The ultimate guide to the weirdest moments, unforgettable plays and defining quotes of Rivalry Week
Editor’s note: A version of this story originally was published in 2021.
It’s finally here, the week that hate — the clean, old-fashioned kind, mind you — is in fashion.
If you’ve ever been accused of firing a contractor because he wore a rival’s shirt to your house, this is your time. Put the flag up outside your house. Get the group texts fired up. Add a little school spirit to your Zoom background for your next meeting.
It’s Rivalry Week!
To celebrate, our reporters recap the excessive celebrations, tree desecrations and trash-can-fueled altercations from some of college football’s greatest games. Turn the fight song up and get the memes loaded up in your camera roll. Here we go.
Jump to a rivalry:
Ole Miss-Miss. State |
Oregon-Oregon State | Ohio State-Michigan
Kentucky-Louisville | Texas A&M-LSU
Alabama-Auburn | Arizona-Arizona State
Virginia-Virginia Tech | Washington State-Washington
Kentucky-Louisville | Florida State-Florida
Georgia-Georgia Tech | Clemson-South Carolina
North Carolina-NC State
All times Eastern
Thursday
Better known as: Egg Bowl
This year’s game: Thursday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN & ESPN App
All-time record: Ole Miss 64-47-6 (according to Ole Miss); 66-46-6 (according to Miss. State)
Current streak: Mississippi State, 1
Wildest on-field moment: Where do you start? Most recently, there was Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore dropping to all fours in the end zone, lifting his leg and pretending to urinate like a dog in the 2019 Egg Bowl. His actions drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The Rebels missed the ensuing 35-yard extra point attempt and lost 21-20 to the Bulldogs. Three days later, Ole Miss fired coach Matt Luke, which precipitated the hiring of Lane Kiffin. Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead was probably under more pressure coming into that game. There was a feeling, fair or not, that he was an odd fit in Starkville after previous coaching stops at Penn State, Fordham and Connecticut, among other non-southern schools. Moorhead famously said that Thanksgiving night after the game, “This is my team, this is my school, this is my program. You’ll have to drag my Yankee ass out of here.” A little more than a month later, Moorhead was fired on Jan. 3, four days after Mississippi State lost to Louisville in the Music City Bowl. That’s despite going 2-0 against Ole Miss as Mississippi State’s coach. The ironic thing is that Moore’s stunt wasn’t original. DK Metcalf did it two years earlier in the end zone after catching a 63-yard touchdown pass in Ole Miss’ 31-28 win over Mississippi State. Three days later, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen bolted for the Florida head-coaching job.
Strangest off-field moment: Steve Robertson, a lifelong Mississippi State fan who has the school’s logo tattooed on his left hand, was researching former Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze’s phone records on July 5, 2017, for a book Robertson was writing and found a call associated with advertisements for a female escort service.
Robertson, who had been covering Mississippi State sports since 2001, relayed his findings to attorney Thomas Mars, who was representing former Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt in his lawsuit against Ole Miss. Mars alerted the Ole Miss general counsel in a July 13, 2017, email about the call, and a week later, Freeze was out as Ole Miss’ coach despite beating Alabama in back-to-back seasons, in 2014 and 2015, and guiding the Rebels to their first Sugar Bowl victory in 50 years to cap the 2015 season.
Robertson said he received multiple death threats and shared one with ESPN back in 2017 in which someone wrote on a message board that he “won’t be around much longer.” — Chris Low
Quote that defines the rivalry: C.R. “Dudy” Noble, the namesake for Mississippi State’s baseball field, played four sports at Mississippi State (then known as Mississippi A&M) then coached baseball, basketball and football at Ole Miss for parts of the 1917 to ’19 seasons, before returning to coach at Mississippi State, most notably baseball. He later became Mississippi State’s longtime athletic director.
Noble famously told a sports writer: “I already know what hell is like. I once coached at Ole Miss.”
A close second place in the quote department goes to former Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill. When Sherrill was hired in 1991, Ole Miss coach Billy Brewer called Sherrill a “habitual liar.” Sherrill countered by saying that Brewer “didn’t know what the word habitual meant.”
Friday
Better known as: The schools did away with Civil War moniker in 2019
This year’s game: Friday, 8:30 p.m., Fox
All-time record: Oregon, 67-49-10 (acc. to Oregon State); Oregon, 66-51-10 (acc. to Oregon)
Current streak: Oregon State, 1
Wildest on-field moment: It’s tough to beat the 1998 game. No. 15 Oregon was, of course, favored in the game, yet the nighttime setting in Corvallis made it ripe for an upset. The back-and-forth affair led to overtime, when a failed fourth-down try appeared to give Oregon State the victory. The fans rushed the field and surrounded the goalposts without noticing that there had been a flag thrown for pass interference. Security and team officials took more than 15 minutes to get all of the fans on the field back to their seats in order to continue the game. Oregon scored a touchdown to tie the game at 38 then added a field goal to start the second overtime.
The Beavers then handed the ball off to running back Ken Simonton, who had 157 yards on the ground and four touchdowns on the night, and he pranced into the end zone for a winning 16-yard touchdown run. The field was re-rushed, and the win not only gave the Beavers their first five-win season since 1971, it also set the stage for going 11-1 and winning the conference in the 2000 season.
Strangest off-field moment: This rivalry is no stranger to strange moments, but how about one that involved actual fire? In 2010, after the Ducks beat the Beavers in Corvallis to advance to the BCS title game, a group of Oregon fans were seen holding up an “I hate your Ducks” T-shirt that was on fire while they tried to light their celebratory cigars with it. The burning shirt soon ended up burning the turf and damaged the field. At the time, Oregon State’s assistant athletic director said the entire logo at midfield needed to be replaced, which would cost over $5,000. It was later determined that the damage was closer to $1,500.
Police found cigar wrappers on the field and eventually were able to catch the Oregon student via a photo in the Portland Tribune and a YouTube video in which the 20-year-old student was seen throwing the burning jersey onto the turf. Though he was not the one who lit the shirt on fire, he was charged with one felony and four misdemeanors. — Paolo Uggetti
Quote that defines the rivalry: At the risk of leaving out “No Natty for you” guy, this quote by running back Ryan Nall in advance of the 2017 matchup sums up the dynamic the two schools have with each other.
“I remember [at last year’s game] seeing that our sideline was jumping around, and we didn’t have raincoats on,” Nall said. “And then I saw the fancy Nike Duck raincoats on. And I remember thinking, ‘We’re going to beat them. They’re not prepared for these elements.'”
Nall was right. Oregon State beat the Ducks that day. But his trash talk was thrown back in his face during the 2017 game, as Oregon trounced the Beavers 69-10.
Saturday
Better known as: The Game
This year’s game: Saturday, noon, Fox
All-time record: Michigan, 60-51-6
Current streak: Michigan, 2
Wildest on-field moment: There was Desmond Howard striking the Heisman Trophy pose as Keith Jackson yelled, “Hello, Heisman.” Charles Woodson and David Boston going after each other in 1997. The 1950 Snow Bowl, a game that featured 45 punts and ended with a 9-3 Michigan win. The controversy over whether J.T. Barrett got a first down in the 2016 game. But one of the wildest moments came in 1973, when Ohio State ran onto the field to a roar of boos and ran straight toward Michigan’s “Go Blue” banner that the Wolverines jump and touch before every home game. The Buckeyes jumped up, grabbed the banner and tore it down in the middle of the field, which caused the boos to grow louder. That incident led to former Michigan players defending the banner in 1977, which caused an incident of its own. As Ohio State players ran under the banner, the Michigan alumni stood in the middle of the lane while body checking and pushing the Buckeyes players as they ran through. The incident caused Michigan announcer Bob Ufer to exclaim, “Oh brother, are you and I in for 60 minutes of football!”
Strangest off-field moment: This probably could have served as the wildest on-field moment, but it technically happened off the field. A dustup occurred in the 2013 game, and Ohio State offensive lineman Marcus Hall was ejected. He stormed to the sideline, threw his helmet to the ground, kicked a bench and left the field. As he made his way into the tunnel, he extended both arms and flipped off the Michigan fans as he exited. That moment went viral, and T-shirts were even made with a silhouette of Hall flipping the double bird. — Tom VanHaaren
Quote that defines the rivalry: “I can assure you that you will be proud of our young people in the classroom, the community and, most especially, in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan.” — new Ohio State coach Jim Tressel at a Buckeyes basketball game after being hired to replace John Cooper, who went 2-10-1 against Michigan.
