34 mins. ago
Thirty years after the U.S. women's national team won the gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, going 2-1 over China, and a month after the 2026 World Cup ended its run across the American continents, soccer has returned to the heart of the Classic City at Sanford Stadium.
A record-breaking 25,433 fans packed the metal bleacher seats under the blistering 93-degree setting sun, curving around the west end zone and north side of the stadium to watch the Georgia Bulldogs face the James Madison Dukes to open their home schedule.
Georgia has been a hotbed for soccer since Tiffeny Milbrett broke the deadlock created by China's Sun Wen in the 68th minute of the biggest match on grass and made history for America in front of approximately 76,000 people.
Three decades of all-aged girls have come through the Peach State, which has produced the fourth-most NWSL players. Three of 23 women on the 2019 World Cup roster hailed from the metro-Atlanta area, including Emily Sonnett, who currently plays with the NJ/NY Gotham FC; Morgan Gautrat née Brian; and Kelley O'Hara.
Which made Thursday night something special to witness, especially for this next generation of girls soccer players. Girls like Emerson Finch, Harper Eubanks, Mattie Raborn and Charlotte Peyton, who all play for Augusta ****** nal.
#thirty
A record-breaking 25,433 fans packed the metal bleacher seats under the blistering 93-degree setting sun, curving around the west end zone and north side of the stadium to watch the Georgia Bulldogs face the James Madison Dukes to open their home schedule.
Georgia has been a hotbed for soccer since Tiffeny Milbrett broke the deadlock created by China's Sun Wen in the 68th minute of the biggest match on grass and made history for America in front of approximately 76,000 people.
Three decades of all-aged girls have come through the Peach State, which has produced the fourth-most NWSL players. Three of 23 women on the 2019 World Cup roster hailed from the metro-Atlanta area, including Emily Sonnett, who currently plays with the NJ/NY Gotham FC; Morgan Gautrat née Brian; and Kelley O'Hara.
Which made Thursday night something special to witness, especially for this next generation of girls soccer players. Girls like Emerson Finch, Harper Eubanks, Mattie Raborn and Charlotte Peyton, who all play for Augusta ****** nal.
#thirty
1 hr. ago
The NCHSAA football season began with a grudge match, as Seventy-First hosted Terry Sanford to avenge last year's heartbreaker in a 59-14 win.
Though the Bulldogs earned their only two scores in the first half, they began fast and explosive, delivering a punch in the mouth to the Falcons, scoring on the third play from scrimmage on a 86-yard pass from Will Lake to Sebastian O'Keefe to open the game.
But Seventy-First came back with a punch of its own after taking over on offense.
On the first play at the line of scrimmage, senior Division I recruit Shon Pone found a hole in the right side of the field and burst through for a 53-yard touchdown run.
As Terry Sanford began its second drive, the Bulldogs came right back with another O'Keefe score from six yards out. Then, it was all Seventy-First for the next three quarters.
#began #sanford #punch
Though the Bulldogs earned their only two scores in the first half, they began fast and explosive, delivering a punch in the mouth to the Falcons, scoring on the third play from scrimmage on a 86-yard pass from Will Lake to Sebastian O'Keefe to open the game.
But Seventy-First came back with a punch of its own after taking over on offense.
On the first play at the line of scrimmage, senior Division I recruit Shon Pone found a hole in the right side of the field and burst through for a 53-yard touchdown run.
As Terry Sanford began its second drive, the Bulldogs came right back with another O'Keefe score from six yards out. Then, it was all Seventy-First for the next three quarters.
#began #sanford #punch
2 hours ago
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The University of Georgia women's soccer team broke the NCAA attendance record for men or women with a crowd of 25,433 on Thursday night at Sanford Stadium for a 6-0 victory over James Madison.
Honoka Hamano scored twice for Georgia in the "Soccer in Sanford" match honoring the 30th anniversary of the United States women's gold-medal victory over China in the 1996 Olympics at the iconic 93,033-seat football stadium.
The crowd broke the women's mark of 14,410 set in the 1999 NCAA championship between North Carolina and Notre Dame in San Jose, California. The previous overall mark was 22,512 for a 1980 men's game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis between Saint Louis and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
___
See AP's full soccer coverage here
#stadium #victory #mark
Honoka Hamano scored twice for Georgia in the "Soccer in Sanford" match honoring the 30th anniversary of the United States women's gold-medal victory over China in the 1996 Olympics at the iconic 93,033-seat football stadium.
The crowd broke the women's mark of 14,410 set in the 1999 NCAA championship between North Carolina and Notre Dame in San Jose, California. The previous overall mark was 22,512 for a 1980 men's game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis between Saint Louis and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
___
See AP's full soccer coverage here
#stadium #victory #mark
10 days ago
Texas A&M's third preseason practice, and first full practice open to the media, on Saturday showcased the rise of junior wide receiver Terry Bussey and provided more proof that redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, has significantly improved his accuracy and ball placement.
Among the Aggies' 17 transfer portal additions this offseason, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka and Tennessee transfer cornerback Rickey Gibson III continue to shine in their roles, looking to replace unanimous All-American pass rusher Cashius Howell and veteran corner Will Lee, who were two of A&M's record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice further emphasized the offense, as Marcel Reed and his elite wide receiver rotation, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, continued to build chemistry, which is already established with Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, while freshmen Aaron Gregory and Madden Williams would likely start for several SEC teams who don't possess the Aggies' depth.
Texas A&M's running battle between Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow continues to take shape, and after an impressive performance this weekend, freshman KJ Edwards' athleticism continues to impress coach Mike Elko and his staff. Redshirt freshman back Tiger Riden showed off his blocking skills on Monday, and senior linebacker Daymion Sanford's return is nothing short of incredible given the severity of his fibula injury.
Here are the best highlights from Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice on Monday evening.
#full
Among the Aggies' 17 transfer portal additions this offseason, former Northwestern Edge Anto Saka and Tennessee transfer cornerback Rickey Gibson III continue to shine in their roles, looking to replace unanimous All-American pass rusher Cashius Howell and veteran corner Will Lee, who were two of A&M's record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice further emphasized the offense, as Marcel Reed and his elite wide receiver rotation, now including Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton, continued to build chemistry, which is already established with Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, while freshmen Aaron Gregory and Madden Williams would likely start for several SEC teams who don't possess the Aggies' depth.
Texas A&M's running battle between Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow continues to take shape, and after an impressive performance this weekend, freshman KJ Edwards' athleticism continues to impress coach Mike Elko and his staff. Redshirt freshman back Tiger Riden showed off his blocking skills on Monday, and senior linebacker Daymion Sanford's return is nothing short of incredible given the severity of his fibula injury.
Here are the best highlights from Texas A&M's fifth preseason practice on Monday evening.
#full
10 days ago
Here's a look at Portage County high school sports results from the week of August 10, 2026.
All varsity high school coaches are encouraged to send box scores to sportsrecordpub.com.
