Big 12 Notes

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Big 12 Notes – Spring Practices

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May 5th

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Report: Are Group of Five schools being raided by the Power Four?

From CBS Sports … In the new world of recruiting with no transfer restrictions and NIL, there’s a harsh reality for Group of Five teams these days. When a Group of Five coach walks into a recruit’s school or home, he is fully aware that if he gets that recruit to commit, and if that recruit becomes a top player, there’s a good chance he’ll soon lose him to a Power Four school.

In the 2024 transfer cycle, 247Sports has five Group of Five players ranked in the top 75 overall, and all five transferred to Power Four schools.

The perception is that Group of Five schools are being raided every offseason by Power Four conferences, and that their rosters are being left bare because of the transfer portal. Perception isn’t always reality, though, so we did a deep dive into the transfer numbers to see if this is really the case for Group of Five conferences.

In this past transfer window, Group of Five schools lost 239 players to Power Four programs. That works out to around four players for each Group of Five program. Sixty of 62 Group of Five programs have lost at least one transfer to a Power Four school this year, with Army and Sam Houston State being the lone exceptions. New Mexico State, James Madison, and San Diego State were hit the hardest after losing at least 10 transfers to Power Four schools.

Schools that lost the most transfers to Power Four

• New Mexico State — 13
• James Madison — 12
• San Diego State — 10
• Ohio — 9
• Memphis — 8

Normally, all the talk is about Group of Five schools losing their top talent to power conferences, but it also works both ways. So far, 325 power-conference players have transferred to Group of Five schools, meaning Group of Five schools have actually added 86 more power-conference players than they’ve lost. Schools like Charlotte, North Texas, Marshall, East Carolina, and Nevada have loaded up on the most Power Four transfers in this cycle.

2024 Group of Five transfer additions and subtractions

• Incoming Power Four players: 325
• Players lost to Power Four schools: 239
• Difference: +86

The numbers don’t lie, and while each circumstance is different — especially when a player is dropping down a level — there are certainly opportunities for Group of Five schools to take former power-conference players and give them the playing time or bigger role that they weren’t receiving before. One example would be Luke McCaffrey, who appeared in 11 games and started two games at quarterback for Nebraska in 2019 and 2020 in the Big Ten. Fast forward three years after a transfer to Rice, a position change to wide receiver, and 13 receiving touchdowns in 2023, and McCaffrey was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.

The hit rate of former power-conferences players transferring to Group of Five schools and then getting drafted is extremely low, but there are success stories where players got a new opportunity to play at that level and succeeded. Running back Peny Boone had 258 yards rushing and two touchdowns in two seasons at Maryland before transferring to Toledo, where he was eighth in the FBS with 1,400 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns in 2023. He went from a Big Ten backup to the MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Now, Boone has transferred back to the Power Four this offseason and will look to lead the UCF rushing attack in 2024.

While the perception that Group of Five schools are being raided by power conferences for their top talent is true, the reality is that Group of Five programs also have a chance to build their rosters with power-conference players, too. Group of Five coaches know that the next McCaffrey or Boone just committed to a Power Four school and that it’s only a matter of time until they get a chance to change someone’s career trajectory because of the portal.

… Read full story here …

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May 4th

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CBS Sports: Why Shedeur is a Top Five NFL Draft Pick

From CBS Sports … Amid all the back-and-forth on social media this week between Deion Sanders, his son Shedeur, former Colorado players and many others, Deion made a statement I absolutely agree with: “[Shedeur] will be a top-5 pick.”

Excitement about Shedeur is not just because writing about him and Colorado nets audience engagement. I believe he is legitimately the top quarterback in college football and the favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, though I do not think he will be the No. 1 overall pick.

There is strong competition from Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Georgia’s Carson Beck all very close behind, but Sanders clears them for now. Here’s why.

The Stats

• Sanders threw for almost 300 yards per game and only had three interceptions in 430 attempts, completing 69% of his passes while suffering 21 drops by his receivers.
• His 27 touchdown passes ranked No. 12 nationally.
• This was despite being under pressure the majority of the season behind the nation’s second-worst offensive line, which gave up 56 sacks for almost 500 yards.

Scouting Report

• With an excellent arm to make all the throws necessary, Sanders is an extremely accurate passer, both in the pocket and on the move. He does a great job of keeping his eyes downfield to go through his progressions and make the high-percentage completions, despite the constant pressure that he was under all season.
• He does a great job of manipulating the safeties and can make the tight-window throws that are necessary at the next level.
• An excellent post-snap processor as well, Sanders extends the plays to give his guys an extra second or two to find green grass. He is an excellent athlete with a thick lower half who uses his athleticism to extend and make plays. Sanders has excellent feet and technique both in the pocket and on the move.

To Improve

• Sanders can do a better job of staying in the pocket longer and giving his offensive lineman a better idea where he is as he drifts in the pocket more than he will be able to at the next level. His launch point is all over the place.
• Even in times where he was not pressured immediately, he would often drift. He also can do a better job of throwing away the ball under pressure, as many of the 56 sacks could have been avoided by just throwing it out of bounds when outside the pocket instead of eating it.

While it will be difficult to throw fewer than three interceptions, I expect that we will see the best version of Sanders and an improvement overall in Colorado as a program as the Buffaloes enter the Big 12 from the Pac-12. I do have some concern with the talk that his father is trying to manipulate the draft process and teams that can select him, but I think they’ll be pleased with the range of his draft outlook.

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May 3rd

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Cost to settle House lawsuit could reach $2.7 Billion 

From ESPN … The NCAA’s national office might be footing the bill for a settlement expected to be more than $2.7 billion in the landmark House v. NCAA lawsuit and other related antitrust cases, in hopes of reshaping and stabilizing the college sports industry, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Sources told ESPN this week that parties have proposed the NCAA’s national office — rather than its individual member schools or conferences — would pay for the settlement of past damages over a period of 10 years. The NCAA payments would be paid to former college athletes who say they were illegally prevented from making money by selling the rights to their name, image and likeness.

The settlement would come with a corresponding commitment from conferences and schools to share revenue with athletes moving forward, sources said. The settlement would establish a framework for power conferences to share revenue with their athletes in the future. Sources have told ESPN that schools are anticipating a ceiling of nearly $20 million per year for athlete revenue share moving forward. (That figure is derived from a formula that’s expected to be, per sources, 22% of a revenue metric that’s still being discussed, which is set to be based on various revenue buckets. It would be up to the schools to share that much.)

The dollar value and timing, sources cautioned, is not set and could change due to the myriad variables involved in the case.

Steve Berman, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs, told ESPN he believes the House case is “the difference-maker” after more than a decade of legal battles chipping away at NCAA rules. Berman declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing settlement talks but said the plaintiffs’ leverage is growing as the case moves closer to trial.

“Our leverage is a big cannonball rolling down a hill and picking up speed,” Berman said. “The longer they wait, the more they’re going to have to pay. It’s that simple.”

… Continue reading story here …

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May 2nd

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Report: Athlete compensation may cost $30 million/year

From YahooSports.com … A bag slung over his shoulder and luggage in his hand, Baylor football coach Dave Aranda hustled down the main staircase at the Hyatt Gainey Ranch after the annual Big 12 conference meetings.

He buzzed through the lobby for a quick hello and then jettisoned out the door with a destination in mind. “I’m going to see the (Arizona) Cardinals,” he said, smiling. “Got to learn how to do all this!”

A college coach or administrator visiting a professional sports organization is not necessarily groundbreaking. But Aranda’s visit — presumably to learn more about roster management and pay scale — is indicative of the times.

The college sports industry is moving closer to the inevitable: a direct athlete-compensation model.

As industry executives continue to negotiate with plaintiff lawyers in the House antitrust case, details of a future compensation model — a necessary piece to any settlement agreement — continue to emerge. Those who shared details were granted anonymity as they were not authorized to speak about a proposed settlement that continues to undergo changes.

While negotiations are active and have been for as many as eight months — not a new revelation within the industry — concepts of the proposed new model are becoming more formalized as leaders work to meet a deadline set by attorneys.

Money figures are becoming clear: For those in the power conferences, the price tag is steep.

The 10-year settlement agreement could cost each power school as much as $300 million over the decade, or $30 million a year. That figure assumes a school meets what is believed to be: (1) a $17-22 million revenue distribution cap for athletes; (2) at least $2 million in withheld NCAA distribution for back damages; and (3) as much as $10 million in additional scholarship costs related to an expansion of sport-specific roster sizes — a concept previously unpublicized.

The $30 million price tag, a startling figure for an industry that has only provided athletes with mostly non-cash resources, is about 20% of the average athletic department budget of public schools in the ACC, Big Ten, SEC and Big 12.