Better known as: Governor’s Cup
This year’s game: Saturday, noon, ABC and ESPN App
All-time record: Kentucky, 19-15
Current streak: Kentucky, 4
Wildest on-field moment: Louisville was a massive, four-touchdown favorite entering the 2016 game, with future Heisman winner Lamar Jackson leading the way. But the Cards’ season had already begun to fall apart the week before when Jackson was bludgeoned by Ed Oliver and the Houston defensive front. Against Kentucky, Jackson struggled badly, throwing three interceptions. Still, Louisville had a shot to win, with a first-and-goal play, tied at 38 with 1:45 to go. Instead, Jackson was hit in the backfield and fumbled. Kentucky recovered, drove 60 yards on seven plays and kicked a winning field goal to hand the Wildcats their first Governor’s Cup since 2010.
Strangest off-field moment: OK, this happened on the field — but not during a play. Louisville was looking for revenge in 2017 after Kentucky pulled the massive upset the year before, and Jackson was the catalyst. The emotions were high from the outset, and when Jackson scored in the first quarter, a skirmish broke out on the sideline. Jackson got into it with Kentucky’s Jordan Jones, but it was Wildcats linebacker Denzil Ware who stole the show by picking up a plastic trash can and attacking a Louisville player with it. — David M. Hale
Quote that defines the rivalry: Although the two schools initially played in 1912, the rivalry went dark from 1924 until 1994. When the rivalry kicked off again, Louisville was considered an upstart program, while Kentucky was already battling in the difficult SEC East. Former Kentucky coach Bill Curry summed up the general feeling for the Wildcats, who saw the game as an obstacle, while Louisville saw opportunity: “To add another stem-winder, another gut-check game, was just not smart scheduling on our part, whereas for Louisville, it was a great thing.” Kentucky prevailed 20-14.
Better known as: Nothing, but Les Miles once had an idea: “We need a trophy. Somebody needs to come up with a trophy. There’s so much petroleum right? On both ends. Maybe some kind of big petroleum something. No, not a barrel. A wrench or something.”
This year’s game: Saturday, noon, ESPN and ESPN App
All-time record: LSU, 35-23-3
Current streak: Texas A&M, 1
Wildest on-field moment: The two teams played 50 times before they were ever in the same conference, so there is plenty of history. But we just have to go back to 2018 for this one, to when A&M beat LSU 74-72 in an epic, seven-overtime game that set the FBS record for the most points in a game and lasted nearly five hours. That, in itself, was wild. But afterward, with fans storming the field and Texas A&M receivers coach Dameyune Craig — who was fired by LSU coach Ed Orgeron following the 2016 season — jawing at LSU coaches, a melee broke out. LSU offensive analyst Steve Kragthorpe (himself a former A&M offensive coordinator) intervened with Craig, and A&M student manager Cole Fisher, Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher’s nephew, shoved Kragthorpe. Cole Fisher then traded punches with LSU running backs coach Kevin Faulk and was punched by LSU safety John Battle. “I didn’t appreciate getting punched in my pacemaker,” Kragthorpe told Gannett Louisiana newspapers afterward, though video showed it to be a shove, albeit in his chest. Jimbo Fisher said “the matter has been addressed internally” on A&M’s end; and Kragthorpe, who has Parkinson’s disease, was OK. But that game supercharged the now-divisional rivalry.
Strangest off-field moment: The two are fierce recruiting rivals. But no signee was under as much scrutiny as Billy Cannon Jr., son of LSU’s legendary 1959 Heisman Trophy winner. The younger Cannon chose Texas A&M in 1980, saying he didn’t “owe LSU his blood” and that he wanted to leave Louisiana. LSU retired the elder Cannon’s No. 20 jersey in 1960, but after his son picked the Aggies, there was a failed movement to unretire the father’s jersey. LSU and the Aggies also went to the wire in 1986 for the services of one of the nation’s top recruits, running back Harvey Williams. Williams, a star at Hempstead (Texas) High School, just 42 miles from College Station, told Sports Illustrated he was set to sign with the Aggies but that he heard a cheerleader singing the “Aggie War Hymn” on the way to his announcement, got annoyed and changed his selection to LSU. For a little extra fuel, he added: “All that military and uniforms and yell leaders, I don’t get off on that stuff. And that dog — Reveille — that dog is so sorry. I can’t stand that dog.” — Dave Wilson
Quote that defines the rivalry: “I hope they enjoyed it. I hope they put the score of last year’s game too. I bet they didn’t sell many cups on that one.” — Orgeron to WAFB-TV in the spring of 2020, following LSU’s 50-7 defeat of the Aggies in 2019 after Texas A&M sold cups at Kyle Field concessions stands with 2018’s 74-72 score on them.
Better known as: Iron Bowl
This year’s game: Saturday, 3:30 p.m., CBS
All-time record: Alabama, 49-37-1
Current streak: Alabama, 3
Wildest on-field moment: At first, it looked as if the official review might save Alabama, which was one win away from reaching the SEC title game in 2013 and a shot at a third consecutive BCS National Championship appearance. With the contest tied at 28, running back T.J. Yeldon sprinted across midfield and ran out of bounds right as the play clock hit 0:00 on the field. But officials took another look and decided one second should be placed back on the clock — enough time for Alabama coach Nick Saban to have his place-kicker attempt a 56-yard field goal.
And just like that, the Kick Six was born. Adam Griffith’s kick fell short. Chris Davis caught the ball in the back of the end zone, started running toward the middle of the field, then veered to his left. Alabama’s field goal team was late getting into coverage and couldn’t stop Davis from breaking containment, and he danced down the sideline for a touchdown. Auburn won the game, fans stormed the field and Alabama was stunned. Auburn went on to the SEC championship game and the BCS title game.
“First time I’ve lost a game that way,” Saban said. “First time I’ve ever seen a game lost that way.”
Strangest off-field moment: Al from Dadeville wasn’t Al from Dadeville at all. His real name was Harvey Updyke, and he was from Louisiana, and he called in to Paul Finebaum’s radio show one day with a story of how overheated the Iron Bowl rivalry can get.
Updyke, an Alabama fan, said he was at the 2010 game in Tuscaloosa when he saw someone place a Cam Newton jersey on former Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s statue.
“Let me tell you what I did,” Updyke told Finebaum. “The weekend after the Iron Bowl, I went to Auburn, Alabama, because I live 30 miles away. I poisoned the two Toomer’s trees. I put Spike 80DF in them.”
Finebaum, who wasn’t taking it all that seriously, asked, “Did they die?”
“They’re not dead yet, but they definitely will die,” Updyke said.
Finebaum then asked, “Is that against the law to poison a tree?
“Do you think I care?” Updyke said. “I really don’t. Roll damn Tide.”
Updyke did poison the famed oaks on Toomer’s Corner, which had stood for more than 70 years as a gathering place for Auburn fans to celebrate. The school fought to save the trees, but in 2013, they had to be removed.
Updyke, who died in 2020, was charged with criminal mischief, desecrating a venerated object and damaging agriculture. He was later convicted of felony criminal damage of an agricultural facility, served more than 70 days in jail and was ordered to pay about $800,000 in restitution. — Alex Scarborough
Quote that defines the rivalry: From 1904 to 1988, every Iron Bowl was played in Birmingham, which was only an hour’s drive from the University of Alabama but twice as far from Auburn. When Pat Dye took over as coach at Auburn in 1981, he wanted to change that. But his former boss, Bryant, said they’d never agree to it as long as he was still coaching. To which Dye famously replied, “You ain’t gon’ coach forever.” Bryant reminded Dye that they had a contract to play in Birmingham through 1988. Fine, Dye said, they’d play the game in Auburn in 1989 then. And they did. The 11th-ranked Tigers upset No. 2 Alabama 30-20 in the first rivalry game ever played in their home stadium. Afterward, Dye told his team how much that meant to him: “Sure I’d like to be 11-0, but I wouldn’t swap this year for any year that I’ve been at Auburn.”
Better known as: Territorial Cup
This year’s game: Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN and ESPN App
All-time record: Arizona, 50-46-1
Current streak: Arizona, 1
Wildest on-field moment: Arizona State had already locked up a berth in the Rose Bowl when it traveled to Tucson in 1986, and the only blemish on its record was a tie. Down 24-10 late in the third quarter, the Sun Devils were driving with a chance to make it a one-score game. On third-and-goal, Chuck Cecil stepped in front of a Jeff Van Raaphorst pass six yards deep in the end zone and returned it for a touchdown. The touchdown sealed a famous win for Arizona and, perhaps more importantly, prevented Arizona State from finishing undefeated. For Arizona, Cecil’s interception return stands as one of the most iconic moments in program history.
