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USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Georgia football ranked in Athlon Sports' preseason top five
The Georgia Bulldogs are once again expected to be one of the best teams in the nation. Athlon Sports' Steven Lassan released his official preseason rankings, and the Bulldogs ranked fourth on the list. Lassan prefaces that Kirby Smart and his squad come into the 2025 season with more question marks than past squads. Expected starter Gunner Stockton has just two games of experience (the 2024 SEC championship and Sugar Bowl) and one start. However, Georgia did make a strong effort to help him, adding top receiver transfers Noah Thomas (from Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (from USC). The Georgia running game also struggled in 2024 (second-to-last in the SEC in yards per game) and Georgia only has one returning offensive lineman from last year. However, Lassan believes that the talent in the backfield is too good to struggle again next year, believing that sophomore Nate Frazier will have a breakout season as a lead back. Josh McCray and Bo Walker could be interesting pieces behind Frazier, while Cash Jones adds another weapon to the passing game. Lassan also believes the defense is in transition as well. The Bulldogs lost tons of young talent through the transfer portal and several key starters to the 2025 NFL draft, but Georgia still has stars, such as Christen Miller on the defensive line, CJ Allen on the linebacker core, and cornerback Daylen Everette and safety KJ Bolden in the secondary. Overall, development will be the key to proving the No. 4 ranking true. Georgia ranks second in the SEC and fourth in the nation behind Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas, who earned the No. 1 spot. Georgia and Texas play each other on Nov. 15 in a potential de facto SEC championship. Athlon Sports' preseason top 25 rankings Follow UGAWire on Instagram or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Meet Athlon Sports' New Senior Golf Writer
Meet Athlon Sports' New Senior Golf Writer originally appeared on Athlon Sports. My name is Brendon Elliott. I'm a PGA professional based in Central Florida and a new, proud member of AARP—just turned 50 this past May. Starting now, I'll be your new senior golf writer for Athlon Sports and the Morning Read newsletter. Advertisement Honestly, I'm extremely excited about this opportunity. But before we dive into all the golf content coming your way, I figured you should know who's behind these articles. In 1980, in the small town of Norwich, New York, in the middle of nowhere, Chenango County, I was a snot-nosed 5-year-old kid watching my dad and grandfather head out for their weekly golf league. Even at 5, I was completely mesmerized by this game I didn't understand but desperately wanted to be part of. When they finally let me tag along and swing those ridiculously oversized clubs, something just clicked. Forty-five years later, I'm still that same kid inside—just with a few more aches and a lot more experience. Growing up in a small upstate town, golf wasn't exactly the cool thing to do. But I didn't care. I spent every free moment at Riverbend Golf Club in New Berlin, then later at Canasawacta Country Club when my dad joined there. By high school, I was good enough to make varsity as a freshman, though a broken hip and foot slowed me down for a while. In my senior year, I managed a 10th-place finish at the Conference Championship with an 80 in brutal conditions. Not bad for a kid from Norwich. Advertisement Here's the thing about golf — it's the people who make all the difference. In the late 1980s and early '90s, I was this goofy teenager working at Canasawacta's pro shop. The head pro, Fred Zahner, could have easily dismissed me as just another kid looking for a summer job. Instead, he saw potential and gave me real responsibilities. Fred taught me that golf was about more than just playing—it was about serving others and growing the game. My first real coaches, Bob and David Branham, opened my eyes to what proper instruction looked like. These guys didn't just teach me how to swing; they showed me how to think about the game strategically. Looking back, they planted the seeds for my eventual career as a teaching professional. Then there was my younger brother, Graham. Smart as a whip and a trained journalist who worked at Golfweek in the early 2000s before becoming a school teacher. Watching him craft stories with such precision made me appreciate good writing long before I ever thought I'd be doing it myself. In 1996, it was my time to put up or shut up. I'd graduated from SUNY Delhi with a degree in golf course operations, but I knew if I was serious about making golf my career, I couldn't do it from upstate New York. So I packed everything I owned into a beat-up car and drove to Central Florida with about $1,000 to my name and zero guaranteed job prospects. Advertisement Scared? Absolutely. But sometimes you've got to bet on yourself. Those early years in Florida were a crash course in the golf business. I worked my way up from the ground floor, eventually spending 13 years at Winter Park Country Club, where I served as both general manager and head professional for the final five years. It was there that I really learned how to run a golf operation from top to bottom. But the real game-changer came in 2008 when I left that comfortable position to start Little Linksters Golf Academy. People thought I was crazy — walking away from a good job to teach 3-year-olds how to play golf. Turns out, it was the best decision I ever made. For 16 years, my wife, Melisa, and I built something special with Little Linksters. We introduced thousands of kids to golf, many starting as young as 3 years old. The program earned national recognition, and I was honored to receive the PGA of America's National Youth Player Development Award in 2017. Just this past December, I transitioned ownership to my former head coach, Ricky Collado, knowing the academy was in great hands. Advertisement Throughout my career, I've been surrounded by incredible PGA Professionals who shared their knowledge freely—guys like