How NASCAR returned to North Wilkesboro after 26 years of ruin
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Ryan McGee, ESPN Senior Writer
Nine-thousand, seven-hundred and thirty-one days.
When the NASCAR All-Star Race drops the green flag on Sunday evening, that’s how long it will have been since the cars of its premiere division, the Cup Series, raced for cash and prizes at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Three-hundred nineteen months and 23 days.
That’s so many calendar pages ripped off and thrown away that the 25-year-old kid who won that last race, Jeff Gordon, victor of the Tyson Holly Farms 400 of Sept. 29, 1996, is now seven years into retirement and vice chairman of the team he was driving for when he held off Dale Earnhardt for the 19th of his eventual 93 victories.
Twenty-six years, seven months and 23 days.
So long ago that 34 of the 37 drivers in the field with Gordon on that day are all retired from Cup Series racing. The other three are no longer with us. Neither are a huge chunk of the sponsors that were on track that day, from Hayes Modems to PrimeStar. So long ago that seven of the drivers entered in this weekend’s event weren’t yet born and at least that many were still in diapers.
Two-hundred thirty-three-thousand, five-hundred forty-four hours. That’s 14,012,640 minutes or 840,758,400 seconds, or, in North Wilkesboro Speedway stopwatch time, roughly 45,446,400 laps run.
No American sports venue has ever hosted a big league team or series, been offline for this long and then had that team or series return. Sure, RFK Stadium lost the Washington Senators in 1971 and MLB didn’t return with the Nationals until 2005, but those 34 years were occupied by no less than eight other franchises, from the NFL to the NASL. And yes, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was closed during World War II, but that was for only four years.
For the vast majority of 1,390 weeks, the North Wilkesboro Speedway was shuttered. Padlocked. Draped with “No Trespassing” signs. As its grandstands rusted, roofs collapsed and fences were devoured by vines, any other building in its condition would have been condemned long ago. But no one in Wilkes County, North Carolina, with that kind of authority could bring themselves to do it. To put the misshapen .625-mile bullring out of its misery, because pulling that plug would have been like pulling the aorta from their hearts.
“I give the people of that area a lot of credit, because they never gave up hope that the place might come alive again,” says Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports and now a bona fide Wilkes County hero, despite being begat from the most hated man in these moonshine-soaked parts to never wear a revenuer’s badge. “No matter how far-fetched the idea of returning might have felt, no matter how far away actually running a NASCAR Cup Series event seemed, they never gave up hope. And now here we are.”
Just how far away did it get? Depending on who you ask and where along that 9,731-day timeline one looks, North Wilkesboro’s rock bottom is a matter of personal perspective.
BP’s dream
For Terri Parsons, the furthest away this Sunday ever felt was August 2011. I know because I ran into her, accidentally, in a Wilkesboro, North Carolina, hotel lobby. I had stopped there in the middle of the night, too tired to make it all the way down the mountain home to Charlotte after covering a night race at Bristol Motor Speedway. I hit the lobby looking for breakfast and there was my friend Terri, widow of NASCAR Hall of Famer Benny Parsons, my former ESPN coworker and mentor.
Parsons died of lung cancer in January 2007, only weeks before the completion of Rendezvous Ridge, a winery, event venue and homeplace they had together built in the hills where Benny grew up, just a few hollers over from the racetrack. It was part of BP’s grand plan to resurrect the area and, eventually, the racetrack where he had grown up watching his stock car racing heroes before spending his entire adult life racing and broadcasting at that same bullring, including the final race in ’96.
“All I know to do is try and help the people who helped me,” Parsons told me the one time I paid a visit to Rendezvous Ridge amid its construction. “It hurts my heart every single time I drive by that racetrack.”
It had indeed hurt my heart when I drove by it on Highway 421, coming and going to Bristol via the Benny Parsons Highway that very weekend. Only three months earlier, I had stood on the frontstretch doing live TV, interviewing a man named Alton McBride, who was part of a group of racing promoters who managed to kill enough frontstretch weeds and convince enough local leaders to allow them to run a full slate of Labor Day weekend races in 2010, including an event won by a 14-year-old kid named Chase Elliott.
The plan was to do it all again the following two years and perhaps beyond, but funding that had been promised never materialized and McBride was gone weeks later. North Wilkesboro Speedway was chained up once again.
That same summer Rendezvous Ridge was struck by lightning twice during a wedding rehearsal dinner and burned to the ground. That’s why Terri Parsons was in the hotel lobby with me that morning. She was living there.
“I carry around a handwritten list of goals that Benny had, that he gave me, and reopening the racetrack is at the top the list,” she told me that morning over bad hotel coffee, robe and all. She walked me through the failure of McBride’s efforts. She talked about the valiant efforts of the Save the Speedway foundation. We smiled as we recalled her “Moonshiners & Revenuers” reunions that had bootlegging legends sitting on rocking chairs and telling tall tales alongside Junior Johnson and even NASCAR president Mike Helton.
I am digging through all my old North Wilkesboro files and just found this. The Moonshiners & Revenuers Reunion from 2010, held at Benny Parsons’ place in Wilkes County. Yes, that’s Junior Johnson doing donuts in a 1940 Ford. Shot it on my FlipCam! #NASCAR75 pic.twitter.com/CPBaNHHjb3
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) May 17, 2023
She still beamed with pride when talking about her 2010 convincing of Richard Childress to bring Kevin Harvick to the abandoned track for a test run. After turning laps on a surface that took 800 gallons of Roundup to clear of weeds, Harvick exclaimed, shocked, “Do not touch this racetrack! It’s perfect.” Then she rattled off a list of all the ideas, schemes and plans that had been brought to her since Benny’s death.
“So much momentum was happening and then, poof, it’s gone,” she said. “Everyone around here has become very jaded, and you can’t blame them. Everyone who has ever gotten their hopes up has either lied to them or disappeared. You should have been at the county commissioners meeting when Bruton Smith stormed out.”
Oh yeah, Bruton Smith …
Returning to the Earth
The way most people want to remember it now is that the furthest away this Sunday ever got was on the very day of that last Cup race in 1996. Gordon’s win came in North Wilkesboro Speedway’s 93rd Strictly Stock/Grand National/Winston Cup Series event, going all the way back to when it hosted the finale of that series’ inaugural season on Oct. 16, 1949.
The reality for those who were there that day was a little different.
“Honestly, I think when we left that day, we all truly believed we’d be back sooner than later,” remembers Danny Lawrence, then an engine tuner at Richard Childress Racing and longtime member of Dale Earnhardt’s famed “Flying Aces” pit crew. “That was an era when NASCAR was growing so fast and it was chasing dollars all over the country, in places like Vegas and Texas and California, so it was inevitable that Wilkesboro would lose races. But the idea of it never coming back there, that just didn’t seem possible. But then the years kept ticking by, didn’t they?”