Strangest off-field moment: Unlike most long-standing rivalries, there hasn’t been one iconic trophy on the line in the Arizona-ASU football game for a significant period of time. Multiple trophies have cycled in and out over the past 70 years or so. Still, the Territorial Cup is the oldest rivalry trophy in college football, dating back to 1899. After its debut more than a century ago, the Cup went missing for the next 80 years, only to be discovered in a church basement in 1980. It has been awarded to the winner of the game since 2001. — Kyle Bonagura
Quote that defines the rivalry: “This rivalry goes back [to 1899]. The Territorial Cup has really emotional fan bases when it comes to this football game. It’s one of longest rivalries in college football, so that’s always good. The guys that have played in this game have competed in it; they understand the validity of it.” — Sun Devils coach Herm Edwards, 2018
Better known as: Commonwealth Cup
This year’s game: Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ACC Network and ESPN App
All-time record: Virginia Tech, 60-38-5 (acc. to Tech); Virginia Tech, 58-38-5 (acc. to UVA)
Current streak: Virginia Tech, 2 (and 17 of the past 18)
Wildest on-field moment: Virginia held a commanding 29-14 lead entering the fourth quarter of the 1995 installment of the Commonwealth Cup. The Hokies stormed back on the arm of signal-caller Jim Druckenmiller, taking a one-point lead with 47 seconds to play. UVA’s final comeback attempt was thwarted when Virginia Tech’s Antonio Banks picked off a pass and returned it for a score. But what’s most remembered from that play is Virginia trainer Joe Gieck sticking his foot out in a feigned attempt to trip Banks as the Hokies’ defender raced down the Cavaliers sideline. Gieck insisted the incident was just a joke and that he never came close to tripping Banks, adding, “I’ve seen too many people break a tibia [doing that] in soccer.”
Strangest off-field moment: These days, Virginia Tech players expect wins against their chief rival, but at the turn of the 20th century, things were different. Hence the story of the long career of Hunter Carpenter, a future Hall of Fame halfback who played for the Hokies from 1899 through 1903. In 1899, Carpenter’s team was demolished by Virginia, and he vowed revenge. Unfortunately for Carpenter, he lost again in 1900 and 1901 and 1902 and 1903. Inexplicably, Carpenter then enrolled at North Carolina — a far better football program at the time — in hopes he might finally beat Virginia in 1904. He lost again. In 1905, Carpenter returned to Virginia Tech — his eighth year playing college football — and faced allegations by the UVA newspaper, The Cavalier Daily, that he was being paid. He was forced to sign an affidavit denying it, and he finally got his win. The outcome became so contentious that Virginia refused to play the Hokies again until 1923. — David M. Hale
Quote that defines the rivalry: In 1989, former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer was dealing with heart problems, which raised alarms when he collapsed on the sideline during the Hokies game with Virginia that year. It turns out, Beamer had actually been on the receiving end of an errant elbow during a tackle attempt. “So, I got this heart issue going,” Beamer said, “I got a tooth knocked out, and we lost the game.” No doubt the score was the one that bothered Beamer most.
Better known as: Apple Cup
This year’s game: Saturday, 4 p.m., Fox
All-time record: Washington, 75-33-6
Current streak: Washington, 1
Wildest on-field moment: When an individual game within a rivalry is branded with its own name, it’s a good indicator that something unique took place. For the Apple Cup, the Snow Bowl is that game. After climbing to No. 13 in the AP poll a few weeks earlier, Washington State had lost three of four and entered the 1992 Apple Cup at home against No. 5 Washington. The Huskies had been ranked No. 1 until a loss to No. 12 Arizona two weeks prior but had still already locked up a trip to the Rose Bowl.
It began to snow the morning of the game and really started to come down after kickoff. At halftime, Washington, which was led by quarterback Mark Brunell, led 7-6 at halftime as neither team could find any sort of an offensive rhythm. In blizzard-like conditions in the second half, everything changed. WSU quarterback Drew Bledsoe caught fire and led the Cougars to 29 third-quarter points, including one of the most iconic plays in WSU and Apple Cup history: a 44-yard touchdown pass to Phillip Bobo, who slid into a snowbank underneath the goalpost after making the catch.
Strangest off-field moment: A lot of what made the 2002 game strange — for all the wrong reasons — technically took place on the field, but not until the game was over. Unranked Washington beat No. 3 Washington State 29-26 in triple overtime in a game that ended when the officials ruled a WSU bubble screen was a backward pass and recovered by Washington. The response from the crowd at Pullman’s Martin Stadium was ugly, as fans rained down bottles and whatever else they had at their disposal toward the field. Washington star wide receiver Reggie Williams was pelted with a bottle, and UW athletic director Barbara Hedges stated she “feared for her life,” marring the end of one of the best WSU regular seasons in history. — Kyle Bonagura
Quote that defines the rivalry: “One game doesn’t make a season, but the people who say that haven’t participated in the Apple Cup.” — former WSU coach Mike Price
Better known as: Sunshine Showdown
This year’s game: Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN and ESPN App
All-time record: Florida, 37-27-2
Current streak: Florida State, 1
Wildest on-field moment: It is so hard to choose between the Choke at Doak in 1994 or the Sugar Bowl in 1997 when Florida won the national championship or Florida upsetting No. 1 Florida State 32-29 by rotating quarterbacks in 1997 or Doug Johnson throwing a football near Bobby Bowden’s head during a pregame brawl in 1998 or a postgame fight between the teams in 2003 after Florida State started stomping on the logo at midfield (a game marred by horrific officiating calls). As you can see, there have been plenty of wild moments. But if we had to choose one, the most notable has to be the Choke at Doak, when Florida blew a 31-3 fourth-quarter lead in Tallahassee. The game ended in a 31-31 tie, but it felt like a win to many Seminoles. Florida coach Steve Spurrier said of the game, “They were all bragging about the tie. I said, ‘Hell, it’s the same for you as it is for us.'” Spurrier never did beat Florida State in Tallahassee.
Strangest off-field moment: Perhaps the most contentious moment in the rivalry happened after their 1996 regular-season matchup, when Spurrier accused Florida State coach Bobby Bowden of trying to deliberately take out quarterback Danny Wuerffel. Florida State won the game 24-21, but the teams ended up in a rematch in the Sugar Bowl to decide the national championship. Bowden said of the accusations: “We might hit ’til the echo instead of just the whistle. We try to do it legally. They usually call it if it’s too late.” It was not a good enough explanation for Spurrier, who said, “We are not going to go to the Sugar Bowl and take the crap that we took in Tallahassee. Maybe we’re declaring war on the Seminoles, and maybe they’ve declared war on us, but we’re looking forward to competing with them — not for a national championship, not for anything except trying to beat them. That should be as big a goal as we could possibly have.” Florida won the rematch 52-20 to claim its first national title. — Andrea Adelson
Quote that defines the rivalry: “You know what FSU stands for, don’t you? Free Shoes University.” — Spurrier
Better known as: Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate
This year’s game: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ABC and ESPN App
All-time record: Georgia, 70-39-5 (acc. to Georgia); 70-41-5 (acc. to Tech)
Current streak: Georgia, 5 (and 18 of the past 21)
Wildest on-field moment: In the 1999 edition in Atlanta, the score was tied at 48 with 13 seconds to go. Georgia had the ball at Tech’s 2-yard line on first-and-goal. Instead of kicking a field goal to potentially win the game, Georgia coach Jim Donnan elected to go for a touchdown. Jasper Sanks took a handoff, dove for the goal line and — depending on which side you were on — either fumbled or was down before losing the ball. TV replays showed Sanks was down, but it was before the introduction of instant replay rules. So, the only thing that mattered was the officials ruled Sanks fumbled the ball, and Georgia Tech took possession at its 1-yard line. The game went into overtime, and Tech’s Luke Manget kicked a field goal to give the Yellow Jackets a controversial 51-48 victory. The next week, then-SEC commissioner Roy Kramer suspended referee Al Ford and his six-man crew from working the SEC championship game.
Wildest off-field moment: The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets don’t agree about much of anything, including the all-time series record. Georgia says it has a 68-39-5 advantage; the Yellow Jackets claim 41 victories in the series. The dispute lies in games played during World War II, in 1943 and 1944, during which Georgia Tech won by a combined score of 92-0. Many of the Bulldogs’ best players from their 1942 national championship enlisted in the war, so there wasn’t a single returning starter. In fact, most of Georgia’s players were under the age of 18 and weren’t eligible for the military draft. Conversely, Georgia Tech benefited from having an on-campus Navy V-12 Program, from which it was able to recruit football players, as well as a Navy flight school, which attracted players from other schools. Georgia still distinguishes the disputed games in its media guide and record books with asterisks. — Mark Schlabach
Quote that defines the rivalry: “Lose to Tech, you don’t put up a Christmas tree. That’s my rule.” — Erk Russell, whose family apparently went without the holiday tradition only four times in his 17 seasons as Georgia’s defensive coordinator from 1964 to 1980.
