Sports

What we're hearing about the White Sox, Mets and Royals' trade deadline plans, plus more …

Published

7 months ago

June 20, 2025

What we're hearing about the White Sox, Mets and Royals' trade deadline plans, plus more ...

The San Diego Padres are 26-31 since April 14. The Arizona Diamondbacks are 25-30 since April 17. We’re cherry-picking dates, sure, but the point is that both teams sputtered after hot starts. And that’s not the only thing they have common.

Both clubs feature two quality starting pitchers who are eligible for free agency, one of whom is an underperforming ace. And both are run by general managers who are more inclined to buy than sell, and ultimately could end up doing both.

The deadline is still six weeks away. The fortunes of many teams might change, for better or worse. But both the Padres and Diamondbacks are dealing with significant pitching injuries, making it all the more difficult to gain traction in a division that includes the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Devers – er, Giants.

Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged Wednesday that right-hander Michael King is expected to be out through at least the All-Star break with a pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder. Righty Yu Darvish has yet to pitch this season because of recurring elbow inflammation. And righty Joe Musgrove is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last October.

The Diamondbacks’ staff also is in bad shape. Staff ace Corbin Burnes and top reliever Justin Martinez recently underwent season-ending elbow surgeries. Another top reliever, A.J. Puk, has been out since April with a flexor strain. And lefty Jordan Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery at the start of the season.

Undaunted, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen recently told MLB Network, “Look, as long as we’re playing well, and I believe that this team has the gas in the tank to go get it, we’re going to try to add to this team.”

Padres GM A.J. Preller has not made the same kind of public declaration, but the entire industry knows his intentions. And they almost certainly do not include the word “sell.”

For all their mediocrity the past two months, the Padres currently hold the third NL wild-card spot, and the Diamondbacks are only three games back. Imagine where the Padres might be if ace right-hander Dylan Cease’s ERA wasn’t 4.69. Imagine where the D-Backs might be if ace right-hander Zac Gallen’s ERA wasn’t 5.19. Both of their expected ERAs are lower. But neither has resembled the top-five NL Cy Young finisher each was in two of the past three years.

The Diamondbacks’ need is obvious – pitching, both starting and relief. The Padres, in addition to a starter, also could use a left fielder, a bench bat and possibly another reliever for their overworked bullpen.

Before the season, The Athletic’s Keith Law ranked Arizona’s system fourth in the majors, citing its strong young pipeline of young hitters, and placed San Diego only 25th. Hazen also can trade Eugenio Suárez, a potential free agent, to open third base for top prospect Jordan Lawlar. Suárez has 22 homers and an .846 OPS. His upbeat personality elevates the clubhouse. But subtracting from their top-five offense might be necessary for the Diamondbacks to improve the pitching.

Preller’s creativity, meanwhile, will face a new test. Perhaps he could deal from the deepest part of his roster and trade closer Robert Suarez, but such a move would further tax the bullpen. Any discussions also would be muddied by Suarez’s contract, which includes $8 million player options for 2026 and ‘27 that he must exercise or decline simultaneously after the World Series. Oh, and another thing: Since May 11, Suarez has a 7.45 ERA.

The potential losses of Suarez, Cease and King in free agency raise concerns for the Padres beyond 2025. But Preller, as always, will concern himself with the future later.

Barring collapses, both he and Hazen will go for it. The question is how.

Giants focusing within

No baseball transaction is made in a vacuum. But the Giants’ trade for Rafael Devers wasn’t predicated on a belief that the Padres and Diamondbacks soon might decline. Nor was it a reaction to the Dodgers’ never-ending buildup, which should enable L.A. to remain a powerhouse for the foreseeable future.

As Giants GM Zack Minasian can attest, trying to forecast a rival’s fate often is futile. Minasian was with the Milwaukee Brewers when the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series and seemed to be on the verge of a dynasty. It didn’t turn out that way.

