Rivals Five-Star: Interview with four-star OL Carter Scruggs
LIVE FROM RIVALS FIVE-STAR MEDIA DAY: All the news, notes and interviews
RIVALS FIVE-STAR EVENT: Roster | Ten prospects to watch closely | Ten matchups we can't wait to see | ACC programs in the spotlight | Big Ten programs in the spotlight | SEC programs in the spotlight | Key QB storylines | Key RB storylines | Key WR storylines | Key TE storylines | Key OL storylines | Key DL storylines | Key LB storylines | Key DB storylines | Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
15 minutes ago
- USA Today
Paul Finebaum praises Dabo Swinney, says Cade Klubnik is better QB than LSU's Nussmeier
Finebaum: Swinney is player's coach who has 'transformed' with where college football is now. ESPN's Paul Finebaum has taken plenty of shots at Dabo Swinney through the years, but the veteran college football commentator continued with his apparent about-face on the Clemson coach Friday on "Get Up." Finebaum joined host Mike Greenberg and studio panelists Harry Douglass, Mike Tannenbaum and Damien Woody to discuss some of the top storylines entering the 2025 college football season. In one segment, Greenberg replayed Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik's comments from ACC Kickoff in which the former 5-star recruit from Austin, Texas, recalled how Swinney had stuck with him after a shaky 2023 season that included four losses. "After my sophomore year, when everybody kind of told me I sucked and wasn't very good, a lot of people wanted me out of Clemson," Klubnik said Thursday. "Coach Swinney pulled me into his office and told me, 'Cade, I believe in you and let's go to work.' ... When he could have gone and done what a lot of other coaches would do, but didn't and pulled me in tight and said I believe in you. I'll never forget that moment." Finebaum praised Swinney for sticking with Klubnik and said that the Clemson coach had gradually "transformed" with where the game is now -- and that it might be enough fuel to help a Tigers return to the national championship game this season. "Greeny, I don't think I need to remind you how many times I've been here talking about how Dabo's dynasty is done -- oh, maybe five or six. But what Dabo Swinney has done, he has transformed with where we are in college football. And at the core, he is a player's coach. His players love him, and that moment that we heard yesterday in Charlotte was significant, and it may be the fuel that helps Clemson come back from where they have been to possibly playing for a national championship. And that's the reason (for) the coach-player relationship, and Dabo has it with many others, as well." Finebaum said last week that Swinney had returned Clemson to national title contender status and added: "I think this is his best team since the 2019 title run." What a difference a year makes. Finebaum says Cade Klubnik is better QB than LSU's Garrett Nussmeier In a round of "Fact or Fiction" during Friday's episode of Get Up, Greenberg asked Finebaum whether it was a fact that Klubnik was a better quarterback than Nussmeier. Finebaum's answer: "That's fact, and we're splitting hairs here because these are the two best quarterbacks in the country. Nussmeier is the son of a coach. He is well-prepared, but I like Klubnik better in the clutch. I saw Nussmeier make too many mistakes under pressure, tried to do way too much." Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions in 14 games last season while leading Clemson to 10 wins, an ACC championship, and the program's first College Football Playoff appearance since 2020. Nussmeier threw for more yards (4,052) than Klubnik a year ago and helped lead LSU to six straight wins and a No. 8 ranking after their season-opening loss to USC. But he had costly turnovers in losses to Texas A&M and Alabama as part of a three-game losing streak that dropped Brian Kelly's team from playoff contention. LSU finished 9-4 after a win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. Clemson and LSU will open the season at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ABC. Clemson football schedule 2025 All times Eastern. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
Fox Sports
15 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
MLB trade deadline: Eugenio Suárez, Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo among prized players who could move
Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks got the trade deadline party started on Thursday night when they dealt 2024 All-Star Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners for two pitching prospects. That probably won't be the last time the D-backs make news before the July 31 deadline. Arizona has had a disappointing season with a 50-53 record and now appears to be one of the most active sellers on the MLB market, dangling third baseman Eugenio Suarez and starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. The potential buyers include teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, who are all trying to beef up their rosters in hopes of a deep playoff run. The market is heating up quickly: The Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies on Friday while the Mets added left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles. The D-backs have been one of the most intriguing teams in baseball over the past few weeks because management has had to make a tough decision whether to buy or sell. Arizona had a 50-50 record after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals following the All-Star break but were then swept by the Houston Astros. Those three losses appeared to seal their fate as sellers — though Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said he's still open to changing course. 'I want to see this team to continue to go out there and play,' Hazen said. 'I haven't decided what it's going to look like, honestly. I'm open-minded to a number of different things. ... Quite frankly, we're listening to what people have to say and what people have to offer and we're going to do what's best for the long term for this organization.' Naylor's already gone and he'll help a Seattle lineup that could use a little more punch. Suárez is having one of the best seasons of his career, slugging 36 homers over 101 games, and is arguably the best bat on the market. Here's a look at some of the top players who could be available as teams try to upgrade for the stretch run: Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks Suarez is just an average defensive third baseman these days, but that's not why teams want to acquire him. He's got the kind of bat that can carry a team for weeks at a time, major pop from the right side of the plate. He has 312 career homers, is well-liked in the locker room and has been productive in limited postseason at-bats with a .300 average. Mitch Keller, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates The 29-year-old Keller has been overshadowed in the Pirates' rotation thanks to the emergence of young star Paul Skenes, but the right-hander has been a reliable starter for the past four seasons and was an All-Star in 2023. The one catch is it'll take a sizable haul for the Pirates to make a deal: He's under contract through 2028 as part of a relatively reasonable $77 million, five-year deal. Seth Lugo, SP, Kansas City Royals Lugo has thrived in Kanas City over the past three seasons, moving to the starting rotation from the bullpen and providing consistent results. The 2024 All-Star has a 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA over 19 starts this year. Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks Gallen is having the worst full season of his career with a 7-11 record and 5.58 ERA but could still be an attractive add for a team that needs a starter. The 29-year-old right-hander has been one of the top pitchers in the National League over the past five years, finishing in the top 10 of the Cy Young voting in 2020, 2022 and 2023. His stuff is still good and he's had a handful of dominant starts this season. Merrill Kelly, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks The 36-year-old righty has quietly been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball with a 9-5 record and 3.32 ERA. He was also excellent during the D-backs' postseason run in 2023 with a 3-1 record, 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 24 innings. Kelly doesn't have an overpowering fastball but has a five-pitch mix that has consistently delivered results. Sandy Alcantara, SP, Miami Marlins The 29-year-old Alcantara isn't the same pitcher he was when he won the 2022 NL Cy Young Award, but the right-hander still has quite a bit of upside. He gave up just one unearned run over seven innings in a win against the Padres on Wednesday, which might help his value. His rotation partner Edward Cabrera — another right-hander — could also garner attention with a 3.48 ERA over 17 starts. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/DH, Baltimore Orioles The 31-year-old is having a career year with a .281 average, .375 on-base percentage and 14 homers, helping him earn All-Star honors for the first time in his career. His left-handed bat would be useful in a contender's lineup. ___ AP MLB: recommended Item 1 of 2
Hamilton Spectator
15 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
MLB trade deadline: Eugenio Suárez, Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo among prized players who could move
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks got the trade deadline party started on Thursday night when they dealt 2024 All-Star Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners for two pitching prospects. That probably won't be the last time the D-backs make news before the July 31 deadline. Arizona has had a disappointing season with a 50-53 record and now appears to be one of the most active sellers on the MLB market, dangling third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. The potential buyers include teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, who are all trying to beef up their rosters in hopes of a deep playoff run. The market is heating up quickly: The Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies on Friday while the Mets added left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles. The D-backs have been one of the most intriguing teams in baseball over the past few weeks because management has had to make a tough decision whether to buy or sell. Arizona had a 50-50 record after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals following the All-Star break but were then swept by the Houston Astros. Those three losses appeared to seal their fate as sellers — though Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said he's still open to changing course. 'I want to see this team to continue to go out there and play,' Hazen said. 'I haven't decided what it's going to look like, honestly. I'm open-minded to a number of different things. ... Quite frankly, we're listening to what people have to say and what people have to offer and we're going to do what's best for the long term for this organization.' Naylor's already gone and he'll help a Seattle lineup that could use a little more punch. Suárez is having one of the best seasons of his career, slugging 36 homers over 101 games, and is arguably the best bat on the market. Here's a look at some of the top players who could be available as teams try to upgrade for the stretch run: Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks Suarez is just an average defensive third baseman these days, but that's not why teams want to acquire him. He's got the kind of bat that can carry a team for weeks at a time, major pop from the right side of the plate. He has 312 career homers, is well-liked in the locker room and has been productive in limited postseason at-bats with a .300 average. Mitch Keller, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates The 29-year-old Keller has been overshadowed in the Pirates' rotation thanks to the emergence of young star Paul Skenes, but the right-hander has been a reliable starter for the past four seasons and was an All-Star in 2023. The one catch is it'll take a sizable haul for the Pirates to make a deal: He's under contract through 2028 as part of a relatively reasonable $77 million, five-year deal. Seth Lugo, SP, Kansas City Royals Lugo has thrived in Kanas City over the past three seasons, moving to the starting rotation from the bullpen and providing consistent results. The 2024 All-Star has a 7-5 record with a 2.95 ERA over 19 starts this year. Zac Gallen, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks Gallen is having the worst full season of his career with a 7-11 record and 5.58 ERA but could still be an attractive add for a team that needs a starter. The 29-year-old right-hander has been one of the top pitchers in the National League over the past five years, finishing in the top 10 of the Cy Young voting in 2020, 2022 and 2023. His stuff is still good and he's had a handful of dominant starts this season. Merrill Kelly, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks The 36-year-old righty has quietly been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball with a 9-5 record and 3.32 ERA. He was also excellent during the D-backs' postseason run in 2023 with a 3-1 record, 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 24 innings. Kelly doesn't have an overpowering fastball but has a five-pitch mix that has consistently delivered results. Sandy Alcantara, SP, Miami Marlins The 29-year-old Alcantara isn't the same pitcher he was when he won the 2022 NL Cy Young Award, but the right-hander still has quite a bit of upside. He gave up just one unearned run over seven innings in a win against the Padres on Wednesday, which might help his value. His rotation partner Edward Cabrera — another right-hander — could also garner attention with a 3.48 ERA over 17 starts. Ryan O'Hearn, 1B/DH, Baltimore Orioles The 31-year-old is having a career year with a .281 average, .375 on-base percentage and 14 homers, helping him earn All-Star honors for the first time in his career. His left-handed bat would be useful in a contender's lineup. ___ AP MLB:
