Set to launch worldwide on July 19, a full reveal of the modes and features of EA Sports College Football 25 was announced on Friday.

Dynasty and Road To Glory modes will be available in College Football 25, according to a release. Those two modes will allow players “to construct their own powerhouse program as a created coach or vie for the Heisman as a player” in what the video game introduces as CampusIQ, which will be “a suite of features that brings to life the true depth of college football through wide open, fast-paced gameplay across all 134 FBS schools in all areas of the game.”

READ: ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery introduce Venu Sports streaming service

Over 10,000 players have opted into College Football 25, it was announced in March. Any student-athlete who opts in and has their name, image and likeness used will receive $600 and a copy of the video game.

College Football 25 will also offer “the all-new Road to the College Football Playoff and College Football Ultimate Team” that will “bring fresh online experiences and ways to play.”

“EA SPORTS College Football is BACK! We’ve felt the passion and anticipation of college football fans every step of the way since we first announced this game, and we’re ecstatic to finally be able to show everyone what we’ve been building,” EA Sports SVP and Group GM Daryl Holt stated in a release. “College Football 25 is built with authenticity at its core, inspired by experiences our fans have loved from our games, and fully evolved to reflect modern college football – all of which will immerse them in the sights, sounds, and true-to-life gameplay of the sport they love.”

READ: Northwestern announces 2024 schedule, will play 2 games at Wrigley Field

READ: ABC, ESPN unveil Weeks 0-1 broadcast schedule

EA Sports unveiled the cover of College Football 25 on Thursday, showcasing Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and Colorado defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter. They will star on the covers of the Standard and Deluxe editions.

“Donovan, Quinn and Travis are extraordinary talents who impressed and entertained millions of college football fans on the field last season and are poised to do so again this year,” Holt stated in a release. “We’re proud to be able to incorporate thousands of current athletes in College Football 25, and featuring this trio of playmakers and their iconic college programs on the cover is a perfect fit as we usher in a new era for EA SPORTS and college football. I can’t wait for the world to learn more about the game tomorrow.”

ESPN broadcasters such as Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will “call marquee matchups,” along with other broadcast teams such as Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer and David Pollack will comprise the virtual booth and “take the mic for all other games.”

Among the gameplay features include Homefield Advantage, which will allow players to “through distractions like screen shaking, missing pre-play icons, and moving play art.” Additional features consist of Pre-Snap Recognition and the Wear & Tear System, which means virtual player stamina is affected by more play so it will be important to “manage your players’ health, limit fatigue, assess risk of injury, and avoid on-field mistakes by using strategic substitutions to ensure your players are at their best when it counts the most.”

The traditions within college football that make it one of a kind will be immersed in College Football 25. Along with team mascots and fight songs, the video game will include “unique team run-outs, rivalry rituals, synchronized crowd-chants, loudness meters as well as real game-day audio.”

READ: Colorado-Nebraska primetime kickoff announced for Week 2 matchup on NBC

Dynasty and Road To Glory modes are also offered in the video game alongside Road to the College Football Playoff, where players will “experience a new way to play competitively across consoles” and “earn rank by upsetting the toughest opponents and securing the votes you need to progress and level up divisions,” as well as College Football Ultimate Team.

College Football Ultimate Team will allow players to “build your dream team of college football stars and legends” in Solo Challenges or H2H seasons, and they can test their skill across consoles “in more competitive formats like College Football Ultimate Team Champs and Champs Gauntlet.”

EA Sports College Football 25 is available for pre-order now. According to Matt Brown of Extra Points, the video game will not be available for PC at launch. EA Sports is also offering an MVP bundle on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S that will include deluxe editions of College Football 25 and Madden NFL 25 “with 3-day early access and unlocks a multitude of benefits across both titles.”

The post EA Sports College Football 25 features, gameplay shared in full reveal appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Will college student-athletes soon organize together and form something similar to a model used in professional sports?

That and many other versions of the similar question being asked are among the popular topics regarding the future landscape of college athletics.

READ: Colorado RB Dylan Edwards to transfer to Kansas State

Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is among those who advocate for revenue sharing with student-athletes. That’s one wrinkle that appears to be gaining momentum into becoming a reality.

On Monday, Athletes.org, a budding players organization for college student-athletes “providing them with free, on-demand support for the key decisions in their lives, and maximizing their income in innovative ways” according to its About Us page, announced in social media posts that it met with the UAB football team and gave a full presentation, after which the entire team became members.

According to Ralph D. Russo of The Associated Press, Jim Cavale, one of the founders of Athletes.org, said the meeting with the UAB football team took place in Birmingham “about two weeks ago.”

“After the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s football team heard Athletes.org’s (AO) full presentation, the entire team decided to become members, marking another historic moment in the journey of college athletes empowering themselves,” athletesorg posted.

READ: No. 1 pick Caleb Williams says he wants to be part of ‘a big portion’ of winning with Chicago Bears after NFL Draft

READ: Missouri hires Memphis’ Laird Veatch as athletic director

According to athletesorg on Instagram, the Blazers players’ decisions to become members “reflects their understanding that they deserve their own player’s association to represent their specific interests in all conversations happening in college athletics today and into the future.”

“AO’s team educated the athletes that now is the time to organize their voice and take their Seat At The Table to speak on all the decisions being made about athletes without athletes in the room,” athletesorg posted. “The conversation went beyond money and revenue sharing, addressing player health and safety and introducing the room to AO’s suite of benefits negotiated on their behalf to protect them, including pro bono legal attorneys to review contracts, free second medical opinions, free background checks, and mental wellness resources.”

UAB head coach Trent Dilfer, who played 14 seasons in the NFL and was a member of the NFL Players’ Association, appeared in the video and shared insight into his experience with revenue sharing and player organizations.

“The movement that’s going to happen is power is going to go from institutions and conferences and be shared with players,” Dilfer said. “When you’re a player in the NFL, you’re part of a union, OK, and you have people fighting on your behalf. You have help, right? Right now you have no help. Right now you’re lone rangers, you and your parents, right? Athletes.org is set up to be your help.”

READ: Heisman Trophy Trust reinstates Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman

The Dartmouth men’s basketball team “voted to join a union after a ruling by a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board deemed the players to be employees,” according to the AP. Another NLRB complaint in California is asking that USC student-athletes “be deemed employees of the school and their conferences” and an additional complaint “filed recently calling for Notre Dame athletes to be treated as employees” are currently ongoing.

Multiple lawsuits are also ongoing, and they’re important regarding the NCAA. According to the AP, House vs. the NCAA, which is a class-action lawsuit being heard in California, and another case in Pennsylvania that is “specifically asking for college athletes to be deemed employees” are among the significant legal decisions looming over the association.

While Athletes.org isn’t a union, “its current membership comprises 2,945 college athletes — 1,348 of them are football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball players from power conferences,” according to Dan Murphy of ESPN.

The Blazers don’t plan to bargain with UAB right now “but their decision to join en masse is symbolic of the growing momentum for players to organize,” according to ESPN.

“Me and my team decided to make history by being the first entire team to sign up and become members of Athletes.org,” UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno said. “To all my friends in college football, join us as we prepare for the future of college athletics.”

The post Entire UAB football team signs up for Athletes.org appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Over 700,000 fans attended the draft this week in Detroit according to The Associated Press via NFL.com, a record-breaking number topping the previous best set in Nashville in 2019.

READ: No. 1 pick Caleb Williams says he wants to be part of ‘a big portion’ of winning with Chicago Bears after NFL Draft

READ: Malik Nabers showcases ‘dog mentality’ at LSU’s Pro Day

Like the previous two, offensive players began the third day of the NFL Draft with Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders going No. 101 overall to the Carolina Panthers and Troy Franklin reuniting with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 102 overall to the Denver Broncos.

Spencer Rattler, Jordan Travis become first QBs taken since Round 1

More than 100 picks went between the six taken in the first round on Thursday, which already set a record for most quarterbacks taken in the opening round of the draft.

Former South Carolina and Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler broke the streak in round four when he went No. 150 overall to the New Orleans Saints. 

Rattler leaves South Carolina as the all-time leader in completion percentage with 67.5% completion.

READ: ‘Adversity teaches a man a lot about himself’: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. pens letter to NFL GMs in Players Tribune

Former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis was chosen No. 171 overall in the fifth round by the New York Jets. He later would be paired with wide receiver teammate Johnny Wilson when the Jets picked him in the sixth round.

Travis finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting last season despite suffering a season-ending broken leg in the second-to-last regular season game.

Alabama’s Jaylen Key is Mr. Irrelevant

Every year, the final pick of the draft is regarded as “Mr. Irrelevant.” It’s so widely recognized as a special selection that “Irrelevant Week” is an annual celebration that honors that last player picked in the draft recognized by the NFL, according to MrIrrelevant.org.

Alabama defensive back Jaylen Key is this draft’s “Mr. Irrelevant” as he was chosen No. 257 overall in the seventh round by the New York Jets.

READ: 5 takeaways from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Key played last season with the Crimson Tide after spending the previous four years with Alabama at Birmingham. He started 12 games at Alabama and made 60 tackles, one pass break-up and an interception.

Key earned an honorable mention nod in 2022 with the All-Conference USA team. He had three interceptions for the Blazers that season, tying for the team lead.

2024 NFL Draft results

Here are the full results from rounds four through seven of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Fourth round

No. 101: Carolina Panthers: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders — Texas

No. 102: Denver Broncos via trade with Seattle Seahawks (from Washington): WR Troy Franklin — Oregon

No. 103: New England Patriots: OG Layden Robinson — Texas A&M

No. 104: Arizona Cardinals: SAF Dadrion Taylor-Demerson — Texas Tech

No. 105: Los Angeles Chargers: DT Justin Eboigbe — Alabama

No. 106: Tennessee Titans: LB Cedric Gray — North Carolina

No. 107: New York Giants: TE Theo Johnson — Penn State

No. 108: Minnesota Vikings: CB Khyree Jackson — Oregon

No. 109: Atlanta Falcons: DT Brandon Dorlus — Oregon

No. 110: New England Patriots via trade with Los Angeles Chargers (from Chicago): WR Javon Baker — UCF

No. 111: Green Bay Packers via trade with New York Jets: SAF Evan Williams — Oregon

No. 112: Las Vegas Raiders: CB Decamerion Richardson — Mississippi State

No. 113: Baltimore Ravens (from Denver through N.Y. Jets): WR Devontez Walker — North Carolina

No. 114: Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Javon Foster — Missouri

No. 115: Cincinnati Bengals: TE Erick All — Iowa

No. 116: Jacksonville Jaguars (from New Orleans): DT Jordan Jefferson — LSU

No. 117: Indianapolis Colts: OC Tanor Bortolini — Wisconsin

No. 118: Seattle Seahawks: LB Tyrice Knight — UTEP

No. 119: Pittsburgh Steelers: OG Mason McCormick — South Dakota State

No. 120: Miami Dolphins via trade with Philadelphia Eagles (from L.A. Rams through Pittsburgh): RB Jaylen Wright — Tennessee

No. 121: Seattle Seahawks via trade with Denver Broncos (from Miami): TE AJ Barner — Michigan

No. 122: Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia): P Tory Taylor — Iowa

No. 123: Houston Texans (from Cleveland): TE Cade Stover — Ohio State

No. 124: San Francisco 49ers (from Dallas): SAF Malik Mustapha — Wake Forest

No. 125: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: RB Bucky Irving — Oregon

No. 126: Detroit Lions via trade with Green Bay Packers: OT Giovanni Manu — University of British Columbia

No. 127: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with Houston Texans: RB Will Shipley — Clemson

No. 128: Buffalo Bills: RB Ray Davis — Kentucky

No. 129: San Francisco 49ers via trade with Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit): RB Isaac Guerendo — Louisville

No. 130: Baltimore Ravens: CB T.J. Tampa — Iowa State

No. 131: Kansas City Chiefs: TE Jared Wiley — TCU

No. 132: Detroit Lions via trade with San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection): RB Sione Vaki — Utah

No. 133: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with Buffalo Bills (Compensatory Selection): DB Jaden Hicks — Washington State

No. 134: New York Jets (from Baltimore; Compensatory Selection): RB Braelon Allen — Wisconsin

No. 135: San Francisco 49ers: WR Jacob Cowing — Arizona

Fifth round

No. 136: Seattle Seahawks via trade with Denver Broncos (from Carolina through Cleveland): CB Nehemiah Pritchett — Auburn

No. 137: Los Angeles Chargers via trade with New England Patriots: CB Tarheeb Still — Maryland

No. 138: Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Xavier Thomas — Clemson

No. 139: Washington Commanders: LB Jordan Magee — Temple

No. 140: Los Angeles Chargers: CB Cam Hart — Notre Dame

No. 141: Buffalo Bills via trade with Carolina Panthers (from N.Y. Giants): OC Sedrick Van Pran-Granger — Georgia

No. 142: Indianapolis Colts via trade with Carolina Panthers (from Tennessee): WR Anthony Gould — Oregon State

No. 143: Atlanta Falcons: LB JD Bertrand — Notre Dame

No. 144: Chicago Bears via trade with Buffalo Bills (from Chicago): EDGE Austin Booker — Kansas

No. 145: Denver Broncos (from N.Y. Jets): CB Kris Abrams-Draine —Missouri

No. 146: Tennessee Titans (from Minnesota through Philadelphia):CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. — Louisville

No. 147: Denver Broncos: RB Audric Estime — Notre Dame

No. 148: Las Vegas Raiders: LB Tommy Eichenberg — Ohio State

No. 149: Cincinnati Bengals: CB Josh Newton — TCU

No. 150: New Orleans Saints: QB Spencer Rattler — South Carolina

No. 151: Indianapolis Colts: SAF Jaylon Carlies — Missouri

No. 152: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with Washington Commanders (from Seattle): WR Ainias Smith — Texas A&M

No. 153: Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Deantre Prince — Mississippi

No. 154: Los Angeles Rams: EDGE Brennan Jackson — Washington State

No. 155: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with Los Angeles Rams (from Pittsburgh): LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — Clemson

No. 156: Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia through Arizona): WR Jamari Thrash — Louisville

No. 157: Carolina Panthers via trade with Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland): CB Chau Smith-Wade — Washington State

No. 158: Miami Dolphins: EDGE Mohamed Kamara — Colorado State

No. 159: Kansas City Chiefs (from Dallas): OL Hunter Nourzad — Penn State

No. 160: Buffalo Bills (from Green Bay): LB Edefuan Ulofoshio — Washington

No. 161: Washington Commanders via trade with Philadelphia Eagles (from Tampa Bay): SAF Dominique Hampton — Washington

No. 162: Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): OT Christian Jones — Texas

No. 163: Green Bay Packers via trade with Buffalo Bills: OC Jacob Monk — Duke

No. 164: Indianapolis Colts via trade with Detroit Lions: SAF Jaylin Simpson — Auburn

No. 165: Baltimore Ravens: RB Rasheen Ali — Marshall

No. 166: New York Giants (from San Francisco through Carolina): RB Tyron Tracy Jr. — Purdue

No. 167: Jacksonville Jaguars via trade with Minnesota Vikings (from Kansas City): RB Keilan Robinson — Texas

No. 168: Buffalo Bills via trade with New Orleans Saints (Compensatory Selection): EDGE Javon Solomon — Troy

No. 169: Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection): SAF Kitan Oladapo — Oregon State

No. 170: New Orleans Saints (Compensatory Selection): WR Bub Means — Pittsburgh

No. 171: New York Jets via trade with Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection): QB Jordan Travis — Florida State

No. 172: Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection): OG Trevor Keegan — Michigan

No. 173: New York Jets via trade with Kansas City Chiefs (Compensatory Selection): RB Isaiah Davis — South Dakota State

No. 174: Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Selection): CB Caelen Carson — Wake Forest

No. 175: New Orleans Saints (Compensatory Selection): LB Jaylan Ford — Texas

No. 176: New York Jets via trade with San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection): CB Qwan’tez Stiggers — Canadian Football League

Sixth round

No. 177: Minnesota Vikings (from Carolina through Jacksonville): OT Walter Rouse — Oklahoma

No. 178: Pittsburgh Steelers (from Arizona through Carolina): DT Logan Lee — Iowa

No. 179: Seattle Seahawks (from Washington): OG Sataoa Laumea — Utah

No. 180: New England Patriots: CB Marcellas Dial — South Carolina

No. 181: Los Angeles Chargers: RB Kimani Vidal — Troy

No. 182: Tennessee Titans (reacquired through Philadelphia): WR Jha’Quan Jackson — Tulane

No. 183: New York Giants: LB Darius Muasau — UCLA

No. 184: Miami Dolphins (from Chicago): WR Malik Washington — Virginia

No. 185: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with New York Jets: WR Johnny Wilson — Florida State

No. 186: Atlanta Falcons via trade with Arizona Cardinals (from Minnesota): RB Jase McClellan — Alabama

No. 187: Atlanta Falcons: WR Casey Washington — Illinois

No. 188: Houston Texans (from Las Vegas through New England and Minnesota): LB Jamal Hill — Oregon

No. 189: Detroit Lions via trade with Houston Texans (from Denver through L.A. Rams and Buffalo): DT Mekhi Wingo — LSU

No. 190: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with New Orleans Saints: OC Dylan McMahon — NC State

No. 191: Arizona Cardinals via trade with Indianapolis Colts: WR Tejhaun Palmer — UAB

No. 192: Seattle Seahawks: CB DJ James — Auburn

No. 193: New England Patriots (from Jacksonville): QB Joe Milton III — Tennessee

No. 194: Cincinnati Bengals: TE Tanner McLachlan — Arizona

No. 195: Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Ryan Watts — Texas

No. 196: Los Angeles Rams: DT Tyler Davis — Clemson

No. 197: Atlanta Falcons (from Cleveland): DT Zion Logue — Georgia

No. 198: Miami Dolphins: SAF Patrick McMorris — California

No. 199: New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia): DT Khristian Boyd — Northern Iowa

No. 200: Carolina Panthers via trade with Buffalo Bills (from Dallas through Houston): DT Jaden Crumedy — Mississippi State

No. 201: Indianapolis Colts via trade with Detroit Lions (from Tampa Bay): CB Micah Abraham — Marshall

No. 202: Green Bay Packers: OT Travis Glover — Georgia State

No. 203: Minnesota Vikings via trade with New York Jets (from Houston through Cleveland, Denver): K Will Reichard — Alabama

No. 204: Buffalo Bills: OT Tylan Grable — UCF

No. 205: Houston Texans via trade Detroit Lions: RB Jawhar Jordan — Louisville

No. 206: Cleveland Browns (from Baltimore): LB Nathaniel Watson — Mississippi State

No. 207: Seattle Seahawks via trade withDenver Broncos (from San Francisco): OT Michael Jerrell — Findlay

No. 208: Las Vegas Raiders (from Kansas City): RB Dylan Laube — New Hampshire

No. 209: Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection): K Joshua Karty — Stanford

No. 210: Detroit Lions via trade with Philadelphia Eagles (Compensatory Selection): OG Christian Mahogany — Boston College

No. 211: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection): DB Kamal Hadden — Tennessee

No. 212: Jacksonville Jaguars (Compensatory Selection): K Cam Little — Arkansas

No. 213: Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection): WR Jordan Whittington — Texas

No. 214: Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory Selection): EDGE Cedric Johnson — Mississippi

No. 215: San Francisco 49ers (Compensatory Selection): OG Jarrett Kingston — USC

No. 216: Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Selection): WR Ryan Flournoy — Southeast Missouri State

No. 217: Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection): OC Beaux Limmer — Arkansas

No. 218: Baltimore Ravens (from N.Y. Jets; Compensatory Selection): QB Devin Leary — Kentucky

No. 219: Buffalo Bills via trade with Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection): CB Daequan Hardy — Penn State

No. 220: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Compensatory Selection): OG Elijah Kelin — UTEP

Seventh round

No. 221: Buffalo Bills via trade with Kansas City Chiefs (from Carolina through Tennessee): OT Travis Clayton

No. 222: Washington Commanders: EDGE Javontae Jean-Baptiste — Notre Dame

No. 223: Las Vegas Raiders (from New England): SAF Trey Taylor — Air Force

No. 224: Cincinnati Bengals (from Arizona through Houston): SAF Daijahn Anthony — Mississippi

No. 225: Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice — USC

No. 226: Arizona Cardinals (from N.Y. Giants): DB Jaden Davis

No. 227: Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee): CB Myles Harden — South Dakota

No. 228: Baltimore Ravens (from N.Y. Jets): OC Nick Samac — Michigan State

No. 229: Las Vegas Raiders (from Minnesota): CB MJ Devonshire — Pittsburgh

No. 230: Minnesota Vikings (from Atlanta through Cleveland and Arizona): OC Michael Jurgens — Wake Forest

No. 231: New England Patriots (from Chicago): TE Jaheim Bell — Florida State

No. 232: Minnesota Vikings (from Denver through San Francisco and Houston): DT Levi Drake Rodriguez — Texas A&M-Commerce

No. 233: Dallas Cowboys (from Las Vegas): OT Nathan Thomas — Louisiana-Lafayette

No. 234: Indianapolis Colts: DT Jonah Laulu — Oklahoma

No. 235: Denver Broncos via trade with Seattle Seahawks: WR Devaughn Vele — Utah

No. 236: Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Myles Cole — Texas Tech

No. 237: Cincinnati Bengals: OC Matt Lee — Miami

No. 238: Houston Texans (from New Orleans): EDGE Solomon Byrd — USC

No. 239: New Orleans Saints (from L.A. Rams through Denver):OT Josiah Ezirim — Eastern Kentucky

No. 240: Carolina Panthers (from Pittsburgh): LB Michael Barrett — Michigan

No. 241: Miami Dolphins: WR Tahj Washington — USC

No. 242: Tennessee Titans (from Philadelphia): SAF James Williams — Miami

No. 243: Cleveland Browns: DT Jowon Briggs — Cincinnati

No. 244: Dallas Cowboys: DT Justin Rogers — Auburn

No. 245: Green Bay Packers: QB Michael Pratt — Tulane

No. 246: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Devin Culp — Washington

No. 247: Houston Texans: DT Marcus Harris — Auburn

No. 248: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with Buffalo Bills: OL C.J. Hanson — Holy Cross

No. 249: Houston Texans via trade with Detroit Lions: OG LaDarius Henderson — Michigan

No. 250: Baltimore Ravens: SAF Sanoussi Kane — Purdue

No. 251: San Francisco 49ers: LB Tatum Bethune — Florida State

No. 252: Tennessee Titans (from Kansas City): EDGE Jaylen Harrell — Michigan

No. 253: Los Angeles Chargers (Compensatory Selection): WR Cornelius Johnson — Michigan

No. 254: Los Angeles Rams (Compensatory Selection): OG KT Leveston — Kansas State

No. 255: Green Bay Packers (Compensatory Selection): CB Kalen King — Penn State

No. 256 Denver Broncos (from N.Y. Jets; Compensatory Selection): OC Nick Gargiulo — South Carolina

No. 257: New York Jets (Compensatory Selection): DB Jaylen Key — Alabama

The post Round 3 Recap: 2024 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Pernetti is the second commissioner in the history of the AAC. He’ll succeed Mike Aresco, who retired in December 2023.

READ: Memphis extends HC Ryan Silverfield through 2028

“It is truly an honor to be selected by the Chancellors and Presidents of the American Athletic Conference to serve as their commissioner at this important time in collegiate athletics that demands innovative leadership and consensus-driven change,” Pernetti stated in a release. “I am fired-up to work alongside our board, conference staff, athletics directors and coaches as we continue to transform the AAC into a bold collegiate conference enterprise that promotes world-class academic and athletic opportunities for our student-athletes through innovative resources, brand partnerships and emerging opportunities. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and, alongside our conference community, get to work.”

Pernetti will be his tenure in June, according to a release.

Among the places he’s worked include serving “as president of IMG Academy, executive vice president of the global sports and entertainment company, Endeavor, president of IMG College and executive vice president, content, CBS College Sports.”

READ: Nevada hires Kansas analyst Matt Lubick as OC

Pernetti “oversaw a $100M capital expansion of IMG Academy” and “was part of the executive team that sold IMG Academy for $1.25B to EQT in 2023,” according to a release.

”Tim Pernetti is the ideal leader to guide the American Athletic Conference through this pivotal time in college athletics,” Chancellor of East Carolina University Philp Rogers stated in a release. “His perspective as a successful student-athlete, a respected and progressive director of athletics, and his demonstrated leadership, innovation, competitive spirit, and business acumen across a number of professional organizations make him uniquely suited to build on the success of Mike Aresco and steer the conference to a bright future.”

Pernetti also has experience as the director of intercollegiate athletics at Rutgers from 2009-13. He’s a Scarlet Knights alum who played on the football team.

At CBS College Sports from 2006-09, Pernetti was executive vice president, content, and senior vice president, programming and talent, for CSTV from 2003-06, according to a release.

READ: Malik Nabers showcases ‘dog mentality’ at LSU’s Pro Day

He has also been involved in Major League Soccer. Pernetti was chief business officer for the New York City Football Club which launched in 2015.

Pernetti also spent five years at Endeavor “where he oversaw North American business development and growth management in sports, music, events, arts and exhibitions.”

“I have known Tim for a long time, and he is a superb choice to lead this conference,” Aresco stated in a release. “He has all the qualities and skills to advance the goals of the conference and take it to greater heights. I applaud the search committee, led by Philip Rogers, for its thoroughness and ability to deliver an outstanding new commissioner. I could not be more pleased for Tim and for the conference and look forward to making the transition as seamless as possible.”

The post American Athletic Conference tabs Tim Pernetti as new commissioner appeared first on Saturday Glory.

EA Sports announced Monday on social media that “10,000+” student-athletes “are in the game.” It was announced in February that any player who opts in and has their name, image and likeness used in the game will receive at least $600 and a copy of “College Football 25.”

READ: 5 takeaways from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine 

“10k and counting… pretty pretttyyy good,” @EASPORTSCollege posted on X.

All 134 Football Bowl Subdivision schools will be available to play in the new video game.

READ: Texas WR Xavier Worthy breaks 40-yard dash record with 4.21 time at NFL Combine

ESPN broadcasters such as Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit will make up “the voices” of “College Football 25.”

If a player doesn’t opt into the “College Football 25” video game, then “a generic avatar based on the traditional strength or weakness of a position over the past decade for that school” will be created by EA Sports, according to ESPN.

The post EA Sports announces 10K players have opted in to ‘College Football 25’ appeared first on Saturday Glory.

College football players around the country shared on social media Thursday their participation in the upcoming EA Sports video game “College Football 25.”

EA Sports confirmed Thursday that all 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams will be available to play in the new game.

READ: Reports: CFP discusses 14-team Playoff possibilities

More information about the game will be available in May, according to a release.

Players such as Michigan’s Will Johnson and Ohio State transfer Quinshon Judkins posted on X a graphic designed in their team’s colors promoting the video game.

ESPN broadcasters such as Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit shared posts confirming they’ll also appear as “one of the voices” of the game. Herbstreit posted “I’m so excited to FINALLY announce that I’m part of @EASPORTSCollege. I’m proud to be a partner and one of the voices of the game once again – my 14th year in that role.”

According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN, any player who opts in and has their name, image and likeness used in the game will receive at least $600 and a copy of “College Football 25.”

Additional opportunities such as advertisements, promotion, social media posts and other avenues will be available for players to have a chance to make more, according to ESPN.

READ: Alabama announces JaMarcus Shephard, Nick Sheridan join offensive coaching staff

No Football Championship Subdivision school will be available to play when the game launches, according to ESPN.

If a player doesn’t opt into the “College Football 25” video game, then “a generic avatar based on the traditional strength or weakness of a position over the past decade for that school” will be created by EA Sports, according to ESPN.

According to Ryan Kryska of The Associated Press, users who could create and add players of real-life college football players who did not opt into the “College Football 25” video game will be blocked from doing so.

The post ‘I’m in the game’: CFB players share their participation in upcoming EA Sports ‘College Football 25’ appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Bowers posted on Instagram that he intends to depart the Bulldogs program after three seasons.

“Words cannot describe how thankful I am for what these last 3 years has brought,” Bowers stated. “It has been an unbelievable honor and privilege to play for this university. It has given me memories that will last a lifetime.”

READ: 5 takeaways from College Football Playoff semifinals

Bowers won the John Mackey Award in both 2022-23, given to college football’s top tight end.

Bowers brought in 2,538 receiving yards and ran for 193 more in his career at Georgia.

READ: No. 2 Washington holds off No. 3 Texas 37-31 in Sugar Bowl CFP semifinal

Bowers totaled 26 receiving touchdowns and five rushing scores. He was named First Team All-America in back-to-back seasons.

He caught a career-high 157 yards at Auburn in Week 5, and his longest reception went 89 yards against UAB in 2021.

The post Georgia TE Brock Bowers declares for 2024 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Corum broke several tackles on the game-winning run in overtime, which represented the second-ever CFP game that needed more time after regulation.

READ: 3 questions before College Football Playoff begins

Neither team mustered much offense to start the second half. They combined for 99 total yards on the third quarter, with Alabama responsible for 72 of them.

The Crimson Tide (12-2, 8-0 Southeastern Conference) took a 17-13 lead to give Michigan its first second-half deficit of the season. Jase McClellan ran in his second score of the game from 3 yards out 30 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Michigan (14-0, 9-0 Big Ten Conference) was forced to a three and out, and punter Tommy Doman booted the ball 41 yards away back to Alabama.

With the Crimson Tide moving down the field, Jalen Milroe looked to use his legs. Two plays later, disaster ensued.

Milroe lost possession of the football and fumbled near the far sideline, and Michigan’s Quentin Johnson recovered the ball.

J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines lined up on 2nd and 10 the next drive. McCarthy handed the football to Corum, who tried to toss it back to McCarthy for a flea flicker.

The ball fell in front of McCarthy who landed on it, and the Wolverines offense stalled. Kicker Jaylen Harrell missed a 49-yard field goal, and the Crimson Tide held onto their 17-13 lead with 10:30 left to play.

Alabama kicker Will Reichard drilled a 52-yard field goal to give the Crimson Tide some insurance. They led 20-13 with 4:41 remaining.

READ: No. 8 Oregon hands No. 23 Liberty first loss 45-6 in Fiesta Bowl

Roman Wilson played a critical role in Michigan’s next drive. He was called for an illegal block after the Wolverines already converted, and it resulted in the ball spotted at the 50-yard line.

Wilson redeemed himself and caught a tipped pass for 29 yards two plays later. He caught the game-tying touchdown from 4 yards away to knot the game at 20 points apiece with 1:34 left to play.

Alabama mustered 18 yards on the next drive, then lined up to punt. James Burnip punted the ball 51 yards downfield, and Michigan returner Jake Thaw muffed the ball near the goal line.

Thaw recovered the ball at the 1-yard line, and Michigan chose to send the game to overtime with two runs up the middle.

The Crimson Tide won the toss in overtime but elected to defer.

Corum took the first handoff of overtime and ran eight yards, then found the end zone on his game-sealing touchdown run.

Corum had 83 rushing yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry. He also brought in his first receiving touchdown of the season and had 35 receiving yards.

McCarthy finished 17-of-27 for 221 yards and three touchdowns.

Michigan punt returner Semaj Morgan muffed his return less than four minutes into the first quarter and Alabama took over possession at the Wolverines 44-yard line recovered by Quandarrius Robinson.

READ: Washington State QB Cam Ward declares for NFL Draft

The Crimson Tide capitalized on their extra possession and McClellan broke off a 34-yard touchdown run. Alabama led 7-0 after the first six minutes.

Corum and the Wolverines answered back in their next drive. He caught an 8-yard touchdown following conversions on 2nd and 8 and 4th and 1 during the series.

In a gritty second quarter, both teams rushed averaged 2.3 yards per carry or worse. The Wolverines, however, averaged 7.2 yards per play to Alabama’s 3.9.

Michigan took a 13-7 lead after Tyler Morris brought in a 38-yard touchdown that he used yards after the catch to punch in. The point after attempt failed, and it capped an eight-play, 83-yard drive that lasted 4:37.

Michigan outgained Alabama 351 yards to 288.

Milro went 16-of-23 for 116 passing yards.

McClellan totaled 87 rush yards and two touchdowns.

The post Blake Corum’s TD in OT lifts No. 1 Michigan over No. 4 Alabama in Rose Bowl CFP semifinal appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Aresco has served as the first and only president of the AAC in the conference’s 11-year history.

“It has been the supreme privilege of my long career in sports to have had the opportunity to lead this great conference from its reinvention in 2013, and to represent its outstanding student-athletes, coaches and administrators,” Aresco stated in a release. “I am grateful to the Board of Directors for giving me this opportunity to serve. It would take many pages to list this conference’s numerous athletic and academic accomplishments. There have also been some disappointments and difficulties along the way, most notably, the P5-G5 divide, realignment, College Football Playoff access for our deserving teams, and some competitive heartbreak in big games. But these have not affected in any way my enthusiasm in leading this terrific and resilient conference or my optimism for its long-term future. I would like to thank everyone associated with this conference for their significant contributions, and also my friends and colleagues in the college community, for their goodwill and concern for the greater good of the collegiate enterprise.”

READ: Big Board: Post-conference championship week

Aresco oversaw the reformation of the Big East Conference into the AAC in the early 2010s. He also helped the AAC secure two media rights agreements, one in 2014 and another in 2019, that serve as milestone moments for the conference.

Aresco also served on a number of College Football Playoff committees focusing on strategic planning, television, site selection and most recently a committee to select the next CFP executive director.

READ: Wyoming’s Craig Bohl announces retirement; Jay Sawvel named new head coach

Aresco has overseen the recent rounds of conference realignment which impacted the moves for UCF, Cincinnati and Houston to the Big 12 Conference and Southern Methodist to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“Mike Aresco has been a strong, steady, and innovative commissioner for the American Athletic Conference since its inception,” East Carolina University Chancellor and Chair of The American’s Board of Directors Philip Rogers stated in a release. “We are all grateful for his distinguished service to the conference. There is no question that he will leave the AAC well-positioned for future success due to his strategic approach to navigating the complex landscape of intercollegiate athletics. More importantly, though, he led with deep character and integrity and we will miss him dearly in this role. My colleagues and I wish Mike and his family the very best in this new phase of life.”

The post American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco announces retirement appeared first on Saturday Glory.

According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo! Sports, AAC presidents voted to accept Army into the conference on Tuesday night. 

PODCAST: Do we have any more clarity after some major week eight decisions? 

Army will be a football-only member, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. 

Army has been independent in football since 2005. The move comes after Southern Methodist University announced in September that it would move to the Atlantic Coast Conference beginning on July 1, 2024. 

According to Brett McMurphy of Action Network, the annual Army-Navy game will remain on the second Saturday of December and will be played as a nonconference game. 

The post Reports: Army set to join AAC in 2024  appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Whether it was Ohio State making the stop on third down or Virginia’s James Jackson intercepting North Carolina in the final minutes, there were a number of plays that defined Week 8. 

PODCAST: The Shane Beamer Story Isn’t That Serious

Here are some of the top statistical performances from Week 7. 

Baker blows a kiss during UCF-Oklahoma 

UCF-Oklahoma was a lot closer than maybe many expected. 

Both teams tied at 17 points apiece at halftime, and one of the more eye-catching touchdowns took place in the first half. 

Trailing 14-10, UCF faced a long way to go when it began its drive with 1:43 left in the second quarter. It started at its own 14-yard line. 

After a rush for no gain, Oklahoma called a timeout and allowed UCF to regroup. 

On the next play out of the timeout, UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee wound up and found receiver Javon Baker wide open on the left side of the field. 

Baker brought in the reception, then with open space blew a kiss toward the Oklahoma sideline en route to his 86-yard touchdown. 

It flipped the score in favor of the Knights who later led by as much as 23-17 in the fourth quarter. 

Boston College brings down an acrobatic pick-six 

Boston College faced an early 7-3 deficit against Georgia Tech, a matchup between two 3-3 teams. 

Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King dropped back to pass facing a heavy blitz by the Eagles. King looked to his left for receiver Dominick Blaylock but couldn’t connect. 

Eagles cornerback Amari Jackson dropped back in coverage, then came forward to defend Blaylock. The pass came in and Jackson threw up his arms, then later came down with the interception and returned it 30 yards for the pick-six. 

It was a score among five that led to Boston College upending Georgia Tech 38-23. Jackson finished with four tackles along with the interception. 

Memphis makes the pick-six 

Deadlocked at 14 points apiece through most of the second quarter, Memphis and UAB remained tied in a back-and-forth first half. 

UAB quarterback Harrison Barker and the Blazers began their drive with 6:30 left on the clock in the first half from their own 33-yard line. 

After a 4-yard rush and an incompletion, Barker dropped back on third and six. He ranged to his left where he threw the football, which deflected off the group of players including his intended receiver. 

The ball dropped back toward the pile where Memphis defensive back Malik Feaster brought it in, and he took off 36 yards up the sideline for the pick-six. 

Feaster finished with one tackle and a pass break-up in addition to his pick-six. 

Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State 

This week’s leading rusher was worthy of his own place in the Stat Pack. 

Gordon rushed for a weekly high of 282 yards across 29 carries, averaging more than nine yards each time he ran the football. 

Gordon played a large role in Oklahoma State’s 48-34 beating of West Virginia, helping the Cowboys claim a third-consecutive win. 

Gordon had runs of 53, 46, 34 and 32 yards among his longest of the day. Two of his final three carries went for long touchdowns on rushes of 46 and 53 yards. 

The Fort Worth, Texas, native scored a career-high four touchdowns in the effort against the Mountaineers. 

Rutgers blocks the punt on way to bowl eligibility 

The ground game ruled most of the day on Saturday between Rutgers and Indiana, and the two teams combined for four rushing touchdowns in the game. 

But one play that served as a sort of momentum difference-maker came early in the second quarter. 

READ: Virginia shocks No. 10 North Carolina 31-27

Indiana was about to cap a seven-play drive with a punt on fourth and 13. Hoosiers punter James Evans received the football after the snap, then disaster struck. 

Rutgers defensive back Shaquan Loyal leapt forward and blocked the punt from the right side of the line of scrimmage, and the football dangled toward defensive back Eric Rogers. 

Rogers came down with the football and raced toward the end zone where he punched in 17 yards later. 

It helped Rutgers defeat the Hoosiers 31-14 and clinch their sixth win, earning bowl eligibility for the first time since 2014. Rogers also had a pass break-up in addition to his special teams touchdown. 

The post Stat Pack: Week 8  appeared first on Saturday Glory.

And one yard was all No. 4 Ohio State needed to outlast No. 11 Notre Dame 17-14 on Saturday night. It was one of six ranked matchups on the docket in Week 4, and the better seed prevailed in all but one. 

READ: Ohio State climbs to No. 4, Fresno State enters latest AP Top 25 Poll

No. 16 Washington State upset Oregon State 38-35 in a high scoring affair. Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward threw 404 passing yards and four touchdowns to lead Washington State to its fourth win of the season. 

No. 1 Georgia once again took care of business, extending its winning streak to 21 games in a 49-21 victory over UAB. Quarterback Carson Beck tossed 338 yards and three touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ victory. 

Here are some of the top statistical performances from Week 2.   

Troy Franklin, Oregon 

Franklin had a hand in halting the Colorado hype train, as No. 9 Oregon defeated the Buffaloes 42-6 and had a 35-0 halftime lead. 

Franklin got the job done through the air. He was one of 10 Ducks to get a catch in the win over Colorado. 

Leading the receivers in the game was Franklin, who caught 126 yards on an impressive eight catches. He averaged 15.8 yards per reception. 

He also hauled in a pair of scores to lead Oregon backs behind Bo Nix’s three touchdown passes. Both Franklin’s touchdowns came in the second quarter on 16- and 36-yard receptions.

PODCAST: Here’s Why You Should Be Behind Ryan Day’s Comments to Lou Holtz

Nix had a solid outing, completing nearly 85% of his passes for 276 yards. 

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State 

A career day on the ground for Jeanty helped Boise State begin its Mountain West slate with a win. 

Jeanty rushed for 205 yards on the day against San Diego State, averaging almost nine yards on each of his 23 carries. 

Boise State didn’t get out to the best of starts. The Broncos had just 26 yards in the opening quarter before turning on the jets for 17 points in the second quarter.

READ: Travis ‘stood up in the moment,’ leads No. 4 Florida State to win over Clemson for first time since 2014 

Jeanty played a large role in igniting the Broncos offense. He broke off a 58-yard touchdown carry with 9:08 left to play in the first half finding space through the middle. 

Later in the second quarter Jeanty made way on a 36-yard rush that set up Boise State across midfield at the San Diego State 36-yard line. The drive ended with a 29-yard field goal. 

Jeanty’s second touchdown came on a 6-yard push that put Boise state ahead 34-24. He also added four catches for 49 yards and accounted for 12 of the team’s 19 first downs. 

Jeanty is the first Broncos running back to rush for at least 200 yards since Alexander Mattison in 2018, and his production on the ground is the most from a Mountain West player so far this season. 

Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington 

A pair of Washington receivers are next in this week’s Stat Pack, and both had over 100 yards receiving in the win over Cal. 

Odunze is a projected Day 1 or Day 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, and he showed out with another big performance on Saturday. He delivered his fourth-consecutive 100-plus yard performance and added a few more touchdowns to his stat line. 

Odunze wasn’t Washington’s leading receiver as Polk totaled 127 receiving yards to Odunze’s 125. The pair combined for 13 catches, 252 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

Polk had touchdown scores of 8 and 24 yards in the first and second quarters, respectively, while Odunze found the end zone on touchdowns of 35 and 13 yards. 

Receiving wasn’t all for Odunze, however. He returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown in the opening minutes of the first quarter, the first of his career. 

Jack Plummer, Louisville 

While Michael Penix Jr. is busy guiding the Huskies to a 4-0 start, a fellow transfer quarterback was doing the same for Louisville. 

Plummer followed head coach Jeff Brohm to the Cardinals program after the 2022 season following a year at Cal. The two are tasked with building on an 8-4 record from a year ago under predecessor Scott Satterfield and Deion Branch. 

Plummer has done his job so far. He entered Saturday having reached 238 passing yards in each of his first three starts. 

Plummer more than upped his totals this time around with a 388-yard performance against Boston College. He threw a 1-yard touchdown on Louisville’s first offensive drive of the game, and the Cardinals never looked back nor trailed against the Eagles.

PODCAST: When Do Conference Realignment Changes Begin to Feel Real?

A career-high five touchdown passes came from the game for Plummer. He found four different targets, including receiver Ahmari Huggins-Bruce twice, for touchdown scores, and Plummer completed his passes at a nifty 85.7%. 

Naiem Simmons, South Florida 

This week’s leading receiver put up video game-like stats in South Florida’s 42-29 win over Rice. 

Simmons set new career-bests in a number of categories on Saturday. He caught a career-high eight passes for 272 yards and hauled in a touchdown. 

Simmons’ big day came after catches of 53, 52, 51, 49 and 42 yards. His first three catches of the second half all went for at least 42 yards. 

Simmons’ production broke the South Florida program record for receiving yards in a game, topping Tyre McCants’ previous best of 227 yards set in 2017. 

The post Stat Pack: Week 4 appeared first on Saturday Glory.