To understand what happened to the racetrack you have to understand the context of Lawrence’s remembrance. In 1994 there were 18 racetracks on the Winston Cup Series schedule, sharing 31 race dates. Only two of those tracks were located outside the eastern time zone and seven facilities hosting 14 races were essentially in the same neighborhood, a three-state triangle stretching from Darlington, South Carolina, north to Richmond, Virginia, and east to Bristol, Tennessee.
By 2001, that portfolio had expanded to 23 racetracks spread out from coast to coast, including six new speedways. The owner of six of those 23 tracks was Bruton Smith, a longtime thorn in NASCAR’s side but a billionaire who was also responsible for fueling a large part of the sport’s ridiculous momentum as it entered the new millennium.
As stock car racing exploded its way toward that shift in corporate culture, North Wilkesboro was becoming the old man’s house from the movie “Up” — a quaint, outdated little house surrounded by rising glass skyscrapers. With a finite number of covered Cup Series races available, track owners started snooping around to buy older facilities, not for the tracks themselves but for the dates that came with them.
On Jan. 23, 1995, a man named Enoch Staley died at the age of 77, following a massive stroke. Staley was the man who built North Wilkesboro Speedway in 1947. He was a son of Wilkes County and a businessman who saw an opportunity in constructing a speedway where brother Gwyn and others who’d piloted souped-up machines for running ‘shine in the nearby hills could come and see once and for all who had the fastest revenuer-outrunning rides. His co-investor was one of those bootleggers, Charlie Combs, whose brother Jack Combs would eventually take over as track co-owner. They had enough cash to plow a dirt oval on Combs’ land just east of town, but not enough to even it out, thus the downhill frontstretch and uphill backstretch that will still befuddle racers this weekend just as it did in ’47.
Staley became a confidant to NASCAR founder Bill France and later Bill France Jr. As long as those ties existed, North Wilkesboro Speedway felt safe. The moment Staley died, in the words of son Mike, “The buzzards came swooping in.”
Days after Staley’s death, Bruton Smith knocked on the Combses’ front door and offered Jack $6 million. Jack Combs, knowing he had no shot holding off the new NASCAR futurist machine, sold. Mike Staley says that Smith immediately showed up at his office to announce that he was their new business partner, like it or not. Knowing that Smith was going to take one of North Wilkesboro’s races and send it west to his sparkling new $250 million Texas Motor Speedway, Staley courted another track owner in need of a Cup race, New Hampshire Motor Speedway owner Bob Bahre, who bought the Staley half of the track for $8 million.
Smith, who never needed much encouragement to hold a grudge, was livid. In Wilkes County, he was already so despised among the locals that he was told by police not to attend the track’s final race in ’96 because they would not be able to guarantee his safety. But instead of working to repair his image among the people of North Wilkesboro, he went full downhome Darth Vader. By 2007, he had purchased Bahre’s racetrack business and held full ownership of their little mountain racetrack.
For the next two decades, whenever he was asked about the possibility of reopening the little racetrack in the mountains, he scoffed. He joked. He made fun. When he did seem to flirt with the idea, talking with potential buyers, investors or local government officials, he also seemed to take joy in pulling the rug out from underneath them.
It was Bruton Smith who famously said when asked for an update on the status of North Wilkesboro Speedway, “I suppose it’s returning to the earth.”
That was late summer 2009. Racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway certainly seemed a long way away after that.
A toilet problem
The furthest this Sunday night ever felt for me personally was a decade earlier, on a rainy December day in 1999. I was riding in the jump seat of a too-tight pickup truck cab. The rear window had a leak in the seal and there was cold water dripping down the back of my neck. But I didn’t care. Because the man riding shotgun right in front of me was Tom Higgins, aka the greatest NASCAR beat writer who ever lived. And the man driving the truck was Junior Johnson, aka The Last American Hero.
I was with “Pap” and Junior working on a TV story about Johnson’s upcoming book, co-authored by Higgins and Steve Waid. We’d shot an interview at Junior’s house that morning, where he had handed me a Mason jar of cherry-infused moonshine (“The real stuff,” he grumbled. “So be careful with it”). We had ridden into Wilkesboro and had lunch at Harold’s Restaurant, owned by Harold Call, he of the shine-running Calls. Harold sat with us for a little while, and when the topic turned to the racetrack, he pointed to a wall over a booth and a framed photo of two huge, nasty hogs.
“We call one of them Bob Bahre and we call the other one Bruton,” Call said. We all laughed. Call did not.
Inspired by the conversation, Johnson announced that we were going to the racetrack. The place where he had first fallen in love with racing.
He told the story about his first start behind the wheel. He was 17 and plowing the cornfield at home in Ingle Hollow, a crossroads about 10 miles from the spot where Enoch Staley and Jack Combs had built their new speedway. It was summer 1949, the track was preparing to host NASCAR’s new Strictly Stock series. Way more people had showed up than expected, so Staley needed drivers to stage a series of preliminary races he’d just added to the schedule. Johnson parked his plow mule, ran up to the house to get some shoes (yes, he was barefoot) and that afternoon he finished second in his very first race. The winner was Gwyn Staley.
As Johnson told us the story 50 years later, the Winston-red brick building over North Wilkesboro Speedway’s first turn rose into view. After only three years of sitting empty, it already looked awful.
Johnson said, “I don’t think many people have been out there since that race. I know I haven’t. I didn’t go to the last race. I couldn’t make myself do it. The Staleys didn’t go. The Combs didn’t go, and hell, they lived on the property. It’d just been too sad for them and for me.”
We stopped by another next door house, occupied by another member of the Call family, Paul, and got the key to unlock the gate. We walked into the infield and into the driver’s lounge. It was like a time capsule. Scorecards still sat on the desk. The blue and brown country print couches were still something right out of someone’s grandmother’s living room. The hydraulic lift that carried Jeff Gordon’s car from the ground to the rooftop Victory Lane still worked, but little else did.
The grandstands were rotting. The windows of the press box were smashed. And there was a smell.
“That’s the plumbing,” Johnson explained. “It didn’t work worth a damn in ’96, so you know it don’t work now. That alone is why it’s going to be hard to ever open this up again. Inspectors around here looked the other way for so long, they can’t do that now. This place has got a toilet problem.”
Johnson slapped Higgins on the shoulder. “Let’s get out of here. This is making me sadder than hell. They ain’t ever opening this up again.”
Just how far away did it get?
Over the next 20 years, every single time I saw Johnson, he’d repeat that line to me again. He said it to me after he took his son Robert there to run some test laps in 2010. He said it to me at those Moonshiners & Revenuers Reunions. He even said to me at Disney-Pixar HQ, when I was chatting with him about his role in “Cars 3,” in which he plays Junior “Midnight” Moon. During production he’d even had the director and animators over to his house and took them out to the racetrack so they could sketch and take notes. When director Brian Fee asked if the place might be reopened, Johnson told them what he always told me.
