What are the key developments in college football. How is the Big Ten West shaping up. Which recruits are making waves in the 2024 and 2025 classes. What major news stories are impacting the sport.
Big Ten West: Analyzing Potential Changes and Team Dynamics
The Big Ten West division is poised for an intriguing season, with several teams looking to make significant strides. Bill Connelly provides insight into the burning questions surrounding these programs:
Wisconsin Badgers: Offensive Transformation Under Luke Fickell
Can Luke Fickell’s new offensive approach revitalize the Wisconsin Badgers? The team is transitioning from their traditional run-heavy scheme to a more balanced attack. This shift could be the key to elevating Wisconsin’s competitiveness in the conference.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Quarterback Conundrum
Will Iowa find the offensive spark they desperately need with a new quarterback at the helm? The Hawkeyes’ offense has been a point of concern, and a change under center could be the catalyst for improvement.
Minnesota Golden Gophers: Building on Recent Success
How will Minnesota maintain their momentum after recent successful seasons? The Golden Gophers have shown flashes of brilliance but face the challenge of consistency in a tough division.
Rising Stars: 2025 College Football Recruit Rankings
The latest ESPN 300 rankings for the class of 2025 have been released, showcasing the next generation of college football talent. Here are some key takeaways:
- 21 quarterbacks are ranked in the latest 2025 ESPN 300
- The rankings highlight potential game-changers across various positions
- Early commitments from top-ranked players are shaping the recruiting landscape
These rankings provide a glimpse into the future of college football, with many of these players likely to make significant impacts at the collegiate level in the coming years.
Impact Recruits: 15 College Football Prospects to Watch
Tom VanHaaren analyzes key 2024 recruits who are making waves in the recruiting world. Some notable developments include:
Ohio State’s Michigan Raid
The Buckeyes have successfully poached a highly-rated recruit from their arch-rival Michigan’s backyard, intensifying the ongoing rivalry between these two powerhouses.
Texas Tech’s Quarterback Gem
Texas Tech has landed a sleeper quarterback prospect who could potentially be a program-changing addition for the Red Raiders.
June Commitments and July Visits
62 players have made significant moves in their recruitment process, either through commitments in June or scheduled visits in July. These actions are shaping the 2024 recruiting class and providing insights into which programs are gaining momentum.
Breaking News: Top College Football Headlines
Several major stories are currently dominating the college football landscape:
- Georgia linebacker cited for speeding, going 88 mph in a 55 mph zone
- Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald suspended following an internal investigation
- Former Michigan State star and No. 2 NFL draft pick Brad Van Pelt passes away at 64
- Georgia bolsters its 2024 recruiting class with the addition of DT Jonah-Ajonye, ranked No. 21 overall
- Ex-Saints and Alabama RB Mark Ingram joins Fox as an analyst
- Arizona secures commitment from DE Elijah Rushing, the No. 20 player in the 2024 class
- College Football Hall of Fame coach Ed Sheridan dies at 81
These headlines reflect the constant flux of college football, from recruiting wins to off-field incidents and the passing of influential figures in the sport.
2024 NFL Draft: Early Mock Projections
Jordan Reid unveils his early projections for the 2024 NFL Draft, offering insights into potential first-round selections. Some key points from his mock draft include:
- Three quarterbacks projected in the top 10 picks
- A significant run on offensive linemen expected
- Several impact defenders slated for first-round selection
While it’s still early, these projections provide a glimpse into the potential shape of next year’s draft and highlight the players to watch in the upcoming college football season.
Nebraska’s Resurgence: Matt Rhule’s Rebuilding Strategy
Matt Rhule, known for his successful rebuilds at Temple and Baylor, is now tasked with restoring Nebraska to its former glory. Pete Thamel delves into Rhule’s unique approach:
Community Engagement
Rhule is focusing on building strong connections within the Nebraska community, even attending events like baby showers to foster relationships.
