Latest news with #Big12Championship
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Travis Hunter Earns Comparison to Former Jaguars' Pro Bowler
Travis Hunter Earns Comparison to Former Jaguars' Pro Bowler originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jacksonville Jaguars' wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter recently earned himself a comparison to a former defensive back drafted by the franchise -- and if he can live up to these expectations, Jaguars fans will likely be pretty happy. Advertisement In a recent piece from Fox Sports, NFL Draft Analyst Rob Rang lists one rookie from each organization that conjures up the image of former franchise stars. When he got to the Jaguars, Rang named Travis Hunter -- and drew a comparison between the standout two-way athlete and former Jacksonville defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Travis Hunter suits up for the Jaguars during offseason minicamp sessions.© Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Ramsey is currently playing under contract with the Dolphins, with he and the organization recently reaching a mutual agreement to part ways and seek out potential trade partners. But when the seven-time Pro Bowl selection was first drafted in 2016, it was the Jaguars who selected him. Ramsey went on the have an impressive stint in Jacksonville -- he started 51 games from 2016-2019, racking up 210 tackles, 45 pass deflections, and nine interceptions before demanding a trade a few weeks into the 2019 season after an altercation with former coach Doug Marrone. Jalen Ramsey suits up for the Jaguars. Ramsey was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2016, earned a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2017, and earned Pro Bowl selections in 2017, 2018, and 2019 while with the Jaguars. Since leaving the Jaguars, he has earned two additional All-Pro selections (2020, 2021) and made it to four additional Pro Bowls (2020-2023) while securing a Super Bowl ring with the Rams. Advertisement Hunter had an incredible collegiate career, starting all 30 games he played in from 2022-2024 and racking up 171 receptions for 2,167 yards and 24 touchdowns at wide receiver while also adding 80 tackles (3 TFLs), 22 pass deflections, and nine interceptions at cornerback. In 2024, he was named the Heisman Trophy winner after helping lead the Colorado Buffaloes to 9-4 season that saw them miss the Big 12 Championship on a tiebreaker. On The Pat McAfee Show earlier this month, Jaguars' Head Coach Liam Coen discussed why Jacksonville valued Hunter enough to trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft to land him at the second overall pick. "Ultimately, it came down to we want to get a player and be the best player that he can be," Coen said. "He feels he can do some phenomenal things on both sides of the ball, which we appreciate." Advertisement "We want to give him that platform, while also knowing that when your best players are some of your hardest workers and are guys that truly love the game. That love every aspect of it. Eat, breathe and sleep this thing. That's who he is." Related: Jaguars' Rookie Wyatt Milum Could Be Answer to Offensive Line Struggles Related: Jaguars GM Says 'Time Will Tell' With Travis Hunter's Game Usage Related: Pressure Mounts on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Ahead of Critical Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Arizona State Football Preview 2025: Who's Having More Fun Than Kenny Dillingham and the Sun Devils?
Everything about Arizona State last year was back Cam Skattebo was fun. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was fun. Winning the Big 12 Championship was fun, and almost pulling out a thriller over Texas in the College Football Playoff was super-fun, even in a no one had more fun than head coach Kenny Dillingham, with an infectious excitement and style that showed in every play in every game. X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN Arizona State Offense BreakdownArizona State Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season Skattebo might be a New York Giant, but now that the Sun Devils are the hunted, the good times aren't going to Big 12 is much better from top to bottom, being the hunted won't be easy, and there will likely be more than the two regular season losses the team suffered last year. And none of that should be a problem, because this team won't quit. Arizona State started 2-7 in Dillingham's first season in 2023, but there was still intensity and toughness over the final three weeks, even when they were way overmatched in blowout losses to Oregon and Arizona over the last two all carried over into 2024, and now is when it's on Dillingham to keep the party going. He's just 35, and Arizona State is his school - this isn't just some job for him - and it should once again show after proving that his style year's team is among the most experienced in the country, and it still landed a few icing-on-cake transfers to come in to help patch what few holes there team, fun coach, and all at one of the most fun schools in the country. Arizona State is on the national radar now as a must-watch team every it all going with another strong season, and 2024 should be just the beginning. Arizona State Offense BreakdownArizona State Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Miami Herald
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Arizona State Offense Preview 2025: Sam Leavitt Takes Over the Sun Devil Attack
