a complete reset coming off of last season under Mack Brown. UNC moved on from Brown in the last week of November last year and, two weeks later, hired Belichick as their next head coach. That’s led to a full program overhaul with forty-plus transfers coming in, with thirty commitments as well, with forty plus transfers coming out over the course of this offseason for the Tar Heels.

That’s coming off of a losing season for North Carolina. They went 6-7 in 2024 after going 17-10 the pair of seasons prior, showing a regression off of the sixth season under Brown. Four of his six seasons were winning ones but his latest tied that worst record of his tenure, leading to the coaching change for UNC.

That said, the Tar Heels also play one of the easier schedules this season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They play Clemson in their conference opener but play only two teams, Syracuse and Duke, in their remaining seven that had winning records, overall and in league play, last year.

With all the changes as well as their strength of schedule, there really is a varying feel of what this season could be for North Carolina. There’s three months, though, until they take the field that first time to see what Belichick does in his collegiate tenure.

Belichick embracing role as ‘rookie’ coach in ACC

Bill Belichick is the self-proclaimed rookie this season in the ACC. When Belichick was announced as the next head coach at North Carolina earlier this offseason, it came as a shock to many. The eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach, at 73 years old, is making his debut coaching in college football.

“I’m not as familiar with things as a lot of the coaches, especially like Coach (Dabo) Swinney here,” Belichick admitted. “You know, he’s got way more experience in doing a lot of the things that that we do in the ACC than I do. Way more. So I’m watching him. I’m looking into the program, a great program. I want to try to copy and do some of the things that he’s been very successful with, and understand why he does them and it makes sense.

“He’s turned out a great product year after year after year after year. That speaks volumes,” Belichick said.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Has your heart stopped pounding yet?

West Virginia University’s Cardiac, Comeback Kids did it again on Sunday night in Clemson, South Carolina, by overcoming 6-1 and 12-7 deficits to defeat Kentucky 13-12 and capture the Clemson Regional.

“A special win,” West Virginia coach Steve Sabins said afterward. “I think this team has been doubted throughout the season, and it’s the most resilient bunch of kids I have ever had the pleasure of coaching.”

For the second consecutive year, the Mountaineers are going to a Super Regional, the site to be determined once tonight’s LSU-Little Rock game in Baton Rouge is completed.

“I’d think it would be fair to say we’re a top-16 program in the country, for the last two years at least,” Sabins noted.

Two nights ago, the 24th-ranked Mountaineers rallied with four runs in the top of the ninth and then brought in Bridgeport’s Ben McDougal to register the final out in a heart-stopping 9-6 victory over 12^th-ranked Clemson, an 11 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

On Friday night, it was regional MVP Armani Guzman’s sacrifice fly to score Brodie Kresser in the bottom of the ninth that gave West Virginia a walk-off, 4-3 victory over the Wildcats.

“That’s the best three-game set I have ever been a part of as a player or as a coach,” Sabins observed. “It literally had everything you could imagine, including walk-offs, a six-run eighth, heroic plays, performances and at-bats. It was the best television you could ever watch for three straight games.”

Guzman, a sophomore utility infielder from New York City who prepped at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in rural Georgia, has been a late-season revelation. He got a couple hits in the Big 12 Tournament blowout loss to Arizona and that earned him a spot in the regular lineup for the NCAA Tournament.

He responded with eight hits in 12 at bats and drove in six runs in the Clemson Regional.

“More than just myself … for the team, it just shows that we all have it,” Guzman said. “I was a guy who didn’t play the last month and a half and now I’m here in this position.”

Saturday’s triumph at Clemson gave WVU 24 road wins, the most in college baseball. Adding its three neutral site victories, the Mountaineers’ 27 wins away from Kendrick Family Ballpark equal the total number of home games they have played in Morgantown in 2025.

For comparison’s sake, those 24 road wins equal the total number of road games Kentucky played this season – the most of any team in the SEC.

No. 1-seed Vanderbilt, prematurely knocked out of the tournament on its home field, played 19 road contests this year, which is about right in the middle of the pack for SEC teams.

Tennessee, facing Wake Forest tonight at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, and Arkansas, which defeated Creighton in Fayetteville last night to advance to the Super Regionals, have played the fewest road games in the SEC with 15.

LSU, meeting Little Rock tonight at home for the right to move on to the Supers, has played 16 road games.

That’s a great advantage when you are almost always playing games on favorable terms! LSU has batted last 38 times at Alex Box Stadium, not to mention the instances it was the home team in its six neutral-site games this year.

So, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise watching West Virginia produce these late-inning rallies to win baseball games. This team is battle-hardened and tough.

“People stepped up and just kept playing hard, regardless of the score or situation,” Sabins said. 

“It was really difficult because there were some pitchers who really showed great tonight, but we knew we’d have to use them tomorrow if we didn’t tie the game or get the lead,” the first-year coach explained. “The math just didn’t add up tomorrow for trying to piece together nine innings. So, you have to play aggressive and try and win, but I needed the players’ help today because I was having to make aggressive moves with the pitching staff to try and keep the score where it was.

“It was a really weird balancing act that we haven’t had to do much this year,” he added.

From a 30,000-foot perspective, the Mountaineers’ season profile probably looks rather ordinary to outsiders at first glance.

West Virginia’s strength of schedule rating of 93 isn’t awe-inspiring, nor is its 220 nonconference strength of schedule. The Mountaineers were just 8-5 in Quadrant 1 games and 11-6 in Quad 2 games.

But go and look at where most of these were played – on other teams’ fields.

I don’t care where you are playing, it’s not easy getting those last three outs on the road, and you can’t run out the clock in baseball.

West Virginia (44-14) has gotten outs 25, 26 and 27 a total of 24 times this year compared to, say, LSU, for instance, which has done it just eight times. That means the Mountaineers have had to get 48 more outs to achieve their road record compared to LSU’s.

The Tigers’ impressive 45-15 overall record includes a 32-6 mark at Alex Box Stadium. At other venues, their record is a much more pedestrian 13-9.

Auburn, still alive in the NCAA Tournament, is only 13-12 away from Plainsman Park. Arkansas is 35-4 at home and 11-9 away from there.

Do you see a pattern forming here?

Among top 20 RPI teams, the two most successful on the road this year have been Coastal Carolina (18-7) and The University of Texas at San Antonio (19-9).

Not surprisingly, both have advanced to the Super Regionals. UTSA upset Texas in Austin and Coastal was rewarded for its regular-season success by defeating East Carolina at its home venue in the regional.

Now, the Chanticleers get to take their show on the road at Auburn.

As for West Virginia, it will likely be purchasing airline tickets to Baton Rouge on Tuesday morning for games there this weekend, that is unless Little Rock does the unthinkable, which it already did once last night.

Stay tuned!

 

JuJu Watkins, the star guard for the USC Trojans, is making a big impact both on and off the court. While she’s already a force in women’s basketball, she’s also earning respect as a leader off the floor through her work with the Nike Athlete Think Tank.

She recently shared on Instagram how excited she is to join the Think Tank’s fourth cohort. The program brings together top athletes to help shape the future of sports, and Watkins made it clear she’s all in on helping the next generation of girls in sports. With her rising hoops career and passion for change, she’s becoming a powerful voice for equality and inclusion in athletics.

JuJu Watkins Joins Nike Athlete Think Tank: A Platform for Change

Nike’s Athlete Think Tank brings top athletes together to help design products, share ideas, and drive change. Now in its fifth year, the group has helped create things like leakproof period gear and has funneled over $4 million into local communities. It’s all about giving athletes a real say in what comes next.

Watkins joined the fourth cohort of this influential group, alongside stars like Sha’Carri Richardson and Sue Bird. Her inclusion reflects her growing stature in sports and her potential to influence beyond basketball.

On Instagram, she shared her enthusiasm, writing, “I’m so proud to have joined the fourth cohort of @nike Athlete Think Tank! Having the chance to connect with other athletes and coaches and talk about the things that matter to us and that matter to the next generation of girls has been such a powerful experience. I can’t wait to see what we do together next!”

The post highlights her excitement and strong commitment to collaborating with peers to tackle issues dear to her heart.

At just 19, she will bring a fresh perspective to the Think Tank. Her participation as a college athlete signals Nike’s commitment to amplifying younger voices, blending their insights with those of seasoned professionals. This mix of perspectives fuels the initiative’s ability to address current trends and future challenges in sports culture.

While other notable names have dealt with business as professional athletes, Watkins has a fresh perspective, having emerged during the NIL era of college athletics, with an estimated valuation of $793,000 heading into her junior season.

Empowering Girls in Sports: Watkins’ Vision Takes Shape

Watkins says her biggest goal is helping girls feel seen and heard in sports. She wants them to know they belong on the court and in every part of the game. That message came through loud and clear in her post.

She also shared a deeper message in her post, a quote from her that stood out on one of the slides of Watkins’ post: “I’m still early in my journey, but I already know the impact we can have as athletes, not just in sport, but in the communities that have poured into us and shaped who we are.”

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Kansas State’s $1.6 million NIL-valued quarterback, Avery Johnson, recently flexed his net worth with a sleek, new Mercedes that was featured on Long McArthur Ford’s Instagram.

As Kansas State prepares for a bounce-back 2025 season, Johnson’s growth as a signal-caller and a marketable athlete hints at a new chapter for the program.

$1.6 Million Kansas State QB Avery Johnson Shows Off His New Ride

Off the field, Kansas State QB Avery Johnson’s $1.6 million NIL valuation reflects his status as a face of college football. Previously, he bought a custom lavender Corvette in 2024, but with his rising net worth, the young QB decided to upgrade and gifted himself with a brand new Mercedes AMG.

Long McArthur Ford’s Instagram post featured the new car and his owner with a caption saying, “From Lavender to Legendary. Avery Johnson is known for his speed, and now his ride matches it! Mercedes AMG – the ultimate upgrade. More power. More luxury. More game.”

Johnson doesn’t only buy cars with his wealth. Using his financial capabilities, Johnson has launched a youth training camp for kids aged 6-17, set for launch on June 25, making his contribution to the Kansas State and Manhattan, Kansas, community.

Avery Johnson’s Journey Thus Far

Avery Johnson’s journey began at Maize High School in Wichita, Kansas, where he honed his craft alongside new Kansas State wide receiver Justin Stephens. Their chemistry, which got stronger throughout their high school years, shows a lot of promise for polishing the Wildcats’ passing game.

With veteran receivers like Caleb Medford and Jaron Tibbs joining the roster, Kansas State’s offense is looking better than ever.

Last season, Johnson threw for 2,712 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while rushing for 605 yards and seven scores. His dual-threat prowess places him among only two Power Four quarterbacks with at least 2,500 passing and 525 rushing yards in 2024.

RELATED: Kansas State 2025 Football Schedule: Avery Johnson’s Heisman Push?

In the end, Avery Johnson’s new Mercedes AMG is a statement about his financial status and the rising earnings of college football players thanks to the NIL deals and personal sponsorship deals.

With Kansas State HC Chris Klieman’s guidance and a talented roster, Johnson’s next step could lead the Wildcats to national prominence. As the 2025 season looms, all eyes are on Manhattan, where a lavender legacy is turning legendary.

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