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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
4 reasons Longhorns may have dodged a bullet by losing 5-star Felix Ojo to Texas Tech
On the afternoon of Independence Day, five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo committed to Texas Tech. Thought to be a heavy Longhorns lean, the Mansfield, TX native reportedly accepted a late deal from the Red Raiders for $5.1 million dollars over three years. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect didn't even list Tech as a final four and told Rivals last week it was between Ohio State and Texas. In the end, Ojo took the big money from Texas Tech mega-booster and Matador Club founder Chad Campbell. Advertisement Could this end up being a blessing for Texas? Ojo was reportedly the Longhorns No. 1 target during this recruiting cycle. Texas spent a lot of time, effort and capital to get him to Austin. No one blames a 17 or 18 year old for taking the biggest offer. But it is how Ojo handled himself over the past 10 days that should put up red flags. Cash over player development While taking the biggest offer is understandable, it is shortsighted. No one would say the player development at Texas Tech is as good as the Longhorns have been under Steve Sarkisian. Texas has the most NFL Draft picks over the past two years and have a great record of getting offensive lineman drafted high. Kelvin Banks Jr. went No. 9 to the Saints in the most recent draft. Ojo simply won't get the quality of coaching at Tech as he would at UT. Most agents want the biggest deal possible. It seems logical. But sometimes that goal is at odds with the player's future. The agent wants his percentage of the money to be as much and as soon as possible. Ojo's representative Derrick Shelby probably won't be his agent when it comes time to negotiate his first NFL contract. But the cost for the client, in this case Ojo, is player development. Advertisement Disingenuous in the final days Bobby Burton has covered the Longhorns for decades. The media legend helped found Rivals and 247Sports. Burton says Ojo purposely strung the coaching staffs of Texas and Ohio State along in the waning stages of his recruitment, even though his camp had made the decision to head to Lubbock. Playing coy in the press and on social media is one thing. Being less than truthful with other coaching staffs for spot is another level. Disrespectful commitment ceremony Many recruits play the old "hat switcheroo" at their commitment announcement. A lot of prospects, and even fans, find it funny. But coaches HATE it and they remember it. It is patently disrespectful to the staff that spent their time, effort, money and emotions to recruit you. Of course, the losing school has a lot of self interest each time they recruit a prospect. But unless you were treated poorly, there's no need to rub it in their faces at the end. Ojo did a real song and dance with the Longhorns cap at his commitment ceremony. Recent struggles on the field Ojo really struggled at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge last week. I have been to several of these events. When a guy struggles as bad as Ojo struggled, it can mean the player is over-ranked. High School players can spend most of their career dominating the opposition in their own district. Mansfield Lake Ridge High School is in a district with other Mansfield, Crowley and Weatherford schools. It is a district with decent, but not great, opposition. Advertisement Sometimes when a prospect meets elite talent for the first time at a national event, they are overwhelmed. The Five-Star challenge has the hundred best players in the nation and the defensive lineman Ojo faced ran over, around and through him all day. It was so bad Ojo had to issue a national statement after the camp. Ojo looked slow and lackadaisical and flat-out bullied. Ojo might be incredible in Lubbock. He might be the No. 1 pick in the 2028 NFL Draft. He is certainly guaranteed to make a lot of money for himself and his family. But his entire recruitment does send up some warning signs that make it less likely Texas missed out on a generational talent and more likely the Horns dodged a bullet. Advertisement Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire. This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Four reasons Texas dodged a bullet losing 5-star Felix Ojo to Tech
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
HBCU Creates Research Foundation to Power Itself to R2 Status
Grambling State University has launched a bold initiative to strengthen its national research profile. On July 2, the Louisiana-based HBCU introduced the Grambling Research and Resource Foundation, known as GR2. This new nonprofit aims to accelerate the university's push toward R2 classification, deepen its research efforts, and create long-term financial stability. The foundation is a core part of Grambling State's upcoming 2026 strategic plan, which emphasizes innovation, graduate education, and strategic partnerships. By establishing GR2, the university signals a clear intent to lead among HBCUs in research, resource development, and academic excellence. "GR2 is the engine behind our next chapter," said Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., President of Grambling State. "It represents not just a commitment to excellence, but a belief in the transformational power of HBCUs to lead in discovery, technology, and equitable access." Grambling State has seen consistent growth in fundraising over the past few years. For example, its most recent 1901 Day of Giving generated a record-breaking $711,907. Annual campaigns have also shown increased participation, reflecting stronger engagement from alumni and supporters. "Our top fundraising priority remains what it has always been-scholarships for our students," Lemelle added. "Now, GR2 gives us the tools to think bigger and build smarter. Whether we are supporting a first-generation college student, launching a new research lab, or establishing an endowed faculty chair, this foundation allows us to drive forward." The GR2 Foundation will be governed by a diverse and experienced board. The group includes alumni with law, finance, healthcare, and engineering expertise. Their combined insight strengthens the foundation's ability to make strategic decisions quickly and effectively to pursue R2 classification. The board features: Jon-Al Duplantier ('89), a corporate board director and former energy executiveAdonis Ducre ('04), a healthcare entrepreneur and M&A strategistEric Moses ('01), a finance leader at Shell North AmericaKourtni Mason ('08), a legal and risk management expertPortia Singh ('07), a biomedical