The Rockets fell to 1-2 despite a highly balanced effort with five of their golfers turning in a 46 or better. Silas Hunt led Streetsboro with a 43, while Dom Marcini, Mason Sanford and Tyler Schramm each turned in a 45. Ryan Maloney earned medalist honors for the Wildcats with a 40.
Contact Jonah L. Rosenblum at jrosenblumrecordpub.com and follow him on Twitter at JLRSports.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage County high school sports recaps for the week of August 10-16
#portage #county #rockets
All varsity high school coaches are encouraged to send box scores to sportsrecordpub.com.
The Rockets fell to 1-2 despite a highly balanced effort with five of their golfers turning in a 46 or better. Silas Hunt led Streetsboro with a 43, while Dom Marcini, Mason Sanford and Tyler Schramm each turned in a 45. Ryan Maloney earned medalist honors for the Wildcats with a 40.
Contact Jonah L. Rosenblum at jrosenblumrecordpub.com and follow him on Twitter at JLRSports.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage County high school sports recaps for the week of August 10-16
#portage #county #rockets
10 days ago
The midterm primary rush continues on Tuesday as voters in six states choose their parties' candidates in pivotal races that could decide control of Congress.
Most eyes will be on South Carolina, where Republicans are holding a special Senate primary to choose a new nominee following the sudden death of longtime incumbent Lindsey Graham in July. His sister, Darline Graham, was chosen by South Carolina's governor to fill her brother's seat until January. She announced a week later that she would run for a full six-year term.
Republicans aren't clearing the way for her nomination, though. Nine other candidates have jumped into the race, including GOP Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, and former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. Polls have shown Graham and Norman ahead of the field, but both are well short of the 50% support they'd need to avoid a runoff. If no one receives at least half the vote, the top two finishers will go to a runoff on Aug. 25.
In Wisconsin, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has chosen not to seek another term, setting off a messy battle between the progressive and moderate wings of the party over who should be their nominee to replace him. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist state lawmaker, has held a consistent lead throughout the primary. But Evers has said he believes Hong may be too far to the left to defeat the likely Republican nominee, Rep. Tom Tiffany, in the general election. Instead, the governor has thrown his support behind Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who had briefly dropped out of the race before resuming his campaign with less than a month left in the primary. Polls suggest Crowley has an enormous amount of ground to make up if he wants to pull off a surprising victory.
From left: Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidates David Crowley and Francesca Hong during a primary debate in Milwaukee on July 28, 2026.
#graham #nominee #left
Most eyes will be on South Carolina, where Republicans are holding a special Senate primary to choose a new nominee following the sudden death of longtime incumbent Lindsey Graham in July. His sister, Darline Graham, was chosen by South Carolina's governor to fill her brother's seat until January. She announced a week later that she would run for a full six-year term.
Republicans aren't clearing the way for her nomination, though. Nine other candidates have jumped into the race, including GOP Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, and former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. Polls have shown Graham and Norman ahead of the field, but both are well short of the 50% support they'd need to avoid a runoff. If no one receives at least half the vote, the top two finishers will go to a runoff on Aug. 25.
In Wisconsin, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has chosen not to seek another term, setting off a messy battle between the progressive and moderate wings of the party over who should be their nominee to replace him. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist state lawmaker, has held a consistent lead throughout the primary. But Evers has said he believes Hong may be too far to the left to defeat the likely Republican nominee, Rep. Tom Tiffany, in the general election. Instead, the governor has thrown his support behind Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who had briefly dropped out of the race before resuming his campaign with less than a month left in the primary. Polls suggest Crowley has an enormous amount of ground to make up if he wants to pull off a surprising victory.
From left: Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidates David Crowley and Francesca Hong during a primary debate in Milwaukee on July 28, 2026.
#graham #nominee #left
12 days ago
The Georgia Bulldogs host seven home games during the 2026 college football season. Georgia has a fun home schedule that features four SEC opponents, one ACC opponent and two non-Power Four opponents.
Georgia gets Sanford Stadium warmed up with games against Tennessee State and Western Kentucky to start the season. Georgia fans get attend those games for a reasonable price, but inferior opponents paired with potentially hot September weather makes Georgia's first two home games much less desirable to attend than the rest of Georgia's schedule.
Our pick for Georgia's best home game of the season is the Oklahoma game. Georgia hosts Oklahoma in clash of two top-10 teams in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. Georgia fans can only hope the game will be as exciting as the 2017 season Rose Bowl game against Oklahoma.
Beyond the Oklahoma game, Georgia hosts Georgia Tech, Auburn, Missouri and Vanderbilt this fall. All of those games could end up as top-25 matchups. Each of those opponents got votes in the coaches poll and has the talent to compete with Georgia.
Georgia's Week 2 matchup with Western Kentucky may be more competitive than many fans think. Georgia rarely looks to crush (or cover the spread against) inferior opponents that aren't in the Power Four. The Bulldogs should breeze past Western Kentucky ahead of Georgia's SEC opener against Arkansas.
#opponents #season #kentucky #four
Georgia gets Sanford Stadium warmed up with games against Tennessee State and Western Kentucky to start the season. Georgia fans get attend those games for a reasonable price, but inferior opponents paired with potentially hot September weather makes Georgia's first two home games much less desirable to attend than the rest of Georgia's schedule.
Our pick for Georgia's best home game of the season is the Oklahoma game. Georgia hosts Oklahoma in clash of two top-10 teams in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll. Georgia fans can only hope the game will be as exciting as the 2017 season Rose Bowl game against Oklahoma.
Beyond the Oklahoma game, Georgia hosts Georgia Tech, Auburn, Missouri and Vanderbilt this fall. All of those games could end up as top-25 matchups. Each of those opponents got votes in the coaches poll and has the talent to compete with Georgia.
Georgia's Week 2 matchup with Western Kentucky may be more competitive than many fans think. Georgia rarely looks to crush (or cover the spread against) inferior opponents that aren't in the Power Four. The Bulldogs should breeze past Western Kentucky ahead of Georgia's SEC opener against Arkansas.
#opponents #season #kentucky #four
15 days ago
As we gear up for the 2026 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down nearly every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight a player's background, high school recruiting rankings, and projected role under head coach Mike Elko.
Texas A&M entered the offseason with a clear priority in the trenches. By the end of last year, the defensive line depth gap became impossible to ignore, and it showed up at the worst possible time. In a windy playoff matchup against Miami where running the ball was essential to controlling the game, the Aggies held firm early. But once Albert Regis went down with an injury, the interior collapsed, and Miami seized momentum on the ground.
Shoring up the interior defensive line became a top offseason objective, and Illinois transfer Angelo McCullom has quickly emerged as one of the most important additions. Teammates and coaches have praised his strength, physicality, and ability to anchor against downhill run schemes. Starting linebacker and team captain Daymion Sanford singled him out as a player to watch.
McCullom's raw power is undeniable. He's posted a 470‑pound bench press and he already thrives as a rotational piece. He enters the 2026 season with a 70.3 run‑defense grade, giving the Aggies a sturdy interior presence they lacked late last year. With continued development, McCullom could help transform the IDL into one of the program's most reliable units this fall.
