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UC Irvine Athletics and Learfield's Anteater Sports Properties Announce an Exclusive Multi …

“As a family-owned business, Upscale CBD & VuVuV CBD are strategically focused on introducing high-quality, hemp-derived CBD, THC-FREE products to a diverse clientele and their pets,” said Tamara Rodgers, CEO of Upscale CBD. Upscale CBD & VuVuV CBD is an innovative health, wellness and personal care products company based in Chicago, Illinois. Upscale & VuVuV […]

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UC Irvine Athletics and Learfield's Anteater Sports Properties Announce an Exclusive Multi ...

“As a family-owned business, Upscale CBD & VuVuV CBD are strategically focused on introducing high-quality, hemp-derived CBD, THC-FREE products to a diverse clientele and their pets,” said Tamara Rodgers, CEO of Upscale CBD.
Upscale CBD & VuVuV CBD is an innovative health, wellness and personal care products company based in Chicago, Illinois. Upscale & VuVuV have successfully and strategically focused on introducing high-level, high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products to a diverse clientele and their pets, enriching their breadth of health, personal care and wellness.
“Upscale & VuVuV offers an exceptional health and wellness product and we’re ecstatic to partner with them on their first venture into college athletics,” said John Abdou, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Health, Wellness & Sports Performance at UC Irvine. “CBD products can have exceptional benefits and we’re proud to have Upscale on our team.”
By partnering with UC Irvine Athletics through Anteater Sports Properties, Upscale & VuVuV will receive enhanced social media collaboration with the Anteaters as well as one million digital impressions annually through Fan365 – Learfield’s programmatic digital sponsorship and marketing program.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine Athletics along with Upscale CBD & VuVuV CBD Petline are kicking off the new year with an exclusive multi-year partnership agreement utilizing Upscale and VuVuV’s unique marketing assets while leveraging data and digital expertise through Anteater Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics.
“We’re excited to bring Upscale CBD & VuVuV CBD into the Anteater family and see their brand grow in front of the UC Irvine fanbase and community,” said Joseph Huerta, General Manager of Anteater Sports Properties. “We look forward to delivering them a premium social and digital presence for many years to come.”
Anteater Sports Properties is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for UC Irvine Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Anteaters.
“We are thrilled about this historic collaboration between Upscale CBD, VuVuV and UC Irvine. Upscale is the first CBD owned company to sign a collegiate contract with UC Irvine,” said Prescott Browne, President & Co-Founder of Upscale CBD. “As a minority-owned business, we are excited for the fans of UC Irvine to experience our CBD products that we personally developed. Our line has been chemically tested and approved for individuals and our furry friends.”
Upscale & VuVuV’s relationship with the Anteaters also features category exclusivity and in-venue signage at the Bren Events Center – both courtside and on the arena’s ribbon boards – which will be visible on all upcoming ESPN+ broadcasts of UC Irvine men’s and women’s basketball beginning with this Thursday’s men’s basketball game against Cal State Fullerton.
About Upscale CBD
UPSCALE™ is an innovative, Chicago, Illinois-based health, wellness, and personal care products company. The vision and mission at UPSCALE™ is simple: to illustrate and showcase the dynamic, restorative advantages of hemp-derived products. Upscale aims to inspire and educate consumers to experience the uniquely refreshing lines of hemp-derived CBD products for themselves and their furry animal companions through VuVuV CBD Petline – each developed THC FREE. UPSCALE™ lifestyle brand is a family-owned company led by its CEO Tamara Rodgers and her son, Co-Founder/President, Prescott Browne. Together, they have successfully and strategically focused on introducing their high-level, high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products to a diverse clientele enriching their breadth of health, personal care, and wellness.
Upscale & VuVuV to Utilize its Unique Marketing Assets at Each UC Irvine Home Game while Leveraging Data and Digital Expertise through Learfield’s Fan365 Platform

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Meet 2026 NFL Draft Kellen Collier, DT, Black Hills State University

Meet Kellen Collier, a top defensive tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft with unmatched speed and relentless effort. Name: Kellen CollierPosition: Defensive TackleCollege: Black Hills State UniversityHeight: 5’11”Weight: 280 lbsTwitter: @kellen_collierInstagram: @Kellen_collier99 What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? My speed and relentless motor set me apart. I play with high intensity and effort […]

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Meet Kellen Collier, a top defensive tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft with unmatched speed and relentless effort.Meet Kellen Collier, a top defensive tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft with unmatched speed and relentless effort.
Meet Kellen Collier, a top defensive tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft with unmatched speed and relentless effort.

Name: Kellen Collier
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Black Hills State University
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 280 lbs
Twitter: @kellen_collier
Instagram: @Kellen_collier99


What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

My speed and relentless motor set me apart. I play with high intensity and effort from snap to whistle, and I take pride in outlasting my opponent every play.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get 1% better every day. Over time, those small gains add up—something I believe many players overlook. That’s what separates me from the rest.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to support amputees. My mother is a double amputee, so it’s a cause that hits close to home and means a lot to me.

Who was your role model?