“That place has got a toilet problem.” Then he added, “To fix that racetrack up it’s going to take someone with a lot money, a lot of guts and maybe not a lot of common sense.”
Enter Marcus Smith.
“Yeah,” the 50-year-old CEO confesses after hearing that quote, laughing. “I guess that’s pretty much me, isn’t it?”
As the 2010s neared their end, Marcus Smith transitioned into the leadership position at Speedway Motorsports. He is smart like his father, but he is also much easier to navigate in a boardroom. All the Smith business sense without Bruton’s emotional baggage. Among those who called on the more approachable new boss was Terri Parsons. That was in 2018. When silence followed over the next two years, the good people of Wilkes County assumed it was just another verse of the same sad, silent song.
Then came 2020, when a pandemic-forced change of mindset opened the door for NASCAR to be more creative with its scheduling, and a surge in online gaming opened the door for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the designers at iRacing to clean up the track and digitally scan it. Then came March 2021, when Marcus Smith said on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast that he wanted to talk about North Wilkesboro Speedway. Then North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper allocated money to refurbish racetracks throughout the state, which Smith used to start paving and lighting. Then Smith looked at laying dirt on the track … then was talked out of it … then floated the idea of maybe, possibly a NASCAR Trucks race to Lesa France Kennedy … who jumped at the idea … and Trucks became Cup, which became the All-Star Race and … well …
So far away suddenly became not far away at all. Now 9,731 days are about to tick down to zero.
Terri Parsons will be there. So will the Staleys. So will the Combs, finally ready to make that walk across the field, this week to watch one of their own, Dylan Wilson, great-grandson of Jack Combs, race his Late Model machine against Dale Junior. So will so many Calls, along with hundreds of other Wilkes County residents who swore they’d never come back until the Cup cars came back.
Junior Johnson won’t be there. He died December 2020. Benny Parsons won’t be there, either, gone for more than 16 years. But just last week, both had newly refurbished grandstands named in their honor. Bruton Smith will also not be among the expected crowd of 25,000. He died one year ago at the age of 95, believed to be the oldest-ever Fortune 500 CEO.
“I think as someone who loves the history of this sport, I love the places where you can feel the presence of those who came before you, who built these places and NASCAR as whole,” Marcus Smith says, beaming. “That past isn’t perfect, but that builds character. It’s just like that racetrack itself. North Wilkesboro Speedway is far from perfect. It’s never been perfect. But man, there is so much character.”
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Ryan S. Clark
LAS VEGAS — Just when it appeared that the Vegas Golden Knights finally found an opening in overtime, their chances of winning Game 2 were quickly shut down in controversial fashion.
It wasn’t that the Golden Knights were overlooking what it means to be in a 2-0 series hole following a 5-4 overtime loss Thursday to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at T-Mobile Arena.
They were more concerned with what they saw, and what they didn’t see from referee Gord Dwyer just 17 seconds before Leon Draisaitl‘s game-winning goal gave the Oilers their first 2-0 series lead since 2017.
Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was going toward for the puck when Edmonton winger Viktor Arvidsson‘s stick got between McNabb’s legs, which sent McNabb into the boards. The play wasn’t ruled a penalty, and it led to the Oilers eventually going into transition before Draisaitl converted a 2-on-1 chance for the winner.
“It’s pretty clear it’s a penalty,” Golden Knights captain Mark Stone said. “His stick is between McNabb’s legs, and he sends him headfirst into the boards. It’s a pretty clear-cut penalty in my eyes and I think everybody’s eyes, right? But that’s hockey. You don’t always get the calls.”
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy was a bit more direct about what he saw on the McNabb play.
“Listen, Gord’s looking at it. He blew it. He missed the call,” Cassidy said. “I don’t know what else to say. It’s a can-opener trip, it’s a dangerous play, it’s all those things. But it didn’t get called, so you’ve got to keep playing.”
Cassidy said he didn’t have an immediate update on McNabb’s status for Game 3 on Saturday in Edmonton. If he were to miss Game 3, it would leave the Golden Knights without one of their most important players.
McNabb, who was part of their Stanley Cup-winning team in 2023, is one of their top-pairing options and also a crucial piece of a penalty kill that had a significant role in how the Golden Knights survived so late in overtime.
An urgently aggressive Golden Knights team kept pushing to start the first period before forward Victor Olofsson opened with his first-ever playoff goal on the power play in the first period. Three consecutive goals from Oilers trio Jake Walman, Vasily Podkolzin and Darnell Nurse gave them a 3-1 lead. Golden Knights forward William Karlsson scored late in the second to cut it to 3-2.
Oilers forward Evander Kane doubled the lead to 4-2 within the first two minutes of the third before Olofsson’s second, also on the power play, less than three minutes later again cut the lead to a single goal. The Golden Knights forced overtime when alternate captain and star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo fired a shot from distance with 8:02 remaining in regulation.
Vegas had two chances in the final 30 seconds, only to have them both stopped by Edmonton goaltender Calvin Pickard, who finished with 28 saves, before heading to overtime.
Olofsson had a chance at a game-winning hat trick with a point-blank chance with 18:45 remaining before Nurse’s stick stopped him from having a clean shot.
“Definitely had a lot of good looks, and I think we could have had a couple more goals,” Olofsson said of a Golden Knights team that finished with 19 high-danger scoring chances.
Natural Stat Trick’s metrics show that Vegas’ shot-share in overtime was 66.7%. But even in a period in which they controlled possession, there was a moment when they nearly lost their grip.
Golden Knights forward Nicolas Roy received a five-minute major for cross-checking after his stick connected with Trent Frederic’s face. Roy appeared as if he was trying to play a puck in midair, only to then strike Frederic, which sent the Oilers on the power play.
The NHL’s No. 12 power-play unit in the regular season, the Oilers had a few chances on net but were either stopped by Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill or had their chances broken up by an aggressive forecheck that allowed them to go through unscathed.
With a pair of power-play goals already, the Golden Knights believed they could have added a third once McNabb went into the boards.
Instead? They watched the Oilers regroup, Draisaitl get on a 2-on-1 and beat Hill for the win.
“This one will sting,” Cassidy said. “But the positives tomorrow will be good. I felt that we outplayed the Oilers for the most part and deserved a better fate. How the guys look at that? If they take it as, ‘We just gotta carry that over’ — we both said we wanted to get better as the series went on and we were certainly better than Game 1. So, we’ll improve on today if we want to get back into it.”
Going back to their first campaign in the 2017-18 season, the Golden Knights have made the playoffs in all but one year. Throughout that time, they’ve been in a 2-0 series hole once, against the Colorado Avalanche in a second-round series back in 2021.
The Golden Knights would come back to win that series with four consecutive victories.