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
#Miami #season
Texas A&M entered the offseason with a clear priority in the trenches. By the end of last year, the defensive line depth gap became impossible to ignore, and it showed up at the worst possible time. In a windy playoff matchup against Miami where running the ball was essential to controlling the game, the Aggies held firm early. But once Albert Regis went down with an injury, the interior collapsed, and Miami seized momentum on the ground.
Shoring up the interior defensive line became a top offseason objective, and Illinois transfer Angelo McCullom has quickly emerged as one of the most important additions. Teammates and coaches have praised his strength, physicality, and ability to anchor against downhill run schemes. Starting linebacker and team captain Daymion Sanford singled him out as a player to watch.
McCullom's raw power is undeniable. He's posted a 470‑pound bench press and he already thrives as a rotational piece. He enters the 2026 season with a 70.3 run‑defense grade, giving the Aggies a sturdy interior presence they lacked late last year. With continued development, McCullom could help transform the IDL into one of the program's most reliable units this fall.
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
#Miami #season
21 days ago
Texas A&M's 2026 offseason is coming to an end after coach Mike Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days last week, providing an extensive preview of the 2026 season, while all three players provided important updates regarding their personal progress, especially Daymion Sanford's injury status.
It's been a relatively quiet offseason for the Aggies, even though Marcel Reed has made the media rounds with several outlets, including On3, while Mike Elko has made several stops at the various A&M clubs in Texas. After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, Elko saw a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including transfer WR KC Concepcion going 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns.
Elko's preseason premonition that "10 to 12" players would be selected in the draft led to the third-year coach landing 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with 65% of the 2025 roster returning and the 2026 signing class, which, on paper, should result in the Aggies once again contending for a CFP berth.
Texas A&M's fall camp will officially begin on Tuesday, August 4, with the first practice slated for the following Wednesday. AggieYell insider Carter Karels was the first to report that Mike Elko will speak to the media three times next month, while first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and DC Lyle Hemphill will be available two times to take questions from the local media.
Karels also revealed that there will be three open practices, strictly for media members, along with "early viewing windows" similar to last preseason during the first part of practice. Mike Elko's first press conference will be next Tuesday afternoon.
#texas #three #daymion
It's been a relatively quiet offseason for the Aggies, even though Marcel Reed has made the media rounds with several outlets, including On3, while Mike Elko has made several stops at the various A&M clubs in Texas. After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, Elko saw a record 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, including transfer WR KC Concepcion going 24th overall to the Cleveland Browns.
Elko's preseason premonition that "10 to 12" players would be selected in the draft led to the third-year coach landing 17 players from the transfer portal, combined with 65% of the 2025 roster returning and the 2026 signing class, which, on paper, should result in the Aggies once again contending for a CFP berth.
Texas A&M's fall camp will officially begin on Tuesday, August 4, with the first practice slated for the following Wednesday. AggieYell insider Carter Karels was the first to report that Mike Elko will speak to the media three times next month, while first-year OC Holmon Wiggins and DC Lyle Hemphill will be available two times to take questions from the local media.
Karels also revealed that there will be three open practices, strictly for media members, along with "early viewing windows" similar to last preseason during the first part of practice. Mike Elko's first press conference will be next Tuesday afternoon.
#texas #three #daymion
22 days ago
Sanford Stadium is widely regarded as one of the best environments to play in across all of college football. The Georgia Bulldogs have been dominant at home throughout history, and the stadium will be as loud as ever throughout the 2026 season.
Georgia will begin the year with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Sanford Stadium's atmosphere will once again be an essential component to the Dawgs' success this season, as Georgia held an impressive 6-1 record at home in 2025. USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer, Paul Myerberg, Jordan Mendoza and Kevin Skiver recently listed their top 10 stadiums in college football, and Sanford Stadium was ranked No. 6.
"The environment 'Between the Hedges' has made the Bulldogs nearly unbeatable at home under coach Kirby Smart. While the literally barking from Georgia fans doesn't always rattle your eardrums, Sanford Stadium can rumble when challenged. Georgia's .918 home winning percentage during the Kirby Smart era is a credit to the program Smart built. It's also a credit to Bulldogs fans."
Georgia will face a handful of tough opponents at Sanford Stadium this fall. The Bulldogs first true test of the season will be against the Oklahoma Sooners in Athens, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The Dawgs are set to face the Auburn Tigers and the Missouri Tigers at Sanford Stadium during SEC play as well, and Georgia will use the atmosphere to their advantage.
The Bulldogs have lost just one home game dating back to 2019. Georgia had a 33-game home winning streak snapped against the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025, but UGA rebounded with ranked home wins over Ole Miss and Texas.
#home #smart #kirby
Georgia will begin the year with one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Sanford Stadium's atmosphere will once again be an essential component to the Dawgs' success this season, as Georgia held an impressive 6-1 record at home in 2025. USA TODAY's Blake Toppmeyer, Paul Myerberg, Jordan Mendoza and Kevin Skiver recently listed their top 10 stadiums in college football, and Sanford Stadium was ranked No. 6.
"The environment 'Between the Hedges' has made the Bulldogs nearly unbeatable at home under coach Kirby Smart. While the literally barking from Georgia fans doesn't always rattle your eardrums, Sanford Stadium can rumble when challenged. Georgia's .918 home winning percentage during the Kirby Smart era is a credit to the program Smart built. It's also a credit to Bulldogs fans."
Georgia will face a handful of tough opponents at Sanford Stadium this fall. The Bulldogs first true test of the season will be against the Oklahoma Sooners in Athens, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The Dawgs are set to face the Auburn Tigers and the Missouri Tigers at Sanford Stadium during SEC play as well, and Georgia will use the atmosphere to their advantage.
The Bulldogs have lost just one home game dating back to 2019. Georgia had a 33-game home winning streak snapped against the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2025, but UGA rebounded with ranked home wins over Ole Miss and Texas.
#home #smart #kirby
23 days ago
Tobacco Road, built by the late Mike Strantz and one of the most dramatically shaped golf courses found anywhere, has a new sibling. The Matchbox – a 12-hole, par-3 course that embraces the ethos established by Strantz on the property near Pinehurst – opens August 1 in Sanford, North Carolina.
The new short course is the result of a partnership between Carlton/Marshall Golf Design and Mike White, one of the shapers who worked for Strantz on the full-size Tobacco Road layout that opened in 1998 in the Sandhills.
"There's a direct line from our past to the present – and we believe The Matchbox will become a must-play experience in its own right," Mark Stewart, whose family opened Tobacco Road, said in a media release announcing the opening of The Matchbox.
The Matchbox was constructed in just six months near Nos. 12 and 13 of the big course. Holes range from 40 to 105 yards and feature synthetic turf blended into the natural landscape, a choice that allowed the builders to preserve more trees instead of clearing room for grass to grow. The choice of synthetic turf also avoided the installation of irrigation.
Guests can book tee times from the opening date through December.