My father.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I’m a Packers fan—Go Pack Go! Born and raised a cheesehead.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Cooper Brown. That’s my guy—he’s a dog on the field and doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Wasted talent and lack of discipline. There’s no excuse for not giving your all.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Wankier, my 5th grade teacher. He truly changed my mindset and played a big role in shaping who I am today.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character. What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

My freshman year, I had full knee reconstruction surgery. The recovery process—late nights in the gym, constant physical therapy—tested me mentally and physically. But it also showed how far I’m willing to go for the game I love.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

Mo’ Bettahs—my usos know!

What is your favorite snack food?

Beef jerky.

What is your degree in?

Pre-med.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

  • Kobe Bryant – His mindset was on another level, and I strive to model that same Mamba Mentality.
  • Kurt Warner – I admire how he overcame adversity and made a huge impact in the NFL.
  • Jon Jones – He’s been dominant in his craft for so long. I’d love to pick his brain about staying on top and maintaining a strong mindset through personal challenges.

What is your biggest weakness?

A perfectly cooked medium-rare steak with potatoes and mac and cheese—hard to say no to that!







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Murray State baseball score today, UCLA: College World Series bracket

OMAHA, NE. — Murray State baseball fell to UCLA 6-4 on Saturday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field in its Men’s College World Series debut. MSU will play the loser of Arkansas-LSU at 2 p.m. ET Monday in a win-or-go-home game. Murray State’s offense was slow to start. The Racers (44-16) didn’t log a base hit […]

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OMAHA, NE. — Murray State baseball fell to UCLA 6-4 on Saturday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field in its Men’s College World Series debut. MSU will play the loser of Arkansas-LSU at 2 p.m. ET Monday in a win-or-go-home game.

Murray State’s offense was slow to start. The Racers (44-16) didn’t log a base hit until the fifth inning. UCLA (48-16) scored one run in the first and another in the second. But the Bruins exploded in the fourth, scoring four times in four at-bats.

Murray State responded with a run in the fifth, then another in the sixth, slowly chipping away at UCLA’s lead. MSU got within two runs in the top of the eighth but was ultimately unable to close the gap.

Racers starting pitcher Nic Schutte is a Louisville native. He played quarterback at Male High School before committing to Western Kentucky baseball and playing a short stint at Motlow State Community College. He pitched five innings for the Racers on Saturday, walking four and striking out three. He allowed eight hits and six runs.

Murray State’s fourth NCAA Tournament has been a historic one. MSU is one of two Group of Five schools (along with Coastal Carolina) to reach Omaha, a city dominated by the SEC and ACC as of late. Sixty-nine of the 120 MCWS spots over the last 15 years have gone to those conferences.

Meanwhile, Murray State makes 20 MCWS appearances for the Missouri Valley Conference. It’s the league’s first since Missouri State in 2003. The Racers are also the fourth No. 4 regional seed to make it this far since 1999.

Buy Murray State baseball tickets

Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com, and follow her on X @petitus25.



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Dan Klink wins 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year Award for boys soccer

Gatorade announced that Dan Klink of Loyola Blakefield School is the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for boys soccer. The award’s selection committee chose him based on three pillars: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character. The 6-foot-3 midfielder won his second Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year Award after scoring 17 goals […]

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Gatorade announced that Dan Klink of Loyola Blakefield School is the 2025 National Gatorade Player of the Year for boys soccer. The award’s selection committee chose him based on three pillars: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

The 6-foot-3 midfielder won his second Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year Award after scoring 17 goals and making eight assists. His contributions were essential to the Dons finishing the season with a 17-2-2 record and winning their second consecutive Maryland Independent Athletic Association A Conference tournament championship.

Mount St. Joseph High School head coach Mike St. Martin praised Klink’s game by saying, “Dan has good size, a good work rate, is good with his feet, and good in the air. He’s the total package.”

In addition to the championship, Klink won his second Maryland Association of Coaches of Soccer State Player of the Year and the United Soccer Coaches National High School Player of the Year. He continued his excellence in soccer while maintaining a 3.89 weighted GPA.

Klink is also the founder and president of Loyola Blakefield’s Sports Analytics Clubs. Likewise, he volunteered his time with the Francis X. Gallagher Service and Beans and Bread. He also attends church, where he facilitates community service initiatives through his youth group.

Klink joins the likes of Ben Bender and Ransford Gyan as winners of the National Gatorade Player of the Year award for boys’ soccer. Each year, they recognize one winner from the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 12 high school sports. From those state winners, they select a national winner based on the Selection Committee, composed of scouts, media members, and coaches.

Dan Klink will also get a grant that he can donate to a social impact partner he identified. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has donated over $5.6 million in grants to over 2,000 organizations.



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Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge and Joe Willis lead Nashville to 2-0 victory over Fire

Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge scored second-half goals and Joe Willis posted his fifth clean sheet of the season as Nashville SC blanked the Chicago Fire 2-0 on Saturday night. Neither team scored until Mukhtar took a pass from substitute defender Andy Najor and found the net in the 56th […]

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Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge scored second-half goals and Joe Willis posted his fifth clean sheet of the season as Nashville SC blanked the Chicago Fire 2-0 on Saturday night.