Better known as: Palmetto Bowl
This year’s game: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., SEC Network and ESPN App
All-time record: Clemson, 72-43-4
Current streak: South Carolina, 1
Wildest on-field moment: The nation’s second-longest continuously played rivalry (it ended at 111 games last year; thanks COVID-19) is packed with title-worthy moments, from The Return and The Brawl to The Catch and The Catch II (or as Gamecocks fans call it, The Push-Off). But the peak pissed-off moment of the game’s history happened in 1992. That’s when cocky, rattail-wearing quarterback Steve Taneyhill took over a South Carolina team that had started the season 0-5 and led the Gamecocks to four wins in his five starts, including an upset 24-13 victory over the reeling Tigers. Taneyhill threw for nearly 300 yards in the cold rain, and along the way, he stood on the bench and taunted the orange crowd, swung an imaginary baseball bat, was carried off the field by jubilant fans and, most notably, ran to Death Valley’s midfield and acted as if he was signing his autograph atop Clemson’s sacred Tiger Paw logo. A poster of that moment is still on display in sports bars and man caves from Charleston to Greenville.
Strangest off-field moment: OK, so it was on the field, but it involved a bunch of guys who should have been off the field. In 1961, Clemson took the field in Columbia and started their pregame warm-ups, but they were the weirdest warm-ups ever, including dancing and stumbling and dropping passes. They even convinced the Clemson band to play the “Tiger Rag.” But when the real Tigers jogged out, confused and then angry, the crowd realized that the “team” they’d been watching was instead members of South Carolina’s Sigma Nu fraternity. — Ryan McGee
Quote that defines the rivalry: “They ain’t Alabama. They ain’t LSU. And they’re certainly not Clemson. That’s why Carolina’s in Chapel Hill and USC’s in California and the university in this state always has been, always will be, Clemson.” — Tigers coach Dabo Swinney, 2011
Better known as: Carolina-State
This year’s game: Saturday, 8 p.m., ACC Network and ESPN App
All-time record: UNC, 68-38-6
Current streak: NC State, 2
Wildest on-field moment: This game has never been as big of a deal as it should be, at least not nationally. When these squads met as ranked teams one year ago, it was only the third time in 110 meetings that both teams were in the AP Top 25. But forget that neither one of these Tobacco Road anchors has been as good at football as they should be or that they have inexplicably kept this game off the final weekend of the schedule more often than not; this is a game that generates plenty of heat across the Old North State. (Trust me: I grew up dodging postgame fights in the Carter-Finley Stadium parking lot.) The 2004 edition of the game was in Chapel Hill, and the home crowd was left heartbroken when Wolfpack tailback T.A. McLendon rumbled into the end zone for a game-tying TD in the closing seconds, with the would-be game-winning PAT forthcoming. As one goal line official signaled touchdown, another ran in and said McLendon’s knee had hit the turf before the ball crossed the goal line. On the next play, McClendon ran it in again, this time going airborne. UNC’s Khalif Mitchell blasted the ball from McClendon’s grasp, and the game ended with a Tar Heels fumble recovery and a 30-24 win.
Strangest off-field moment: After the 1905 game ended in a 0-0 score, the third straight tie in the rivalry, the NC State football team received a congratulatory telegram from Trinity College, a little school in nearby Durham that had yet to start a football program. In 1925, Trinity changed its name to Duke. — Ryan McGee
Quote that defines the rivalry: “You might not hear much about that game around the country, and that’s fine. But if you ever walk into a bar anywhere in the state of North Carolina and you see a guy in khakis and his Carolina polo staring at a guy in his jeans and an NC State T-shirt, clear the room, because it’s about to go down.” — Philip Rivers, NC State quarterback, 2000-03, who posted a 3-1 record vs. UNC
It has been just 44 days since the Ohio State Buckeyes raised the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy, but teams in the Big Ten conference, which has won the past two titles, are already preparing for the 2025 season.
ESPN continues its power conference spring previews with the Big Ten, which has several teams that could contend for the CFP title again, including the defending champs.
Big Ten writers Max Olson, Adam Rittenberg, Jake Trotter and Paolo Uggetti look at the players — old and new — and coaches to watch, as well as the teams that could keep the Big Ten’s title streak alive. They’ll also dive into top storylines for all 18 conference teams as spring camps get underway.
Jump to a topic:
Six questions
Team previews
Newcomer to keep an eye on?
Rittenberg: Bryce Underwood isn’t the first No. 1 recruit to come to Michigan — Rashan Gary topped ESPN’s prospect rankings in 2016 — but he arrives with arguably the most attention, and at a fascinating time. Michigan’s national title defense in 2024 went from mostly awful to awesome, as it landed Underwood, a potential generational quarterback talent who grew up minutes from campus, and then finished the season with upset wins against Ohio State and Alabama. Underwood’s recruitment and signing represented a key shift in how Michigan will approach NIL with high school players going forward. He also steps in at the team’s position of need, as the Wolverines finished above only the three service academies in passing offense last fall. Few would be surprised if veteran quarterback transfer Mikey Keene takes the first snaps for Michigan, but at some point, Underwood will have his moment.
Trotter: Indiana struck gold in the transfer portal last year with Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who led the Hoosiers to their first 10-win season in program history and a spot in the playoff. Coach Curt Cignetti is hoping to replicate that success with Fernando Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Cal. Mendoza, who also considered Georgia and Missouri, started 19 games for Cal, throwing for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns last season as the Golden Bears made a bowl game in their debut year in the ACC. If Mendoza clicks in Bloomington, the Hoosiers could remain a threat in the Big Ten.
Olson: I’m expecting Dakorien Moore to play right away for Oregon and be one of college football’s next great freshman wide receivers. The No. 4 recruit in the ESPN 300 was a consensus five-star prospect and a dominant wideout at Duncanville High School in Texas, putting up more than 3,400 receiving yards and 40 TDs during his career. Landing the 5-foot-11, 182-pound speedster was a massive recruiting victory for Dan Lanning and the Ducks, and Moore should have every opportunity to step right in and help replace the production of Tez Johnson.
Uggetti: At USC, there is already a lot of hype building around incoming freshman Jahkeem Stewart. The excitement is not unwarranted: the five-star defensive lineman was ranked No. 1 at his position and in Louisiana by ESPN and oozes talent at a position where the Trojans badly need a rising star. USC’s defense improved leaps and bounds under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn last season, but part of the move to hire Lynn and build a strong defensive staff around him was to be able to bring elite prospects such as Stewart to Los Angeles. Defensive line coach Eric Henderson played a crucial role in recruiting Stewart, and now he and Lynn will get to develop one of the best defensive talents in the country who should get some playing time right away.
Position battle you’re watching?
Rittenberg: A new quarterback will lead defending champion Ohio State in 2025, and the room has changed following the somewhat expected transfers of Devin Brown (Cal) and Air Noland (South Carolina). Perhaps the path is clear for Julian Sayin, the Alabama transfer who enters his second season in Columbus after limited work (12 pass attempts) last fall. Sayin will develop under a reworked but familiar offensive staff, following promotions for Brian Hartline (lead coordinator), Keenan Bailey (co-coordinator) and Billy Fessler (quarterbacks coach). Sayin will need to outplay Lincoln Kienholz, who enters his third year in the program, and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair, ESPN’s No. 3 quarterback and No. 10 overall recruit for 2025.
Trotter: The Wolverines enter the spring with two intriguing running backs, who will both play regardless of how the battle for the starting/primary role plays out. With Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards sitting out the bowl game against Alabama, freshman Jordan Marshall shined in his first real action of the season. He rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries, as Michigan knocked off the Crimson Tide 19-13. During the offseason, the Wolverines also landed Justice Haynes, who rushed for 448 yards and seven touchdowns for Alabama while averaging 5.7 yards per carry in a backup role to Jam Miller. Marshall and Haynes seem primed to give Michigan another strong rushing tandem.
Olson: Penn State has national championship ambitions but must figure out the answer at wide receiver. USC transfer Kyron Hudson and Troy transfer Devonte Ross are joining a receiver room that returns Liam Clifford, but no other players who saw 5 or more targets in 2024. The Nittany Lions need Tyseer Denmark, Kaden Saunders and several more young options to step up this spring and give this group the competitive depth it needs for a deep playoff run.
Potential breakout player?
Rittenberg: Anyone who watched Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton during the team’s run to the CFP semifinals could appreciate his immense talent. Dennis-Sutton seemed to be everywhere on the field, recording 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and 16 tackles in the stretch against SMU, Boise State and Notre Dame. He will no longer benefit from playing opposite projected first-round pick Abdul Carter, which will bring more attention his way. But Dennis-Sutton is ready to take on a premier role for new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The 6-5, 266-pound senior looks like Penn State’s next top NFL prospect up front after recording 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles last fall.
Trotter: Dillon Gabriel ended his prolific college career by leading Oregon to the Big Ten title and No. 1 seed in the playoff. Dante Moore is now the favorite to take over for Gabriel and keep the Ducks in national title contention. Moore was the No. 2 recruit in the ESPN 300 rankings two years ago before signing with UCLA. He had a bumpy freshman season with UCLA, posting just a 33.1 QBR while taking a whopping 25 sacks over nine games playing for Chip Kelly. After Kelly benched him, Moore entered the transfer portal and ended up in Eugene. The talent is there, and the Ducks bring back plenty of playmakers around him, including budding star wideout Evan Stewart. If Moore lives up to his potential, the Ducks could push to defend their Big Ten title.