The Sun Devil offense was brutally effective and was great on third downs, blasted away with the ground game, was third in the nation in fewest turnovers, and led the Big Ten and was tenth in the nation in time of loses a superstar in running back Cam Skattebo, but offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo is still around, and helped by the transfer portal, this year's attack might be even more talented. X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN2025 Arizona State Preview Arizona State Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season - Let's cut to the chase - how do you replace someone like Cam Skattebo? The Heisman finalist ran for over 1,700 yards with 21 touchdowns, and caught 45 passes for 605 yards and three Kyson Brown doesn't have the power of Skattebo, but he ran for 351 yards and two scores last season. Kanye Udoh (Army) should be the new star coming off a massive ten-touchdown season, averaging over six yards per carry. - The passing game should do even more. Sam Leavitt is a baller's baller, finishing second on the team with 443 yards and five scores, and throwing for almost 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and six picks. The sophomore quarterback will be the signature star, and well-traveled veteran Jeff Sims is good enough to fill in when needed. - Jordyn Tyson will once again be among the Big 12's best receivers. Dangerous in the slot, he's back and healthy after missing the Big 12 Championship and CFP battle with Texas. Before that, he caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and ten McClain is back to push for the outside job, but Noble Johnson (Clemson) has the wheels to be in the mix. Jalen Moss caught 103 passes with ten scores over the last two years at Fresno State. Tight end Chamon Metayer was third on the team with 32 catches with five touchdowns. - The line that was so solid gets back a slew of star parts. All-Big 12 blocker Ben Coleman can play center or guard, Josh Atkins is great at left tackle, and the right side is intact with Max Iheanachor at tackle and Kyle Scott at guard. The fifth spot will likely to go to transfer Jimeto Obigbo (Texas State) on the inside if Makua Pule doesn't grab the center State Defense Breakdown 2025 Arizona State Preview Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"He is 1000% on of top quarterbacks": Coach Kenny Dillingham makes bold claim about Arizona's Sam Leavitt
Image Source: Getty Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State head coach, has been outspoken about what QB Sam Leavitt brings to the table, saying 'He is 1000% on of top quarterbacks' due to Sam Leavitt's excellent freshman season. That sort of endorsement makes Sam Leavitt one of the primary names to be on the lookout for during the 2025 college football season. Sam Leavitt's breakout season and college football quarterback stats Arizona State's great pass would be ready for Sam Leavitt. At this point, just transfer from Mich State to throwing 2,885 yards 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions at Mich State transfer Quarterback last season at Arizona State, his accuracy, composure in the pocket, and ability to escape extended plays led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance as Arizona State re-entered the national spotlight. — SammyLev (@SammyLev) L by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo eavitt's success has transcended beyond simply raw stats, as his chemistry with premier pass catchers like receiver Jordyn Tyson, as well as his ability to decipher defenses, has been critical. Even without star running back Cam Skattebo in the picture, expectations for Sam Leavitt and the program's first national-championship run remain high after another eye-opening skill set and leadership performance. Kenny Dillingham's praise and leadership of Sam Leavitt's potential It's not just stats that have Coach Kenny Dillingham raving about Leavitt, in particular his work ethic and competitiveness. Dillingham praised Leavitt as a champion when it comes to work ethic, pointing out his play-making ability, both in rhythm and off schedule, and noting that he scrambles a lot like Jake Plummer did here, while at ASU. This versatility gives opposing defenses yet another dual threat they will have to worry about when facing Leavitt. Also Read: What makes Shrine Bowl experience unforgettable for Bryer Finley and his Seaman teammates Dillingham has played a key role in getting the best out of Leavitt and establishing a winning culture at Arizona State. Dillingham is trying to set the tone back by publicly putting Leavitt on a pedestal as one of the better quarterbacks in the country, which raises the bar for Sam Leavitt and shows the Sun Devils mean business to start the new season with Leavitt commanding their ships. Leavitt is supposed to be the one who brings everyone with him, but his faith and confidence in Leavitt leap across the team. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
These Florida siblings both punched NCAA Championship tickets (one in golf)