Neither team scored until Mukhtar took a pass from substitute defender Andy Najor and found the net in the 56th minute. It was Mukhtar’s eighth goal of the campaign.

Surridge gave Nashville a two-goal lead in the 75th minute with his 12th netter of the season — matching his career high set last year. Surridge trails the Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo by a goal in the race for the Golden Boot Award.

Najor and Mukhtar had assists. Najor has made 151 career appearances with all seven of his assists coming this season. Mukhtar’s helper was his seventh this season — three off his career high set last year.

Willis finished with eight saves for Nashville (9-4-5) in his 72nd shutout over 278 career starts.

Jeffrey Gal totaled one save for the Fire (7-6-4) in his second career start.

Nashville improves to 3-3-2 on the road this season in climbing to third place in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago is 6-4-0 on the road this season and 1-2-4 at home.

Both clubs return to action on June 25 when the Fire host the Philadelphia Union and Nashville travels to play the New England Revolution.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/soccer




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Is college basketball on the verge of a major game formatting change?

The game of college basketball has been favorited by fans for plenty of decades now. From the atmosphere and competition to all the components that make it what it is today. However, the NCAA is trying to change it. Besides speculation about expanding the 64-team format, which arguably creates the most incredible postseason event in […]

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The game of college basketball has been favorited by fans for plenty of decades now. From the atmosphere and competition to all the components that make it what it is today. However, the NCAA is trying to change it. Besides speculation about expanding the 64-team format, which arguably creates the most incredible postseason event in all of sports, there are discussions about changing the game from teams playing halves to quarters, similar to the NBA.

College Basketball Report shared on X (formerly Twitter) on the matter:

What are the chances this idea goes through? Who knows, really?

Personally, I believe that the college game is perfect as it stands. Why change something that has been working so well for so long? What’s the idea? Who truly wants to have quarters instead of halves? The audience members should be taken into account when decisions like this are surfacing.

If there are quarters, there will be more stoppage time and less fluidity in the pace of the game. Rather than two 20-minute halves, there may be four 10-minute quarters. Don’t forget that fouls delay the game’s rhythm, too. College games may end up feeling longer than ever, even though watching them typically lasts two hours (assuming overtime does not occur).

Whether the format of the game changes is entirely up to the NCAA, but its fans are probably not going to enjoy a different kind of college basketball. There’s a reason viewership for big games is high, and part of that are the two halves implemented into the product’s structure.

North Carolina has a hefty non-conference schedule next season, playing Michigan State in the Fort Myers Tip-Off, Kentucky on the road in Rupp Arena for the SEC-ACC challenge, Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, and, of course, Duke inside the Dean Dome and Durham. Just imagine if those games had quarters.





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Greg Sankey assesses future of non-revenue, Olympic sports after House settlement approval

In the week since the House v. NCAA settlement received final approval, the college sports world began making its preparations for a new era. Revenue-sharing is on the way, as are roster limits and the new NIL Go clearinghouse to vet NIL deals. Much of the conversation has been around revenue sports such as basketball […]

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In the week since the House v. NCAA settlement received final approval, the college sports world began making its preparations for a new era. Revenue-sharing is on the way, as are roster limits and the new NIL Go clearinghouse to vet NIL deals.

Much of the conversation has been around revenue sports such as basketball and football. However, there are still concerns about non-revenue and Olympic sports, and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey made it clear the plan is to avoid cutting sports under the new model.

Sankey said while he, too, has heard about athletics departments changing structure and making staff moves, the sense from his conversations is that schools are not looking to eliminate sports programs. But he noted the need for a consistent model and oversight. Otherwise, he warned that things could change.

“The second is at least in the Southeastern Conference — and we have to be aware that, as you have a $20 million outflow from a revenue sharing standpoint, that creates pressures,” Sankey said Friday on FanDuel Sports Network’s Golic and Golic. “And you’ve seen stories about that pressure resulting in some changes to personnel, or maybe the way expenditures are overseen in athletic departments. What has been the topic of focus in our room is not reducing the sport opportunities. That’s speculated about.

“What I will say is there has to be a point where this revenue-sharing model and the third-party oversight sticks and is consistent. And we have that opportunity now. If it continues to grow, I think that’s an enormous threat to those Olympic sports, or the non-revenue sports.”

Per the terms of the House v. NCAA settlement, schools have the ability to share up to $20.5 million with athletes if they opt in to revenue-sharing. Football is expected to receive 75%, followed by men’s basketball (15%), women’s basketball (5%) and the remainder of sports (5%). The amount shared in revenue will increase 4% annually.

The growing sense is that schools will be able to decide how to divide up their revenue-sharing after House settlement approval. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said that’s the case in his conference, and some schools in others have confirmed which sports will participate in revenue-sharing.

At Oklahoma, six programs will be part of the rev-share plan: football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and women’s gymnastics. Ohio State also said its football and basketball programs would all participate, in addition to women’s volleyball. The hope is to expand to more sports down the road, athletics director Ross Bjork said.



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