“I liked our game today; we had a lot of good chances,” said Stone, who is one of nine players who remain from that team in 2021. “We put up four goals, and usually when you score four goals, you’re going to win a playoff game. Unfortunately, we didn’t. You can’t get down, you got to go to Edmonton tomorrow, get ready for Saturday night’s game and put your best foot forward and get a win.”
With two games in the books for three of four second-round series, trends have begun to emerge — some not so good for the teams that many picked to make long runs this postseason.
The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are in a 2-0 hole, returning home to host the Toronto Maple Leafs for Game 3 (7 p.m. ET, TNT). In Friday’s nightcap, the Dallas Stars will look for another road victory over the Winnipeg Jets (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT).
Read on for game previews with statistical insights from ESPN Research, a recap of what went down in Thursday’s games and the three stars of Thursday from Arda Öcal.
Matchup notes
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers
Game 3 | 7 p.m. ET | TNT
In their franchise history, the Maple Leafs have won 84% of their best-of-seven series when going up 2-0. The Panthers are 0-5 in best-of-seven series when trailing 0-2.
This series features the two highest-scoring lines at 5-on-5 this postseason: Eetu Luostarinen–Anton Lundell–Brad Marchand (eight) and Matthew Knies–Auston Matthews–Mitch Marner (seven, including the game-winning goal in Game 2).
William Nylander scored a goal for the third straight game, and he has six goals and 13 points this postseason. He is the second Maple Leaf of the past 30 years to score five goals in a three-game span — joining Alexander Mogilny from 2003 — and the first Maple Leaf since Doug Gilmour in 1993 to have 13 or more points in the first eight games of a postseason.
With a goal in Game 2, Marchand now has 32 postseason points against the Leafs in his career, which is fourth most all time. He trails Gordie Howe (53), Alex Delvecchio (35) and Henri Richard (33).
Stepping in for injured Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll saved 25 of 28 shots for Toronto. His counterpart, Sergei Bobrovsky, allowed four goals on 20 shots and has allowed nine total goals through Games 1 and 2. That is tied for the second most he has allowed in a two-game span in his playoff career.
Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets
Game 2 | 9:30 p.m. ET | TNT
After a win in Game 1, the Stars are now -360 favorites to win the series, while the Jets are +280, according to ESPN BET. The win for Dallas snapped an eight-game losing streak in Game 1s.
Mikko Rantanen provided all the offense that Dallas needed in the 3-2 win, scoring his second single-period hat trick in as many games. He set a record for the most consecutive team goal contributions (goal or assist) in Stanley Cup playoff history, with 12; the previous mark was nine by Mario Lemieux in 1992.
Game 1 was Jason Robertson‘s first game back after sustaining an injury in the final game of the regular season. He played 13:44, including 1:00 on the power play, and registered one shot.
The opening clash was also Mark Scheifele‘s return to the ice, though his absence was just since April 30 and Game 5 against the Blues in Round 1. Scheifele scored a goal and registered seven shots in 22:36 of ice time.
Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and Dallas’ Jake Oettinger are considered the two leading candidates to be Team USA’s goaltender at the 2026 Olympics. Oettinger took the first round of the head-to-head battle, saving 29 of 31 shots and getting the W; Hellebuyck saved 21 of 24 shots in defeat.
Öcal’s three stars from Thursday
Wilson was key in the Capitals tying up their series against the Canes. It was the first time he had a playoff game with at least two points, two hits, two blocked shots and three shots on goal.
Draisaitl scored the game winner in overtime as Edmonton takes a 2-0 series lead on Vegas. He joins Esa Tikkanen (from 1991) as the only players in franchise history with multiple OT goals in a single postseason.
Eichel registered three assists in the OT loss to Edmonton, and he now has eight points in his past five games (one goal, seven assists). That ties his own mark for most points in a five-game span in his postseason career.
Thursday’s recaps
Washington Capitals 3, Carolina Hurricanes 1
Series tied 1-1 | Game 3 Saturday
After a loss to the Canes in Game 1, the Capitals looked like a different team as veteran winger Tom Wilson “set the tone,” according to Alex Ovechkin. Connor McMichael started the scoring at 2:16 of the second period, and John Carlson put the Caps up 2-0 with a power-play goal near the start of the third on an assist by Wilson and Dylan Strome. Shayne Gostisbehere pulled Carolina within one with a power-play goal of his own, but Wilson finished them off with an empty-netter with a minute left. Full recap.
0:52
John Carlson buries Caps’ second goal of the night
John Carlson sends the Capitals fans into a frenzy after a beautiful goal early in the third period.
Edmonton Oilers 5, Vegas Golden Knights 4 (OT)
EDM leads 2-0 | Game 3 Saturday
Seeking a win to tie up the series, Vegas was on the board first with a goal from Victor Olofsson at 8:42 of the first period. Edmonton, however, charged back with three straight goals in the second period (from Jake Walman, Vasily Podkolzin and Darnell Nurse), before William Karlsson drew the Knights within one at 18:10. Evander Kane put the Oilers back up by two at 1:52 of the third, before Vegas rallied with goals by Olofsson and Alex Pietrangelo to send the game to OT. Leon Draisaitl tallied the game winner, giving the Oilers a 5-4 win and a 2-0 series lead heading home to Alberta. Full recap.
3:32
Oilers prevail in OT to take 2-0 series lead
Scott Van Pelt recaps the Oilers’ thrilling 5-4 overtime win over the Golden Knights to take a 2-0 series lead.
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Billy Tucker
Whether through the transfer portal or a fresh wave of high school talent, college football teams across the country have replenished their rosters and even had a chance to evaluate some of their early enrollees during spring football.
Rosters are now mostly set and preseason camp is a few months away. It is a perfect time to project newcomers who could have the biggest impact on the 2025 season for each of the teams on Mark Schlabach’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 list.
Top newcomer: WR Trebor Pena (Transferred from Syracuse)
Why: While tight end Tyler Warren lined up everywhere and caught 104 passes for 1,223 yards last year, Penn State hasn’t had a dominant wide receiver since Jahan Dotson and didn’t have an impact option out wide in 2024. The Nittany Lions moved swiftly to overhaul the position, also adding Kyron Hudson (USC) and Devonte Ross (Troy), but Pena was the clear-cut top receiving threat in the spring portal. Pena has the skill set — and the mettle — to deliver in critical situations and be a go-to receiver for Drew Allar. Last season, Pena teamed with Kyle McCord at Syracuse to catch 84 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns.
What to expect: Look for Pena to become Allar’s consistent underneath checkdown target, particularly on key third-down conversions. Pena is versatile, reliable and slippery in tight quarters. Even if he doesn’t match his 84-catch pace at Penn State, which doesn’t pass nearly as often as Syracuse does, he should still replace some of the production and versatility void left behind by Warren. The sixth-year senior should catch on fast in Happy Valley despite missing spring practice. He’ll be the reliable slot who dominates zone coverage with savvy route running and sudden breaks to create separation. Don’t underestimate his quick impact in the return game as well.
