Baylor's addition of NBA draft pick James Nnaji to its college team highlights the blurred lines between professional and college basketball, raising questions about NCAA rules, eligibility, and the future of college sports amid increasing player mobility and legal challenges.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a player for the University of Arizona football team, faced NCAA eligibility issues that threatened his senior season and NFL dreams, but his story is one of resilience and success.
Quinshon Judkins, a Browns draft pick, could potentially return to college football despite being drafted and the NFL investigating him, due to complex NCAA and NFL rules about player eligibility and contracts, offering players new options they previously didn't have.
North Carolina Central coach Trei Oliver accused Virginia Tech of recruiting a player on his sideline last season, prompting Virginia Tech to launch an internal investigation. Oliver expressed skepticism about the visit, and the incident has added tension ahead of an upcoming game between Virginia and Virginia Tech.
Shemar Stewart, an unsigned Bengals edge rusher, is considering returning to college football at Texas A&M to potentially re-enter the draft next year, despite NCAA rules and NFL rights implications. This move could allow him to earn money and delay his NFL career, but it might also impact his contract and free agency timeline. The situation is complicated by NCAA regulations and NFL team rights, with Stewart exploring options to maximize his opportunities.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was reportedly offered $8 million to transfer, highlighting the ongoing issue of financial inducements in college sports, but he has chosen to stay at USC despite the offers. Sellers, a top dual-threat QB and Heisman contender, values his education and playing career over money, with his NIL valuation at $3.7 million.
In a thrilling college football game, No. 6 Georgia defeated Georgia Tech 44-42 after eight overtimes, nearly setting a record for the longest game in terms of overtime periods. The game, which lasted over four-and-a-half hours, saw Georgia rally from a significant deficit to force overtime. The current record for the most overtimes in a college football game is held by the 2021 Illinois vs. Penn State game, which went to nine overtimes. Recent NCAA rule changes have altered overtime procedures, emphasizing 2-point conversion attempts to expedite the process.
Notre Dame freshman Hannah Hidalgo was forced to remove her nose ring during the NCAA Women's Sweet 16 game against Oregon State, causing an unexpected absence and disrupting her performance. The NCAA rules state that jewelry must be removed immediately or the player will be required to leave the game. Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey expressed frustration over the situation, while Hidalgo felt the officials were focused on the wrong things. Despite the disruption, the team plans to regroup and refocus for future games, and Hidalgo intends to continue wearing her nose ring next season.
The brother of LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson was arrested and charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after a fight broke out when his sister was shoved to the court by South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso during a Southeastern Conference Tournament game. The incident has sparked calls for change and tighter security in college basketball, as court-storming and player altercations have become increasingly concerning. The altercation resulted in Cardoso's ejection and the ejection of three of her teammates, as well as two LSU players. According to NCAA rules, Cardoso will miss South Carolina’s next game, which will be its opener in the NCAA Tournament.
The brother of LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson was arrested and charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct after jumping onto the court when his sister was shoved by South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso during a Southeastern Conference tournament game. Trayron Milton, 24, made his way to the court by pushing down an SEC employee and stepping on her shoulders, briefly making contact with Cardoso before being led away by police. Cardoso and several teammates were ejected, and according to NCAA rules, Cardoso will miss South Carolina's next game in the NCAA tournament.
Court documents allege that University of Georgia football recruiting staffers routinely drove rented vehicles after consuming alcohol, with text messages revealing that coaches and staff encouraged drinking with football prospects' families. The lawsuit also accuses UGA football coaches of using cash in recruiting activities involving unofficial visits, potentially violating NCAA rules. The incident stems from a car wreck in January 2023 that killed a Bulldogs player and a staff member, leaving a former staffer seriously injured with over $170,000 in medical expenses and likely permanent disability.
Missouri basketball coach Dennis Gates has assembled a deep roster of 18 players, including a mix of returners, freshmen, transfers, and a junior college import. While Gates may not regularly play all 18 players, he plans to utilize the team's depth to come at opponents in waves. NCAA rules limit the number of players who can be listed in the scorebook to 15, meaning three players will be ineligible to play on any given night.
Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain expresses his displeasure over the accusation that a Michigan football staffer posed as a Central Michigan staffer during a game against Michigan State in an attempt to steal signs. McElwain states that such behavior represents a major breach of acceptable conduct in college football and emphasizes that there is no place for it. The latest accusation is more serious than previous allegations, as it involves sneaking onto another team's sideline to spy on their opponent. While there is no evidence that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was aware of the staffer's actions, the NCAA expects head coaches to create a culture of compliance with its rules, and this incident could indicate a lack of such a culture at Michigan.
The Vanderbilt football game against Wake Forest was delayed due to lightning less than 10 minutes after kickoff. NCAA rules require a minimum 30-minute delay if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium. The game has not yet resumed, and no updated start time has been announced. This is the second consecutive game for Vanderbilt with a lightning delay.
University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh is facing a four-game suspension for breaking NCAA rules regarding improper contact with recruits, according to sources. The proposed settlement between the school and NCAA enforcement is currently awaiting approval. Michigan offensive coordinator and line coach Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome are also facing one-game suspensions. The investigation involves impermissible text messages and calls, including some by Harbaugh, during a dead period for contact with potential recruits. The unresolved NCAA issues have delayed the finalization of a new contract for Harbaugh.