Olson: Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. flashed exciting potential during his true freshman season and was productive with his limited snaps, putting up 944 passing yards, 392 rushing yards (excluding sacks), 10 total TDs and an 84.3 QBR. The 5-foot-11 playmaker followed Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington and got to start the final two games of his debut season. He looks like he’s going to be a difference-maker in a Huskies offense that returns leading rusher Jonah Coleman and talented receiver Denzel Boston.
Uggetti: I’m with Jake on Oregon QB Moore, who has all the tools and is in the right offense to flourish right away, but if I had to choose someone else, it would be his teammate, running back Makhi Hughes. After spending two seasons at Tulane totaling nearly 3,000 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, Hughes was a big get for the Ducks in the transfer portal. With last season’s starting back Jordan James off to the NFL, the void at running back has Hughes’ name written all over it. Having a strong presence in the backfield who can get Oregon’s offense moving the chains will go a long way toward making it easy on Moore as he acclimates to the starting role.
Who is this year’s Indiana?
Rittenberg: The wow factor won’t be nearly the same, but I’m watching Illinois, which went 10-3 last season and finished No. 16 in the final AP poll. Illinois isn’t welcoming a new coach — Bret Bielema is set to enter his fifth season in Champaign — and didn’t need a huge portal haul to boost its roster, like Indiana did in the winter of 2023-24. But from a historical perspective, there are parallels. Indiana had never made the CFP and went 49-70 during the four-team CFP era. Illinois was actually worse from 2014 to 2023, going 46-73 for a win percentage (.387) ahead of only four other Power 4 teams. But the Illini have the returning talent on both sides of the ball to make the jump, plus a coach who some folks forget won three Big Ten titles while at Wisconsin. They need to perform better against the best teams, but will miss Penn State and Oregon on the schedule and can establish their CFP case early with a Sept. 20 win at … Indiana.
Trotter: Nebraska finished with its first winning season since 2016 last year. And yet, given the way it ended, the season felt like another disappointment. The Huskers dropped five of their final six Big Ten games, culminating with a deflating 13-10 loss at rival Iowa. Whether Nebraska can make a noteworthy jump hinges on quarterback Dylan Raiola elevating his play in his second season. Starting every game as a true freshman last year, the former five-star recruit showed plenty of promise, finishing 58th nationally with a QBR of 62.9. Raiola ranked just 97th, though, on third-down QBR (44.0) and 71st in red zone QBR (55.0). If Raiola can improve his clutch play and ramp up the big completions — he ranked just 94th in yards per dropback (6.05) — he has the talent and pedigree to help make Nebraska this year’s Big Ten surprise team.
Olson: Illinois stands out based on an impressive amount of returning production. But if we’re talking about Big Ten teams capable of bouncing back after losing seasons, Washington and Michigan State look like two decent candidates for most improved. Both programs are heading into Year 2 under coaching staffs that have previously pulled off challenging turnarounds, and both inked solid transfer portal classes this offseason to improve their rosters after seven-loss seasons. They should get back to bowl eligibility in 2025 and could take big steps forward if they can find ways to win close Big Ten games.
Uggetti: It’s hard to find someone else who could fit the Indiana bill other than the teams mentioned above, but I’ll take a different approach to the question and focus on USC, which could be in a position to bounce back and surprise following a disappointing 7-6 campaign in 2024 that featured a number of close losses. There’s undoubtedly going to be a lot of pressure on Lincoln Riley and the presumptive starting quarterback Jayden Maiava, but I doubt that those two won’t be better off following an offseason working together. USC’s defense should continue to improve under D’Anton Lynn, and the team has made a slew of promising additions on both sides of the ball while continuing to add coaches with NFL experience (hello, Rob Ryan) that should — emphasis on should — put USC in a position to improve on their record.
New coaches/schemes to watch?
Rittenberg: I’m fascinated to see how Tino Sunseri will fare as UCLA’s new offensive coordinator. He has drawn strong reviews from coaches and other industry sources, and brings a strong reputation as a recruiter and quarterback developer to Westwood, where the Bruins finished 126th nationally in scoring last fall. Sunseri had an important role in Indiana’s historic 2024 season, as he coached quarterback Kurtis Rourke and assisted with an offense that finished second nationally in scoring. He now leads a quarterback room that includes Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar, Washington transfer Dermaricus Davis and others. Bruins coach DeShaun Foster exceeded most expectations in Year 1, especially with how his team performed in the second half. If Sunseri can get the offense right, UCLA could become a sleeper team in the league.
Trotter: Penn State broke the bank to swipe Jim Knowles away from Ohio State, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the country with an annual salary of $3.1 million. Under Knowles, the Buckeyes ranked No. 1 in a multitude of defensive categories on the way to the national championship. Knowles’ wrinkle using star safety Caleb Downs in a shallow centerfield role, in between the linebackers and deep safeties, helped fuel Ohio State’s dominant run through the playoff. What Knowles will have in store for a talented Penn State defense will be fascinating to follow, as the loaded Nittany Lions have the goods to contend for their first national title in almost four decades.
Olson: Knowles’ replacement at Ohio State is just as fascinating. Ryan Day is putting his trust in longtime NFL assistant and former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia to take over the Buckeyes’ defense and maintain their extremely high standard. Patricia was out of coaching in 2024 but comes in with three Super Bowl rings from his time with the New England Patriots and plenty to prove in his first college gig since 2003. Eight Ohio State starters moving on to the NFL creates a lot of next-man-up situations across the depth chart this spring and room for creativity from Patricia as he figures out how to best play to the strengths of his returning personnel.
Uggetti: In the same way that Sunseri’s approach will be interesting to watch at UCLA, I’m very curious about Chip Lindsey’s fit in Ann Arbor. It’s safe to say that the Wolverines weren’t exactly a force to be reckoned with on offense last season and that was, in large part, due to the inconsistency at the quarterback position. Now, Lindsey comes in just as No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood arrives. Whether or not Underwood starts or gets playing time right away, the relationship between QB and coordinator will be key to the Wolverines’ future success. Lindsey has been in the game for a while, but his most recent claim to fame is working with No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye at North Carolina. Michigan is hoping Lindsey, who is also the quarterbacks coach, will not only be able to develop Underwood into more than just a superstar on paper but jump-start an offense that badly needs it.
Can the conference win a third straight natty?
Rittenberg: Absolutely. I recognize the significance of Ohio State’s first national title in a decade, but the key for the Big Ten’s rise always was supporting the Buckeyes with other legitimate candidates. Michigan broke through with three consecutive CFP appearances, culminating with the title in 2023, and might be back in the playoff mix soon (although probably not this fall). Penn State should have its best team under James Franklin since the 2016 squad that won the Big Ten. The Lions have now experienced CFP success and what it will take to go even further in the postseason (Drew Allar needs no reminder). Oregon is set up to contend annually because of its personnel and coaching, and the Big Ten could get another surprise team in the CFP mix, like Illinois.
Trotter: Without a doubt. While talented, Ohio State and Michigan will be retooling around young quarterbacks. But Penn State is loaded and experienced. Allar is one of the most veteran passers in the country, while Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen give the Nittany Lions the best returning running back duo in college football. The pressing question offensively is who Allar will be throwing to with All-American tight end Tyler Warren off to the NFL. That will be the biggest storyline to follow in State College in the spring. But assuming Knowles can give the defense a jolt, Penn State should enter the season on the short list of legitimate national contenders after making the playoff semifinals last year.
Olson: Five of the top six teams in the final AP poll for the 2024 season are turning to inexperienced new starters at quarterback this offseason. Penn State is the exception. If you’re James Franklin, you must love how this is all setting up between the NFL-caliber talent that stayed in school and the arrival of Knowles to take the Nittany Lions’ defense to another level. There’s going to be an intense amount of pressure on Franklin and this program to finally put it all together and win their toughest tests, but they’re not the Big Ten’s lone hope. I think 2025 sets up similarly to 2024 for the league: Ohio State and Oregon have lost a lot but are still too loaded to fail, Penn State is ready to compete at the highest level, and one or two wild card teams are sure to emerge and surprise just as the Hoosiers did.
Uggetti: They should certainly enter as one of the two (?) conferences who have three teams that could win the championship. Penn State and Ohio State have their share of buzz, and it will be interesting to see how Oregon bounces back from their stunning Rose Bowl loss to the Buckeyes as well as the losses of Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson, Derrick Harmon and more. As Adam pointed out, the Ducks can now reload with the best of them, and Dan Lanning will certainly have this iteration of his team ready to compete for a playoff spot once again.
Team previews
Spring storyline: Illinois returns a lot from a good team that won 10 games and finished No. 16 nationally. The Illini must take the next step to become true CFP contenders, which means replacing standout wide receiver Pat Bryant and boosting a running game that finished 79th nationally, atypical of a Bret Bielema-coached team.