Top newcomer: RB Gideon Davidson (No. 59 in the ESPN 300)
Why: The third-best running back in the 2025 ESPN 300, Davidson is a great example of how enrolling early can help springboard a freshman toward an immediate impact. Early signs are that he resembles Travis Etienne with his quick read and cut ability and could step in immediately to help replace 1,100-yard rusher Phil Mafah. Davidson was Virginia’s 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year and tallied more than 8,000 yards from scrimmage as a high schooler. His youth shouldn’t hold him back given Clemson’s otherwise inexperienced running back room.
What to expect: Davidson isn’t as big as Mafah, but he’s faster and will add a more explosive cutback element on zone runs. His great vision and speed should fit nicely into Clemson’s schemes. Clemson could utilize him quickly as a change-of-pace, all-purpose back if he’s not the featured back by the time the season opens. Clemson’s experienced passing game is the perfect antidote to take some pressure off the freshman.
Top newcomer: TE Jack Endries (Transferred from Cal)
Why: Don’t undervalue a trusted pass catcher at this position for a playoff contender with a new starting quarterback. Gunnar Helm was extremely productive in Steve Sarkisian’s offense last season with 60 catches for 786 receiving yards and seven scores. Endries is cut from the same cloth. He has soft hands with explosive potential after the catch, deceptive speed and elusiveness. Endries might not be quite as athletic as Helm, but he’s agile with good body control and runs very efficient routes to get open and catch the football. He led Cal in both catches (56) and yards (623) last season.
What to expect: Endries’ production may actually drop a bit at Texas, but he’ll play a vital role for a national championship contender and offer quarterback Arch Manning a much-needed safety valve. Endries is an every-down presence who can do whatever an offense requires. He uses his strong body to rub off defenders and create separation on crossing routes. Endries will prove to be a productive blocker and pass catcher in a fairly inexperienced tight ends room. Although Endries didn’t get the benefit of jelling with Manning in spring ball, he has a high IQ for both his position and the overall game. He played in multiple offensive schemes at Cal and should make a smooth transition in Austin.
Top newcomer: WR Zachariah Branch (Transferred from USC)
Why: While Talyn Taylor will have an impactful season as a true freshman, Branch has experience. He has been one of college football’s truly dynamic talents with the ball in his hands. He arrived in college with 4.39 40-yard dash speed and became an instant playmaker for the Trojans in the return game. He was the program’s first-ever freshman to be named a first-team All-American. After his production stagnated as a sophomore, he hopped in the portal. His playmaking ability is a welcomed addition for a Georgia offense that was anything but surehanded at wide receiver in 2024, leading all FBS programs with 36 receiver drops, according to ESPN Research. Branch should take some of the pressure off new Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton.
What to expect: Branch could have the best season of his career in Athens and help the Dawgs offense become more consistent than a year ago. He’s the ultimate underneath checkdown and safety valve who can create separation with his suddenness and will complement Georgia’s bigger outside targets, such as Texas A&M transfer Noah Thomas, to create mismatches. He’s explosive with the ball in his hands after the catch as well. Without great returning running back production, expect offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to feature Branch creatively on screens, jet sweeps, quick slants and crossers to maximize his ability after the catch in space, He should become a go-to third-down option for Stockton.
Top newcomer: TE Max Klare (Transferred from Purdue)
Why: The Buckeyes will introduce a group of new starters on offense this season including quarterback Julian Sayin. What’s the best weapon for a new quarterback? How about an elite pass-catching tight end with excellent hands and polished route-running skills who won’t receive a lot of defensive attention? Despite Purdue’s anemic offense, Klare managed an impressive 51 catches for 685 yards last season and the Boilermakers utilized him to create mismatches in the passing game through multiple sets and formations. At 6-foot-4, Klare moves well and adjusts to difficult throws while also creating separation as a route runner. He’s a great runner who gets up the seam quickly as a downfield threat.
What to expect: Klare is a versatile big-play target who will double his touchdowns and increase his yards per catch in the Buckeyes’ offense, but his volume might go down. Defenses will focus so much on defending wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate that Klare will be left to cash in on opportunities underneath. Look for coach Ryan Day to get creative with his new playmaker to create mismatches on less athletic linebackers in single coverage and rack up record-breaking offensive numbers.
Top newcomer: Edge Patrick Payton (Transferred from Florida State)
Why: Will Campbell became an instant starter at LSU and just went fourth overall to the Patriots. So, it’s easy to look at incoming five-star offensive tackle Solomon Thomas as a natural successor. But LSU’s most impactful newcomer will be someone who gets after quarterbacks, not protects them. Payton should be plenty motivated to make an immediate impact. He notched seven sacks in 2023 alongside future pros Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, but his production went backward in a leading role. Once viewed as a potential high draft pick, the clock’s ticking for Payton to prove he can be the leading man in his final year of eligibility. The Tigers need it after losing top edge rushers Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones, who combined for 13 sacks in 2024.
What to expect: Double-digit sacks. Payton has a better supporting cast around him and a scheme to get back to form. What does that mean for SEC foes? A Day 1 NFL draft talent screaming off the edge. He’s lengthy, fluid and explosive and can bend the corner and close on quarterbacks when he’s on his game and motivated. Consistency is the issue, but Payton has a fresh start and eyes on the NFL prize. He has a dynamic skill set, as he can drop in coverage and chase plays down in space, but his speed and length will be utilized best as a pass-rush specialist.
Top newcomer: WR Malachi Fields (Transferred from Virginia)
Why: With Steve Angeli‘s transfer to Syracuse, all signs point to coach Marcus Freeman handing his offense over to redshirt freshman CJ Carr — a big ask for an unproven, young quarterback in a program that reached the national title game last year. Adding a player like Fields will take some pressure off Carr. Fields is a massive target and contested-catch specialist at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds who was plenty effective at Virginia despite topsy-turvy quarterback play. He finished eighth in the ACC with 808 receiving yards on 55 catches, nearly mirroring his 2023 production. Fields was also a team captain at Virginia and is well-equipped to step into the spotlight for the Fighting Irish in his final year of eligibility.
What to expect: More explosive downfield plays in South Bend. Freeman has been selective in the transfer portal, but there are big plans for Fields in 2025. He should break out and actually surpass his production at Virginia given his superior surrounding cast at Notre Dame. Fields is an immediate upgrade over Notre Dame’s returning receivers, as well as the departing duo of Jayden Thomas (Transferred to Virginia) and Beaux Collins (New York Giants). Fields is a proven receiver with all the physical attributes to help Carr acclimate quickly as a rookie quarterback, serving as a big-bodied, athletic target on the outside. Fields is arguably a sharper route runner and a more durable, consistent outside threat than Collins, who averaged 12 yards per catch last year.
Top newcomer: WR Dakorien Moore (No. 4 in the ESPN 300)
Why: In the transfer portal era, it’s harder than ever for freshmen to make an immediate impact. But this isn’t your typical freshman. Moore is the highest-graded receiver ESPN has evaluated since 2020. His 93 grade tops recent five-stars such as Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith in 2024, Zachariah Branch in 2023 and Luther Burden III in 2022. The 2025 Under Armour All-American game MVP, Moore notched more than 4,000 receiving yards in a battle-tested environment at Duncanville (Texas) High School, where he ran a scorching 10.4 100-meter dash and anchored the school’s 4×200 relay team that set a national record last spring with a time of 1:22.25. New Ducks starting quarterback Dante Moore will benefit from a blazing underneath weapon who is a menace after the catch.
What to expect: Moore will be a starter by midseason — he’s simply too talented to keep off the field. He’s a bigger, faster version of Tez Johnson, who led Oregon in receiving last season and was drafted in the seventh round by the Buccaneers. Moore’s dynamic skills should allow the Ducks to move veteran playmaker Evan Stewart around more within the offense. Moore is confident, competitive and smart. Being on campus this spring was extremely beneficial for his acclimation to high-level college football. Moore checks all the boxes physically, and Oregon knows it can use him in a variety of ways.
Top newcomer: WR Lotzeir Brooks (No. 102 in the ESPN 300)
Why: Alabama wasn’t particularly aggressive in the transfer portal, so there could be an opportunity for a freshman from its fourth-ranked recruiting class to emerge. The 5-9, 180-pound Brooks is the most decorated high school receiver to come out of New Jersey, setting the state record for receiving yards (4,615) and touchdowns (67). He arrived in Tuscaloosa early and turned heads in Alabama’s spring practices as a slot receiver.
What to expect: Playing alongside sophomore Ryan Williams, Brooks could emerge as a contributor in Kalen DeBoer’s offense as the season progresses. He’s small but dynamic and very quick and sudden in his movements. Brooks creates separation as a route runner, especially underneath. He’s a chain-mover after the catch with great burst and acceleration, and he sees the field well. Brooks could show off those attributes early on as a punt returner as well.
Top newcomer: DT Keanu Tanuvasa (Transferred from Utah)
Why: BYU ranked 13th in FBS team defense last year, and its opportunistic secondary led the Big 12 with 22 interceptions. But its defensive front, which wasn’t overly disruptive, lost four starters, and the Cougars didn’t have any players drafted. If Tanuvasa stays healthy and plays up to his potential, both of those things will change in the near future. Tanuvasa started 19 of 24 games for the Utes and was an All-Big 12 honorable mention last year despite playing in only seven games because of injuries. The 6-4, 301-pounder has two years of eligibility remaining, but it won’t be a surprise if he garners early-round draft consideration should he play a full season. Until then, he’ll be the type of interior defensive presence Kalani Sitake loves to build around.
What to expect: His stats won’t jump off the page, but he will require double-teams and full attention from opposing offenses, freeing up the Cougars’ pass rushers off the edge. If teams try to single-block Tanuvasa, expect pockets to collapse quickly because of his quickness, power and high motor. His stout presence will eat up blocks and free talented linebackers Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly to make plays behind the line of scrimmage versus the run. The void up front left by Tyler Batty & Co. won’t be noticeable because of Tanuvasa’s production and leadership.
Top newcomer: WR Hudson Clement (Transferred from West Virginia)
Why: The Illini have desirable continuity at quarterback with Luke Altmyer returning for his third season. Now, they need to surround him with playmaking and experience, especially considering their lack of chunk plays in 2024. So while true freshman receiver Brayden Trimble is someone to watch, Clement has college experience. A former West Virginia walk-on, Clement started 19 games over the past two seasons, including 12 last year, when he set career highs in receptions (51) and yards (741). Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin combined for 51% of Illinois’ receptions last season. Both have moved on, meaning there’s a ton of opportunity for Clement to quickly get up to speed and become Altmyer’s new favorite target.
What to expect: Clement will end the season as Illinois’ most productive receiver and the top target for Altmyer. His upside is extremely high and he’s an experienced Power 4 veteran. Clement showed flashes this spring and has a mix of Bryant’s and Franklin’s traits. The 6-foot-1, 205 pounder has a nice frame and a savvy feel for navigating zone coverage and finding the soft spots in the second and third levels of the defense. Clement is a very reliable downfield target with excellent hands and body control. His leadership experience in the wide receiver room will be just as important as his play on the field.
Top newcomer: RB Kanye Udoh (Transferred from Army)
Why: Following Cam Skattebo will require a certain kind of mental toughness, which is exactly what Udoh brings after spending two years at Army. It’s unfair to assume any player can replace Skattebo, who had over 2,300 combined yards last year for a College Football Playoff contender and made an outsized off-the-field impact on the program as well before departing for the NFL. Udoh was used immediately at Army, running for 524 yards as a freshman, then followed it up with a 1,117-yard campaign last year with 10 touchdowns on 6.2 yards per touch.
What to expect: The continuation of a ground-and-pound offense. Udoh will fill the production void left by Skattebo with a similar physical presence that wears down a defense, eats the clock and makes him a fan favorite like his predecessor. Udoh actually has better acceleration out of his cuts and top-end speed than Skattebo. If he falls short on production, Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown will help pick up the slack for one of the best backfields in the Big 12.
Top newcomer: C Boaz Stanley (Transferred from Troy)
Why: The Gamecocks have the talent to break through and reach the College Football Playoff for the first time, and dual-threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers has a very real chance to become the first quarterback drafted following the 2025 season. But those expectations could come crashing down if South Carolina can’t solidify its foundation from the inside out, which is no sure thing considering the Gamecocks must replace their entire interior starting line from last season. Stanley should be a steadying presence at center. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Troy transfer arrives with plenty of starting experience, the versatility to kick out to tackle in a pinch and a technically sound play style — he didn’t commit any penalties in 2024.
What to expect: Stanley will be the catalyst behind an explosive South Carolina offense that exceeds expectations. He will keep Sellers upright and open holes for transfer running back Rahsul Faison, who could challenge Stanley as the top newcomer in Columbia. Stanley has a powerful lower body and excellent base to anchor in pass protection and drive blockers off the ball on downhill run schemes. South Carolina will covet his versatility to play either on the interior or outside at tackle. While his physicality and leverage will draw rave reviews, his leadership qualities at the key center position and finishing attitude will make Gamecocks teammates better around him.
Top newcomer: WR Chase Sowell (Transferred from East Carolina)
Why: Sowell has big shoes to fill in Ames. Iowa State is coming off the most wins in program history (11), and the Houston Texans just drafted a pair of Cyclones receivers, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, in the second and third rounds, respectively. Higgins and Noel combined for just over 60% of Iowa State’s receptions a year ago. The 6-foot-4 Sowell arrives with big-play ability after averaging 19.9 yards per reception last year over nine games for East Carolina. Sowell began his career at Colorado but was limited by injuries as a freshman before he transferred. He’ll need to prove he can stay healthy, but Sowell has the talent to become a quick favorite of quarterback Rocco Becht and rack up chunk plays for Iowa State.
What to expect: Sowell and Xavier Townsend will step in and replace most of the void left by Higgins and Noel. Sowell is long, smooth for his size and can really run vertically. He isn’t quite as strong as his predecessors, but he’s more fluid and elusive. He’s an easy mover like Higgins and can execute on all three levels of the Iowa State passing offense. Matt Campbell is one the best in the country at finding and developing scheme fits. Sowell is already developed and definitely fits the Cyclones’ system.
Top newcomer: WR Link Rhodes (Transferred from San Joaquin Delta College)
Why: Rhodes wasn’t a highly ranked recruit out of Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas, but the 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver ranked No. 23 on ESPN’s junior college rankings after breaking out for 607 yards on 46 catches last year at San Joaquin Delta College, where he also won a California Community College Athletic Association state track championship by running a 10.59 100-meter dash for the school’s track team. There’s plenty of opportunity for Rhodes to jell quickly with quarterback Kevin Jennings considering SMU’s three leading receivers from last season are all gone.
What to expect: Rhodes wasn’t on campus this spring, but it’s going to be hard to keep his rare blend of size and speed off the field. SMU’s supporting cast around him lacks firepower, which is why Rhodes can become the immediate go-to threat, with freshman ESPN 300 wide receiver Daylon Singleton a close second. While it’s a significant jump in competition from junior college to the ACC, Rhodes has the explosiveness and good ball skills to be a playmaker both underneath with yards after the catch as well as a downfield target. He also has great skills in the return game.
Top newcomer: Edge David Bailey (Transferred from Stanford)
Why: Bailey is the jewel of one of the nation’s most impressive transfer classes. The edge defender entered the portal after Stanford fired Troy Taylor in late March and had no shortage of suitors, ranking as the second-best prospect available this spring. The former four-star California native was a disruptive presence almost as soon as he stepped foot on campus in Stanford. He tallied 14.5 career sacks, including seven in 2024, as well as 22.5 career tackles for loss.
What to expect: One of the best front sevens in college football. The Red Raiders made a handful of notable additions, including bringing in another edge rusher in Romello Height (Georgia Tech), but Bailey is a cut above. He’s not the biggest at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, but he’s plenty fast and explosive. He is similar to Abdul Carter, the No. 3 pick in this year’s NFL draft. Bailey is a strong, tightly wound burst of speed and power off the edge and can really do it as an every-down defender. He’s a stout and disruptive early-down run defender, and his ability to come off the corner to close on quarterbacks is as good as anyone in college football.
Top newcomer: QB Fernando Mendoza (Transferred from Cal)
Why: Mendoza is one of the most significant additions across the country after ranking fifth in ESPN’s transfer rankings. He arrives in Bloomington with much more fanfare than Kurtis Rourke a year ago, but he’ll have a high bar to clear. Rourke threw for 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns to just five interceptions after transferring from Ohio, and guided Indiana to an unexpected playoff appearance. Mendoza must now acclimate to Curt Cignetti’s offense and help the Hoosiers navigate the Big Ten with a much bigger target on their back.
What to expect: Mendoza should surpass Rourke’s production and make Indiana a serious contender again. Originally committed to Yale before landing at Cal, Mendoza has the football aptitude to thrive in this situation. He was quietly one of the ACC’s better quarterbacks last year, completing nearly 69% of his passes with a 16-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He will have much better protection up front than he had at Cal and more explosive weapons at his disposal. When given time, he can make all the throws and is arguably more accurate with a quicker release than Rourke. Mendoza has great zip on the ball but isn’t all flash. He will keep his eyes downfield, take a hit when needed and is ultracompetitive. He should flourish in this Hoosiers offense and become a potential first-round pick.
Top newcomer: WR Jaron Tibbs (Transferred from Purdue)
Why: Kansas State hit the portal hard to reshape its receiver room and capitalize on its window with dynamic dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson. Tibbs’ production last season of 25 catches for 305 yards and two touchdowns doesn’t stand out, but he actually led Purdue’s offense in receptions by a wideout. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Tibbs brings great size and an intriguing multisport background. He’s the all-time leading receiver at Indiana’s Cathedral High School — the alma mater of Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin — with 2,479 yards and was also a dynamic basketball player.
What to expect: Tibbs will compete for a significant share of targets early on. He had an impressive spring showing in which his polished skill set helped him gel nicely with Johnson. He has a big frame to win positioning on contested balls and strong hands with a large catch radius. Tibbs is not an explosive chain-mover with the ball in his hands, but he’s a very reliable outside target who can work the middle of the field and become that big conversion target for Johnson. Kansas State returns leading receiver Jayce Brown, but Tibbs and fellow transfers Jerand Bradley (Boston College) and Caleb Medford (TCU) will round out the revamped passing attack.
Top newcomer: WR Dallas Wilson (No. 43 in the ESPN 300)
Why: Florida’s first order of business is getting quarterback DJ Lagway healthy after he missed time this spring with a shoulder ailment. Next? Identifying the right weapons to put around its star quarterback. The Gators brought in several new pass catchers, including potential breakouts in freshman Vernell Brown III and transfer J. Michael Sturdivant, but Wilson has a chance to emerge as the biggest hit of them all. The 6-foot-4 Tampa native nearly made it to Oregon before requesting a release to return home to Florida.
What to expect: Big production from the true freshman. Wilson amassed nearly 2,500 receiving yards as a high schooler and didn’t wait long to make a resounding first impression, catching 10 passes for 195 yards and two scores in Florida’s spring game with Louisville transfer quarterback Harrison Bailey at the helm. He’s a matchup nightmare with his size and speed combination and he’s ahead of the curve in regard to the understanding of route concepts. He has impressive speed with a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame, running in the 4.5s in high school. Wilson will team up with Brown, who was slotted one step ahead of him in the ESPN 300 wide receiver rankings, along with Sturdivant to turn an offseason weakness into a strength.
Top newcomer: Bryce Underwood (No. 1 in the ESPN 300)
Why: After taking a massive step back at quarterback in 2024 following J.J. McCarthy’s departure for the NFL, Michigan went all-in on the NIL front to flip Underwood from LSU. He arrives in Ann Arbor as the school’s most anticipated quarterback recruit since at least Drew Henson — if not ever — and is only the fourth five-star to end up at Michigan since 2006, per ESPN’s rankings. Underwood was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year winner in Michigan and won 50 games as a high schooler, totaling nearly 13,000 all-purpose yards and 179 touchdowns. Michigan desperately needs quarterback help after producing the No. 131 passing offense in 2024.
What to expect: Sherrone Moore brought in Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, but Underwood is clearly the long-term answer at quarterback, and he should win the job this season and improve steadily as it progresses. The 6-foot-4, 208-pounder has exceptional arm talent to attack the intermediate and deep passing levels with enough mobility to extend plays and keep defenses honest. He’s great when making off-platform throws with instincts and an overall game that reminds us of Trevor Lawrence. Underwood didn’t light up spring ball, but he was solid in his first taste of college, especially considering he handled the workload with Keene sidelined because of injury. There will be growing pains, but Underwood should only get better with more time, especially if he can rely on a strong supporting cast while settling in early.
Top newcomer: CB Xavier Lucas (Transferred from Wisconsin)
Why: While QB Carson Beck is the biggest name, he was also limited in spring practice as he returns from elbow surgery. Lucas, meanwhile, could emerge as a true No. 1 corner across from breakout freshman OJ Frederique Jr. and create a much-improved tandem on the boundaries for a Hurricanes secondary that struggled in 2024. A Florida native, Lucas made 18 tackles, an interception and a sack over 203 snaps as a freshman at Wisconsin. His arrival in Coral Gables caused a stir after he transferred to Miami despite Wisconsin refusing to enter his name in the portal, but he enrolled this spring and quickly made a strong impression on Miami’s coaching staff.
What to expect: Lucas will be the leader of a revamped secondary and make plays throughout the backend and perimeter. The Hurricanes brought in five transfers who could push for playing time, but Lucas has the best ceiling, scheme versatility and overall skill set. He has a supreme blend of size, length and recovery burst as a shutdown corner. He will also use that size at 6-foot-2, 198 pounds to set edge on run support. He has the physical makeup to be an all-conference-type safety as well. Lucas also has a high football IQ when it comes to reading route concepts and playing with awareness. This will allow the Canes to deploy him at both the boundary and field corner position, which adds extreme value.
Top newcomer: QB Miller Moss (Transferred from USC)
Why: In adding Moss, Jeff Brohm is hoping to go 3-for-3 unlocking transfer quarterbacks following the success of Tyler Shough and Jack Plummer. Ironically, Moss lit up Louisville in his first career start, throwing for 372 yards and six touchdowns in the 2023 Holiday Bowl after previously backing up Caleb Williams at USC. Moss won the Trojans’ starting job in 2024 and was steady albeit unspectacular, throwing for 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns to nine interceptions over nine games with a 64.4% completion rate before losing the starting job. Moss walks into a favorable situation. Louisville has spent parts of each of the past two seasons ranked among college football’s top 25 and returns a strong supporting cast, including wide receiver Caullin Lacy and breakout freshman running back Isaac Brown.
What to expect: Brohm should bring out the best in the former high school All-American who has struggled to take his game to the next level. Moss is smart and battle-tested, making him an ideal candidate for this pro-style offense. Louisville will rely on him to make smart decisions distributing the football to a host of weapons. He has an opportunity to put up big numbers in Brohm’s passing attack, which pushes the ball vertically, but he won’t bear all the pressure thanks to a formidable rushing attacking to complement the passing game. Moss should have better overall balance than he had at USC.
Top newcomer: WR KC Concepcion (Transferred from NC State)
Why: On the surface, the pairing of Concepcion and Texas A&M looks like a perfect match. Concepcion ranked No. 17 on ESPN’s transfer rankings and is one of the best returning receivers in the country. He hit the market in the hopes of finding an offense that could help his production trend back toward his freshman output in 2023, when he won ACC Rookie of the Year after catching 71 passes for 839 yards. The Aggies, meanwhile, desperately coveted a lead receiver for quarterback Marcel Reed to help reboot one of the SEC’s weakest passing attacks. Concepcion, Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and Jonah Wilson (Houston) are all part of the solution for Mike Elko in 2025.
What to expect: Concepcion’s production to resemble 2023. His experience and work ethic already showed up this spring. He’s a polished route runner and an elusive threat with the ball in his hands. Concepcion is quick to snatch passes and transition up the seam for big gainers. He’s difficult for defensive backs to mirror in off-coverage. Concepcion has the versatile skill set to create mismatches and all-purpose yards from different alignments in this Aggies offense. He’s poised for a very successful season as a focal point out of the slot.
Top newcomer: DE Da’Shawn Womack (Transferred from LSU)
Why: Ole Miss had the fourth-worst pass defense in the SEC last season and overhauled its secondary via the portal in the offseason. But sometimes the best way to help a leaky pass defense is to beef up the pass rush. Womack has the tools to regularly live in opposing backfields, even if the one-time five-star recruit didn’t get that sort of opportunity over two years as a part-time player at LSU, where he had 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks as an underclassman. Womack has a much clearer pathway to regular playing time in Pete Golding’s scheme under the tutelage of Randall Joyner at Ole Miss in 2025.
What to expect: Womack should reach double-digit sacks in his first season in Oxford. Those are bold expectations, but we feel Womack still has untapped potential and is ready for a breakout season. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds in high school, he still ran a 4.7 laser-verified 40-yard dash and had a 30-inch vertical. Womack has kept the speed and only gotten bigger since getting to college. He showed flashes of his explosive athleticism and created good pressure when given the opportunity in Baton Rouge. Look for him to play a role similar to Princely Umanmielen (6-foot-4, 244 pounds, 4.72 40) as they possess similar measurables with that impressive burst, stride and bend off the corner.
Top newcomer: QB John Mateer (Transferred from Washington State)
Why: Oklahoma’s first foray into the SEC fell flat because five-star quarterback Jackson Arnold and the Sooners’ offense averaged just 24.0 points per game, their worst scoring average since 1998. Arnold then transferred to Auburn, so Mateer fills a massive need for Brent Venables at his most important position. The dual-threat quarterback was responsible for 3,965 total yards leading Washington State’s offense last year, and his 44 combined touchdowns tied with Cam Ward for most in the country. Mateer won’t have any trouble getting up to speed either, as he followed his offensive coordinator at Washington State, Ben Arbuckle, on the same path to Norman.
What to expect: Mateer will light up SEC scoreboards in 2025 and Oklahoma should bounce back. With weapons around him at wide receiver and a healthy Jaydn Ott to relieve some early-down pressure in the backfield, the offense should come out of the gate fast, particularly with Mateer’s confidence and familiarity with the system. He’s a quick-release rhythm passer who will spread the ball out decisively and accurately underneath and win on his strikes downfield. Mateer can run, too, which will complement this version of the Air Raid pass-heavy offense. The Sooners have much more depth up front to keep him upright, but Mateer will show more natural playmaking ability to extend plays and get out of trouble than Arnold did a season ago.
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