However, as reported earlier this week, the revenue-sharing portion of the new model is “permissive,” meaning schools are not required to reach the cap or share revenue at all. Schools will also have the discretion to expand scholarships, or not, across new roster limits expected to be implemented across all sanctioned sports.

While concepts are murky and questions linger, a framework of a new model is becoming more visible and socialized with high-ranking administrators across the four power conferences.

Meanwhile, that deadline — within the next 40 days — is approaching quickly.

… Continue reading story here …

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May 1st

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CBS Sports weighs in: “Deion Sanders, Colorado facing another roster overhaul after losing 61% of 2023 class”

… In case you missed it, an article in The Athletic entitled: “What happened to Deion Sanders’ Colorado castoffs? Revisiting a record-setting exodus” … which created a fire-storm of debate about Coach Prime and CU’s roster. Apparently jealous of the clicks The Athletic has been getting, CBS decided to do their own “OMG” article about CU’s roster overhaul … 

From CBS Sports … High-end fashion tends to change by the season, so perhaps that’s what happened these last few months at Colorado. Last year’s Louis Vuitton? Old news. Twenty-three of Deion Sanders‘ 2023 additions left the program this spring, while the Buffaloes have added six players (and counting) to what is already a 34-player transfer class.

That group of departures includes starters like left tackle Savion Washington. It includes key contributors like wide receiver Tar’Varish Dawson. It even includes banner signees from Sanders’ 2023 class like running back Dylan Edwards or cornerback Cormani McClain.

The Buffaloes have seen 24 players enter the transfer portal since it opened April 16. Of those 24, all but 10 of them arrived previously at Colorado as a transfer. One of them, four-star tight end Chamon Metayer, arrived in January.

That’s starters and depth just walking out the door. Let’s take a deeper dive into the transfer numbers:

• Colorado signed 72 new scholarship players in the 2023 class (high school and transfers), with 61% of them no longer on the roster.
• Thirty-five of the team’s 51 transfer additions from the 2023 cycle are no longer on the roster with 21 of them (43.1%) entering the portal either during the winter or this spring.
• Ten members of Colorado’s 21-player 2023 high school class (47.6%) have already entered the portal.
• It’s worth mentioning again that Colorado is replacing its entire offensive line.

A year ago, when Sanders led a roster overhaul unlike anything we’ve ever seen in college football — only 10 scholarship players returned from Colorado’s 2022 roster to 2023 — it seemed like a bold, yet reasoned, move, especially considering Colorado’s incoming transfer class ranked No. 1 nationally.

Not only could Sanders remake his team on the fly with experienced pieces, but those players were also locked in over the long haul under former NCAA rules that barred underclassmen from transferring more than once without sitting out a year in residence.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 30th 

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“Deep Discussions” underway to reach settlement on House anti-trust suit

From ESPN … The leaders of college sports are involved in “deep discussions” to reach a legal settlement that would likely lay out the framework for sharing revenue with athletes in a future NCAA business model, sources told ESPN.

The NCAA and its power conferences are defendants in an antitrust class action lawsuit, House v. NCAA, which argues that the association is breaking federal law by placing any restrictions on how athletes make money from selling the rights to their name, image or likeness. The case is scheduled to go to court in January 2025. If the plaintiffs win at trial, the NCAA and its schools could be liable to pay more than $4 billion in damages, which has motivated many leaders across the industry to seek a settlement.

Sources indicated that a turning point in the discussions, which have been ongoing, came last week in the Dallas area, where the power conference commissioners, their general counsels, NCAA president Charlie Baker, NCAA lawyers and the plaintiffs’ attorneys met. (They chose the Dallas area because they were already there for the College Football Playoff meetings, which were held in that area last week.)

While sources stressed that no deal is imminent, details about what a multibillion-dollar settlement could look like are expected to be shared with campuses in the near future. There are myriad variables to get to the finish line and still some obstacles and objections at the campus level, but sources indicate that progress has ramped up in recent weeks.

A settlement would provide some legal relief for a college sports industry that’s been peppered by lawsuits. It could also serve as a keystone piece to formulating a more stable future. With the settlement expected to cost billions in back pay for former athletes, it would likely also require the NCAA and conferences to agree to a system for sharing more revenue with some of the players moving forward.

Sources indicated the top-end revenue share number per school — once it’s determined — would be in the neighborhood of $20 million annually, although that’s yet to be settled. Whatever number is set by the settlement, individual schools will be able to opt in to share revenue up to that number with their student athletes at their discretion. (They could choose to share less, but not more.)

Texas A&M athletic director Trev Alberts, for example, recently told the Bryan-College Station Eagle that schools could be adding $15 million to $20 million to their budgets annually for what he termed a “new expense category” in college athletics.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 26th

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CBS Sports 2025 Mock Draft: Shedeur Sanders/Travis Hunter taken 1 and 2 overall

From CBS Sports … Yes, this is way too early, and, yes, we’re calling this a 2025 NFL Mock Draft … but maybe a better way to look at this is not as your garden-variety mock draft — “Here’s who your team will take 51 weeks from now having no idea how the current roster and subsequent season unfolds” — but as a guide to the college players you should keep an eye on during the 2024 season. As always, the conversation will start with the quarterbacks, but as we sit here, there are no Caleb Williams-type prospects – though no one was talking up Jayden Daniels or J.J. McCarthy last May, either.

Again, to reiterate: This is less “mock draft” than “handy list of names to look out for in the fall.” That said, we have to mention this: the draft order is using Caesars Sportsbook’s Super Bowl odds (prior to Round 1) but in reverse order. We know folks are going to be very angry about why we have their team picking so high, but it’s not our fault. These are your team’s odds of winning a Lombardi Trophy, as determined Las Vegas.

— No. 1 … Carolina Panthers … Shedeur Sanders … Colorado … Shedeur Sanders made huge strides in his first year as an FBS QB and he’ll be in the conversation with several other players to be the first quarterback drafted.

— No. 2 … Tennessee Titans … Travis Hunter … Colorado … Imagine if I told you five years ago that not only would Colorado have two players drafted in the first round, but they’d have a chance to be top-10 picks. Hunter is a special talent who looks like an NFL star on both sides of the ball.

… Read full story here (only three other Big 12 players listed) …

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2023 Pac-12 First Round NFL Draft Picks: 8

From the 2023 Pac-12 … 

• 1. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago … USC
• 8. Michael Penix, QB, Atlanta … Washington
• 9. Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago … Washington
• 12. Bo Nix, QB, Denver … Oregon
• 14. Taliese Fuaga, OL, New Orleans … Oregon State
• 15. Laiatu Lata, Edge, Indianapolis … UCLA
• 20. Troy Fautanu, OL, Pittsburgh … Washington
• 25. Jordan Morgan, OL, Green Bay … Arizona

From the 2023 Big 12 … 

• 16. Byron Murphy, DT, Seattle … Texas
• 28. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City … Texas
• 29. Tyler Guyton, OL, Dallas … Oklahoma

From teams who will make up the 2024 Big 12 … 

• 25. Jordan Morgan, OL, Green Bay … Arizona

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April 25th 

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ESPN’s List of Top 50 Transfers – CU has three leaving; three coming in; Rest of Big 12: seven out; two in

From ESPN … College football’s spring transfer period opened on April 16. More than 2,000 players transferred during the December transfer period, and while we might not see that volume during the spring, it’s the final chance for teams to use the portal to fill needs or add to their roster. It’s also the last time players can change schools before the season starts.

These rankings will be adjusted as new players enter the portal, and we’ll add notes on what each transfer brings to his new program as players commit.

3. Dayon Hayes, DL

Transferring from: Pittsburgh | Tranferring to: Colorado

HT: 6-3 | WT: 265 | Class: Senior

Background: Hayes was one of the most disruptive front-seven defenders in the ACC last season, utilizing a high motor and athletic skill set off the edge to pressure the quarterback. He carried his weight well in high school and continued to add bulk and strength at Pitt while retaining his good upfield burst and lateral quickness. That speed-to-power combo led to 27 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks the past four seasons but he can continue to improve as a finisher.

The top defensive signee in the Panthers’ 2020 recruiting class, Hayes lacks ideal size, but he makes up for it in scheme versatility.

What he brings to Colorado: The Buffaloes immediately improve their pass rush outlook which was No. 63 in sacks last season and No. 78 in defensive pressures. With disruptive edge Jordan Domineck (5 sacks) off to the NFL, this was both a high-value and high-need commitment for coach Deion Sanders as he continues to transform his roster through the portal. Hayes provides new defensive coordinator Robert Livingston with another edge defender in his four-man front scheme that can win 1-on-1 matchups as an outside pass rusher. Hayes is stout against the run as well, another place where Colorado struggled in 2023.