Jay Kennedy, Ken Wayend, Steve Lundblad, John Hughes, Brad Turner, and Alan Flashner. Each taught me something different about the game and the business. Their influence runs through everything I do. About three years ago, I started writing more seriously through my company, One More Roll Golf Media. What began as a side project has evolved into partnerships with prominent outlets, including PGA Magazine, GolfWRX, and MyGolfSpy, among others. Well over 1,000 articles later, I'm still learning something new with each piece I write. What I am not: Let me be crystal clear about something: I'm not a trained journalist. My brother Graham is—I'm not. I have tremendous respect for professionally trained sports writers who've honed their craft through years of education and experience. They deserve recognition for their expertise. What I am: What I bring you is different. I'm a guy who's lived in the golf world for nearly three decades, wearing just about every hat you can imagine—player, teacher, coach, manager, entrepreneur, and now writer. I've seen this industry from angles most people never get to experience. Advertisement I'm still that 5-year-old kid from Norwich at heart, getting excited about a well-struck 7-iron or a perfectly read putt. The thrill I felt watching my first professional tournament (the B.C. Open, if you're curious) is the same feeling I get covering tour events today. My new role with Athlon Sports and Morning Read isn't just a job—it's a chance to share this incredible game through the eyes of someone who's experienced it from the ground up. I'll cover everything from breaking news to equipment reviews, from course management to the business side of golf. But here's my promise: whether I'm writing about the latest tour drama or breaking down a new training aid, it'll come from an authentic place. No corporate speak, no manufactured enthusiasm. Just honest perspectives from someone who genuinely loves this game and the people who play it. From that first swing in Norwich to whatever comes next, golf has been my constant companion. Now I get to share that journey with you, week after week, story after story. Advertisement Thanks for letting me introduce myself. Related: How to Increase Club Head Speed With Your Driver Related: Ask a Golf Caddie: What's the Most Common Mistake Rec Players Make? Related: Want to Hit a Stinger Golf Shot? Just 3 Adjustments Make it Easy This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
29-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Two LSU football players make Athlon Sports' preseason All-SEC team
Two LSU football players are projected to earn First-Team All-SEC honors, according to Athlon Sports' 2025 College Football Preview, released earlier this summer. Linebacker Whit Weeks made the cut, as did Barion Brown in the kick returner role. LSU didn't place all-conference players on offense, with Texas QB Arch Manning getting the nod over Garrett Nussmeier. Weeks left LSU's Texas Bowl win vs. Baylor with an ankle injury, but that was after the linebacker enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore. Weeks ranked second among SEC linebackers in stops and pressures. He was a havoc creator, sacking the quarterback four times, forcing two fumbles, and batting down two passes. After surgery, Weeks missed LSU's spring practice but is expected to return as LSU kicks off fall camp later this Summer. As for Brown, he transfers to LSU already with five kicks returned for a touchdown. Brown is expected to be a dynamic weapon on LSU's offense, but Tiger fans should expect Brown to be a difference-maker on special teams, too.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Stashes
2025 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Stashes originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 Fantasy Football Guide. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement Every year, fantasy football managers are looking for those hidden gems in the later rounds who can emerge from the shadows and help them take home a title, and dynasty leagues are no different. Each rookie class features a handful of promising prospects who have the talent to shine at the next level, and they are just an injury away from making the most of an increased role. There are also unheralded veterans who are still flying under the radar, who could benefit from a new team and expanded opportunities. If you're looking for a few players to stash on your dynasty roster heading into the 2025 season, here are our picks: Ja'Lynn Polk WR, Patriots New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk at Canha-Imagn Images Polk's rookie season in New England was painfully forgettable, as the former Washington Husky caught 12 passes for only 87 yards, averaging a measly 7.3 yards per reception. He did find the end zone twice, but it was a terrible shock to see a top-40 draft pick perform so poorly in his first season. That said, Polk is still a talented player, and even though he might face an uphill battle with a new regime taking over, the Pats have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, and Polk could surprise by making a leap in his second year. Even if that doesn't happen in New England, another team that liked Polk during last year's pre-draft process could try to get him for cheap and give him a fresh start elsewhere, and fantasy managers could also be wise to try and acquire him for minimal compensation in hopes he'll deliver on his potential. Keaton Mitchell RB, Ravens Keaton Mitchell gets a handoff from Lamar Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images After going undrafted in 2023 and starting his rookie season on short-term injured reserve, Mitchell exploded over eight games with 396 yards on just 47 carries (8.4 yards per attempt) and a pair of touchdown runs, adding 93 yards on nine receptions. A knee injury ended his rookie campaign early and limited him to only five games in 2024. Too small to be a full-time featured back, Mitchell nevertheless has the speed and versatility to be a valuable weapon, whether that's in Baltimore or with another team that wants to give him a bigger role elsewhere. Regardless of where it happens, Mitchell's