Rafael Devers is 3 for 11 with one RBI in his first three games with the Giants. (Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images)

With the Devers move, the Giants simply acted like any team wanting to win, trying to make their roster as strong as possible. Their long-term lineup will feature a nucleus of Devers, center fielder Jung Hoo Lee and first-base prospect Bryce Eldridge from the left side, shortstop Willy Adames, third baseman Matt Chapman and left fielder Heliot Ramos from the right. And, of course, catcher Patrick Bailey, infielder Casey Schmitt and others also figure to contribute.

The Giants still need one more bat, ideally at second base, where they entered Thursday with the fourth-worst OPS in the majors. The closest thing to a second baseman in the first installment of The Athletic’s Top 30 trade candidates was the infielder at No. 29, Baltimore’s Ramon Urías, who has played mostly third in his career. But perhaps opportunities will arise as the deadline gets closer.

The Devers deal easily could end up the biggest of the 2025 trading season. And a week ago, the idea of the Giants acquiring him was unimaginable.

White Sox willing to negotiate

Devers was valuable enough for the Boston Red Sox to insist upon the Giants taking the approximately $255 million remaining on his contract while absorbing only the approximately $32 million remaining on right-hander Jordan Hicks’ deal.

The Chicago White Sox recognize they are in no position to impose the same conditions on teams that express interest in their two most expensive players, outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. In both cases, according to sources briefed on the team’s plans, the White Sox are open to including cash in trades.

Benintendi, 31, might be all but impossible to move. He is owed the balance of his $16.5 million salary this season, $16.5 next season and $14.5 million in 2027. No longer a quality defender, he derives almost all of his value from his left-handed bat, which is right around league average.

Robert, who turns 28 on Aug. 3, is somewhat more attractive, a plus defender in center who has stolen 21 bases in 26 attempts. But while batting .192 with six homers and a .581 OPS, he, too, holds only so much appeal. The White Sox would pay down his salaries to enhance their return.

The terms of Robert’s contract, which includes the balance of his $15 million salary this season, plus separate $20 million options for 2026 and ‘27, would complicate any negotiations. An acquiring team might want to include contingencies under which the White Sox pay part of Robert’s salaries if they exercise his option years.

The White Sox actually might find it easier to move their two rental starting pitchers, right-hander Adrian Houser, who is on a $1.35 million deal, and righty Aaron Civale, who is earning $8 million.

Neither is anything close to an ace. Houser, though, has a 2.15 ERA in five starts. And the White Sox acquired Civale in part because they projected he would have more value at the deadline than the player they traded for him, first baseman/outfielder Andrew Vaughn.

Another option for the White Sox is to keep one or both pitchers, helping reduce the burden on their younger starters in the second half.

Mets could deal from strength

Look for the New York Mets to again leverage their pitching-rich farm system.

After trading multiple minor-league pitchers last year, the Mets possess enough attractive arms in their farm system to supplement their roster without dealing their top pitching prospects, rival evaluators familiar with the organization said.

The Mets traded four minor-league pitchers last year: Tyler Stuart (for Jesse Winker), Kade Morris (Paul Blackburn), Paul Gervase (Tyler Zuber) at the deadline and Eric Orze (Jose Siri) over the offseason.

While all teams rank prospects from other clubs differently, four evaluators from separate organizations agreed that only Stuart and Orze belonged on a list of the top 15 pitching prospects in the Mets’ farm system last year. If all four pitchers remained in the system this year, only Stuart would crack the backend of the ranking, the evaluators said.

“Such depth, especially with arms that other clubs like, makes them all the more dangerous when you add that they can probably take on money because of their owner and they’re led by David Stearns in a good front office,” one National League GM said.

The Mets are monitoring the market for help in center field and the bullpen, league sources said. Speculatively, other possible and more expensive targets such as a frontline starter may emerge.

The Mets’ consensus top pitching prospects are Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, Jonathan Santucci, Blade Tidwell and Nate Dohm.

