Author: AFT247BLOG
As of January 30, 2025, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has not yet announced a new defensive coordinator to replace Al Golden, who departed to become the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator on January 22, 2025. During his three-year tenure at Notre Dame, Golden significantly enhanced the team’s defense, leading them to top national rankings in pass-efficiency defense, points allowed per game, and forced turnovers in the 2024 season. His departure has left a notable vacancy in the coaching staff. While the search for a successor is ongoing, current staff member Mike Mickens has been identified as a…
LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, never played college basketball, but if he had, Ohio State University would have been his likely destination. As a native of Akron, Ohio, LeBron has always had a strong connection to the Buckeye State, and over the years, he has expressed his admiration for Ohio State’s basketball program. LeBron’s Connection to Ohio State Even though he declared for the NBA straight out of high school in 2003, LeBron has often stated that if the NBA’s age limit rule had existed at the time, forcing him to play…
Elijah Haven, a five-star quarterback from Baton Rouge’s Dunham School, has emerged as the top-ranked prospect in the 2027 recruiting cycle following an outstanding sophomore season. Standing at 6-foot-5, Haven has garnered attention from premier college football programs, including LSU and Alabama, making multiple visits to these institutions. In a groundbreaking move, Haven has signed an exclusive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Matt Bowers Auto Group, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind for a high school athlete. This partnership not only underscores Haven’s exceptional talent on the field but also highlights his positive…
The Texas Longhorns have made significant strides in securing top talent for their future rosters, particularly focusing on prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. A notable commitment is from safety Zelus Hicks, who pledged to the Longhorns in September 2024. Hicks, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 180 pounds, was ranked as the No. 54 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His decision to reclassify to the 2025 class further underscores his readiness to contribute to Texas’s defense sooner than anticipated. In addition to Hicks, the Longhorns have secured commitments from other highly…
Undisputed: Five-Star True Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith Aims for Historic Heisman Trophy Win Since its inception in 1935, the Heisman Trophy has been predominantly awarded to quarterbacks and running backs. Wide receivers, despite their game-changing abilities, have rarely claimed college football’s most prestigious honor. The last receiver to win the Heisman was Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991, followed by Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020. Now, a new generational talent, five-star true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, is making his case to rewrite history. A Game-Changer at Wide Receiver Jeremiah Smith has arrived at his university as the…
In August 2024, Ohio State University experienced a significant upheaval in its football program when head coach Ryan Day resigned amid serious allegations of money laundering and corruption. This unexpected development sent shockwaves through the college football community, raising questions about the integrity of the program and the future of its coaching staff. ([lexsportnews.com](https://www.lexsportnews.com/2024/08/03/ohio-state-shocked-coach-ryan-day-resigns-amidst-explosive-money-laundering-and-corruption-scandal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Following Day’s resignation, the university initiated an internal review to address the implications of these allegations. The investigation uncovered troubling evidence suggesting that financial misconduct and unethical behavior had permeated the program. As a result, several high-ranking individuals within the athletic department were implicated, leading…
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the 2025 football season, their roster is getting a significant boost with the addition of a standout transfer from Ohio State. This move promises to address several key areas of need, providing much-needed depth to the squad, and helping Texas position itself as a stronger contender in the competitive landscape of college football. The transfer in question is a highly-touted player who comes with an impressive resume from his time with the Buckeyes. Known for his elite skills, athleticism, and work ethic, this addition is expected to make an immediate impact in both…
Ohio State University (OSU) has recently intensified its recruitment efforts for the 2026 football class, securing commitments from several elite prospects. Notably, the Buckeyes have added four-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. to their roster, who is currently the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class and the third-best overall player. ([ohiostate.rivals.com](https://ohiostate.rivals.com/commitments/football/2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) In addition to Henry, OSU has made significant strides with other top-tier recruits. Four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, a teammate of Henry at Mater Dei, has included Ohio State in his list of top schools. Dixon-Wyatt, who stands at 6’2″ and weighs 180 pounds, is considered one…
Jeremiah Smith, the standout freshman wide receiver for Ohio State, has made headlines with his exceptional performances this season. Despite being a true freshman, Smith has amassed 70 receptions for 1,224 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a remarkable seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl against Oregon. ([sportskeeda.com](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-he-easily-no-1-pick-year-s-draft-dan-orlovsky-ditches-travis-hunter-shedeur-sanders-ohio-state-standout?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) His extraordinary talent has drawn comparisons to NFL legends. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky stated, “He would easily be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft… He reminds me of Julio Jones. His physical frame reminds me a little bit of Calvin Johnson.” ([sportskeeda.com](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-he-easily-no-1-pick-year-s-draft-dan-orlovsky-ditches-travis-hunter-shedeur-sanders-ohio-state-standout?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) However,…
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has recently introduced a promising defensive EDGE rusher for the 2025 season, signaling a strategic enhancement to the Buckeyes’ defensive lineup. This move underscores Day’s commitment to strengthening Ohio State’s defense, particularly the pass rush, which has been a focal point of improvement. In October 2024, Day acknowledged the need for a more effective pass-rush strategy. He emphasized the importance of adapting defensive schemes to better utilize the team’s personnel, aiming to create a more dynamic and unpredictable pass-rush approach. ([elevenwarriors.com](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/10/150003/ryan-day-reviewing-buckeyes-pass-rush-scheme-with-defensive-coaches?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) The introduction of this new EDGE rusher aligns with Day’s efforts…