Innovative Training Methods
The implementation of a fullback camp showcases Rhule’s commitment to reviving traditional Nebraska football elements while incorporating modern techniques.
Cultural Shift
Rhule is working to instill a new culture of accountability and excellence within the program, aiming to change the team’s mindset and approach to competition.
This comprehensive strategy demonstrates Rhule’s commitment to a holistic rebuild of the Huskers program, touching on aspects both on and off the field.
2025 ESPN Junior 300 Rankings: Emerging Talents and Future Stars
The updated ESPN Junior 300 rankings for the class of 2025 reveal several intriguing prospects and developments:
Biggest Risers
Several players have made significant jumps in the rankings, showcasing their development and potential. These risers are attracting increased attention from top college programs.
Rare Offensive Line Talent
The rankings highlight an exceptionally talented offensive lineman, a position that often lacks standout prospects at this stage of recruitment.
Speedy Running Back Prospect
A running back with exceptional speed has caught the eyes of recruiters and evaluators, potentially reshaping the landscape of the position in this class.
Future Standouts
The rankings provide insight into players who may become household names in college football in the coming years, offering a glimpse into the sport’s future stars.
These rankings serve as a valuable tool for both college programs and fans, providing a roadmap of the talent that will shape college football in the years to come.
Pac-12 Uncertainties: TV Deal and Conference Realignment
The Pac-12 conference finds itself at a crossroads, facing significant challenges and potential changes. Pete Thamel reports on the latest developments:
Pac-12 TV Deal Status
The conference is still in negotiations for a new television deal, with the outcome potentially having far-reaching implications for the future of the Pac-12.
Colorado’s Potential Big 12 Move
Rumors are swirling about Colorado potentially leaving the Pac-12 for the Big 12 before the new TV deal is finalized. This move could trigger a domino effect of conference realignment.
SEC and Big Ten Expansion Interests
Both the SEC and Big Ten are reportedly showing interest in further expansion, with several Pac-12 schools potentially on their radar.
These ongoing developments highlight the volatile nature of conference alignments in college football and the significant role that media rights play in shaping the landscape of the sport.
As the college football world continues to evolve, these stories and developments will play crucial roles in shaping the future of the sport. From recruiting battles to conference realignments, and from on-field strategies to off-field challenges, the landscape of college football remains as dynamic and exciting as ever. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these narratives unfold in the coming months and years.
NCAA on ESPN – College Football Scores, Stats and Highlights
NCAA on ESPN – College Football Scores, Stats and Highlights
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Connelly on Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and the rest
Can Luke Fickell’s offense boost the Badgers? Will Iowa find a spark with a new QB? Bill Connelly breaks down the rugged Big Ten West.
22hBill Connelly
Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports
RECRUITING TRAIL IS HEATING UP
New 2025 college football recruit rankings: Prospects on the rise
There are 21 quarterbacks ranked in the latest 2025 ESPN 300 rankings. See the full list here.
1d
Under Armour
15 college football recruits you should know
From Ohio State poaching a Michigan target to Texas Tech landing a sleeper QB, we analyze key 2024 recruits.
3dTom VanHaaren
- 62 players: Impact June commits, July visits
Top Headlines
- Georgia LB cited for going 88 in a 55 mph zone
- Fitzgerald suspended after Northwestern inquiry
- Ex-MSU star Cooks, No. 2 pick in ’82, dies at 64
- Georgia adds DT Jonah-Ajonye, No. 21 in 2024
- Ex-Saints, Bama RB Ingram joins Fox as analyst
- Arizona lands DE Rushing, No. 20 player in 2024
- College Football HOF coach Sheridan dies at 81
NFL DRAFT
Three quarterbacks in the top 10 picks next year? Reid unveils a new 2024 NFL mock draft
Three QBs in the top 10? A run on offensive linemen? Impact defenders galore? Early projections for next year’s 32 first-round picks.
2dJordan Reid
Illustration by ESPN
RESTORING THE HUSKERS TO GLORY
Inside Matt Rhule’s plan to rebuild Nebraska, one baby shower and fullback camp at a time
Matt Rhule has been the master of the unlikely college rebuild at Temple and Baylor. Nebraska is betting big that he can do it one more time, and restore the Huskers to glory.
8dPete Thamel
Steven Branscombe/USA TODAY Sports
ESPN 300 RANKINGS
What’s new in the updated ESPN Junior 300 rankings: Biggest risers, future standouts
We break down the 2025 college football recruits who climbed the latest rankings, including a rare offensive line talent and a speedy RB.
2dCraig Haubert and Tom Luginbill
Bishop Gorman High School
2024 ESPN 300: See the updated rankings
There are 22 quarterbacks ranked in the latest ESPN 300 rankings. See the full list here.
9d
- Georgia LB cited for going 88 in a 55 mph zone
- Fitzgerald suspended after Northwestern inquiry
- Ex-MSU star Cooks, No. 2 pick in ’82, dies at 64
- Georgia adds DT Jonah-Ajonye, No. 21 in 2024
- Ex-Saints, Bama RB Ingram joins Fox as analyst
- Arizona lands DE Rushing, No. 20 player in 2024
- College Football HOF coach Sheridan dies at 81
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- Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images
We could be in for a wild ride out west. Bill Connelly breaks down the burning questions and players to watch for teams formerly in the North Division.
- Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
What’s going on with the Pac-12 TV deal? Could Colorado head for the Big 12 before they see those numbers? And who might the SEC and Big Ten be interested in next? Pete Thamel has the latest from the industry’s power brokers.
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Despite a 45-6 record and two conference titles over four seasons, the pressure is on for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day after back-to-back losses to archrival Michigan.
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We went behind the scenes at Nick Saban’s youth football camp to see what happens when you combine the famously demanding coach and more than 1,100 kids ages 8-13.
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We preview the 2023 college football season, including the September games we’re most excited to watch and coaches who need to get off to a hot start.
Purdue University Fort Wayne Athletics
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Season tickets are now available for the upcoming Purdue Fort Wayne women’s volleyball, men’s basketball and women’s basketball seasons.
Season tickets for women’s volleyball and women’s basketball start at just $60 per seat, and men’s basketball starts at just $105 per seat. You can also place a seat deposit to lock in your seat now and pay the remaining balance later. Seat deposits for women’s volleyball and women’s basketball are $25 per seat, and men’s basketball is $50 per seat. Each deposit goes towards your overall total for season tickets, which will be paid in full by no later than August 15th, 2023. Lock in the best seats in the house before they sell out! More information on men’s volleyball tickets will become available later this year.
New to the 2023-24 Mastodon Athletics season, we will have multi-sport season ticket combo packs available! Save up to 20 percent on your season ticket purchases by adding two, three or all four Mastodon Athletics ticketed sports to your account. The more sports you add to your combo pack, the more money you save. This offer is for Lower Level seating only, and is available to both new and existing season ticket holders. Season ticket combo packs start at just $140 per seat or a $50 deposit per seat.
Information on Mastodon Multi-Game Mini Packs for men’s and women’s basketball will become available later this fall. Choose between three to six games per pack of your choice of any regular season home game. New this season will be Ride The Wave Flex Plans for men’s basketball and Rumble Flex Plans for men’s and women’s volleyball and women’s basketball. Each flex plan will receive 10 ticket vouchers which can be redeemed for Lower Level seating in any amount for any qualifying game throughout the regular season. These mini plans and flex plans will provide you and your family with the best savings per ticket, so don’t miss out on a great opportunity to attend more Mastodon Athletics events this season!
Group tickets will become available soon for all Mastodon Athletics ticketed sports. Women’s volleyball group tickets will become available for purchase in July 2023, while men’s and women’s basketball group tickets will become available for purchase in September 2023. Groups of 10 or more people can receive discounted tickets and the opportunity to participate in incredible group benefits.