engineer and HealthTech innovator In addition, the Grambling State University has appointed faculty, staff, students, and finance representatives. Brandon A. Logan, Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation, is now GR2's Executive Director. "This foundation gives us the agility to act on opportunity," Logan said. "We now have the infrastructure to scale our impact and the vision to shape the future of this HBCU." Grambling State has secured more than $12 million in recent research-related funding. The university received $7 million from the National Science Foundation and $500,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. These funds support faculty innovation, graduate research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. "Our recent growth in external funding is no accident," said Theodore Callier, Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs. "It reflects careful planning and bold execution. GR2 allows us to expand even further. We can now move faster, form stronger partnerships, and respond more strategically to new opportunities." The Carnegie Classification designates R2 status for universities that demonstrate high research activity. To qualify, institutions must: Spend at least $5 million annually on researchAward 20 or more doctoral degrees each yearSustain graduate-level infrastructure and support Grambling State is already aligning with these standards. Its Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Administration is active, and the university is expanding doctoral offerings in sustainability, quantum computing, and nursing. "With GR2, we can now better support our doctoral programs," said Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "We'll offer more research funding, fellowships, and facilities. R2 is not just a title-it's a benchmark of our progress." Through GR2, Grambling State University is making its intentions known. The university is ready to compete nationally, partner strategically, and grow sustainably. "GR2 is our promise," Logan said. "To every investor, researcher, and partner: Grambling State is ready. Whether you're contributing to a scholarship, backing a research fellowship, or investing in campus development, you can count on this HBCU to deliver results." Grambling's investment in GR2 marks a critical step in its evolution. More importantly, it sends a message: this HBCU is focused, future-ready, and built for long-term impact. The post HBCU Creates Research Foundation to Power Itself to R2 Status appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
4 reasons Longhorns may have dodged a bullet by losing 5-star Felix Ojo to Texas Tech
On the afternoon of Independence Day, five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo committed to Texas Tech. Thought to be a heavy Longhorns lean, the Mansfield, TX native reportedly accepted a late deal from the Red Raiders for $5.1 million dollars over three years. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound prospect didn't even list Tech as a final four and told Rivals last week it was between Ohio State and Texas. In the end, Ojo took the big money from Texas Tech mega-booster and Matador Club founder Chad Campbell. Could this end up being a blessing for Texas? Ojo was reportedly the Longhorns No. 1 target during this recruiting cycle. Texas spent a lot of time, effort and capital to get him to Austin. No one blames a 17 or 18 year old for taking the biggest offer. But it is how Ojo handled himself over the past 10 days that should put up red flags. Cash over player development While taking the biggest offer is understandable, it is shortsighted. No one would say the player development at Texas Tech is as good as the Longhorns have been under Steve Sarkisian. Texas has the most NFL Draft picks over the past two years and have a great record of getting offensive lineman drafted high. Kelvin Banks Jr. went No. 9 to the Saints in the most recent draft. Ojo simply won't get the quality of coaching at Tech as he would at UT. Most agents want the biggest deal possible. It seems logical. But sometimes that goal is at odds with the player's future. The agent wants his percentage of the money to be as much and as soon as possible. Ojo's representative Derrick Shelby probably won't be his agent when it comes time to negotiate his first NFL contract. But the cost for the client, in this case Ojo, is player development. Disingenuous in the final days Bobby Burton has covered the Longhorns for decades. The media legend helped found Rivals and 247Sports. Burton says Ojo purposely strung the coaching staffs of Texas and Ohio State along in the waning stages of his recruitment, even though his camp had made the decision to head to Lubbock. Playing coy in the press and on social media is one thing. Being less than truthful with other coaching staffs for spot is another level. Disrespectful commitment ceremony Many recruits play the old "hat switcheroo" at their commitment announcement. A lot of prospects, and even fans, find it funny. But coaches HATE it and they remember it. It is patently disrespectful to the staff that spent their time, effort, money and emotions to recruit you. Of course, the losing school has a lot of self interest each time they recruit a prospect. But unless you were treated poorly, there's no need to rub it in their faces at the end. Ojo did a real song and dance with the Longhorns cap at his commitment ceremony. Recent struggles on the field Ojo really struggled at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge last week. I have been to several of these events. When a guy struggles as bad as Ojo struggled, it can mean the player is over-ranked. High School players can spend most of their career dominating the opposition in their own district. Mansfield Lake Ridge High School is in a district with other Mansfield, Crowley and Weatherford schools. It is a district with decent, but not great, opposition. Sometimes when a prospect meets elite talent for the first time at a national event, they are overwhelmed. The Five-Star challenge has the hundred best players in the nation and the defensive lineman Ojo faced ran over, around and through him all day. It was so bad Ojo had to issue a national statement after the camp. Ojo looked slow and lackadaisical and flat-out bullied. Ojo might be incredible in Lubbock. He might be the No. 1 pick in the 2028 NFL Draft. He is certainly guaranteed to make a lot of money for himself and his family. But his entire recruitment does send up some warning signs that make it less likely Texas missed out on a generational talent and more likely the Horns dodged a bullet. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire.