Position of intrigue: Wide receiver. One of few positions hit hard by departures, Illinois loses its top wideouts in Bryant and Zakhari Franklin, who had 109 receptions for 1,636 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Illini added transfers Hudson Clement (West Virginia) and Justin Bowick (Ball State) to help offset the losses, but will also look for more from holdovers Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon.
Player to watch: I loved the production from outside linebacker Gabe Jacas in 2024, a huge keep for Bielema and the Illini after wreaking havoc with 8 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hurries and 3 forced fumbles. — Rittenberg
Spring storyline: After a historic 2024 season when Indiana won 10 games for the first time and reached the CFP, what do coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers have for an encore? They won’t be able to hide in obscurity this offseason, especially after bringing back key pieces from last year’s squad and making another strong portal push, which included quarterback Francisco Mendoza (Cal), running back Roman Hemby (Maryland) and a notable group of offensive linemen.
Position of intrigue: Offensive line. The group showed its limitations in losses to Ohio State and Notre Dame, and will have a different look in 2025. Indiana hit the portal for three potential starters in Pat Coogan (Notre Dame), Kahlil Benson (Colorado) and Zen Michalski (Ohio State). Guard Drew Evans‘ health status also will be monitored, and IU must replace All-Big Ten center Mike Katic.
Player to watch: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was one of the biggest wins of the winter portal, as he joined his brother and fellow Hoosiers quarterback Alberto in Bloomington. Fernando Mendoza passed for 4,712 yards and 30 touchdowns at Cal. — Rittenberg
Spring storyline: Iowa is betting on South Dakota State transfer QB Mark Gronowski, a two-time national champ at the FCS level, to significantly upgrade the No. 130 passing offense in FBS. He’ll miss spring practice due to offseason shoulder surgery, but this should be a highly competitive spring for the Hawkeyes as they work to replace a dozen starters from last year’s 8-5 squad.
Position of intrigue: Over the past two seasons, Iowa’s defense has featured one of the top linebacker duos in the country with All-America standout Jay Higgins and 60-game starter Nick Jackson. Which players step up as their successors? This will be a big spring for Jayden Harrell (114 career defensive snaps) and Karson Sharar (56) to prove they’re ready.
Player to watch: Kamari Moulton is the next man up at running back to take over for Big Ten leading rusher Kaleb Johnson. The redshirt sophomore rushed for 473 yards and three scores on 5.6 yards per carry as the Hawkeyes’ No. 2 back last season. — Olson
Spring storyline: The Terrapins face a challenging offseason after going 1-8 in the Big Ten last year before losing several key players to the transfer portal, including quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (Wisconsin). Finding a new QB starter who can thrive — whether it’s UCLA transfer Justyn Martin or ESPN 300 incoming freshman Malik Washington — will be key to any turnaround.
Position of intrigue: The offensive line struggled last year, finishing with a Big Ten-worst 39.7% blown block rate. The arrivals of Akron transfer Jayvin James and ESPN 300 signee Jaylen Gilchrist could help boost a running game that averaged just 3.59 yards per attempt in 2024.
Player to watch: Jalil Farooq caught 89 career passes at Oklahoma until breaking his foot in the opener last season. He has the talent to give Maryland a game breaker at wideout with All-Big Ten performer Tai Felton gone. — Trotter
Spring storyline: New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey arrives with a mandate to overhaul a passing game that finished only above the three service academies in 2024. His development of incoming national No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood at quarterback will be closely watched, but Lindsey must take a global approach to getting more production from an offense that also loses its top two running backs.
Position of intrigue: Defensive tackle. No FBS team loses a better tandem of interior defensive linemen, as Michigan must replace Mason Graham, a projected top-five NFL draft pick, and Kenneth Grant, a possible late first-round pick. Rayshaun Benny‘s return is significant, and Michigan must build depth around him with transfers Damon Payne (Alabama), Tre Williams (Clemson) and others.
Player to watch: Safety Rod Moore, one of the heroes from Michigan’s 2023 win against Ohio State and a captain, returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Even as he works back to full health, Moore’s leadership should be invaluable for a new-look defense. — Rittenberg
Spring storyline: The Spartans must fix an offense that eclipsed 19 points just twice in its final nine games and finished 110th nationally in rushing. Michigan State has continuity with playcaller Brian Lindgren and quarterback Aidan Chiles, and an emerging star in sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh. But the unit must cut down penalties and turnovers and find more playmaking opportunities.
Position of intrigue: Cornerback. Michigan State hit the portal for help at several positions, including cornerback, where it must replace primary starters Charles Brantley, the team’s interceptions leader in 2024, and Ed Woods. The team added three transfers — Malcolm Bell (UConn), NiJhay Burt (Eastern Illinois) and Joshua Eaton (Texas State) — who should all factor into the rotation for coordinator Joe Rossi.
Player to watch: Running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver. The Sacramento State transfer arrives to spark a running attack that lagged in coach Jonathan Smith’s first season. Tau-Tolliver had 950 rushing yards and 1,267 all-purpose yards in 2024. — Rittenberg
Spring storyline: The Gophers’ quarterback competition will certainly be a focus of spring ball. Redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey spent a year learning behind Max Brosmer and gets his chance to prove he’s the guy this offseason. He’ll have to hold off grad transfer Zach Pyron, who earned four starts over three seasons at Georgia Tech and offers proven dual-threat ability.
Position of intrigue: It’ll be interesting to see how the Gophers’ reshuffled offensive line comes together as the staff works to replace All-Big Ten left tackle Aireontae Ersery and two more multiyear starters. They added quality help via the portal between Marcellus Marshall (UCF), Dylan Ray (Kentucky) and Kahlee Tafai (Washington).
Player to watch: Can Jaxon Howard put together a breakthrough season for the Gophers’ defense? The talented pass rusher and former ESPN 300 recruit transferred home after one year at LSU and played a rotation role as a redshirt freshman. Jay Joyner and Danny Striggow moving on to the NFL creates a big opportunity for Howard to go out and prove he’s ready to start and make an impact. — Olson
Spring storyline: After leading Nebraska to its first bowl victory since 2015, Matt Rhule is eager to take the next big step in Year 3. Sophomore QB Dylan Raiola has been surrounded by a ton of new talent thanks to a strong transfer portal haul, and OC Dana Holgorsen should have all the chess pieces he needs to build an exciting offense this offseason.
Position of intrigue: The Huskers need to reload along the defensive line and replace senior leaders Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. New D-line coach Terry Bradden comes from the Kansas City Chiefs and inherits some promising young players, including former five-star recruit Williams Nwaneri, who need to step up in 2025.
Player to watch: Kentucky transfer wide receiver Dane Key was a must-get for the Huskers in December. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior brings a ton of experience to the table as a three-year starter who produced 126 career catches for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns in the SEC. — Olson
Spring storyline: SMU quarterback transfer Preston Stone arrives with a chance to boost a woeful offense that ranked 128th nationally in scoring and 111th in passing last season. Stone will be throwing to South Dakota State wide receiver transfer Griffin Wilde, as well as Mike Wright, who opened 2024 as Northwestern’s starting quarterback but is moving to receiver.
Position of intrigue: Offensive line. While quarterback and wide receiver also will generate attention, none of it will matter unless Northwestern gets better play up front. The Wildcats lost Josh Thompson to the portal but added Evan Beerntsen, who, like Wilde, is familiar with coordinator Zach Lujan from South Dakota State, and Xavior Gray (Liberty).
Player to watch: Defensive end Aidan Hubbard has 12 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in the past two seasons. He could become a premier pass rusher in the Big Ten this fall as he plays opposite promising junior Anto Saka. — Rittenberg
Spring storyline: The Buckeyes must replace 14 starters off last year’s national championship team, including multiyear stalwarts wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and defensive end Jack Sawyer. Coordinators Chip Kelly (Raiders) and Jim Knowles (Penn State) are gone, as well. The Buckeyes remain talented yet will also be inexperienced.
Position of intrigue: Quarterback Will Howard was spectacular in his lone season with the Buckeyes after transferring in from Kansas State. Freshman Julian Sayin, the No. 2 QB recruit in the country last year, is the favorite to take over. But he’ll have to fend off highly touted incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair.
Player to watch: CJ Donaldson transferred in from West Virginia after rushing for more than 700 yards and 11 touchdowns the past two seasons. The Buckeyes are banking Donaldson can help keep the running game rolling with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins moving on to the NFL. — Trotter
Spring storyline: The development of quarterback Dante Moore inside the Oregon offense will be the headliner. Offensive coordinator Will Stein has been able to cater to Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, but Moore presents a new, but intriguing, wrinkle: a quarterback who has been in the building for a whole season, learning from Gabriel and Stein, and ready to take on a bigger role this season.