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5. Dylan Edwards, RB

Transferring from: Colorado

HT: 5-9 | WT:170 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Edwards delivered immediately in Boulder, living up to his Under Armour All-America status. No. 140 in the 2023 ESPN 300, he was a weapon out of the backfield as both a runner and pass catcher. What he lacked in size and power, he made up for in versatility, compiling 321 yards on the ground and another 299 through the air on 36 receptions. Edwards excelled at creating mismatches with his top-level speed and elusiveness and CU did a good job creatively getting the ball in his hands.

Out of high school, he was one of the fastest players in the country, running a verified 4.39 40 as a junior and hit 22 MPH, one of the highest speeds of any player tracked in his class. It translated at Colorado as he was able to accelerate past defenders and finish plays for big gainers. He is at his best in space and when he can get the ball out on the perimeter.

Edwards did not have the benefit of a strong offensive line last year and his 4.2 yards a carry was mainly a result of his own skill set. Edwards will be highly coveted in the portal with his ability to fit into a multitude of offenses and provide a game-breaking element.

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17. Cormani McClain, DB

Transferring from: Colorado

HT: 6-2 | WT: 165 | Class: Sophomore

Background: One of few significant high school recruits signed by Colorado in the 2023 class, the former five-star recruit and the top corner recruit in the class struggled to get on track in Boulder. Talent was never an issue. Tall corners with verified 4.5 speed and 34-inch-vertical leaping ability don’t grow on trees, but the acclimation to college football appeared to be a steep learning curve, both on and off the field. After being publicly called out by coach Deion Sanders for his practice habits and not playing much to start the season, McClain came on late, starting four games as a true freshman.

He ended his tenure with the Buffaloes with 13 total tackles and two pass breakups. He would be higher in our portal rankings if we based them on physical ability, but his struggles adjusting to college should still warrant double-checking from future suitors.

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18. Dallan Hayden, RB

Transferring from: Ohio State | Transferring to: Colorado

HT: 5-10 I WT: 205 I Class: Junior

Background: The ultra-talented Hayden faced a crowded running back room in Columbus. A four-star prospect at Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tennessee), Hayden ranked No. 27 nationally at his position in high school. He quickly emerged as a true freshman, rushing for 553 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games for the Buckeyes. But his carries dropped from 111 in 2022 to just 19 last season, and now former Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins is now wearing scarlet and gray.

Hayden has great quickness through the hole and is shifty, but he lacks game-breaking speed and downhill power. He’ll be more of a change-of-pace player, but he is still a valuable option.

How he fits at Colorado: Shurmur likes to attack the perimter with outside zone schemes which Hayden, with good lateral quickness and cutback vision, is very effective at. We expect Colorado to run the ball more, particularly on first down to take some pressure off quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Hayden will have the benefit of a revamped offensive line and less backs to share the load with. The Buffs recently parted ways with talented RB Alton McCaskill who saw minimal action last season due to injuries.

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19. Myles Slusher, DB

Transferring from: Colorado

HT: 6-0 | WT: 195 | Class: Senior

Background: A former ESPN 300 defensive back, Slusher spent three productive seasons at Arkansas, including playing in all 11 games as a sophomore while posting 50 tackles and intercepting two passes. He was part of Deion Sanders’ initial portal makeover in Boulder, and early returns were good.

Slusher played four games before injuries halted his season. He racked up 16 solo tackles — including the game-winning stop in the Buffaloes’ season-opening upset win over TCU. That tackle epitomized his range and downhill tackling ability. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he will be a sought-after, scheme-versatile defensive back.

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37. Rayyan Buell, DT

Transferring from: Ohio | Transferring to: Colorado

HT: 6-3 | WT: 277 | Class: Senior

Background: After initially signing with Rutgers, then going to Northwest Mississippi Community College, Buell was a third-team All-MAC player for Ohio last year. He was a disruptive presence this year with 12. 5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 30 total tackles. He posted a verified 5.09 40-yard dash at 280 pounds in high school and has improved that speed and explosiveness while increasing his functional strength. Buell flashes a great get-off and short-area burst to chase down quarterbacks and elusive running backs.

What he brings to Colorado: Coach Prime lands another key addition through the portal with Buell who is a nice complement to Hayes on the inside. Buell can play the 3-technique (DT) position and provide a stout and active run support presence with his short-area quickness. That pursuit speed up front is essential to the team’s defensive approach. Buell can also get after the quarterback which was lacking last season (No. 78 in defensive pressures) and won’t face many double-teams with Hayes on the outside drawing most attention.

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Others from the Big 12 … 

4. Damonic Williams, DT

Transferring from: TCU

HT: 6-2 | WT: 320 | Class: Junior

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9. Samuel Brown, WR

Transferring from: Houston

HT: 6-2 I WT: 195 I Class: Junior

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14. Nyjalik Kelly, DL

Transferring from: Miami | Transferring to: UCF

HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 | Class: Junior

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16. Jaden Rashada, QB

Transferring from: Arizona State | Transferring to: Georgia

HT: 6-4 | WT: 185 | Class: Freshman

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20. Elijhah Badger, WR

Transferring from: Arizona State

HT: 6-2 I WT: 190 I Class: Senior

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23. Tacario Davis, DB

Transferring from: Arizona

HT: 6-4 | WT: 195 | Class: Junior

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24. Justus Ross-Simmons, WR

Transferring from: Colorado State

HT: 6-3 I WT: 195 I Class: Junior

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32. Ed Woods, DB

Transferring from: Arizona State

HT: 6-0 | WT: 175 | Class: Senior

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44. Cedrick Hawkins Jr., DB

Transferring from: Ohio State | Transferring to : UCF

HT: 5-11 | WT: 182 | Class: Freshman (redshirted in 2023)

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47. Bill Norton, DL

Transferring from: Arizona | Transferring to: Texas

HT: 6-6 | WT: 325 | Class: Senior

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… Read full story here …

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Report: Coach Prime, CU and Nike still “haggling” over branding contracts

From msn.com … The University of Colorado, Deion Sanders and Nike have spent the last half year negotiating formal authorization to sell co-branded apparel, one that a school spokesperson says will replace the “handshake agreement” under which the parties are currently operating for apparel that includes the IP of both CU and its football coach.

Colorado and Nike, the Buffaloes’ apparel provider, are “getting close” to signing a special licensing agreement that has been in the works since last fall, CU spokesperson Steve Hurlbert told Sportico. The school is also in talks on a related agreement with Sanders, which will determine how sales revenue will be divided between them.

The three sides are looking to capitalize further on the vortex of attention-and commercial opportunity-that has defined Sanders’ first year in Boulder, Colo. The former MLB and NFL star became a national sensation in his first Power Five coaching gig, driving TV viewership, ticket sales and media coverage previously unseen at Colorado. There is already some co-branded Nike apparel currently for sale, which Hurlbert says is being produced under an informal arrangement between the parties.

It’s unclear what specifically is holding up the execution of the agreements. Representatives for Nike and Sanders didn’t respond to requests for comment, while Hurlbert suggested that there was no particular urgency among the parties to formalize the terms.

A draft of the revenue-sharing agreement from January, which was obtained through a public records request, makes direct reference to the ongoing talks between the school and Nike. It says the university is negotiating a “special license type agreement” that will carry an 18 percent royalty for Nike “Prime 21” merchandise that includes university marks. The document includes blank spaces to clarify how those proceeds will be split between Sanders’ company, Prime Time Enterprises, and Colorado’s athletic department.

According to the draft agreement, Sanders would seek approval from the university-and specifically CU’s athletic director-for anything that appeared on co-branded merchandise, prior to it being submitted to Nike. The agreement would be in place as long as Sanders is employed as Colorado’s head football coach. In the event he no longer is, the draft agreement stated, the university would have six months to liquidate any remaining merchandise and distribute the revenue in accordance to the revenue share terms.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 24th

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If Herm Edwards admitted violations, why did ASU pay him off instead of firing him for cause?

From the San Jose Mercury News … It has been almost three years since Arizona State acknowledged an NCAA investigation into possible recruiting violations, 18 months since the school revealed a multimillion-dollar buyout of former coach Herm Edwards and one day since a published report indicated Edwards knowingly violated NCAA rules before reaching said separation agreement.

What a fiasco.

If you’re tracking at home, it sure looks like the university agreed to a separation deal with Edwards when it could have fired him with cause.

It certainly seems like ASU shelled out millions to a rule-breaking employee when it could have paid nothing.

Worst of all, it appears campus leadership abdicated all financial responsibility to students and staff, not to mention millions of state taxpayers.

The Sun Devils have danced to their own beat since hiring Edwards in the fall of 2017. But this, folks … this is next-level insanity.

Edwards delivered zero conference championships and no division titles during his five years on the job but managed to actively participate in a systematic eviscerating of NCAA recruiting rules during the COVID-era recruiting dead period.

We know this because he admitted to the violations and agreed to NCAA sanctions, according to a report Tuesday afternoon by SunDevilSource.

And yet, he was paid handsomely to step down as part of a “mutual separation agreement” in September 2022.

We know this because the State Press reported a few weeks after that separation agreement that Edwards would receive up to half the amount remaining on his contract — or $4.4 million, according to a school spokesperson.

The two men with oversight of this dumpster fire were president Michael Crow and athletic director Ray Anderson.

Crow remains in charge of the university, doing both immense good for the campus writ large and immeasurable damage to the athletic department.

Anderson stepped down as athletic director in November and was given a cushy job, purportedly with full pay, as a professor of practice in ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Why did Crow and Anderson agree to compensate an employee who broke the rules, knowingly and repeatedly? Every coaching contract in captivity includes sections on for-cause terminations.

Either they allowed Edwards to pocket more than $4 million when they could have fired him for nothing, or they agreed to the separation deal without knowing the facts of the case.

No matter how you slice it, they are guilty of fiscal mismanagement.

… Continue reading story here …

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Proposal: Group of Five to break off and do their own playoff

From CBS Sports … Former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley is pitching a Group of Five playoff that would be financially backed by private equity, sources tell CBS Sports.

The concept would address — if not be motivated by — disappointment felt by the Group of Five conferences (MAC, Mountain West, Sun Belt, American and Conference USA) over revenue distribution shares under the new College Football Playoff media rights agreement. The average program in those conferences will receive $1.8 million per year in CFP revenue beginning in 2026 under the new deal, up from the current $1.5 million payout.

The Group of Five splits 9% of the annual $1.3 billion deal with ESPN. While the payout marks an increase in raw numbers, it is a percentage decrease considering the Group of Five received 22% of the pot in the prior deal (2014-23).

By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC will each receive 29% of CFP money — millions more than any Group of Five league is paid in media revenue alone during a given year.

“You’ve got presidents and chancellors [from the Group of Five] now saying, ‘Why would [we sit] around waiting for the inevitable, which is a total break [by the SEC and Big Ten]?'” one Group of Five administrator familiar with Dooley’s proposal told CBS Sports. “We better start doing some things.”

Dooley did not immediately return a call requesting comment.

Some believe a Big Ten and SEC breakaway has already occurred given the incoming revenue both conferences are set to receive. The Big Ten and SEC demanded a larger share of the CFP pie, in part, because of their playoff success over the last 10 years.

The leagues have combined to earn 29 of 40 available CFP bids (based on league membership beginning July 2024) and 113 of 184 BCS/CFP slots (62%) since the Bowl Championship Series debuted in 1998. (That includes all BCS-affiliated bowls and New Year’s Six games.)

While Dooley’s idea is in the development stages, sources stressed that financial involvement would be more than just funding a playoff. In one iteration of the proposal, as described to CBS Sports, eight division champions would play at the end of the regular season for the Group of Five’s guaranteed CFP berth. “Significant dollars” would be at stake, according to one source with knowledge of the pitch.

Such an arrangement would require the 62 teams contained in the Group of Five conferences realigning into eight-team divisions.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 23rd

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Transfer Portal winners and losers: CU in both categories

From CBS Sports … College football’s spring transfer portal window has been open for a week and, with one week left until the portal closes May 1 to undergraduates for the rest of this athletic year, there are some teams that have already impressed — and some that seem to be falling behind in the early going. Whatever the case may be, there’s already been enough action to determine some “Winners” and “Losers” from the last seven days.

Colorado is an enigma. On one hand, the Buffaloes are up to their usual business of making a splash via the portal, but there’s also been a notable exodus from Boulder that’s hard to discount. Roster flips are nothing new for Deion Sanders, but this same sort of overhaul led to a 4-8 record last season.

Elsewhere, SEC teams like Alabama and Ole Miss are loading up on talent at positions of need. Both the Crimson Tide, helmed by first-year coach and former Washington boss Kalen DeBoer, and Rebels are hoping to make a run for the expanded College Football Playoff in 2024.

On the other side of the spectrum, Arizona State, which is making a move to the Big 12 in 2024, has had a sour start to the spring thus far. So has Louisville, fresh off its run to the ACC Championship Game in coach Jeff Brohm’s first year leading the program.

From the Big 12 … 

Winner: Colorado

Though it should come as no surprise to those that have paid attention to what Sanders is doing in Boulder, Colorado is off to a hot start in the spring transfer window. The Buffaloes had a huge weekend and parlayed impactful visits into a flurry of commitments from players at positions of need. Pittsburgh edge transfer Dayon Hayes, one of the best pass-rushers on the market, and Ohio defensive line transfer Rayyan Buell will add some much-needed disruption along Colorado’s defensive front. Texas offensive line transfer Payton Kirkland may not be a plug-and-play starter, but he’s got four years of eligibility remaining and will have a shot at establishing himself in a relatively thin room. Former Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden had a phenomenal freshman campaign but fell behind in a loaded running back room the past couple years; he’ll have an opportunity to shine in Colorado. Overall solid work, and there could be more on the way if Colorado’s visit schedule is any indication.

Loser: Colorado

How can Colorado be listed as both a “winner” and a “loser,” by this article’s definition? While it’s true that the Buffaloes have had more impactful additions than any other school during the spring window, they’ve also lost over 17 players to the portal thus far. Whether those that have left are worthy of a starting role or not, as Sanders has called into question, established and consistent depth is important for a team that’s trying to build off of three straight losing seasons. And some of those departures have almost certainly been more than depth pieces. The killer so far is running back Dylan Edwards, who flashed as a freshman and has a longstanding relationship with Sanders. Edwards had four touchdowns in Colorado’s rousing opening win vs. TCU.

Offensive lineman Savion Washington started at right tackle, playing 660 snaps, and was a lone bright spot on an otherwise lackluster offensive line last season. He was one of three linemen to enter the portal from a unit that so desperately needs depth and an injection of talent.

Former five-star cornerback Cormani McClain has some questions off the field, but his talent is undeniable. Former Cincinnati tight end Chamon Metayer, a four-star transfer from the winter window, re-entered the portal after going through spring practice. Even if they’re mere second-stringers, there’s some quality pieces that Colorado lost.

Loser: Arizona State 

It hasn’t been the best week for second-year coach Kenny Dillingham. Two days after the portal opened, news broke that former starting quarterback and top-50 overall prospect Jaden Rashada would be entering the portal. Though he struggled at times during an injury-riddled true freshman season, and Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt pushed for the starting job during spring practice, losing a player of Rashada’s caliber is a blow. Leading receiver Elijhah Badger, who had 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving in three years as a Sun Devil, and tight end Bryce Pierrer, Arizona State’s only returning scholarship player at the position, quickly followed. On Monday, 247Sports reported that starting cornerback Ed Woods is expected to transfer out of the program.

… Read full story here …

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April 22nd

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Best available transfers: CU loses No. 16 – but gains No. 16

From The Athletic … The 2023-24 transfer portal cycle is on pace to be another record-setting one, with 2,300 scholarship college football players already in the portal at the FBS level. So far, more than 1,400 have announced commitments as the 14-day spring transfer window continues from April 16-30.

Which big names do you need to know ahead of the portal deadline? In an effort to help you keep track of who’s going where and which top transfers are still on the market, The Athletic ranks the best available players in the portal.

Transfers are ranked based on their experience, production, potential, interest they’re generating and feedback from coaches throughout the country. This is a fluid list that we’ll constantly update as players make decisions, so be sure to keep this one bookmarked.

From the Big 12 …

2. DT Damonic Williams, TCU: The former three-star from California emerged as one of the Big 12’s best young defensive tackles in his two seasons in Fort Worth. He started all 15 games up front at nose as a true freshman for a Horned Frogs team that played for a national title in 2022 and earned Freshman All-America honors, then started every game in his sophomore year to pick up honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition. He has two more seasons of eligibility and will have lots of Power 5 contenders competing for him. Oklahoma is expected to get his first visit followed by Texas, Colorado and LSU.

3. CB Tacario Davis, Arizona: Here’s a situation we haven’t really seen in the portal era. Davis entered his name in the transfer portal in late January after Arizona’s coaching change but stayed and is going through spring practice with the team. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound corner led the Pac-12 with 15 pass breakups in his first season as a starter and earned all-conference recognition from the AP.

Davis says he stuck around to see how it goes with his new coaches, but he has yet to officially withdraw from the portal. Until he takes that step, other schools can continue to recruit him. This is a day-to-day deal, and it’ll be interesting to see whether the Wildcats can hang onto him.

8. WR Elijhah Badger, Arizona State: The 6-foot-2, 190-pound playmaker has been the Sun Devils’ leading receiver in back-to-back seasons and produced a total of 135 catches for 1,579 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, which is tough to do when your team plays five different QBs over those two seasons. Badger was set to be one of the top returning wideouts in the Big 12 this fall and has two more seasons of eligibility, but he’s a likely draft pick a year from now if he puts together another strong year.

13. WR Samuel Brown, Houston: The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout spent two years at West Virginia but took his game to another level at Houston, where he caught 103 passes for 1,286 yards and seven TDs in two seasons. Brown ranked sixth in the Big 12 in receptions (62) in his first season back in the conference and helped fill the void of Tank Dell going pro by breaking out as the Cougars’ leading receiver in 2023. He’ll be high on the board for teams with a need at receiver.

15. QB Jaden Rashada, Arizona State: By now, you’ve probably read all about Rashada’s wild high school recruitment and his $13 million contract with Florida that fell through. He became one of the most high-profile cautionary tales of the NIL era before he ever played a college snap. Arizona State took a chance on Rashada and let the former top-100 recruit start two games as a true freshman. He threw for 485 yards with four TDs and three interceptions on 184 snaps and ended up redshirting. Now he’s moving on and expected to land at Georgia, where he’d get to spend a year learning behind Carson Beck before competing for the job in 2025.

16. CB Cormani McClain, Colorado: Deion Sanders’ flip of McClain, a five-star cornerback from Florida, away from Miami in his first months on the job made a serious statement, and the opportunity to play for Coach Prime and with Travis Hunter was hard to beat. McClain struggled early on in his freshman season and was called out by his head coach for his lack of preparation, but he eventually stepped up and showed progress while earning four starts and logging 13 tackles and two pass breakups. McClain still has a bright future if he’s willing to put in the work at his next stop. USF and USC are reportedly two schools to watch.

Previously ranked

16. DE Dayon Hayes, Pitt to Colorado: After leading the Panthers with 10.5 tackles for loss in his first season as a starter, Hayes is moving on for his final season of eligibility. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge defender logged 45 tackles, 44 pressures, four sacks and four pass breakups in 2023 but told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he’s transferring because he didn’t believe Pitt can “win now.”

… Read full story here …

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April 20th

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New Virginia law will allow schools to work directly with NIL Collectives

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April 19th 

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CU’s win total for 2022 doubles: Arizona State NCAA penalties announced

From CBS Sports … Arizona State will receive four years of probation, scholarship reductions and recruiting restrictions in connection with recruiting violations that occurred under former coach Herm Edwards, the NCAA Committee on Infractions announced Friday. Four former ASU staff members also received show-cause penalties ranging from 3-10 years.

CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd previously reported that Edwards was among those in line to receive a show-cause. Edwards, 69, is no longer in coaching and returned to a TV analyst role in 2022.

Two of the former staffers are contesting “portions” of their cases, and the NCAA will not release its full decision until after those hearings. Among them is Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, who is submitting a written statement to the NCAA regarding his role in the violations after he served as an ASU assistant from 2018-2021.

The penalties stem from allegations that prospects were brought in during the COVID-19 dead period. The NCAA’s announcement also noted “recruiting inducements, impermissible tryouts and tampering” as part of the violations case.

Arizona State’s self-imposed postseason ban for the 2023 season and a “vacation of records for contests in which ineligible student-athletes competed” were also cited by the NCAA as penalties in the case. The Sun Devils finished 3-9 in 2023 during coach Kenny Dillingham’s first season.

… Continue reading story here …

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NCAA approves two-minute warning; helmet comms

From CBS Sports … The NCAA on Friday approved several rule changes that will take effect during the 2024 season, including the implementation of coach-to-player helmet communications and a new two-minute rule that mirrors the current time system utilized by the NFL. These changes were proposed by the NCAA’s Rules Committee in March amid support from some of the nation’s most prominent conferences.

The helmet communication rule applies only to schools at the FBS level, but it is not a requirement. Additionally, one team may employ helmet technology even if its opponent elect otherwise.

Coaches will be allowed to communicate with one player, identified by a green dot on the back of their helmet, on the field. That line of communication will be turned off with 15 seconds left on the play clock or when the ball is snapped, whichever occurs first.

On top of player-to-helmet communications, teams can now use tablets to review in-game video only. Schools will be allocated 18 tablets that can be utilized in the coaching booth, on the sideline and in locker rooms.

Other changes approved by the NCAA Friday include:

• Penalizing horse collar tackles that occur within the tackle box as a 15-yard personal foul.
• Allowing conferences the option to use a collaborative video replay review system.
• Head coaches can now conduct interviews with broadcast partners after the first and third quarters conclude.

The NCAA used the 2023 postseason as a trial run for its technological changes with several teams utilizing helmet communications in their bowl games. Several schools have incorporated the technology in their spring games, as well, while teams acclimate to another wave of major change.

… Continue reading story here …

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Arizona State loses star quarterback to the Transfer Portal

From ESPN … Arizona State freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada is set to enter the transfer portal, his agent Henry Organ of Disruptive Sports told ESPN on Thursday.

Rashada appeared in three games for the Sun Devils last fall, passing for 485 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. ESPN’s No. 31 overall recruit in the 2023 class initially signed with Florida but was released from his national letter of intent after a $13 million name, image and likeness agreement fell through with Florida’s Gator Collective. The Pittsburg, California, native eventually signed with Arizona State, where his father, Harlen, played defensive back from 1992 to 1994.

Jaden Rashada posted a message to social media thanking his Arizona State teammates and coaches and saying he is “seeking the best fit for my career.”

Rashada has four years of eligibility left and will become one of the top players available in the spring transfer cycle, which opened Tuesday and lasts through the end of the month.

He opened the 2023 season as Arizona State’s starter but missed most of the year with a knee injury. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Rashada missed spring practice with the Sun Devils following offseason thumb surgery.

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April 16th

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McClain exit making national news 

From CBS Sports … Headline: “Colorado players in transfer portal: Cormani McClain among key departures ahead of Year 2 for Deion Sanders … As has become the expectation under Sanders, Colorado is having a busy day in the transfer portal”

In what has become a tradition under Deion Sanders during his young stint as Colorado coach, the Buffaloes are enduring a busy day of departures in the transfer portal. The spring transfer window opened Tuesday, and the Buffaloes have already had several players enter with the intention of playing elsewhere.

Former five-star prospect and 247Sports’ No. 1 ranked cornerback in 2023 Cormani McClain plans to enter the portal, he announced Tuesday. McClain represented Sanders’ first major recruiting coup at Colorado in 2023. While McClain wasn’t a major contributor last year for the Buffs, his departure would have a negative impact on the optics of the program moving forward.

This news comes on the back of a major loss in starting offensive lineman Savion Washington. The 6-foot-8 standout started 10 games at right tackle for the Buffaloes last season and played well despite some struggles across the line of scrimmage.

With Washington hitting the portal, Colorado now has to replace all five of its starting offensive linemen and 114 combined starts from last season’s unit. The Buffaloes did bring in five offensive line transfers during the winter window, and the expectation is that Sanders and his staff will comb the portal for even more depth given the current overhaul.

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From ESPN … After a tumultuous first season at Colorado, former five-star cornerback Cormani McClain is planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal, where he would join a number of Buffaloes teammates with starting experience.

McClain posted his intentions to his Instagram story, and a source at Colorado confirmed his departure from the program. As of Tuesday evening, nine Buffaloes players had entered the portal as the spring transfer window kicked off around college football.

McClain, the No. 14 overall recruit in the 2023 ESPN 300 out of Lakeland, Florida, committed to Miami in October 2022 before flipping to Colorado in January 2023.

At the time, it was considered a big signing for Colorado coach Deion Sanders and his staff, and it was thought that McClain would complement Travis Hunter in the secondary as an immediate impact player. McClain did not see the field early on, however, and Sanders told reporters in September that the freshman needed to do more.

“Study and prepare. Be on time for meetings, show up to meetings. Understand the scheme,” Sanders said at the time. “I check film time from each player, so I can see who’s preparing. So, if I don’t see that, you would be a fool to put somebody out there who’s not prepared.”

McClain did end up seeing action in nine games, starting four, and accounted for 13 tackles. He was a true freshman this past year and still has a redshirt available if he needs to use it at his next destination.

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April 12th

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Big 12 returning starters: CU 7th in the conference with 14

From 247 Sports … College football teams with a high number of returning starters from the previous season are often set up for success heading into the next campaign. While experience does not always translate to positive results, it can certainly help in pressure-packed situations. In the era of the transfer portal, roster reconstruction is seemingly more extensive than ever with movement all across the board. For now, rosters for the upcoming 2024 season are set with most of the programs across the nation currently holding spring practices.

But soon another wave of changes will take place when the spring transfer portal opens April 15. So, which power conference college football teams currently have the highest number of returning starters from 2023?

The number of returning starters for each team are determined using Pro Football Focus data. A player must have at least six starts from the 2023 season — conference title games, bowls and playoffs included. Offense, defense and special teams (kicker and punter) are factored into the total number of returning starters.

From the Big 12 … (and national ranking) …

2. Oklahoma State – 20 

Offense: 10

Defense: 10

Special Teams: 1 (Punter)

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T-3. Iowa State – 19 

Offense: 9

Defense: 9

Special Teams: 1 (Punter)

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6. Baylor – 18 

Offense: 9

Defense: 7

Special Teams: 2 (Kicker, Punter)

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T-12. Utah Utes — 16

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 8
• Special Teams: 2 (Kicker, Punter)

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T-21. Cincinnati Bearcats — 15

• Offense: 8
• Defense: 5
• Special Teams: 2 (Kicker, Punter)

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T-21. West Virginia Mountaineers — 15

• Offense: 8
• Defense: 5
• Special Teams: 2 (Kicker, Punter)

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T-29. Colorado Buffaloes — 14

• Offense: 5
• Defense: 7
• Special Teams: 2 (Kicker, Punter)

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T-32. Arizona Wildcats — 13

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 6
• Special Teams: 1 (Kicker)

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T-32. Arizona State Sun Devils — 13

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 7
• Special Teams: 0

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T-32. Kansas Jayhawks — 13

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 6
• Special Teams: 1 (Punter)

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T-32. UCF Knights — 13

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 5
• Special Teams: 2 (Kicker, Punter)

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T-44. BYU Cougars — 12

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 5
• Special Teams: 1 (Kicker)

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T-44. Kansas State Wildcats — 12

• Offense: 5
• Defense: 6
• Special Teams: 1 (Kicker)

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T-44. TCU Horned Frogs — 12

• Offense: 6
• Defense: 6
• Special Teams: 0

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T-57. Houston Cougars — 10

• Offense: 5
• Defense: 4
• Special Teams: 1 (Kicker)

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T-57. Texas Tech Red Raiders — 10

• Offense: 5
• Defense: 4
• Special Teams: 1 (Kicker)

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April 11th

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247 Sports List of Teams Likely to be most active in the Spring Transfer Portal (CU doesn’t make the list)

From 247 Sports … It’s almost spending season in college football with the spring transfer portal window opening next week through the end of the month. That means teams with expansive NIL resources looking to reload have another opportunity at plugging roster holes and patching up the two-deep prior to the summer break ahead of the 2024 season.

During the first go-around, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Colorado and a few others were the most active with roster revamps, including Deion Sanders’ complete position flip of his offensive line room. With reports of chaos unfolding due to sizable NIL offers from competing schools, several high-profile players could relocate.

The spring transfer portal window opens from April 16 through April 30. Many Power conference teams have not yet played their final spring scrimmages, yet talent acquisition remains paramount before coaches put a cap on this portion of the offseason.

From the Big 12 …

Arizona Wildcats … Arizona already flexed its NIL strength once this offseason after convincing mega stars Noah Fifita (quarterback) and Tetairoa McMillan (wide receiver) to return ahead of Brent Brennan’s first season. And while those two are still acclimating to a new offensive scheme ahead of the Wildcats’ first season in the Big 12, there are other spots on the roster that must be addressed if Arizona intends on building on 2023’s momentum. Prominent Arizona booster Humberto Lopez is one of the leading NIL figures for the Wildcats and was instrumental in bringing Fifita and McMillan back. And he’ll play a sizable role in who this program can go after this month.

… Read full story here …

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April 9th

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NCAA focused on creating “consumer protection system” for athletes and their families in NIL era

From ESPN … NCAA president Charlie Baker said he’s focused on creating a “consumer protection system” for collegiate athletes and their families so they can have a better understanding of name, image and likeness deals that are legitimate — and those that are fraudulent.

Baker, who spoke to reporters prior to the start of the national championship game Monday, said a multitude of athletes are basing NIL decisions on limited information about the legitimacy of the companies and sponsors courting them.

“One piece, which we’ve been working on for a while, is what we call a consumer protection package,” Baker said. “For the first time, some semblance of what the market looks like so that student-athletes and their families can have some idea about whether or not what somebody’s promising them or telling them is actually legit. The second piece is to create almost like a Yelp or a Trip Advisor that will give student-athletes the ability to talk about third parties that do right by them and third parties that don’t. I think it’s unfortunate that for the most part that whole space is kind of anonymous and I think that puts, again, kids and families in a tough spot.”

Baker also said he’s concerned about the impact of prop-betting on collegiate sports. He said he’s spoken directly with athletes who are concerned about the growing impact of sports betting in the collegiate space.

“I think the prop-betting piece is enormously problematic for student-athletes and I’ve had a lot of them say that to me,” he said.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 7th

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House damages could reach $4 billion – “There’s a lot to be sorted out”

From the San Jose Mercury News … Eric MacMichael, who represented Washington State and Oregon State in their lawsuit against the departing 10, told the Hotline that exposure to potential liabilities shaped the legal strategy — not only in a Whitman County (Washington) courthouse but also in the private discussions with a mediator.

“We were very mindful of the liabilities facing the conference,” MacMichael said. “Making sure the liabilities were addressed was a guiding principle in our approach to a fair settlement.”

What are the specific liabilities facing the conference?

A section of the negotiated agreement reads as follows:

“Liability Release. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 2.b, the Departing Members are released from all liability arising from the decisions made by the Board of Directors that do not require ratification.”

Section 2.b includes almost four pages of redactions — a move designed, in part, to protect the schools against unresolved legal challenges. They don’t want opposing attorneys to see their playbook, in other words.

A confidentiality agreement prevents MacMichael from discussing certain details, including the liabilities under redaction.

The plaintiffs sought $1.4 billion in damages from the NCAA and its universities, according to court documents reported by USA Today. But the price tag soared in November when U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken granted the case class-action status.

It’s Armageddon for the NCAA and the Power Five leagues, which are named defendants: Because damages treble in class-action cases, the bill could exceed $4 billion.

The case is scheduled for trial in January. But multiple industry experts interviewed by the Hotline in recent months believe it will be settled.

“There’s no way it’s going to court,” one source said. “But there’s a lot to be sorted out.”

That sorting includes the means by which the NCAA and the Power Five conferences would pay the damages.

After all, the schools are the conferences, and nobody has $4 billion in the bank.

(One option: Using future revenue from media contracts and spreading the payments over time.)

The last thing Washington State and Oregon State want as a two-team conference in 2025-26 is sole responsibility for the entirety of the Pac-12’s share of the damages, whether it’s $1 million, $100 million or a half-billion.

“The House case was front and center in our thinking,” MacMichael said.

… Read full story here …

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April 5th

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Federal judge denies Florida State Motions to Dismiss ACC Lawsuit

From CBS Sports …  A North Carolina judge denied two motions filed by Florida State to dismiss or stay a lawsuit from the ACC, marking a notable win for the conference in its ongoing legal battle with FSU. The ruling will likely allow the lawsuit to proceed through North Carolina courts, where the ACC is headquartered, rather than in Florida. At stake is more than $500 million that Florida State could be ordered to pay if it leaves for another conference before 3036 in violation of the conference’s grant of rights.

“We are pleased with today’s decision, which confirms North Carolina courts are the proper place to enforce the ACC’s agreements and bylaws,” said the ACC in a statement. “We remain committed to acting in the best interests of the league’s members and will see this process through to protect and advance the ACC.”

Florida State’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Dec. 22, 2023, to file a lawsuit against the ACC challenging its grant of rights; however, the ACC preempted this move with a lawsuit of its own the day before, accusing Florida State of breach of contract.

“Although it’s highly unusual for a court to dismiss a lawsuit at this initial stage, we are disappointed in the Court’s decision not to dismiss the North Carolina lawsuit,” Florida State said in a statement following Thursday’s decision. “At the same time, we appreciate the ruling today that Florida State could not have breached any supposed fiduciary duties to the ACC by seeking legal relief from the Conference’s gross mishandling of member school media rights. We will continue to aggressively advocate for the University, for FSU Athletics, and for the sovereignty of the State of Florida as these cases proceed.”

At issue is the ACC’s withdrawal penalty, which would cost Florida State $572 million — $130 of which would be drawn from TV revenue — if it chooses to leave the conference before 2036. The ACC grant of rights is meant to keep schools tethered to the conference. Its media rights agreement with ESPN runs through 2027 with a unilateral right to exercise a nine-year option through 2036.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 4th

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NCAA Working Group getting closer to giving schools a hands-on role in NIL Deals

From Yahoo Sports … Colleges are growing closer to having more of a hands-on role in arranging name, image and likeness (NIL) deals for their athletes than ever before.

The NCAA’s NIL working group has introduced a proposal that permits schools to provide “assistance and services” to their athletes in pursuit of NIL opportunities, including identifying opportunities for them as well as even facilitating deals with third parties.

The working group is recommending that the NCAA Division I Council adopt the proposal as expedited legislation at its meeting later this month, according to a memo sent to members on Monday and obtained by Yahoo Sports. The proposal was publicized in January but has since been refined to focus specifically on a school’s involvement in arranging NIL deals.

The proposal is on a parallel track and interconnected with the NIL “protections” legislation that the council adopted in January. That legislation creates (1) a voluntary registration process for NIL professional service providers such as agents and advisors; (2) a disclosure database of athlete NIL deals of $600 or more; and (3) standardized NIL contracts as well as a comprehensive educational plan.

The NCAA awarded the management of the agent registry, disclosure database and educational plan to Teamworks, sources told Yahoo Sports. Teamworks is a technology platform and app already widely used within many college athletic departments. The deal between the NCAA and Teamworks has not been finalized.

According to the working group’s proposed legislation, as an incentive for athletes to disclose their deals, schools may only provide assistance to those athletes who have disclosed their contracts, according to the memo.

This latest clarification of the NCAA’s NIL policy brings closer schools and third-party NIL entities, such as booster-led collectives. The relationship between the two — school and collective — has been one of the many murky issues in the NIL space.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 2nd 

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Big 12 announces “Big 12 Mexico” postponed until 2025

What Big 12 Mexico is supposed to be about … 

June 8, 2023 Big 12 Press Release … Today, the Big 12 Conference announced the launch of Big 12 Mexico, the Conference’s first international extension that will see Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and baseball games held in Mexico. Big 12 Mexico’s first contest will be a men’s and women’s basketball matchup between Kansas and Houston, held in Mexico City at Arena CDMX in December of 2024. Following the launch of Big 12 basketball in Mexico, Big 12 women’s soccer and baseball will participate in exhibitions against clubs from the region.

Additionally, the Big 12 will explore establishing a football bowl game in Monterrey, starting in 2026. This would be the first bowl game ever held in Mexico.

“Mexico is a natural extension to the Big 12 footprint, and I’m thrilled to introduce Big 12 Mexico as the Conference’s first-ever international presence,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Through Big 12 Mexico, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete in an international setting, and our Conference will have the chance to showcase our brand across Mexico.”

Leading up to the launch of Big 12 Mexico and throughout 2023, FOX Sports and ESPN will help seed the Big 12 product across Mexico and Spanish-speaking communities through their ESPN Deportes (U.S – based), ESPN Mexico and ESPN on Star+ (Mexico – based channels and OTT service) and FOX Deportes (U.S. – based) channels, which will air select Big 12 football and basketball games. Additionally, the Big 12 will look to secure for the first time Spanish radio broadcasts for Big 12 Football and Basketball Championships in 2023-24 and beyond and will implement a robust Mexico digital strategy.

The Big 12 Conference will team up with Mexico City-based live entertainment agency Zignia as a co-promotional partner. Zignia will support with marketing and sales of Big 12 Mexico events, as well as provide the Conference with their depth of resources. Additionally, On Location, an Endeavor-owned company, will assist with all school travel and VIP packages, while Endeavor will assist the Conference in all facets of its international digital strategy. The Big 12 Business Advisory Board will also continue to provide key insights and counsel as the Conference grows its presence in Mexico.

Beyond hosting Conference games across multiple sports, Big 12 Mexico will see the Conference execute a variety of community outreach programming, commercial partnerships, merchandise and activations. This includes the Conference partnering with notable musicians and artists and launching an influencer marketing campaign in the region.

Five current and future Big 12 Conference campuses – Baylor, Houston, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech – are located less than 400 miles away from Mexico, while the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University have campus extensions in Mexico.  Mexico City – the largest city in North America with a greater area population of over 22 million – has played host to MLB, NBA, NFL, and is home to the G League’s Capitanes de Ciudad de México.

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April 1st

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Final tally on Pac-2 payout: Over $200 million over next three years

From the San Jose Mercury News … The process required eight months, a lawsuit, a negotiated settlement, clarity from the College Football Playoff, readings and re-readings of the Rose Bowl contract, an entire basketball season and multiple rounds of the NCAA Tournament. But finally, we have clarity on the cash.

It’s time to calculate the pot ‘o gold waiting for Washington State and Oregon State.

Once the other 10 schools depart the Pac-12 this summer, the Cougars and Beavers will have sole access to the conference’s assets and revenue.

They have time to plot a course of action, but not an unlimited amount.

NCAA rules provide a two-year grace period for conferences gutted by realignment. Once the summer of 2026 arrives, the Pac-12 must have at least eight schools. Otherwise, WSU and OSU must join another conference.

Based on four key revenue streams, the Cougars and Beavers seemingly have enough cash to create strategic flexibility, maintain athletic operations at a reasonable level and attempt to lure other schools into a rebuilt conference.

How much cash?

With the Pac-12 eliminated from the men’s NCAA Tournament, we can tally the revenue and assets available during the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years — the crucial 24-month period in which WSU and OSU will be alone in open water.

The revenue due to the conference prior to that period (i.e., this spring) must be shared with the outbound schools, which officially depart at the close of business on Aug. 1, according to the negotiated settlement.

The four primary revenue buckets for the Cougars and Beavers are:

Conference distributions withheld

The math: $6.5 million withheld from 10 schools is $65 million for WSU and OSU.

College Football Playoff payments

Because of the NCAA’s grace period, the Cougars and Beavers are eligible for their full share of the CFP revenue per the terms of the contract signed a decade ago, when the four-team event was created.

That 12-year contract runs through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. While WSU and OSU will be treated as at-large teams with regard to their access to the playoff, they remain full-share Power Five members — just like the 10 outbound schools.

A full share is roughly $6 million per year.

The math: $6 million for each school for two years is $24 million.

Rose Bowl revenue

In addition to the CFP payments, the Cougars and Beavers have sole access to the terms of the Rose Bowl’s agreement with the Pac-12, its longtime partner. That deal remains in place for the next two seasons, to coincide with the CFP’s contract cycle.

And it’s a whopper: The Pac-12 receives approximately $50 million annually as part of the agreement with the Granddaddy.

The math: $50 million for two years is $100 million.

NCAA Tournament revenue

This is the most complicated piece of the cash calculation, with the amount of revenue based on tournament success over a rolling timeframe.

In simplest terms, the process works as follows:

Each game played is worth one unit. Each unit carries a six-figure dollar value paid to the team’s conference over six years, beginning the following spring.

So the money due to the Pac-12 this spring from the NCAA Tournament is based on the units accumulated by all the member schools from 2018-23. And it will be shared by all the schools, since the payment period falls within the 2024 fiscal year.

The math: 50 units at $350,000 each in the spring of 2025 is $17.5 million, and 43 units at $360,000 each in the spring of 2026 is $15.5 million — for a two-year total of $33 million.

Totals … 

Conference withholdings: $65 million
CFP payouts: $24 million (approx.)
Rose Bowl: $100 million (approx.)
NCAA units: $33 million

The grand total during the critical 24-month window: roughly $222 million.

It guarantees them nothing, except a fighting chance.

… Read full story here …

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March 31st 

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Minnesota foregoing spring game in favor of an exclusive practice for NIL donors

From The Athletic …

What are your thoughts on a program like Minnesota eliminating its spring game and instead holding a practice for NIL collective members only? — Karl T.

I had not heard about this until seeing Karl’s question, but sure enough, Minnesota is holding one public practice and one that’s open only to donors of Dinkytown Athletes, with P.J. Fleck saying, “We want to be able to urge and create more people being a part of Dinkytown Athletes as best we possibly can.”

I don’t think football programs are under any obligation to hold a traditional spring game. Most have been pared back anyway because coaches don’t want to risk injury and/or give away too much to opponents. If you’re Ohio State or Alabama and you can get 70,000 fans to come, you night as well, In Minnesota’s case specifically, Fleck mentioned that they’ve rarely gotten to hold one as planned, either because of snow or the pandemic, and I assume attendance would be modest regardless.

And in theory, it also makes sense for these collectives to give their members exclusive access of some kind. I’ve been to a lot of college practices, and there are always some big boosters roaming the sidelines. Now that perk is not reserved just for them.

But it also speaks to how patently absurd the whole collective thing is. Fleck, who makes $6 million a year but is not allowed to be directly involved in NIL, has to resort to essentially bribing his fans to donate money for “NIL” so he can field a competitive roster. This in addition to fans who already had to make donations for the rights to purchase season tickets, get decent parking, etc. There has to be a better way.

And there is. In line with NCAA president Charlie Baker’s proposal last December, NIL will go in-house at the schools soon enough. I’d imagine in most cases they’ll just bring the people running the collectives on board. They’ll still want your money, but they’ve always wanted your money. Just now it won’t all be going to construction costs.

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March 28th

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CBS Sports: Three Big 12 teams to vie for College Football Playoffs in 2024

From CBS Sports … March is arguably the greatest month on the sports calendar. Both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments are in full swing, bringing the characteristic madness to which fans have grown accustomed. Some of the best squads in the nation are gearing up for Sweet 16 games after making it through the first two rounds.

At the same time, and not to be entirely outdone, the 2024 college football season takes its first big step as teams hit the field for spring practice. Both fans and coaches alike get an initial glimpse at what their squads will look like with a new season still several months away.

And what an interesting season it will be! The latest round of conference realignment has left the college football landscape looking entirely different with several teams from around the nation finding new homes. They’ll all compete for increased opportunity in an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

Some teams stand apart from the rest of the pack. Inspired by the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, which tips off on Thursday, it felt appropriate to look at college football’s Sweet 16: The 16 teams that are in the best position to take immediate advantage of the new College Football Playoff format.

This isn’t meant as a cut-and-dry playoff ranking. More, the teams are ordered by their outlook and opportunity to earn a spot in the historic 2024 12-team field.

3. Utah … Utah enters its inaugural Big 12 season in great shape with coach Kyle Whittingham calling the shots and super-senior quarterback Cam Rising back for another go-around. A lot of Utah’s outlook hinges on Rising’s recovery from a devastating knee injury and the Utes’ overall health after they were decimated by ailments in 2023. Though Utah has to play a solid Oklahoma State team on the road in 2024, it gets Arizona at home and avoids both of the Kansas schools during the regular season. Things stack up well for Utah to claim an automatic bid.

14. Arizona … Arizona is hot on Utah’s heels as an early Big 12 favorite in its transition from the Pac-12 despite an offseason filled with waves of change. Coach Jedd Fisch, fresh off leading the Wildcats to 10 wins, left for Washington to replace DeBoer, and he took 22 players with him. Despite that, Arizona held onto its two figureheads: quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. They are fantastic building blocks for first-year coach Brent Brennan, who did a good job replacing Arizona’s losses via the transfer portal.

15. Oklahoma State … This list is heavy on the Big 12, not because it’s a conference that will produce multiple at-large qualifiers, but because there’s such stiff competition for the conference title. Of the returning schools, Oklahoma State’s outlook seems like the most positive. The Cowboys bring back a wealth of offensive production, including an early Heisman Trophy favorite in running back Ollie Gordon II. They also have a ton of staff continuity with both coordinators back under Mike Gundy, who is closing in on 20 years in Stillwater. If the defense can improve from an inconsistent 2023, Oklahoma State will be a hard out for its conference opponents.

… Read full story here …

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March 27th

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NCAA President wants to ban prop bets in college sports

From CBS Sports … The NCAA is encouraging individual states to ban proposition bets involving college athletes following a string of gambling scandals spanning a variety sports. With plans to engage with states where prop bets are legal, the NCAA is taking aim at wagering aimed at a certain statistic or player, which can make them especially vulnerable to outside influence. Missing a free throw or leaving the game with an injury can ultimately swing major sums.

“Sports betting issues are on the rise across the country with prop bets continuing to threaten the integrity of competitions and leading to student-athletes and professional athletes getting harassed,” NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement. “The NCAA has been working with states to deal with these threats and many are responding by banning college prop bets.

“This week we will be contacting officials across the country in states that still allow these bets and ask them to join Ohio, Vermont, Maryland and many others and remove college prop bets from all betting markets,” Baker continued. “The NCAA is drawing the line on sports betting to protect student-athletes and to protect the integrity of the game — issues across the country these last several days show there is more work to be done.”

It’s easily the most aggressive advocacy statements against gambling that Baker has made since taking over in March 2023. Unlike his predecessor, Mark Emmert, Baker is a longtime politician and accepted the role as the outgoing governor of Massachusetts. Baker has quickly leveraged his political connections since taking the job, taking repeated trips and testifying in front of Congress.

This stance, however, comes days after Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was placed under investigation by the NBA for prop bet irregularities. During a Jan. 26 game against the LA Clippers, Porter — a minor contributor — was one of the most bet-on players of the night. He left the game after four minutes, meaning all of his unders cashed.

The NCAA has seen repeated issues with gambling irregularity over the past year as more states legalize sports wagering. Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired and slapped with a 15-year show-cause after allegedly giving away inside information to gamblers. Temple basketball is also under investigation by watchdog firm U.S. Integrity. Several Iowa and Iowa State players were previously suspended for gambling, including several on their own team.

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March 26th

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CBS Sports: Can CU offensive line improve at all?

From CBS Sports … The revamped Big 12 debuts in 2024 featuring 16 teams for the first time in history. Texas and Oklahoma are gone, but national contenders Utah and Arizona headline another crop of newcomers for the second straight season, this time from the Pac-12.

After a tumultuous final season before realignment, many of the 16 Big 12 teams are going through a rebuilding phase in 2024. Every returning program in the league lost at least four games last season, including Big 12 finalist Oklahoma State. The lone exception, Arizona, underwent a coaching change after a stellar 10-3 campaign. The four newcomers who transitioned to the power conferences all finished with losing records.

Ultimately, all the turnover means the Big 12 is wide open in 2024. And even more important, the winner of the ultra competitive league is all but guaranteed a trip to the College Football Playoff, making this a debut season for the ages.

The tone for the Big 12 race will start in spring ball. Here’s one question each Big 12 team has to answer in spring ball to make some noise in 2024.

Making matters worse, Colorado lost two starters to the transfer portal. Offensive line is a chemistry position and completely starting from scratch puts them right back where they were last year.

The Buffaloes made the offensive line a priority over the offseason, adding five transfers and No. 1 offensive tackle recruit Jordan Seaton. Colorado also hired former NFL lineman Phil Loadholt as offensive line coach. That said, the Buffaloes added seven transfer offensive linemen before the 2023 season but still struggled. “Coach Prime” has his work cut out for him.

… Below is the photo which ran atop the CBS Big 12 article. Think CBS Sports is a big fan of Coach Prime? … 

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March 25th

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Pac-2/Pac-10 reach final agreement: Cost to CU $6.5 million

From CBS Sports … Oregon State and Washington State reached a settlement with the Pac-12’s departing 10 members, officially bringing an end to the months-long legal battle over the conference’s future. Combined, Oregon State and Washington State will make $65 million in 2024 from the fiscal distributions of the departing members, with apportioned distributions going through June consisting of withheld ($5 million) and supplemental ($1.5 million) revenue.

The settlement notes that the departing members “shall have no vote, direction, input, or other power with respect to the Conference’s (Pac-12) use, allocation or expenditure” of those funds.

That means Oregon State and Washington State can apportion those funds with impunity, a boon for the remaining Pac-12 programs as they navigate an uncertain future. Moreover, the departing members cannot seek to dissolve the Pac-12 unless both OSU and WSU consent in writing. Further protections allow the remaining Pac-12 schools to seek an injunction if a departing member moves to dissolve the Pac-12, with severe financial penalties accrued for such an action.

The settlement also confirms that departing members are not entitled to any revenue generated during and after 2025. The 10 departing schools are each set to join their respective new conferences in July 2024.

Washington State and Oregon State have been hard at work improving their immediate outlook following the Pac-12’s effective dissolution. In December, the two programs announced they will join the West Coast Conference as affiliate members in all sports except football and baseball over the next two seasons. The football teams agreed to a scheduling alliance with the Mountain West for the 2024 season, with an option to extend into 2025.

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Washington State/Oregon State receive significant bump in CFP payout (from $350K to $3.6M)

From CBS Sports … The College Football Playoff has finalized a new media rights contract, and what’s left of the Pac-12 is set to benefit from the updated distribution model. Oregon State and Washington State will each receive $3.6 million annually from 2026 — when the new agreement is set to begin — to at least 2028, three years before the deal is set to expire, CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd confirmed.

The negotiated amount pales in comparison to what other power-conference schools will make under the model, but it is a huge increase for the nominal “Pac-2’s,” financial prospects. Prior to the amendment, Oregon State and Washington State were set to make around $350,000 annually from CFP distribution — the same figure granted to independent programs not named Notre Dame.

“The Pac-12 is pleased the College Football Playoff will continue to grow as an incredible sporting event for our student-athletes and fans,” the Pac-12 said in a statement. “The new agreement to continue on ESPN platforms provides excellent exposure opportunities for Oregon State and Washington State football programs to succeed on the biggest stage in college sports.”

Tuesday’s finalized media rights deal allows ESPN to broadcast College Football Playoff games through the 2031 season. In exchange, the College Football Playoff will receive $1.3 billion annually, according to Dodd, which triples the amount of the previous contract.

The SEC and the Big Ten will receive around 29% of the annual conference distribution, or approximately $22 million per school, per Dodd. The ACC will get 17% ($13-14 million per school), and the Big 12’s cut will sit around 15% ($12 million per school). Notre Dame, which plays independent of a conference, will receive around $12 million.

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