explosiveness and big-play ability give him a ton of upside that's worth banking on if he's available in your league. Brenton Strange TE, Jaguars Yes, the Jags already have Brian Thomas Jr. and No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, and they also signed Dyami Brown in free agency. But the departure of Evan Engram leaves Strange as the default starter at tight end, and he showed flashes down the stretch last season that highlighted the athleticism and upside that made him a second-round pick in 2023. New management might favor the targets they've acquired since taking over, but Trevor Lawrence already has a connection with Strange that clearly improved throughout the 2024 campaign. While opposing defenses are busy trying to slow down Thomas and Hunter, Strange could prove to be a reliable target for Lawrence when it's time to move the chains in the short/intermediate areas of the field — and especially in the red zone. Joe Milton III QB, Cowboys Joe Deep-league dynasty stashes are all about upside and high-end physical traits, as well as a situation that could provide a promising opportunity. The Cowboys acquired Milton from the Patriots this offseason to replace the departed Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, leaving the former Tennessee quarterback as the primary backup to Dak Prescott. While Prescott is often a high-quality starter when healthy, he's coming off yet another season-ending injury, and he'll turn 32 this summer. Milton showed flashes of elite athleticism and arm talent in limited work for the Pats last season, and while he still needs a ton of development, any time that Prescott misses this season and beyond would put Milton in charge of an offense that features wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, which would be a situation full of potential. Malik Washington WR, Dolphins On the surface, the Dolphins have one of the league's better wide receiver tandems in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but both have struggled to stay healthy, and Hill could still be a potential trade target for other teams. Waiting in the wings is Washington, a sixth-round pick in last year's draft who picked up steam late in his rookie season, catching 16 passes for 169 yards over the final four games of the year. If Hill or Waddle miss more time due to injury, or if Hill is sent elsewhere, Washington could be in line for a much bigger role in the passing game. It won't be surprising if he builds on the success he found down the stretch last year as he develops an even stronger rapport with Tua Tagovailoa. Jacob Cowing WR, 49ers The 49ers just spent a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall last year, and Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings give them a strong starting tandem. But with Aiyuk's return from last year's devastating knee injury still somewhat of a question mark, and after the departure of Deebo Samuel to Washington, there's room for a young talent like Cowing to emerge. Undersized but explosive, Cowing didn't see much action in the offense last year, but he made the most of his few opportunities, catching four of his six targets for 80 yards. That 20-yards-per-catch average could earn him more downfield looks from Brock Purdy this season, especially if Aiyuk struggles to return to form and/or San Francisco needs someone to replace Samuel's big-play presence after the catch. Sean Tucker RB, Buccaneers Tampa Bay has one of the league's best 1-2 backfield punches in Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, but Tucker is lurking in the shadows with sky-high dynasty potential. After Tucker's heart condition was discovered at the NFL Scouting Combine, he went from a likely mid-round pick in 2023 to going undrafted. The Bucs scooped him up as a rookie free agent, and after a quiet rookie campaign, Tucker flashed his three-down skill set in a blowout win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 6 last season, racking up nearly 200 total yards and scoring on the ground as well as through the air. A well-built back who can run with speed and power and catch the ball out of the backfield, Tucker could push White for RB2 snaps in Tampa Bay, or another team could come calling with a more significant role if the Bucs are willing to part with him. Either way, the 23-year-old has his arrow pointing way up. Advertisement Related: 2025 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rookie Rankings Related: Athlon Sports 2025 Fantasy Football Preview Magazine Now Available This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Athlon Sports 2025 Fantasy Football Preview Magazine Now Available
There's no such thing as too much fantasy football preparation. Now is the time to start formulating a gameplan for fantasy drafts. Thankfully, the Athlon Sports 2025 Fantasy Football Annual is on sale now - available online. Athlon Sports' fantasy preview is the ultimate fantasy football draft day guide, with in-depth scouting reports, complete positional rankings and a 280-player big board to help you make all the right moves and win a championship. The magazine also features team-by-team analysis from NFL beat writers, injury updates, a look at familiar faces in new places and an entire section dedicated to Dynasty leagues. Our experts share their opinions about who should be the No. 1 pick in your draft - is Saquon Barkley the obvious choice after his monster 2024 season, or should you focus on grabbing an elite receiver? We'll share some of the key trends and lessons learned from last season. There's a rookie rundown to help you figure out which first-year players might make an impact this season, as well as a look at last year's rookie class. Which sophomores are ready to break out and which ones might take a step back in 2025? We've also got a primer on how to play an up-and-coming new fantasy game: Guillotine leagues. Whether you play traditional fantasy, PPR, IDP, Dynasty or Daily Fantasy, the Athlon Sports 2025 Fantasy Football Annual has all the stats and in-depth insight to help you draft and manage a dominant fantasy team. Order your copy now! Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