These Florida siblings both punched NCAA Championship tickets (one in golf) Punching one ticket to the NCAA Championships is a special moment. For siblings Jake and Reese Springer, it was twice as nice after their historic sweep. On May 14 in Urbana, Illinois, Jake Springer and the Troy men's golf team qualified for the NCAA Men's Golf Championships for the first time in the program's Division I history. On May 18 in Sarasota, Reese Springer and the Central Florida women's rowing team claimed the program's first Big 12 Championship after a sweep of all races and earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Rowing Championships for the seventh time in school history. The former Chiles High athletes couldn't have been happier for each other and their respective teams. "I am really proud of Jake. He has some of the strongest work ethic I've ever seen and it is really amazing to see it finally pay off for him," Reese Springer said. "And then to be able to turn around and do it for myself and teammates as well, here in Florida, it's really special. It's absolutely incredible that Jake and I are doing it (in NCAA) together." Added Jake about his younger sister: "What Reese has accomplished is really amazing and I am so proud. To stick it out and do what they are doing – she could have easily said this isn't for me – is so impressive. I get to wake up, jump on a golf cart and hit golf balls. She's on the water every morning rowing and training every muscle in her body. It's incredible." Former Chiles star Jake Springer helps Troy men's golf advance NCAA Championship Neither Troy men's golf nor UCF women's rowing were guaranteed NCAA berths when the postseason started. Jake Springer, a senior, helped the Trojans hold off No. 10 North Carolina and jump past No. 23 Texas Tech with an eagle 3 on the par-5 sixth hole to finish fourth in the team standings in the NCAA Urbana Regional at the Atkins Golf Course. The Trojans, whose roster also includes sophomore and former Maclay golfer Lee Poppell, carded five birdies, an eagle and 10 pars over the final four holes to punch their NCAA Championship ticket. Springer's eagle at No. 6, a 599-yard par 5, was punctuated by his 5-wood approach shot that hit the pin and landed inches from the hole. More dramatics awaited. Trailing Texas Tech by one stroke with the final two golfers on the course, Springer's par on the last hole guaranteed Troy's one-stroke advantage over the Red Raiders as they scored a double-bogey. The top four teams from the Urbana regional advanced to the NCAA Championship (May 23-28) at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Troy's NCAA Championship bid was the first by a Sun Belt program since Georgia Southern qualified in 2022. Springer has played a pivotal role in the Trojans' golf ascent. "We've been terrible, we've decent, we've been good at times (past four years). To see all sides of it - never making it, close to making it, to finally making it (NCAA Championship) - makes it that much more rewarding, " said Springer, who finished tied for fifth in the individual standings at the regional and boasts a career stroke average of 71.71. Springer was just as productive in the classroom, where three weeks ago he was named the athletic department's Clements Award winner for the male student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average. Troy was one of 30 teams to qualify for the NCAA Championship. The field also included No. 11 Florida State and Seminoles senior Patrick McMann, Springer's close friend and former Chiles teammate. The Trojans closed out their historic season in 29th place. Springer tied with Poppell for 116th place in the individual standings at 13-over par. Springer shot a 2-over par 74 on his final day, capping the tourney, season and his career with a birdie on the par-5, 18th hole. "Golf is a weird game," Springer explained. "Sometimes you want to say (improvement) is because of this, that or XYZ. I think a big part has been our maturity, trusting what you are doing - what to do and what not to do. And it hasn't just been one guy, either. Everyone has taken a jump. The joy and satisfaction, to see all sides of the game the past four years, it has been amazing." Reese Springer and UCF women's rowing set for NCAA Championship The Knights' season has been one for the history books. They made their first NCAA Championship appearance since a string of five consecutive berths from 2015 to 2019. They rose as high as to No. 14 in the CRCA Coaches poll and were one of 22 teams in the three-day title event that was held May 30-June 1 in West Windsor, New Jersey. The Knights finished 15th overall. UCF swept its way to the Big 12 Championship as the First 8+ crew that included Springer capped the day with a first-place victory and its season-best time at 6:22:.086 over the 1.24-mile course. For Springer, the win reflected a season-long climb. The sophomore started towards the bottom of the roster, worked her way back from injury and earned - and kept - one one of the most coveted seats on the team. In the NCAA Championship, Springer and crew placed third in the C final at 6:23.115. The time secured a 15th place finish for the Knights as a whole and as a crew. "I worked on my mental approach to practices and workouts but the biggest thing I think contributing to my success was keeping my head down and doing what I am fully capable of all day, every day," Springer said. "Just focusing on myself, what I can contribute to the team, what little improvements I can make each day to get better. The consistency of it day in and day out has helped boost my confidence and it's proved to myself that I am much stronger than I realize and capable of anything I put my mind to." UCF is one of nine teams that received an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship after winning their respective conference title. The Knights have also faced three of the 22 making the trip to Lake Mercer in Dartmouth, Tennessee and Texas. Springer can't say enough about her teammates, describing the season as "special." That also best describes the NCAA sweep by the Springer siblings. "I am really proud our performance this past weekend (May 18), after the season we have had and everything we've been through together - doing it with this team just makes it so much more special," Springer said. "I am so excited for the future of this program, for the season we've had so far and for the seasons to come. "We have something really special here.'