Last summer, the Mets addressed modest needs such as middle relievers, rotation depth and a designated hitter through the depth of their farm system. This year, other clubs like a bunch of their pitchers beyond any public top-25 list. Zach Thornton, Douglas Orellana and others stir intrigue.

Why Royals are reluctant to move a starter

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. last season finished with an OPS+ 73 percent above league average, a performance that might have earned him American League MVP if not for the exploits of Aaron Judge.

Different story this season. Witt entered Thursday with an OPS+ a mere 28 percent above league average. Still good, but not great. And one reason the Royals ranked 29th in runs per game, ahead of only the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bobby Witt Jr. is finally starting to recapture the form that made him the runner-up in AL MVP voting in 2024. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

The good news is that Witt, according to a club official, recently found something in his work with the team’s hitting coaches and biomechanical experts. He made an adjustment that put him in better position to hit, and in the past four games is 7-for-15 with a home run and three doubles.

The Royals, though, need more than just Witt to get hot. While they are only 1 1/2 games back in the race for the final AL wild-card spot, they’re wasting a rotation that entered Thursday ranked fourth in ERA. So it’s reasonable to ask, would they trade a starting pitcher to get the slugging outfielder they need?

At the moment, with left-hander Cole Ragans out until at least July with a rotator cuff strain, the question is premature. And even if Ragans returns by the deadline, any trade of a starter would risk compromising the Royals’ biggest strength – a rotation that, like all rotations, is inherently fragile.

The Royals at last year’s deadline acquired righty Michael Lorenzen to provide insurance in the event one of their starters was injured. It turned out Lorenzen himself got hurt, but the Royals re-signed him, in part to preserve their depth. Yet even now, they’re thin.

An injury to another starter might force the Royals to move Daniel Lynch IV or Angel Zerpa to the rotation, weakening their bullpen. Before doing that, though, they probably would try left-hander Rich Hill, 45, who produced a 4.50 ERA over eight innings in his first two starts for them at Triple A.

A dramatic improvement for Angels

Through May 17, the Los Angeles Angels’ 7.04 bullpen ERA was the worst in the majors. But from May 18 through Wednesday, their bullpen ERA was 2.79, ranking fifth overall. And that was without right-hander Ben Joyce, who went on the injured list April 11 and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

Journeyman righty Hunter Strickland has played a key role in the bullpen’s resurgence, pitching 14 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings. Ryan Zeferjahn’s overall ERA is 4.61 ERA overall, but 2.18 in wins. And perhaps the biggest difference is left-hander Reid Detmers, who has emerged as a late-inning force.

Detmers, who had a 6.70 ERA in 17 starts last season and a 10.05 ERA after his first 12 relief appearances, has since worked 13 consecutive scoreless innings, earning two saves in the process. The Angels still see him as a future starter. But if he ends up a dominant late-inning reliever, they won’t complain.

As for the deadline, the Angels’ roster includes a number of trade candidates on expiring contracts (infielder Luis Rengifo, lefty Tyler Anderson, closer Kenley Jansen), as well as outfielder Taylor Ward, who is under club control for one additional season. But even after Thursday’s 7-3 loss to the New York Yankees, the Angels are only two games out in the race for the final AL wild-card spot.

If they stay even reasonably close, selling is the last thing owner Arte Moreno will do.

Buying? And then, if the team falters, dumping before the Aug. 31 deadline for players to be eligible for postseason rosters?

It could be 2023 all over again!

And finally…

As bad as some teams are, the rule that every club must be represented at the All-Star Game borders on ridiculous. The White Sox, though, could produce an intriguing All-Star story.

The team leader in fWAR, right-hander Shane Smith, is a Rule 5 pick from the Milwaukee Brewers. Per STATS Perform, the last Rule 5 pick to make an All-Star team in the first year after he was selected in that draft was second baseman Dan Uggla with the Florida Marlins in 2006. Uggla also finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year balloting that season.

