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USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
There is always a new way to think about the greatness of Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush
Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, together at USC, both had their fair share of awards and national championships. In a recent tweet listing the best college football players to wear numbers 1-25, both Reggie Bush and Leinart made the list. One of the most exciting college football players of all time, Reggie Bush was named the best player to wear number 5. Reggie Bush won multiple awards in his stellar 2005 season, winning the Heisman Trophy, the Doak Walker Award, and the Walter Camp Award, along with being named AP College Football Player of the Year and Sporting News Player of the Year. Reggie Bush was also the driving force for the 2004 BCS national championship run for the Trojans. He ended his collegiate career as a two-time AP national champion with standout performances in countless big games. In his USC tenure, Bush set a freshman record with 1,331 all-purpose yards in 2003. When he hung up his Trojan jersey Bush had 433 rushes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns plus 95 receptions for 1,301 added yards and 13 touchdowns on his resume. His impact did not just stop on the offensive side of the ball; he was also a dynamic return man chipping in 67 kickoffs for 1,523 yards and one touchdown, and fielding 44 punts for 559 yards and three touchdowns. Reggie Bush had a huge impact too on college football players getting paid and the NIL world we live in today. His Heisman Trophy was taken from him due to breaking NCAA violations. Bush rightly got his trophy back and in 2023 was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Bush's teammate Matt Leinart was named the best college player to wear number 11. Matt Leinart was the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, giving the USC Trojans back-to-back Heisman winners. Leinart also was named 2004 Rose Bowl MVP, helping the Trojans win consecutive AP national championships. This three-time All-American set 16 school records, including 11 Pac-10 and 2 NCAA records. Breaking multiple records and going 37-2 in his career at USC helped him create a fantastic college resume. He was inducted into the USC Hall Of Fame in 2007. His jersey was retired, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame in 2017. Leinart, in 39 games, had 10,693 yards passing, 99 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions at USC. Leinart and Reggie Bush will go down as one of the best quarterback and running back duos in college football history. It only makes sense that these two legendary Trojans get recognized as the best to wear their jersey numbers.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin alumnus included in ESPN's top off-ball linebacker ranking for 2025 NFL season
Former Wisconsin football standout Zack Baun was included in ESPN's list of the top 10 off-ball linebackers ahead of the 2025 NFL season earlier this month. Baun is the third former Badger to receive a position on the outlet's preseason positional rankings, joining two-time Doak Walker Award winner Jonathan Taylor (running backs) and defensive legend T.J. Watt (edge rushers). The off-ball linebacker list is powered by a feedback from dozens of NFL league executives, coaches and scouts, which ESPN then parlays into a top 10 ranking based on their vote totals, composite average position and information from interviews. Following that method, the outlet listed Baun as the No. 3 off-ball linebacker in the NFL ahead of this coming season. At No. 3, Baun is sandwiched between Baltimore Ravens superstar Roquan Smith (No. 2) and Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl winner Nick Bolton (No. 4). Four-time first-team All-Pro Fred Warner earned the top spot, followed by Washington Commanders' rising star Frankie Luvu (No. 5), Chicago Bear Tremaine Edmunds (No. 6), Buccaneers veteran Lavonte David (No. 7), second-year Dallas Cowboy DeMarvarion Overshown (No. 8), Denver Bronco Dre Greenlaw (No. 9) and New York Jet Quincy Williams (No. 10). ProFootballFocus' list of the top 32 linebackers ahead of 2025 had Baun at No. 2 behind only Warner, who is widely considered the best linebacker of his decade. Entering his second year in Philadelphia, it appears as if Baun is poised to become a household name at this stage of his career. The Wisconsin native's numbers convey the same message. In 16 starts for the Eagles, who hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in a dominant win over the Chiefs this winter, the former Badger registered 151 tackles, 11 for loss, five quarterback hits, 3 1/2 sacks, four pass deflections, five forced fumbles and an interception. By the season's end, Baun was named a first-team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and a finalist for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award alongside T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson and Patrick Surtain II (winner). In the postseason, Baun was responsible for 33 total tackles (20 solo), two tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one forced fumble across four playoff games. In Super Bowl 59, he notched a team-best seven tackles (three solo) and a crucial interception on three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. Baun's explosive year led to a three-year, $51 million contract extension with Philadelphia this offseason. Baun's Eagles will begin their season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ashton Jeanty projected to turn around Tom Brady's 4-13 franchise record
(Image via Getty: Ashton Jeanty) There are four teams in the AFC West–the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. Three teams performed exceptionally well in the 2024 NFL season. But one team performed disastrously. That one team belongs to the 7-time Super Bowl Champion, Tom Brady. The NFL legend's part-owned franchise, the Las Vegas Raiders, secured only 4 wins and 13 terrible losses last year. This season, the Raiders wish to reverse that record at full throttle. All thanks to their star addition–Ashton Jeanty. The No. 6 overall pick from the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft promises a bright 2025 NFL season for them. How so? Let's find out. — nickwalt (@nickwalt) NFL Analysts praise Ashton Jeanty 's ability to rewrite the script for the Las Vegas Raiders Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN had projected Ashton Jeanty for the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL Analyst said the 21-year-old running back could immediately flip the script for the Raiders. He added, Jeanty has the potential to become an elite three-down back in the NFL. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY also had predicted Jeanty for the Raiders. In the exact words of the NFL Editor—Jeanty has shown a rare penchant for creating yardage almost on his own, and an alignment between intention and talent can help the Raiders rejuvenate the league's worst rushing attack. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo Ashton Jeanty stats in the Boise State Broncos Ashton Jeanty played college football for the Boise State Broncos from 2022 to 2024 before being drafted by Tom Brady's franchise. The running back accumulated 4,769 rushing yards, 50 receiving touchdowns, and a rushing average of 6.4 in a total of 40 games played. He also garnered 863 receiving yards, 80 receptions, 10 receiving touchdowns, and a receiving average of 10.8 in 26 games started. The 5-foot-8 and 211-pounder won several awards for his breathtaking achievements. Check out here- 2024 - Maxwell Award 2024 - Doak Walker Award 2024 - Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award 2024 - Unanimous All-American 2023 - First-Team All-American 2023, 2024 - MW Offensive Player of the Year 2023, 2024 - First-Team All-MW FAQs What does the Boise State Broncos coach say about RB Ashton Jeanty? Marca reported Spencer Danielson, coach for the Boise State Broncos, said, 'When Ashton was 17 years old, he stayed, put his head down. I think he is not only going to be one of the best football players in the NFL, I believe he is going to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is going to have a huge push for that culture that head coach Pete Carroll is developing.' What are the contract details of Ashton Jeanty in Las Vegas Raiders? On May 9, 2025, Jeanty signed a four-year contract worth $35.895 million with the Raiders. It includes a signing bonus of $22.746 million. His entire contract is fully guaranteed. Who is Ashton Jeanty's current girlfriend? The Raiders RB is currently dating Gabrielle Miller. They have been together since high school. She is a Track & Field Athlete. Also Read: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson are on the same wavelength | NFL News - Times of India Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Kelly: Did the Dolphins upgrade or downgrade the 2025 roster?
The Miami Dolphins are intentionally fielding a younger, and subsequently a cheaper roster. But did South Florida's NFL team get better or worse from a talent standpoint this offseason? That question can only be analyzed after evaluating who left, and who their replacements are in each unit. Some units — like linebacker and safety — got better because of additions made in free agent signings, trades or the return of veterans who were sidelined by injuries. And then others — cornerback, tight end and defensive lineman — potentially got worse. Take a look at how we break down each unit, evaluating whether the Dolphins upgraded or downgraded the roster: ▪ Quarterback: Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley and Skylar Thompson Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II The Dolphins intentionally moved on from Mostert, who was released and signed with Las Vegas, and Wilson (still unemployed) because the goal was to get younger in the backfield, which now belongs to De'Von Achane, who gained 907 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns on 203 carries, and Jaylen Wright, a second-year player who averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season. Mattison, who is entering his seventh season, and Gordon, a Doak Walker Award winner Miami drafted in the fifth round, should add some much-needed power to Miami's finesse rushing attack. But this unit is relatively green. However, durabilty and dead legs shouldn't be too much of a factor in 2025. ▪ Receiver: Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft and Grant Dubose Darren Waller and Pharaoh Brown Smith set every franchise record for the tight end position last year, but the Dolphins weren't willing to give him the type of extension he reportedly got from the Pittsburgh Steelers, receiving an additional $12 million, in the trade that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a swap of 2027 late-round picks. The Dolphins quickly added Waller, a 2020 Pro Bowler who abruptly retired last year. While Waller turns 33 this season he has only had four seasons where he'd played 500-plus offensive snaps. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Frank Smith should allow Waller, a recovering addict who has faced multiple NFL suspensions, to adjust to the offense quickly. Brown will compete with Julian Hill for the in-line role, but he's speed deficient and has only caught 72 passes in his seven seasons in the NFL. If Waller struggles, or sustains an injury, expect Tanner Conner to step up as a front-line contributor. ▪ Offensive line: Terron Armstead, Robert Jones, Isaiah Wynn and Kendall Lamm Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Zeek Biggers. Ben Stille, Matthew Butler Three of Miami's five top defensive linemen signed elsewhere, with Zach Sieler, a double-digit sack producer the past two years, and Benito Jones being the only veterans retained. Campbell, a captain last season, joined the Cardinals. Hand signed with the Chargers, and Ogbah joined the Jaguars. Miami replaced them with three draftees — Grant, Phillips and Biggers — and signed Stille and Butler to join Matt Dickerson as veterans battling for a spot on the back end of the roster. Grant, a nose tackle Miami selected in the first round, Phillips, a three-year starter at Maryland the Dolphins selected in the fifth round, and Biggers, a seventh-round pick, are all young, big and athletic, and each possesses upside. But the Dolphins will likely miss Campbell production and leaders, and Ogbah's veteran presence. The hope is that the trio of rookies are quick learners. ▪ Linebacker: Anthony Walker Jr., Tyus Bowser, Duke Riley > Willie Gay Jr., K.J Britt, Grayson Murphy Miami seemingly swapped Walker for Britt, exchanging 2024 starters with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Britt, who will likely serve as a backup to Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, isn't in the same league as Walker from an experience standpoint. But he's four years younger, slightly more athletic, and definitely more durable. Gay has started 55 of the 72 games he's played the past five seasons, and brings a versatility to the unit that Miami has been missing since Andrew Van Ginkel left a year ago as a free agent. Bowser and Riley haven't signed with an NFL team yet. Murphy, who impressed during training camp as a rookie before suffering a knee injury, will likely compete with Quinton Bell, Mohamed Kamara and Channing Tindall for one of the four or five backup linebacker spots behind Brooks, Dodson, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson. ▪ Cornerback: Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller > Artie Burns, Kendall Sheffield, Jason Marshall Jr. No unit on the team took a steeper drop-off from a talent standpoint than Miami's cornerbacks because Ramsey and Fuller have collectively started 238 games. But Ramsey's difficult off-field demeanor led to his trade to Pittsburgh, and Fuller was released because of the knee injury he sustained late last season, which will likely keep him off the field in 2025. The Dolphins only added Burns and Sheffield, two journeymen who have experience as starters, to a young cornerback room that features Kader Kohou (an established nickel cornerback), Cam Smith, Miami's 2023 second-round pick, Storm Duck (three starts as a rookie in 2024), Ethan Bonner and Isaiah Johnson, former undrafted rookies who have flashed talent in camp, and Marshall, a former University of Florida standout the Dolphins selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Miami might add another veteran as training camp approaches, or wait until August after seeing how players perform in camp. ▪ Safety: Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer < Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ashtyn Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dante Trader Jr. Holland and Poyer were probably the least-productive starting safety tandem in Dolphins history considering they failed to record a single interception, and only produced one sack and forced one fumble in all of 2025. Poyer seems to be headed toward forced retirement because his play last season hints he has lost a step. Holland signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Giants this offseason and will be replaced by Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, whose leadership and football intelligence should help sew up the seams of Miami's secondary. Davis and Melifonwu, two veterans Miami signed this offseason, will compete with Elijah Campbell, Trader, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and Patrick McMorris, a 2024 sixth-round pick, for the other starting spot, and the two to three other spots on the 53-man roster for safeties.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin legend included in ESPN's list of top running backs entering 2025 season
Former Wisconsin football legend Jonathan Taylor was included in ESPN's list of the top 10 running backs ahead of the 2025 season on Monday. In a survey of dozens of NFL league executives, coaches and scouts, the outlet ranked the upper echelon of candidates based on their vote totals, composite average position and what was shared during interviews. After the process, ESPN's hierarchy pegged Taylor as the No. 7 running back in the NFL entering this coming season. At No. 7, Taylor found himself between Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs (No. 6) and Buffalo Bills back James Cook (No. 8). Reining Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion Saquon Barkley earned the top spot, followed by Baltimore Ravens' workhorse Derrick Henry (No. 2), Detroit Lions' speedster Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 3), Atlanta Falcons' rising star Bijan Robinson (No. 4), 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey (No. 5), Houston Texan Joe Mixon (No. 9) and New Orleans Saint Alvin Kamara (No. 10). For context, ProFootballFocus' recent list of the top 32 running backs had Taylor at No. 14, sandwiched between Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty (No. 13) and New York Jets rising star Breece Hall (No. 15). Ahead of his sixth NFL campaign, appears as if Taylor holds a more favorable position in NFL front offices at this stage of his career. His most recent batch of numbers affirms that notion. The two-time Doak Walker Award winner at Wisconsin rushed for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games during the 2024 slate, plus 18 receptions for 136 yards and a score through the air. The New Jersey native rushed for at least 100 yards in eight contests, which included a 218-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans in a Week 16 win. While Taylor may be incapable of replicating his 1,811-yard output during the 2021 season, his three-down talent, coupled with deadly speed and strength in the open field, make him as dangerous as just about any player at his position in the NFL. With quarterback Anthony Richardson or veteran Daniel Jones under center, Taylor is poised to enjoy another productive season, barring any major injury setback. The Colts open the 2025 slate with a Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