#matchbox #course #golf #opening
The new short course is the result of a partnership between Carlton/Marshall Golf Design and Mike White, one of the shapers who worked for Strantz on the full-size Tobacco Road layout that opened in 1998 in the Sandhills.
"There's a direct line from our past to the present – and we believe The Matchbox will become a must-play experience in its own right," Mark Stewart, whose family opened Tobacco Road, said in a media release announcing the opening of The Matchbox.
The Matchbox was constructed in just six months near Nos. 12 and 13 of the big course. Holes range from 40 to 105 yards and feature synthetic turf blended into the natural landscape, a choice that allowed the builders to preserve more trees instead of clearing room for grass to grow. The choice of synthetic turf also avoided the installation of irrigation.
Guests can book tee times from the opening date through December.
#matchbox #course #golf #opening
24 days ago
As we gear up for the 2026 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down nearly every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight a player's background, recruiting rankings out of high school, and projected role under head coach Mike Elko.
Texas A&M's run defense left plenty to be desired at times last season, and just as Elko made it a priority to overhaul the secondary with length and speed, he approached the linebacker room with the same intentionality. The staff has done a strong job building a youthful foundation, but they needed a veteran presence who could step in and stabilize the unit immediately. Enter senior Tulsa transfer Ray Coney.
Coney's importance grew even further once projected starter Daymion Sanford suffered a lower‑body injury during the Maroon & White Spring Game, sidelining him for an unspecified portion of the 2026 campaign. In his lone season at Tulsa, Coney was one of the most productive linebackers in the American Conference, recording 129 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His breakout year earned him 2025 American All‑Conference First Team honors, 2025 Phil Steele's American Conference First Team recognition, and a spot on the 2025 East‑West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
There's real optimism inside the program about what Coney can become in Elko's system, and the Aggies will need that development to materialize quickly as they search for his running mate until Sanford returns to the lineup.
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio
#coney #season #texas
Texas A&M's run defense left plenty to be desired at times last season, and just as Elko made it a priority to overhaul the secondary with length and speed, he approached the linebacker room with the same intentionality. The staff has done a strong job building a youthful foundation, but they needed a veteran presence who could step in and stabilize the unit immediately. Enter senior Tulsa transfer Ray Coney.
Coney's importance grew even further once projected starter Daymion Sanford suffered a lower‑body injury during the Maroon & White Spring Game, sidelining him for an unspecified portion of the 2026 campaign. In his lone season at Tulsa, Coney was one of the most productive linebackers in the American Conference, recording 129 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His breakout year earned him 2025 American All‑Conference First Team honors, 2025 Phil Steele's American Conference First Team recognition, and a spot on the 2025 East‑West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
There's real optimism inside the program about what Coney can become in Elko's system, and the Aggies will need that development to materialize quickly as they search for his running mate until Sanford returns to the lineup.
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio
#coney #season #texas
27 days ago
On Wednesday, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, alongside quarterback Marcel Reed, safety Marcus Ratcliffe, and linebacker Daymion Sanford, spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days, and after suffering what looked like a serious lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game, Daymion Sanford, who is entering his senior season, has already graduated from his walking boot after undergoing surgery this summer.
On track to potentially return to the field earlier than expected, Sanford stated on Wednesday that he is already running again, while his recovery was "more of a mindset thing" the required plenty of patience without affecting his return timeline, while steadfast support from Mike Elko, and knowing that the Aggie linebacker rotation is in good shape with transfer Ray Coney and rising sophomore Noah Mikhail leading the way before he returns.
"I think it's going to be pretty difficult," Sanford stated. "But it's more of a mindset thing that I've learned throughout this process. You have to celebrate the small wins every day and make yourself feel good. So I've been celebrating the small wins, like being able to walk again, being able to get out of the brace, being able to run, stuff like that."
During the first portion of his Q&A with the local Aggie media, Sanford was asked which defensive player on the roster is under the radar entering the 2026 season, and while a long list of returning players could have been named, Sanford chose Illinois transfer defensive tackle Angelo McCullom, who reportedly hit a new bench press personal record of 470 pounds.
While North Carolina transfer defensive tackle CJ Mims is expected to start at nose tackle, McCullom, who appeared in 12 games at nose tackle last season, recording 19 tackles and 2 sacks, will serve as his primary backup. Per Pro Football Focus, McCullom finished the year with a solid 70.3 run defense grade.
#season
On track to potentially return to the field earlier than expected, Sanford stated on Wednesday that he is already running again, while his recovery was "more of a mindset thing" the required plenty of patience without affecting his return timeline, while steadfast support from Mike Elko, and knowing that the Aggie linebacker rotation is in good shape with transfer Ray Coney and rising sophomore Noah Mikhail leading the way before he returns.
"I think it's going to be pretty difficult," Sanford stated. "But it's more of a mindset thing that I've learned throughout this process. You have to celebrate the small wins every day and make yourself feel good. So I've been celebrating the small wins, like being able to walk again, being able to get out of the brace, being able to run, stuff like that."
During the first portion of his Q&A with the local Aggie media, Sanford was asked which defensive player on the roster is under the radar entering the 2026 season, and while a long list of returning players could have been named, Sanford chose Illinois transfer defensive tackle Angelo McCullom, who reportedly hit a new bench press personal record of 470 pounds.
While North Carolina transfer defensive tackle CJ Mims is expected to start at nose tackle, McCullom, who appeared in 12 games at nose tackle last season, recording 19 tackles and 2 sacks, will serve as his primary backup. Per Pro Football Focus, McCullom finished the year with a solid 70.3 run defense grade.
#season
28 days ago
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days, previewing the 2026 season at length, especially for those outside the Aggie media sphere who have not paid attention until now.
Entering his second full starting season, Marcel Reed is on track to match his career-high 3,169 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025, while his 12 interceptions were tied for the second most in the SEC; but after adding former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton this offseason, Reed is well equipped to take more shots down the field given Horton's size advantage, especially in the red zone.
However, after offensive coordinator Collin Klein departed to take over as Kansas State's head coach, and instead of hiring outside the program, Mike Elko elevated wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins, who, despite his lack of play-calling experience, served as Klein's Co-OC over the last two seasons, and was former Alabama head coach Nick Saban's long-time WR coach and AHC before making his way to College Station.
On Wednesday, Austin, Texas-based reporter Cory Mose asked Marcel Reed how the transition from Collin Klein to Holmon Wiggins has been just over 40 days before Texas A&M's season-opener vs. Missouri State, citing his strong relationship with new quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch and Wiggins' experience in the program.
"Hasn't been a crazy transition...I'm in the room with coach Wiggins and my quarterbacks coach, coach Lynch a lot this offseason. Just trying to pick their brains a little bit, let them pick mine. So we're on the when it comes to each and every weekend"
#texas #elko
Entering his second full starting season, Marcel Reed is on track to match his career-high 3,169 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025, while his 12 interceptions were tied for the second most in the SEC; but after adding former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton this offseason, Reed is well equipped to take more shots down the field given Horton's size advantage, especially in the red zone.
However, after offensive coordinator Collin Klein departed to take over as Kansas State's head coach, and instead of hiring outside the program, Mike Elko elevated wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins, who, despite his lack of play-calling experience, served as Klein's Co-OC over the last two seasons, and was former Alabama head coach Nick Saban's long-time WR coach and AHC before making his way to College Station.
On Wednesday, Austin, Texas-based reporter Cory Mose asked Marcel Reed how the transition from Collin Klein to Holmon Wiggins has been just over 40 days before Texas A&M's season-opener vs. Missouri State, citing his strong relationship with new quarterbacks coach Joey Lynch and Wiggins' experience in the program.
"Hasn't been a crazy transition...I'm in the room with coach Wiggins and my quarterbacks coach, coach Lynch a lot this offseason. Just trying to pick their brains a little bit, let them pick mine. So we're on the when it comes to each and every weekend"
#texas #elko
28 days ago
On Wednesday, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, linebacker Daymion Sanford, safety Marcus Ratcliffe, and quarterback Marcel Reed spoke to the local and national media during SEC Media Days ahead of the 2026 season, which is now just a mere 43 days away as the Aggies will host Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5, to kick off the new campaign.
Elko's quote regarding the Aggies' lack of hardware, stating, "I show them our trophy case, and it's empty," when discussing what continues to motivate the roster after making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season, received national attention but was widely misinterpreted, which is never surprising in today's social-media-driven landscape.
After passing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season, Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, can always rely on Mike Elko to be honest about his need to improve after the Aggies' back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the CFP, which included four turnovers.
Against top-35 ranked defenses, Reed threw six touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing just 59% of his passes while throwing 19 touchdowns and four interceptions the rest of the way, which is truly the definition of a "high variance" quarterback with the potential to be much more consistent.
"The narrative around Marcel (Reed) has been pretty fair," Elko said. "At his highs, he can be an elite quarterback… We know if he can play at his best consistently, he has an opportunity to have a really, really high ceiling."
#reed #elko #season #quarterback
Elko's quote regarding the Aggies' lack of hardware, stating, "I show them our trophy case, and it's empty," when discussing what continues to motivate the roster after making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season, received national attention but was widely misinterpreted, which is never surprising in today's social-media-driven landscape.
After passing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season, Marcel Reed, entering his second full starting season, can always rely on Mike Elko to be honest about his need to improve after the Aggies' back-to-back losses to Texas and Miami in the first round of the CFP, which included four turnovers.
Against top-35 ranked defenses, Reed threw six touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing just 59% of his passes while throwing 19 touchdowns and four interceptions the rest of the way, which is truly the definition of a "high variance" quarterback with the potential to be much more consistent.
"The narrative around Marcel (Reed) has been pretty fair," Elko said. "At his highs, he can be an elite quarterback… We know if he can play at his best consistently, he has an opportunity to have a really, really high ceiling."
#reed #elko #season #quarterback
28 days ago
Jul. 23—BEMIDJI — Michael Bitzer has been tethered to Bemidji for a long time, even when he didn't know it.
It started in Moorhead's youth hockey program. He took the crease in games at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse.
When the Sanford Center opened in 2010, the Spuds took a trip to Bemidji to watch a game against Colorado College. Two years later, Bitzer backstopped Moorhead to a Section 8AA championship in the same building.
While playing in the United States Hockey League, Bitzer committed to play for Bemidji State. His four-year career from 2014-18 included a Western Collegiate Hockey ***** ociation championship in 2017, along with a top 10 Hobey Baker Award finalist nod.
Now, Bitzer has built a life in Germany. He's preparing to enter his eighth professional season overseas. Still, the invisible string occasionally reels him back to the First City on the Mississippi.
#bitzer #hockey #fieldhouse
It started in Moorhead's youth hockey program. He took the crease in games at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse.
When the Sanford Center opened in 2010, the Spuds took a trip to Bemidji to watch a game against Colorado College. Two years later, Bitzer backstopped Moorhead to a Section 8AA championship in the same building.
While playing in the United States Hockey League, Bitzer committed to play for Bemidji State. His four-year career from 2014-18 included a Western Collegiate Hockey ***** ociation championship in 2017, along with a top 10 Hobey Baker Award finalist nod.
Now, Bitzer has built a life in Germany. He's preparing to enter his eighth professional season overseas. Still, the invisible string occasionally reels him back to the First City on the Mississippi.
#bitzer #hockey #fieldhouse
29 days ago
Texas A&M's appearance at SEC Media Days has come and gone, as third-year coach Mike Elko, alongside quarterback Marcel Reed, linebacker Daymion Sanford, and safety Marcus Ratcliffe, spoke to the media at length, covering nearly every topic imaginable related to the upcoming 2026 season's goals, while Sanford, who suffered a lower-body injury this spring, stated that he could return "soon."
While much of the focus geared towards Marcel Reed's goals of taking the "next step" in his development after his career year under center, the redshirt junior signal caller will be working with new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, who, despite his lack of play-calling experience, received an overwhelming vote of confidence from Mike Elko, who decided against an outside hire after Collin Klein departed to take over as Kansas State's head coach after two seasons.
Before taking over as Texas A&M's wide receivers coach ahead of the 2024 season, Wiggins served as former Alabama coach Nick Saban's WR coach and ******* istant head coach, while developing Heisman-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith during the 2020 season and, most importantly, serving as Klein's Co-OC during the last two seasons.
On Wednesday, during Elko's Q&A portion of the event, the New Jersey native stayed true to his decision in elevating Wiggins, remaining highly confident that, with Marcel Reed back under center, paired with an elite wide receiver room and an equally talented running back rotation, Wiggins' transition should be much smoother than many expect.
"We ran a national search and talked to a lot of guys. One of the mistakes we make is that we ******* ume new is always better," Elko said. "He has a lot of experience at Texas A&M and in this conference. … I have a ton of confidence in who he is as a football coach."
#marcel #wide
While much of the focus geared towards Marcel Reed's goals of taking the "next step" in his development after his career year under center, the redshirt junior signal caller will be working with new offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, who, despite his lack of play-calling experience, received an overwhelming vote of confidence from Mike Elko, who decided against an outside hire after Collin Klein departed to take over as Kansas State's head coach after two seasons.
Before taking over as Texas A&M's wide receivers coach ahead of the 2024 season, Wiggins served as former Alabama coach Nick Saban's WR coach and ******* istant head coach, while developing Heisman-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith during the 2020 season and, most importantly, serving as Klein's Co-OC during the last two seasons.
On Wednesday, during Elko's Q&A portion of the event, the New Jersey native stayed true to his decision in elevating Wiggins, remaining highly confident that, with Marcel Reed back under center, paired with an elite wide receiver room and an equally talented running back rotation, Wiggins' transition should be much smoother than many expect.
"We ran a national search and talked to a lot of guys. One of the mistakes we make is that we ******* ume new is always better," Elko said. "He has a lot of experience at Texas A&M and in this conference. … I have a ton of confidence in who he is as a football coach."
#marcel #wide
29 days ago
Among the three Texas A&M players who accompanied third-year coach Mike Elko to SEC Media Days this week, senior linebacker Daymion Sanford spoke at length about his recovery after suffering a lower-body injury during the Maroon & White Game that required surgery over three months ago.
Alongside redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed and senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe, Sanford was not wearing a walking boot or any exterior protection, which, on the surface, looked like a great sign that the star defender has made significant progress and could return to the lineup earlier than previously expected.
However, when asked about a potential return date, Mike Elko remains unsure, while Sanford sounded much more optimistic, telling On3's Carter Karels that Texas A&M's training staff and doctors have aided in speeding up his recovery, which could result in returning to the field before the second half of the 2026 season.
"It's been going along good," he told Karels. "I've been working with the training staff; we've got the best training staff and doctors in the country, and they've been doing a lot with me. So I've been doing pretty good."
Last season, Sanford exploded on the scene after senior linebacker Scooby Williams dealt with injury issues, ranking fourth on the team in tackles with 57, paired with 3.5 sacks, an interception, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. A 2026 team captain, the Katy (TX) native is widely considered one of the best and most important players on the roster, while his mental toughness has been vital in getting through this latest hurdle.
#texas #i 've
Alongside redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed and senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe, Sanford was not wearing a walking boot or any exterior protection, which, on the surface, looked like a great sign that the star defender has made significant progress and could return to the lineup earlier than previously expected.
However, when asked about a potential return date, Mike Elko remains unsure, while Sanford sounded much more optimistic, telling On3's Carter Karels that Texas A&M's training staff and doctors have aided in speeding up his recovery, which could result in returning to the field before the second half of the 2026 season.
"It's been going along good," he told Karels. "I've been working with the training staff; we've got the best training staff and doctors in the country, and they've been doing a lot with me. So I've been doing pretty good."
Last season, Sanford exploded on the scene after senior linebacker Scooby Williams dealt with injury issues, ranking fourth on the team in tackles with 57, paired with 3.5 sacks, an interception, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. A 2026 team captain, the Katy (TX) native is widely considered one of the best and most important players on the roster, while his mental toughness has been vital in getting through this latest hurdle.
#texas #i 've
29 days ago
One of college football's most legendary head coaches gave much praise to Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and his quarterback Marcel Reed in an interview with ESPN from the 2026 SEC Media Days.
Former Alabama head coach and current college football ******* yst Nick Saban said he really likes what the Aggies bring to the table this season, including the return of Reed as the signal-caller. Texas A&M achieved its first 11-0 start since 1992 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in Elko's second season at the helm, paving the way for a higher ceiling and much higher expectations.
According to Saban, Reed's a really good passer who has continued to get better each year. With a slew of talented and electric targets surrounding him, this could be the Nashville, Tennessee, native's chance to take his game to the next level.
It is undeniable that Saban is a believer in what Elko has built in College Station, after being ranked second in program history for best record through the first two seasons (19-7), just behind former Aggie head coach Kevin Sumlin. Texas A&M also tied a school record with 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite the loss of production, the Aggies hauled in the No. 4 transfer portal class, No. 7 recruiting class and retained guys like Reed, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and linebacker Daymion Sanford, all of which represented the Maroon and White at SEC Media Days on Wednesday.
#texas #Media
Former Alabama head coach and current college football ******* yst Nick Saban said he really likes what the Aggies bring to the table this season, including the return of Reed as the signal-caller. Texas A&M achieved its first 11-0 start since 1992 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in Elko's second season at the helm, paving the way for a higher ceiling and much higher expectations.
According to Saban, Reed's a really good passer who has continued to get better each year. With a slew of talented and electric targets surrounding him, this could be the Nashville, Tennessee, native's chance to take his game to the next level.
It is undeniable that Saban is a believer in what Elko has built in College Station, after being ranked second in program history for best record through the first two seasons (19-7), just behind former Aggie head coach Kevin Sumlin. Texas A&M also tied a school record with 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Despite the loss of production, the Aggies hauled in the No. 4 transfer portal class, No. 7 recruiting class and retained guys like Reed, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and linebacker Daymion Sanford, all of which represented the Maroon and White at SEC Media Days on Wednesday.
#texas #Media
29 days ago
There's been no shortage of news from SEC media days. Things continue with Texas A&M football's representatives taking the stand Wednesday to answer questions.
Aggies linebacker Daymion Sanford, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and quarterback Marcel Reed join head coach Mike Elko in Tampa Bay, Fla. A&M has improved every year under Elko, winning 11 games and making the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Alabama, Florida and Ole Miss representatives will also be available. Although the Crimson Tide is not the perennial powerhouse it was under Nick Saban, head coach Kalen DeBoer returns a talented roster led by wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams. The Gators and Rebels are both under new leadership, with the former headed by Jon Sumrall and the latter by Pete Golding.
Here are live updates from SEC media days.
#coach #texas #aggies
Aggies linebacker Daymion Sanford, safety Marcus Ratcliffe and quarterback Marcel Reed join head coach Mike Elko in Tampa Bay, Fla. A&M has improved every year under Elko, winning 11 games and making the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Alabama, Florida and Ole Miss representatives will also be available. Although the Crimson Tide is not the perennial powerhouse it was under Nick Saban, head coach Kalen DeBoer returns a talented roster led by wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams. The Gators and Rebels are both under new leadership, with the former headed by Jon Sumrall and the latter by Pete Golding.
Here are live updates from SEC media days.
#coach #texas #aggies
1 month ago
T. Denny Sanford wanted to die broke. He nearly pulled it off.
The South Dakota banking magnate spent decades giving away his fortune, and by the end he had parted with more than $4 billion, $2 billion of which went to his namesake health system. The billionaire philanthropist died July 18 at age 90. As of March, his net worth was estimated at $2.4 billion.
"I want to die broke," Sanford told Forbes in 2007. "Very plainly, very succinctly, I look at life as an investor. What will give me or my community the best return?"
His donations turned a small regional hospital into one of the largest rural health-care networks in the country. That made him the "greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history," according to South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden.
Sanford gave across the state, which resulted in the Sanford Underground Research Facility, a major state ***** et in science and education; the Build Dakota Scholarships and the Premier/Freedom Scholarship, which have gone to thousands of young people; the Sioux Falls Development Foundation; and the Children's Home Society of South Dakota, where he was the biggest donor, according to the governor's office.
The South Dakota banking magnate spent decades giving away his fortune, and by the end he had parted with more than $4 billion, $2 billion of which went to his namesake health system. The billionaire philanthropist died July 18 at age 90. As of March, his net worth was estimated at $2.4 billion.
"I want to die broke," Sanford told Forbes in 2007. "Very plainly, very succinctly, I look at life as an investor. What will give me or my community the best return?"
His donations turned a small regional hospital into one of the largest rural health-care networks in the country. That made him the "greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history," according to South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden.