Position of intrigue: Linebacker. The Ducks are losing a ton at the position with the departures of start Jeffrey Bassa and Bryce Boettcher, who led the team in tackles with 94 last season and was arguably the heart and soul of last year’s Oregon team. There isn’t a clear-cut leader at the position (Devon Jackson, who has 47 career tackles, is returning) or any particular additions that stand out, so it will be interesting to see if any player emerges at the position.
Player to watch: Malik Benson. The Florida State transfer doesn’t have eye-popping numbers (25 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown last year), but he brings experience and a different dynamic to the Ducks’ receiving room, which just lost leading receiver Tez Johnson to the NFL. Alongside Evan Stewart and Gary Bryant Jr., Benson could turn into a key target for Moore. — Uggetti
Spring storyline: The Nittany Lions snagged Jim Knowles, who just coordinated the No. 1 defense in college football last season at Ohio State. Penn State made him the highest-paid coordinator in the country ($3.1 million). Knowles will begin molding the Nittany Lions defense this spring, with plenty of talent to deploy.
Position of intrigue: The Nittany Lions have to get more production out of their wide receivers from quarterback Drew Allar, especially with All-American tight end Tyler Warren on the way to the NFL. Penn State is banking that transfers Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC) can help elevate a spot that’s been underwhelming in recent years.
Player to watch: Dani Dennis-Sutton will get his chance to shine as Penn State’s top pass rusher, with Abdul Carter likely to become a top-three draft pick. — Trotter
Spring storyline: The Boilermakers hired head coach Barry Odom after they lost 11 straight last year under Ryan Walters. Odom, who arrived after two years at UNLV, is a defensive-minded coach. He’ll be tasked with rebuilding a Purdue defense that was among the worst in college football, ranking second-to-last nationally in defensive EPA (expected points allowed) and opposing QBR (83.1).
Position of intrigue: Odom brought in three quarterbacks from the transfer portal in Malachi Singleton (Arkansas), EJ Colson (UCF) and Evans Chuba (Washington State). The trio played little or none for their former schools last year, leaving a wide-open battle for the Purdue starting job.
Player to watch: Tennessee transfer Nathan Leacock was a four-star recruit two years ago. He played sparingly in Knoxville, but will have ample opportunity now, with virtually Purdue’s entire receiving corps from last year gone. — Trotter
Spring storyline: Rutgers won four Big Ten games last year for the first time since joining in the league in 2014. With Athan Kaliakmanis back (30 career college starts) as the starting quarterback, the Scarlet Knights have the chance to take another step forward, especially if the majority of their key transfers portal additions come through.
Position of intrigue: The Scarlet Knights added a pair of prolific pass rushers through the transfer portal in Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver. O’Neill was first-team All-Sun Belt after recording 13 sacks and a pick-six for James Madison. Weaver was second-team All-MAC at Ohio with 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. If those two additions click, Rutgers could boast an elite pass rush.
Player to watch: The Scarlet Knights are replacing outgoing first-team All-Big Ten running back Kyle Monangai with CJ Campbell Jr., who rushed for 844 yards and caught 40 passes with 14 total touchdowns for Florida Atlantic last season. — Trotter
Spring storyline: DeShaun Foster’s second season as the Bruins’ head coach begins with a lot of question marks and plenty of new faces. Foster revamped almost his entire staff after UCLA finished 5-7 last year. Tino Sunseri is in from Indiana as the team’s next offensive coordinator, and he’ll be tasked with trying to recharge an offense that was one of the least productive in the conference last season.
Position of intrigue: Offensive line. With a new offensive line coach in Andy Kwon, the Bruins have prioritized the line by bringing in a number of key transfers, including tackle Courtland Ford from Kentucky, interior lineman Julian Armella from Florida State and Eugene Brooks from Oklahoma, as well as K.D. Arnold from Jacksonville State.
Player to watch: With Dante Moore departing last year for Oregon, Ethan Garbers finally running out of eligibility and Justyn Martin entering the transfer portal, Foster had to reach into the portal for a signal caller with some experience. Enter Joey Aguilar. The Appalachian State quarterback returns to his home state with one more year of eligibility after finishing his senior year at App State with 3,003 yards and 23 touchdowns. — Uggetti
Spring storyline: Can Jayden Maiava be Lincoln Riley’s next great quarterback? Maiava became the Trojans’ starter under less-than-ideal circumstances when he replaced Miller Moss with just three games left in the regular season last year. In moments, Maiava impressed, showcasing a dynamic ability to move Riley’s offense forward, especially with his legs. But his youth and understandable lack of experience also showed. An entire offseason should only help, and USC looks to be giving Maiava the runway to be the guy until 2025 recruit Husan Longstreet is ready.
Position of intrigue: Defensive line. Position coach Eric Henderson has kept busy since the season wrapped up, helping to bring in key portal additions like Keeshawn Silver from Kentucky and Jamaal Jarrett from Georgia while also bringing in five-star player Jahkeem Stewart, who is likely to see action in no time. Kameryn Fountain and Anthony Lucas are also returning.
Player to watch: Waymond Jordan. The JUCO running back from Kansas was a key addition for USC after Quinten Joyner entered the transfer portal, and Riley and Co. have been able to develop a great track record with adding backs from the portal (see: Travis Dye, MarShawn Lloyd and Woody Marks) who all had breakout-type seasons with USC. Jordan could be up next. — Uggetti
Spring storyline: Perhaps no team suffered as much of a regression at one position group more than the Huskies did on the offensive line. After winning the Joe Moore award for the best line in the country in 2023, Washington’s new unit allowed the most sacks in the Big Ten last season. With quarterback Demond Williams Jr. heading into his sophomore season with some momentum, the offensive line development and chemistry will be a key part of the Huskies’ spring ball.
Position of intrigue: Wide receiver. Getting Denzel Boston (834 yards and nine touchdowns) to return to Seattle was a huge boon for the Huskies; adding wideout Omari Evans from Penn State (five touchdowns on 21 catches) was an even bigger piece of offseason news. Both Boston and Evans and the rest of the Huskies’ wide receiver room should give Williams Jr. plenty of weapons to throw to this season.
Player to watch: Demond Williams Jr. The Arizona native showed enough flashes in his freshman season to get Washington fans excited for what he could do following another year under coach Jedd Fisch (and better protection from his line). Williams Jr. completed 78% of his 105 pass attempts and threw for 944 yards in limited action. Now, he’s getting a full runway as the team’s starter and could be primed for a breakout year. — Uggetti
Spring storyline: A new offensive coordinator, new starting quarterback and 18 more incoming transfers should make for a fascinating spring in Madison. Coach Luke Fickell has made some substantial changes following a 5-7 season that snapped the program’s 22-year bowl streak. The arrival of former Kansas OC Jeff Grimes and Maryland transfer QB Billy Edwards Jr. should go a long way toward getting Wisconsin’s offense back on track, and the defense will feature a ton of new contributors.
Position of intrigue: After finishing last in FBS in tackles for loss (42) and second-worst in the Big Ten in sacks (17), the Badgers totally overhauled their defensive front this offseason. They’re depending on incoming transfers Jay’viar Suggs, Parker Petersen, Corey Walker, Charles Perkins, Micheal Garner and Mason Reiger to give their D-line real competitive depth up front.
Player to watch: Few players could benefit from Grimes’ offensive system more than sophomore running back Darrion Dupree. The Badgers choosing not to prioritize a running back in portal recruiting tells you what they think of Dupree’s upside. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound back produced 436 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown during his debut season. — Olson
NEW YORK — The Mets led the major leagues in spending for the third straight season in 2024 and have totaled $1.36 billion in payroll and luxury tax over four years under owner Steve Cohen, exceeding what the Marlins, Pirates and Rays each have spent on players in the past 21 seasons.
The Mets established a $333.3 million regular payroll record, according to figures finalized by Major League Baseball this week and obtained by The Associated Press. That topped the previous mark of $319.5 million set by the Mets in 2023, when they became the first team to exceed $300 million.
New York totaled $430.4 million last year in payroll and luxury tax ($97.1 million) to set a cost record. The Mets paid $420 million the year before, including a $100.8 million tax.
Since Cohen bought the team from the Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz families in November 2020, the Mets have totaled $1.13 billion in payroll and $228.7 million in tax. And that was before he lavished a record 15-year, $765 million contract on outfielder Juan Soto that starts this season.
“One thing I’ve learned a long time ago, if you want something that’s amazing, it’s going to be uncomfortable,” Cohen said in December.
New York’s spending on major league players from 2021 to 2024 was just above what the payrolls from 2004 to 2024 totaled for the Marlins ($1.34 billion), Pirates ($1.32 billion) and Rays ($1.32 billion).
By comparison, the Athletics have spent a low of $269 million over the past four seasons and the Pirates $271 million.
Total spending, based on regular payrolls, rose 1.8% to $5.158 billion from $5.065 billion last year and has increased 27.3% in three seasons under the current labor contract from $4.051 billion in 2021.