White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas, acquired at last year’s deadline in the three-team deal that cost the Sox right-hander Erick Fedde and reliever Michael Kopech, is the team’s other leading All-Star contender.

(Top photo of Luis Robert Jr.: Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Sports

Blum outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 1A all-state volleyball team | Sports

Published

4 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

State

Zip Code

Country

Link

Sports

Belmont Student-Athletes Have Another Impressive Semester in the Classroom

Published

21 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – – Belmont University student-athletes recorded another remarkable semester in the classroom as 2025 fall semester grades were finalized last week.

For the 2025 fall semester, the departmental grade-point average (GPA) was 3.530, which marked the 56th consecutive semester that Belmont student-athletes have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, it was the 12^th straight semester that the department GPA was over a 3.5.

“Our student-athletes continue to do an amazing job in the classroom,” said Scott Corley, Belmont’s Vice President/Director of Athletics. “That success is a credit to our student-athletes, coaches, and academic support staff who continue to maintain our department’s commitment to academic excellence.”

Highlights from the fall semester included:

64 percent of student-athletes achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher

85 percent of student-athletes achieved a semester GPA of 3.0 of higher

15 percent of student-athletes earned a perfect 4.00 GPA

9 Bruin teams posted a team GPA of 3.5 or higher for the semester.

About Belmont University

Located two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University comprises nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries. Nationally ranked and consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for innovation in higher education, the University offers more than 115 areas of undergraduate study, 41 master’s programs and eight doctoral degrees. With a focus on whole-person formation and data-informed social innovation, Belmont is committed to forming diverse leaders of character equipped to solve the world’s complex problems. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

Link

Sports

Great season for Italian women’s volleyball crowned with the world title – FIVB

Published

37 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

After winning the women’s Volleyball Nations League and the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship earlier in the year, Italy crowned a great season with the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship title. Turkiye reached a World Championship final for the first time in history and settled for silver, while Brazil completed the podium with bronze. The year’s top event was held in Thailand from August 22 to September 7.

The first World Championship under the new biennial cycle and with an expanded 32-team format marked a breakthrough moment for the sport, with unprecedented audiences across volleyball’s major markets. Volleyball World’s OTT platform, VBTV, added further momentum with more than 7 million views across the championship. The Italy v Brazil semifinal attracted 350 thousand viewers, while the final drew 250 thousand, underscoring the global appetite for premium volleyball coverage beyond traditional broadcast. Social media popularity of the competition was expressed in 7.8 thousand posts and 145 million impressions, as well as 48 million YouTube views.

The 32 participating teams were drawn into eight round-robin pools of four for the first phase of the competition. Reigning Paris 2024 Olympic champions Italy cruised through Pool B undefeated, dropping a set only in their match against Belgium. They went on to sweep their eighthfinal against Germany and their quarterfinal against Poland in straight sets. In a hard-fought semifinal against Brazil, the Italians came back from a set down twice before emerging with a 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 28-30, 25-22, 15-13) victory. The gold medal showdown in Bangkok was also pushed to five sets. This time Turkiye came back from a set down twice to get closer than ever to the world title, but the trophy went to Italy after they prevailed in the tie-breaker, 3-2 (25-23, 13-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-8). It was the second world crown for Italy, after their 2002 triumph. They also won silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.

“I still can’t believe it,” Italian super-star opposite Paola Egonu said after the gold medal match. “I’m really proud of the team and incredibly happy. This is a moment I’ll never forget. It’s probably the last time for some of our players, too, and my heart is full now.”

Turkiye also reached the final undefeated. They did not lose a single set in Pool E, shut out Slovenia in the eighthfinals and beat USA in four sets in the quarterfinals. Another four-set victory, a 3-1 (16-25, 25-17, 25-18, 27-25) comeback in the semifinal against Japan, propelled Turkiye to their first ever World Championship final and secured them their first ever World Championship medal.

2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship silver medalists Turkiye

Brazil also won Pool C unbeaten, but only after coming back from two sets down to reverse-sweep their match against France. After a four-set eighthfinal victory over the Dominican Republic and a tight straight-set quarterfinal against France, they lost narrowly to Italy in the semis, but bounced back in the third-place playoff against Japan. A nail-biting 3-2 (25-12, 25-17, 19-25, 27-29, 18-16) win added the sixth medal to their World Championship collection. Brazil now have four silvers and two bronzes.

2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship bronze medalists Brazil

Japan, USA, the Netherlands, Poland, France, China, Serbia, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Slovenia, Ukraine, Spain, Sweden, Kenya, Greece, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Czechia, Colombia, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, Egypt, Slovakia, Vietnam and Cameroon, in that order, took the places from fourth to 32nd in the final standings.

Italy’s 27-year-old setter Alessia Orro was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the World Championship. She also headlined the Dream Team, which featured opposite Melissa Vargas (Turkiye), outside hitters Mayu Ishikawa (Japan) and Gabriela Guimaraes (Brazil), middle blockers Anna Danesi (Italy) and Eda Erdem (Turkiye), and libero Monica De Gennaro (Italy).

The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Dream Team

Click here for the official FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship website.

Link

Sports

Boys Track Small but Mighty at Recent Meet

Published

53 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jasper Samuelson and Emmett Schumann on their way to first and third-place finishes in the freshman-sophomore 600-meter run.

A small crew represented Bonac boys indoor track at a crossover meet at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood on Dec. 21, but the track and field athletes who did compete turned in impressive performances.

Coach Kevin Barry said only half of the team was able to participate because of winter recess and illnesses. At least seven runners were out with the flu.

The highlight came from Eduardo Calle, who became the first Bonac long jumper to break 20 feet in 15 years, with a leap of 20 feet 1 inch — good for third place.

“This is his second winter track season,” Barry said. “He jumped 19 feet 1 inch last year and has been improving every meet so far. Twenty feet was the goal for him going into the season. Now he has new goals to set.”

Jasper Samuelson and Emmett Schumann finished first and third over all in the freshman-sophomore 600-meter run, with times of 1:31.89 and 1:36.41. Samuelson also won the 300-meter dash immediately afterward in 40.38 seconds. Samuelson is now the fastest sophomore in Suffolk County, while Schumann is the second fastest freshman, both in the 600-meter distance.

Sean Perez, a senior, finished the 1,000-meter run in 2:50 — good for fifth place.

Coach Barry called his athletes “very dedicated and hard-working,” and said they’ll keep at it over winter recess. “As a team, we are hoping to get some good work done during the holiday break and survive the flu that is going around to set us up for the big meets coming in January.”

Link

Sports

Blue Bell/TSWA Class 2A All-State Volleyball Team

Published

54 minutes ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Blue Bell/TSWA Class 2A All-State Volleyball Team

Published 8:44 am Thursday, January 1, 2026

LONGVIEW – Division II state champion Iola earned the top two honors in voting for the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 2A All-State Volleyball Team for the 2025 season.

Player of the Year honors went to Iola outside hitter Shaylee McKown, and Iola’s Jamie McDougald earned Coach of the Year honors.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Jamie McDougald, Iola

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Shaylee McKown, Iola

FIRST TEAM

Middle Blockers: Kellen Weaver, Beckville; Camryn Powers, Crawford; Kennedy Slay, Tioga

Outside Hitters: Shaylee McKown, Iola; Keegan Kleiber, Mumford; Rayna Sadler, Leon

Setter: Riley Goodney, Iola

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Averi Bolgiano, Crawford

SECOND TEAM

Middle Blockers: Jacie Boles, North Hopkins; Sy Parker, Nocona; Channing Horne, Leon

Outside Hitters: Macey Hoelscher, North Hopkins; Cami Hoyle, Iola; Ava Johnson, Nocona

Setter: Landry Zapalac, Schulenburg

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Jenna Guentert, Schulanburg

THIRD TEAM

Middle Blockers: Katherine Lindemann, Garrison; Tatum Miller, Crawford; Camdyn Owen, Italy

Outside Hitters: Aubrie Kabisch, Nocona; Katelin Sullivan, Flatonia; Haylee Vacek, Schulenburg

Setter: Ainsley Anderson, Crawford

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Ava Bessette, Iola

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle Blockers: Darriyah Thomas, Omaha Pewitt; Ary’anna Mealing, Forsan; Reagan Dusek, Schulenburg; Christian Geary, Sterling City; Cadence Money, North Hopkins; Saylor Smith, Como-Pickton; Maud Poortvliet, Como-Pickton; Harlee Sevcik, Shiner; Kamiah Birmingham, Linden-Kildare; Whitney Arledge, Hamilton

Outside Hitters: Preslee Kittrell, Midred; Ella Connell, Crawford; Lily Bailey, Hawley; Kati Calvillo, Como-Pickton; Kaitlyn Jenkins, Rosebud-Lott; Camdyn Benton, Riesel; Greenli VanZandt, Schulanburg; Charlee Wolf, Windthorst; Anna Claire Cooper, Hamilton

Setters: Claytie Free, Leon; Eden Lewis, North Hopkins; Vada Kendall, North Hopkins; Mhia Garcia, Como-Pickton; Carli Tuttle, Beckville

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Kylynn Ramirez, Shiner; Karissa Fillingim, Windthorst; Avery Futrell, Leon; Tatum Thompson, North Hopkins; Journey Brumley, Como-Pickton; Kaidance Goldbolt, North Hopkins; Aubree Kleinhans, Nocona; Emery Parrott, Hamilton

Link

Sports

LA Tech Athletics’ Highlight Reel, So Far

Published

1 hour ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

If the early chapters of the 2025–26 Louisiana Tech Athletics calendar have proven anything, it’s this: tradition still matters and history is still being made.

July: A New League, Familiar Rivals

Summers are usually quite tame in college athletics. Not this time at Louisiana Tech. The 2025-26 athletic season officially kicked off with a banger when on July 16 the University officially accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference, marking one of the most significant moments in the department’s modern history. The move promises renewed rivalries, improved geographic access for alumni, enhanced recruiting, and a better overall student-athlete experience.

August: Soccer Comes Full Circle

LA Tech soccer literally kicks off the athletic season, every season. More than two decades after the program’s inaugural season began on the rugby field across from the Lambright Center, the Bulldogs returned to their roots – this time at the beautiful Robert Mack Caruthers Field.

Three straight home matches at “The Mack” set the stage, but the third made history. On Aug. 21, LA Tech’s 2-0 shutout of in-state rival UL-Lafayette not only felt good because it was the Ragin’ Cajuns – it marked the 100th home win in program history.

September: Fairways, Firsts, and the National Stage

Early September brought a familiar sight at Squire Creek Country Club, where LA Tech golf once again opened its season on its beautiful home course. Hosting a tournament there has become tradition – this year marking the 22nd home event since 2003 – and the Bulldogs made it count.

LA Tech fired a three-round total of 854 (-10) at the Argent Financial Classic, tying the program record for lowest 54-hole score at the event.

Just weeks later on the tennis courts of Cary, North Carolina, Zoie Epps became the first Bulldog singles player to qualify for the ITA All-American Championships, one of the premier events in collegiate tennis. The junior did not just show up – she belonged, rattling off three straight pre-qualifying wins, including upsets over two seeded opponents, to advance to the qualifying draw and put LA Tech tennis firmly on the national radar.

Halloween Weekend: Legends, Homecoming, and Giving Back

Halloween weekend delivered a whirlwind of celebration and connection. The Bradshaw-Brooks Golf Tournament, presented by Origin Bank, returned after a seven-year hiatus, bringing together two of Louisiana Tech’s most iconic alumni – Terry Bradshaw and Kix Brooks – at Squire Creek Country Club.

Held ahead of the university’s 100th Homecoming Game, the event raised more than $100,000 for Louisiana Tech Athletics. It was a reminder that while facilities and conferences change, the bond between Tech and its alumni remains timeless.

That night, LA Tech Football delivered a frightfully dominant performance, steamrolling Sam Houston 55-14 behind a relentless rushing attack at Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium. Donning brand new black jerseys, the Bulldogs totaled 646 yards of offense, piling up 425 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground while scoring multiple touchdowns in every quarter.

The busy weekend continued the next day on Nov. 1, starting off with LA Tech volleyball delivering its best offensive performance of the season, sweeping New Mexico State inside historic Scotty Robertson Memorial Gymnasium. Playing there for the first time since 2013, the Bulldogs snapped a 23-match losing streak to the Aggies while posting a season-best .376 hitting percentage. Some buildings just know how to deliver magic.

Then that night, LA Tech celebrated excellence across generations, enshrining its 21st Athletics Hall of Fame class. Eight individuals – spanning football, basketball, track and field, and athletic training – were honored for their lasting impact on the university. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder that today’s achievements stand on the shoulders of those who came before.

November: Breakthroughs on Every Front

November arrived fast – and packed plenty of punch.

A week later, the nationally ranked bowling team put together one of the most impressive weekends in program history. Finishing 11-2 with eight ranked wins, including victories over No. 1, No. 2 (twice), and No. 3, the Bulldogs closed the Bulldog Classic with a top five finish and plenty of statement wins.

On Nov. 21, success showed up in the classroom as well. LA Tech student-athletes recorded a department-record 3.353 fall GPA, with 251 Bulldogs and Lady Techsters earning spots on the AD Honor Roll.

Then came Nov. 22.

LA Tech unveiled the Richardson Family Legacy Plaza, complete with statues honoring legendary coaches Joe Aillet and Maxie Lambright. Situated on the southwest corner of Joe Aillet Stadium, the plaza serves as a lasting tribute to two figures who shaped not just a football program, but an identity.

Later on that day came the football home finale. Down 28-7 midway through the third quarter, LA Tech football authored one of the most memorable comebacks in Joe Aillet Stadium history. Fueled by fourth-down conversions, three straight interceptions, and a defense that simply refused to blink, the Bulldogs forced overtime against Liberty. On the first snap of OT, Andrew Burnette took a handoff 25 yards to the house, capping a 27-point rally and clinching bowl eligibility in front of a home crowd that will remember that roar for a long time.

The very next day, women’s basketball delivered its own statement, defeating Stephen F. Austin 93-66 in a matchup featuring two of the winningest programs in the sport’s history. For the Lady Techsters, it was another reminder that tradition still carries weight – and momentum.

December: Rivals, Milestones, and a Bowl Trophy to Top It Off

The calendar flipped to December, and LA Tech men’s basketball also delivered a milestone for its fans.

On Dec. 13, the Bulldogs rolled past UL-Lafayette 65-44 inside the Thomas Assembly Center, securing the 94th all-time win in the rivalry – and win No. 1,500 in program history. Stifling defense, timely shooting, and a packed home crowd turned a Saturday afternoon into another chapter worth remembering.

And then, football decided to cap off the calendar year with a bang in Shreveport.

Down 14-3, LA Tech’s defense slammed the door out of the locker room, forcing turnovers, winning the line of scrimmage, and completely flipping the tone of the afternoon. The offense followed suit, finding rhythm, stacking drives, and clawing back, outscoring the Chanticleers 20-0 the rest of the way to win 23-14 and walk off the Independence Stadium turf as Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl champions, closing the year with one final exclamation point – and a nice piece of hardware.

Link