Sanford gave across the state, which resulted in the Sanford Underground Research Facility, a major state ***** et in science and education; the Build Dakota Scholarships and the Premier/Freedom Scholarship, which have gone to thousands of young people; the Sioux Falls Development Foundation; and the Children's Home Society of South Dakota, where he was the biggest donor, according to the governor's office.
1 month ago
John Kirby, the longtime acting coach and son to Bruce Kirby, has died. He was 75.
Kirby died Wednesday three years after being diagnosed with ALS. His ******* ociate, Nathan Besbitt, confirmed his death on Instagram.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Hal Williams, Actor on '227' and 'Sanford and Son,' Dies at 91
Scott Bryce, Actor on 'As the World Turns' and 'Popular,' Dies at 68
Kirby died Wednesday three years after being diagnosed with ALS. His ******* ociate, Nathan Besbitt, confirmed his death on Instagram.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Hal Williams, Actor on '227' and 'Sanford and Son,' Dies at 91
Scott Bryce, Actor on 'As the World Turns' and 'Popular,' Dies at 68
1 month ago
Jul. 14—SIOUX FALLS — The college football season kicked off in a way on Tuesday, with the Missouri Valley Football Conference holding its annual Media Day event at the Sanford Pentagon.
Both the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University programs were represented. Here's a sampling of what they said in interviews with Midwest Sports Plus. To see full interviews with all nine teams,
visit the livestream replay on our website
.
SDSU quarterback Chase Mason on playing out his senior season at SDSU: "I'm just super excited to play a season with the guys we have. I love the senior class that we have this year. We've got a great group of guys and obviously **** ody wants to get hurt, but injuries are going to happen. I think my job for this year is getting guys prepared that, maybe last year, there weren't as many guys prepared when injuries happened. ... We know how high our ceiling can be and we have the most talented team that we could ever want and coach (Dan) Jackson has done a great job recruiting. I feel like the job this summer is to kind of raise that floor up. When injuries happen and things happen in the season like they are going to, you can't go around that. It's those guys that need to step up. There's going to be guys on the team that need to step up this year. That's what the summer is for."
Both the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University programs were represented. Here's a sampling of what they said in interviews with Midwest Sports Plus. To see full interviews with all nine teams,
visit the livestream replay on our website
.
SDSU quarterback Chase Mason on playing out his senior season at SDSU: "I'm just super excited to play a season with the guys we have. I love the senior class that we have this year. We've got a great group of guys and obviously **** ody wants to get hurt, but injuries are going to happen. I think my job for this year is getting guys prepared that, maybe last year, there weren't as many guys prepared when injuries happened. ... We know how high our ceiling can be and we have the most talented team that we could ever want and coach (Dan) Jackson has done a great job recruiting. I feel like the job this summer is to kind of raise that floor up. When injuries happen and things happen in the season like they are going to, you can't go around that. It's those guys that need to step up. There's going to be guys on the team that need to step up this year. That's what the summer is for."
1 month ago
Fmr. Gov. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) joins Meet the Press NOW to react to the sudden and unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Sanford discusses Senator Graham's legacy on Capitol Hill and his role as a liaison between President Trump and the Senate.
1 month ago
Jul. 14—SIOUX FALLS — For the third time in the last four seasons, South Dakota State is the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Football Conference ahead of the 2026 season, the league announced on Tuesday.
SDSU received 28 of the 36 first-place votes and 312 vote points to land in first place. Illinois State was second with 256 points, Youngstown State was third with 235 points, followed by North Dakota in fourth (211) and South Dakota in fifth (196).
The rest of the league preseason order included Southern Illinois in sixth, Northern Iowa in seventh, Indiana State in eighth and Murray State in ninth place.
The preseason poll was announced in conjunction with the conference's media day event on Tuesday at the Sanford Pentagon.
A total of five teams received first place votes, with three for Illinois State, which played in the FCS championship game and finished as national runner-up in January. UND and USD each got two first-place votes and SIU also picked up a first-place nod.
SDSU received 28 of the 36 first-place votes and 312 vote points to land in first place. Illinois State was second with 256 points, Youngstown State was third with 235 points, followed by North Dakota in fourth (211) and South Dakota in fifth (196).
The rest of the league preseason order included Southern Illinois in sixth, Northern Iowa in seventh, Indiana State in eighth and Murray State in ninth place.
The preseason poll was announced in conjunction with the conference's media day event on Tuesday at the Sanford Pentagon.
A total of five teams received first place votes, with three for Illinois State, which played in the FCS championship game and finished as national runner-up in January. UND and USD each got two first-place votes and SIU also picked up a first-place nod.
1 month ago
Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class is all but wrapped up after third-year coach Mike Elko and first-year linebackers coach Travis Williams landed another key commitment from four-star linebacker Makahi Allen on Saturday afternoon, as the well-rounded defender joins five-star linebacker Kaden Henderson and rising three-star LB commit Aston Whiteside.
On paper, Texas A&M's future linebacker rotation is all but set with Henderson and Allen in the fold, though transfer Ray Coney and senior Daymion Sanford, who will likely miss the first half of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury, are set to depart after the 2026 season. Combined with the Aggies' four freshman linebackers, including Tamarion Watkins, whose 6'4" frame and physicality are highly intriguing.
Before landing Kaden Henderson, Texas A&M had not secured a five-star LB commit in over 20 years, while Makahi Allen's background as a former safety who is already an established off-ball linebacker, who has shown the ability to shoot gaps and cover the corners in coverage pairs well with Henderson's elite athleticism and NFL-level speed/quickness.
Other freshman linebackers to note include DaQuives Beck, Storm Miller, and Tank King, who will likely sit and develop during the 2026 season. Given the lack of depth behind Ray Coney and sophomore Noah Mikhail, DaQuives Beck is a name to watch during preseason practice. Every player listed is at least 6'0" or more, providing plenty of size to stop the run and face larger offensive linemen in pass rush situations.
Mike Elko's focus on situational awareness and football IQ forces every current and future player on the roster to adapt and not take their foot off the gas on any play, especially at linebacker, which, as many know, serves as the quarterback of the defense.
On paper, Texas A&M's future linebacker rotation is all but set with Henderson and Allen in the fold, though transfer Ray Coney and senior Daymion Sanford, who will likely miss the first half of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury, are set to depart after the 2026 season. Combined with the Aggies' four freshman linebackers, including Tamarion Watkins, whose 6'4" frame and physicality are highly intriguing.
Before landing Kaden Henderson, Texas A&M had not secured a five-star LB commit in over 20 years, while Makahi Allen's background as a former safety who is already an established off-ball linebacker, who has shown the ability to shoot gaps and cover the corners in coverage pairs well with Henderson's elite athleticism and NFL-level speed/quickness.
Other freshman linebackers to note include DaQuives Beck, Storm Miller, and Tank King, who will likely sit and develop during the 2026 season. Given the lack of depth behind Ray Coney and sophomore Noah Mikhail, DaQuives Beck is a name to watch during preseason practice. Every player listed is at least 6'0" or more, providing plenty of size to stop the run and face larger offensive linemen in pass rush situations.
Mike Elko's focus on situational awareness and football IQ forces every current and future player on the roster to adapt and not take their foot off the gas on any play, especially at linebacker, which, as many know, serves as the quarterback of the defense.
1 month ago
Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked recruiting class was further strengthened after coach Mike Elko and his staff landed five-star linebacker Kaeden Henderson, considered one of the top athletes in the cycle, and he will likely compete for a starting job during his first season. After landing four linebacker commitments in the 2026 recruiting class, Elko and new LB coach Travis Williams had their sights set on 2027 four-star linebacker Mikahi Allen.
One of the top-ranked players in New Jersey, Allen is among the more underrated defensive prospects with high NFL upside and pairs well with Henderson's speed and pass-rush potential. Coming down to Texas, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, the Aggies came out on top during his announcement on Saturday, landing their 26th commitment in the top-ranked 2027 cycle.
Consistent linebacker play has been an issue for Texas A&M going back to the Kevin Sumlin years, and while former three-year starter Taurean York was certainly productive, his lack of size was an issue, and heading into the 2026 season, only senior Daymion Sanford is listed below 6'0", as projected starters Ray Coney and Noah Mikhail are both 6'2" and over 220 pounds.
Mikahi Allen is currently listed at 6'2" and 235 pounds, and according to 247Sports' Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins, the New Jersey-based prospect can simply do it all, providing Elko and Williams another versatile athlete who will compete for a starting role in his second season.
"Can do a little bit of everything as he can attack the corner while playing on the ball, shoot gaps when positioned off the ball and impact passing lanes in coverage."
One of the top-ranked players in New Jersey, Allen is among the more underrated defensive prospects with high NFL upside and pairs well with Henderson's speed and pass-rush potential. Coming down to Texas, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, the Aggies came out on top during his announcement on Saturday, landing their 26th commitment in the top-ranked 2027 cycle.
Consistent linebacker play has been an issue for Texas A&M going back to the Kevin Sumlin years, and while former three-year starter Taurean York was certainly productive, his lack of size was an issue, and heading into the 2026 season, only senior Daymion Sanford is listed below 6'0", as projected starters Ray Coney and Noah Mikhail are both 6'2" and over 220 pounds.
Mikahi Allen is currently listed at 6'2" and 235 pounds, and according to 247Sports' Director of Scouting, Andrew Ivins, the New Jersey-based prospect can simply do it all, providing Elko and Williams another versatile athlete who will compete for a starting role in his second season.
"Can do a little bit of everything as he can attack the corner while playing on the ball, shoot gaps when positioned off the ball and impact passing lanes in coverage."
1 month ago
It's almost time for the MLB Draft and North Carolina has plenty of eyes on its prospects after UNC's run to the College World Series, a half-dozen NC State players off to the combine and ECU claiming another conference tournament ****** le.
The Pirates are also set to claim the NCHSAA's all-time leader in hits and runs scored in Terry Sanford shortstop Josh Mozingo, who committed to ECU almost two years ago, if the pros don't claim him first. Terry Sanford has already sent six players on to the MLB Draft, most recently DJ Herz in 2019.
With the 2026 MLB Draft set for July 11-12 in Philadelphia, The Fayetteville Observer takes a look back at all-time draft picks from Fayetteville high schools.
Kevin McKague — 2012 MLB Draft, Round 23, No. 719 overall to Atlanta Braves (Army, P)
Kevin Hairr — 2001 MLB Draft, Round 15, No. 438 overall to Chicago Cubs (UNCW, OF)
The Pirates are also set to claim the NCHSAA's all-time leader in hits and runs scored in Terry Sanford shortstop Josh Mozingo, who committed to ECU almost two years ago, if the pros don't claim him first. Terry Sanford has already sent six players on to the MLB Draft, most recently DJ Herz in 2019.
With the 2026 MLB Draft set for July 11-12 in Philadelphia, The Fayetteville Observer takes a look back at all-time draft picks from Fayetteville high schools.
Kevin McKague — 2012 MLB Draft, Round 23, No. 719 overall to Atlanta Braves (Army, P)
Kevin Hairr — 2001 MLB Draft, Round 15, No. 438 overall to Chicago Cubs (UNCW, OF)
2 months ago
EA Sports College Football 27, the highly anticipated video game from Electronic Arts, is set for its official release on July 9. Ahead of the launch, EA revealed the individual player ratings for every student-athlete who opted into the game.
Topping the list for the Florida Gators is running back Jadan Baugh at 91 overall, while wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. earned a 90 overall rating, representing the team's two players above the 90 mark. Safety Bryce Thornton (87), wide receiver Vernell Brown III (87) and linebacker Myles Graham (85) round out the top five players according to their overall ratings.
In total, 28 UF players were rated 80 overall or better.
As a team, Florida is ranked No. 19 with an 84 rating overall, while the offense earned an 84 rating and the defense earned an 83 rating. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is rated as the game's seventh toughest place to play, behind LSU's Tiger Stadium, Ohio State's Ohio Stadium, Penn State's Beaver Stadium, Georgia's Sanford Stadium, Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium and Oregon's Autzen Stadium, respectively.
Player
Topping the list for the Florida Gators is running back Jadan Baugh at 91 overall, while wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. earned a 90 overall rating, representing the team's two players above the 90 mark. Safety Bryce Thornton (87), wide receiver Vernell Brown III (87) and linebacker Myles Graham (85) round out the top five players according to their overall ratings.
In total, 28 UF players were rated 80 overall or better.
As a team, Florida is ranked No. 19 with an 84 rating overall, while the offense earned an 84 rating and the defense earned an 83 rating. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is rated as the game's seventh toughest place to play, behind LSU's Tiger Stadium, Ohio State's Ohio Stadium, Penn State's Beaver Stadium, Georgia's Sanford Stadium, Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium and Oregon's Autzen Stadium, respectively.
Player
2 months ago
Katherine LaNasa tells EW that she "didn't own a television" and "didn't know anything" about Dennis Hopper before meeting and eventually marrying him.
The Pitt star recalls "mysterious" auditions Hopper would hold at their home for "brave" actresses trying to break into the industry.
LaNasa explains how Hopper, Sydney Pollack, and the influential acting teacher Sanford Meisner all played pivotal roles in her transition from ballet to acting.
Katherine LaNasa's route into the heart of Hollywood was unconventional, but paved by a trio of legends.
A classically trained ballerina, the standout star of the hit medical drama The Pitt opened up about her transition to acting on a recent episode of Entertainment Weekly's The Awardist podcast.
The Pitt star recalls "mysterious" auditions Hopper would hold at their home for "brave" actresses trying to break into the industry.
LaNasa explains how Hopper, Sydney Pollack, and the influential acting teacher Sanford Meisner all played pivotal roles in her transition from ballet to acting.
Katherine LaNasa's route into the heart of Hollywood was unconventional, but paved by a trio of legends.
A classically trained ballerina, the standout star of the hit medical drama The Pitt opened up about her transition to acting on a recent episode of Entertainment Weekly's The Awardist podcast.