The Mets became the first team to lead in payrolls in three straight seasons since the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2014 to 2017.
The New York Yankees were second among regular payrolls at a team-record $310.9 million. The World Series champion Dodgers were third at $270.8 million and the Philadelphia Phillies fourth at $249.1 million.
Ten teams topped $200 million, down from a record 11 in 2023. A record-low four teams were below $100 million, a decrease from six in 2023.
Because $68 million of his $700 million salary is deferred until from 2034 through 2043, Shohei Ohtani totals $28.2 million in salary toward payroll plus $1.03 million in non-cash compensation.
The Athletics had the lowest payroll at $66.5 million in their final season before moving to Sacramento for at least three seasons before a planned shift to Las Vegas. The Pirates were 29th at $87.3 million. Those two clubs, along with the Rays, are the only teams never to finish with a $100 million payroll.
The 12 teams that reached the postseason combined to spend $2.37 billion, 46% of payrolls, including $1.02 billion (19.9%) for the four teams in the league championship series. The Dodgers and American League champion Yankees combined for $644.2 million (12.5%).
Adding payroll and luxury tax, the four LCS teams combined for 23.5% of total spending ($1.29 billion of $5.47 billion) and the Yankees and Dodgers for 13.7% ($747.3 million).
The Arizona Diamondbacks raised payroll the most, by $48 million to $177 million after winning the National League pennant, and the Chicago Cubs were the second-most, by $34 million to $230 million.
The San Diego Padres cut payroll by $85 million to $172 million in 2024 following the death of owner Peter Seidler. The Los Angeles Angels dropped $51 million to $179 million and the Minnesota Twins by $34 million to $133 million.
Regular payrolls are based on 2024 salaries, earned bonuses and prorated shares of signing bonuses and non-cash compensation for 40-man rosters. Deferred salaries and bonus payments are discounted to present-day values, and termination pay, option buyouts and cash transactions among clubs are accounted for.
MLB calculated the average salary at $4,592,147, while the players’ association, using a slightly different methodology, pegged it at $4,655,366.
Luxury tax is based on payrolls with average annual values that include benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool.
-
Rachel Doerrie
The Chicago Blackhawks are a lot closer to being a problem than many would like to believe. With Seth Jones‘ contract cleared from the books and two premium assets acquired in return after his trade to Florida, Chicago has many key components of a Stanley Cup contender.
The reason they seem far from that description? Many of those components are not of legal drinking age in the United States. Much has been made of Connor Bedard‘s frustration this season, but he’s a 19-year-old phenom who is used to dominating and having team success. This type of losing is new for someone as ultracompetitive as Bedard. Patience is a virtue.
But the potential for Chicago’s results to improve quickly is high, especially with the rising NHL salary cap giving the team the ability to sign high-impact free agents to complement Bedard and the rest of the young group.
“You need a lot to win a Cup. To have a puncher’s chance, you need an elite center [or two], an elite defenseman, a reliable second pair and good goaltender,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “That’s a good formula to go on. You can have a lot of good pieces, but if you don’t have the key pieces, you’re in trouble. The prevailing belief in hockey is that elite talent is hard to come by, unless you draft it.”
Based on drafting early in the first round for the past few seasons, the Blackhawks appear to have found what could be a championship core. A former team executive noted that while it’s good to be aggressive in free agency, nailing draft picks is the most critical part of team-building.
“It is rare that a Jack Eichel or a Sam Reinhart become available. Look at Tampa. They’ve made changes, but they don’t win a single Cup without the guys they drafted. Stamkos, Hedman, Vasilevskiy, Point, Kucherov and Cirelli. Not just first-round guys, you have to find guys outside the first round, too,” the executive said. “[Chicago] have had plenty of top picks and I expect many of those players to be impact players in this league. If they can bring along some of their midround picks, they’ll be in business.”
BEDARD CHECKS ALL the boxes as an elite center. He’s still developing and there’s a long way to go until he reaches his potential, but no one should be doubting the centerpiece of Chicago’s organization.
Bedard’s development this season has been fun to watch. His defensive game will need to improve, but he’s starting to put the offensive side of his game together with very little help. Nathan MacKinnon wasn’t a point-per-game player until his fifth season. He scored 38 in 64 games during his second season, and Bedard has 49 through 61 through his. Not everyone is going to be Connor McDavid the moment they step into the league, and the Avalanche will be the first to tell you that patience is worth it for players such as MacKinnon and Bedard.
The second piece for a Cup contender is an elite defenseman. With Jones gone, there will be plenty of opportunity for Chicago’s young defensemen to get important minutes.
Artyom Levshunov — the No. 2 pick in 2024 — has really come along in the AHL this season, and his production is starting to reflect it. The 6-foot-2, right-handed defenseman has recorded 21 points through 48 games, and makes quality defensive plays on a nightly basis. His skating is a tremendous asset, enabling him to track down some of the league’s quickest skaters. He’s playing major minutes at even strength and on both special teams, and is learning to impose his will on opponents. There is no need to rush him to the NHL because if he continues on this path, there is a real chance he’s a staple on Chicago’s top pair for a long time.
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, if Chicago wins the lottery and gets to select No. 1, there’s an impact defenseman available. By adding Erie Otters blueliner Matthew Schaefer, my No. 1 prospect, they will be set for more than a decade on the back end. Schaefer is expected to be an elite, all-situations defenseman in the NHL, meaning that Chicago might be looking at the next Cale Makar/Nathan MacKinnon type of dynamic duo.
Pairing Schaefer with Levshunov has the potential to be one of the best tandems in the NHL if both players reach 85% of their projected ceiling. Even without Schaefer, Levshunov is capable of being the elite defenseman that a Cup contender needs.
The third part of the equation is a reliable second pair. Alex Vlasic has shown he’s more than capable of playing big minutes and is exactly the type of player you want anchoring the second pair. He’s playing admirably on the top pair, and could be a long-term solution with Levshunov. He’s signed through 2029-30 with a $4.6 million average annual value — a great deal for the Blackhawks, given the rising salary cap.
Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro are also contenders to be part of a quality second pair. Del Mastro is holding his own in that spot as a 22-year-old, and could be a shutdown type with his size and skating ability. Korchinski is an excellent skater who can produce points. The 20-year-old is an effective defender in transition and makes quality plays under pressure. His puck-moving abilities should see him become an effective second-pair defender who can score 40-plus points per season, if his defensive zone play continues to improve.
A GOOD GOALTENDER is important, especially in the playoffs. Sergei Bobrovsky, Adin Hill and Andrei Vasilevskiy were standouts for their respective teams in their recent Stanley Cup wins.
Chicago has a few goaltenders in the system who have potential, but the acquisition of Spencer Knight is a major step forward for the organization. He was fantastic in his first start, making 41 saves in a 5-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings.
In his 23-year-old season, Knight has a .912 save percentage in 24 games, good for ninth in the NHL. He’s most certainly going to face more difficult shots and scoring chances in Chicago than he did in Florida, but Knight has developed into a solid goaltender. He’s capable of being a platoon starter and there is potential for him to become a quality No. 1 in the next two seasons.
Arvid Soderblom has a respectable .906 this season and could be a capable 1B to Knight. Drew Commesso and Adam Gajan are in the system but might be a few years away. Goaltending development is difficult to project, but the more cracks you have at it, the better off the organization will be.
SERIOUS CONTENDERS NEED good players beyond that core group. Chicago has a few young players who are already playing in the NHL, and an extensive group of prospects on the cusp.
-
Frank Nazar has potential to be an impactful offensive player. He was over a point-per-game pace in the AHL, and has scored 14 points in 32 NHL games.
-
Colton Dach and Lukas Reichel are finding their way as complementary players in the bottom six.
-
Oliver Moore, Sacha Boisvert and Nick Lardis could become middle-six forwards for Chicago, with well-rounded offensive toolboxes and in Moore’s case, breakneck speed.
-
Sam Rinzel is a big defenseman with a solid transition game who could fit nicely on Chicago’s bottom pair in the next couple of seasons.
Chicago has the key pieces that many contenders want to have — and none of them are older than 23. The team is incredibly young, with stocked prospect cupboards that can be used to acquire proven NHL talent via trade.
Not only that, but with the amount of cap space at their disposal, the Blackhawks will be able to go after big-name free agents should the likes of Mitch Marner or Mikko Rantanen be available July 1. There is a real possibility that Chicago is much better next season, especially if it makes a splash in free agency.
If the Blackhawks don’t, they still will take a step forward, with eyes on contending for a playoff spot in 2026-27. At that point, Bedard and Levshunov will be 21, Knight will be 25 and whomever they draft in 2025 will be 19 or 20. The window for the Blackhawks hasn’t opened yet, but it’s coming soon. And when it does, it might be open for a very long time.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports11 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway