NCAA President Charlie Baker sent a memo to members of the NCAA on Friday, and he stated the settlement of the House v. NCAA, Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA cases will help “in our ongoing effort to create a stable, sustainable and equitable model for the future of college sports.” The Ohio State athletic department published the memo, and a full read of it is below.

READ: Report: Former Nebraska, Washington RB Will Nixon transferring to Syracuse

The NCAA and each of the Power 5 conferences jointly announced Thursday that schools can share “up to $22 million with student-athletes per year.” Baker acknowledged there will be future compensation for Division I student-athletes and back damages, though, he thanked everyone within Division I for their “dedication and hard work in getting us to this point.” Baker stated “there is still much work to be done” and NCAA members’ “continued support and collaboration will be crucial.”

Baker stated the “nearly $2.78 billion” in back damages from the settlement will be split 42% paid by the NCAA and 58% among the Division I conferences “based on their distributions over the past nine years.” It will be paid over 10 years, about $280 million per year.

“This will be funded through careful expense management, new revenue initiatives and the use of reserves,” Baker stated.

Baker bulleted three “specific contributions” from a trio of sources, as outlined below.

• Football Bowl Subdivision conferences: $95 million annually (33%).
• Football Championship Subdivision conferences: $37 million annually (13%).
• Nonfootball Division I conferences: $34 million annually (12%).

Had the settlement not happened and trials unfolded, Baker stated the NCAA could have been on the hook to pay potentially $9 billion in “treble damages,” which he stated “would be financially devastating and unsustainable.”

READ: College Football Playoff, TNT Sports reach 5-year sublicensing agreement; TNT Sports to begin broadcasting 2 first-round games in 2024

Baker also listed “several critical objectives” reached through the settlement, as outlined below.

1. It replaces potentially crippling lawsuits with a negotiated settlement and a 10-year injunction.
2. It enables student-athletes to receive up to 22% of the average DI Power 5 athletics revenues — in addition to tuition and other benefits currently provided. Adding all these benefits together, many A5 schools would be devoting nearly 50% of athletics revenue to student-athletes. 
3. It ends decades of antitrust litigation, stabilizing college sports while permitting conferences and the NCAA to enforce rules that set a level playing field and emphasize the educational mission of college athletics.
4. It binds DI together, enabling the NCAA to contribute $120 million annually for 10 years toward back damages.

While Baker stated in closing that the settlement is “a massive step forward for student-athletes and college sports,” he accompanied that sentiment by acknowledging “it does not address every challenge.” Baker stated pending legal issues “such as those related to employment with the NLRB and the Johnson case” are among the obstacles still in need of a solution.

There is the possibility that “if the NCAA outperforms revenue projections and has unplanned surplus net assets, there will be an opportunity to determine how those additional assets can be used to offset the local impact of the damages payment,” Baker stated. 

The NCAA aims “to provide more direct benefits to student-athletes,” and Baker stated “this is a vital opportunity to positively reshape the future of college sports” amid the challenges ahead.

READ: Reports: Big Ten Conference made $880 million in revenue during 2023

Here is Baker’s full memo, via Ohio State.

“Good afternoon,

“I would like to share an update on an important step forward in our ongoing effort to create a stable, sustainable and equitable model for the future of college sports. We have now reached a proposed settlement in three major cases — House, Hubbard and Carter — involving back damages and future compensation for Division I student-athletes. 

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you in Division I for your dedication and hard work in getting us to this point. Your efforts have been instrumental in negotiating this complex settlement and in shaping a more stable future for Division I college athletics. We acknowledge that there is still much work to be done, and your continued support and collaboration will be crucial as we implement these changes.

“The media has covered these lawsuits extensively, with varying degrees of accuracy. The plaintiffs’ demand for back damages is substantial. In the House case alone, the plaintiffs sought approximately $3 billion. If the NCAA were to lose at trial, the courts could impose “treble damages,” potentially resulting in a $9 billion judgment. Such a verdict would be financially devastating and unsustainable.

“The lawsuits address three main issues: compensation for academic-related expenses; name, image, and likeness opportunities; and restrictions on scholarships. We have managed to negotiate the total back damages for these cases down to nearly $2.78 billion, to be paid over 10 years, equating to approximately $280 million annually.

“To address this obligation, we have developed a plan where the NCAA will contribute $1.2 billion over 10 years, representing 42% of the total back damages. This will be funded through careful expense management, new revenue initiatives and the use of reserves.

“The remaining 58% will be distributed among the Division I conferences based on their distributions over the past nine years. This translates to an annual contribution of $165 million, or a 20% total reduction in distributions.

“Specific contributions are as follows:

• Football Bowl Subdivision conferences: $95 million annually (33%).
• Football Championship Subdivision conferences: $37 million annually (13%).
• Nonfootball Division I conferences: $34 million annually (12%).

“While these contributions represent only 1%-2% of total revenues for FCS and nonfootball conferences, individual conferences will need to manage these contributions based on their members’ budgets. I understand this change will not be easy to manage, but given the challenges facing college sports over the last few decades, change is inevitable. I believe the change before us now presents massive new opportunities for student-athletes and all of Division I. 

“And to be clear, the financial estimate is just that. If the NCAA outperforms revenue projections and has unplanned surplus net assets, there will be an opportunity to determine how those additional assets can be used to offset the local impact of the damages payment (e.g., supplemental, pay down).

“Additionally, the forward-looking aspect of this settlement includes a revenue-sharing model allowing schools to provide more direct benefits to student-athletes, including for NIL. This model, starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year, proposes that 22% of average Autonomy 5 revenues can be shared with student-athletes, potentially amounting to $1 billion to $1.5 billion annually.

“This settlement achieves several critical objectives:

1. It replaces potentially crippling lawsuits with a negotiated settlement and a 10-year injunction.
2. It enables student-athletes to receive up to 22% of the average DI Power 5 athletics revenues — in addition to tuition and other benefits currently provided. Adding all these benefits together, many A5 schools would be devoting nearly 50% of athletics revenue to student-athletes.
3. It ends decades of antitrust litigation, stabilizing college sports while permitting conferences and the NCAA to enforce rules that set a level playing field and emphasize the educational mission of college athletics.
4. It binds DI together, enabling the NCAA to contribute $120 million annually for 10 years toward back damages.

“This is a massive step forward for student-athletes and college sports, but it does not address every challenge. There are still pending legal issues, such as those related to employment with the NLRB and the Johnson case. 

“While challenges remain, this is a vital opportunity to positively reshape the future of college sports. In the weeks ahead, the DI governance team will be working through all relevant committees to discuss next steps with you all. 

“There is a lot of work to be done, and we look forward to getting it done with you in the coming months. 

“Sincerely,

“Charlie Baker”

The post Charlie Baker believes antitrust settlement will ‘reshape the future of college sports’ in memo sent to members of NCAA appeared first on Saturday Glory.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, former Nebraska and Washington running back/wide receiver Will Nixon will join Syracuse before the 2024 season. Nixon has almost 30 games under his belt across four seasons in college football.

The Waco, Texas, native will have the opportunity to play for his father Jeff Nixon, who was named next offensive coordinator of the Orange in January and has built over 27 years of coaching experience across both college football and the NFL.

READ: NCAA, Power 5 announce settlement agreement, plan to pay student-athletes

Will Nixon ran for 201 rushing yards last season and scored a touchdown in his second year with the Huskies. While Washington advanced to its first College Football Playoff National Championship appearance, Will Nixon played an important role as the team’s second-leading rusher.

The 5-foot-11, 202-pound running back also is a threat in the backfield having averaged more than six yards per carry and catch in 2023. Will Nixon posted career highs in many categories, though in the receiving game he caught 84 yards along with 13 receptions.

Will Nixon was sidelined the first year of his college career at Nebraska after suffering a torn ACL in summer 2020.

READ: College Football Playoff, TNT Sports reach 5-year sublicensing agreement; TNT Sports to begin broadcasting 2 first-round games in 2024

The rising fifth-year is also accomplished in the classroom. Will Nixon earned a spot on the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team and won Washington’s 101 Club Academic Award in the postseason.

Will Nixon was a three-star recruit according to Rivals playing at Midway High School in Texas. He earned district MVP after totaling 2,087 yards from scrimmage and 29 touchdowns as a senior.

Syracuse is heading a new direction with former Georgia secondary coach Fran Brown as head coach and incoming quarterback transfer Kyle McCord from Ohio State. Will Nixon will join the Orange and junior running back LeQuint Allen, who led Syracuse with 1,118 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season.

The post Report: Former Nebraska, Washington RB Will Nixon transferring to Syracuse appeared first on Saturday Glory.

NCAA President Charlie Baker and each of the Power 5 conferences — the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern — jointly announced Thursday that they’ve agreed to settlement terms regarding antitrust and class-action lawsuits. According to Ralph D. Russo of The Associated Press, the NCAA and Power 5 will pay nearly $2.8 billion, expected to be paid over 10 years, to settle several antitrust claims, notably House v. NCAA, Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA, and the joint statement claimed it “is an important step in the continuing reform of college sports that will provide benefits to student-athletes and provide clarity in college athletics across all divisions for years to come.”

Among the longstanding aspects that made up the foundations of the NCAA is set to change: schools can directly pay players.

Here is the full joint statement from Baker, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petititti, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.

“The five autonomy conferences and the NCAA agreeing to settlement terms is an important step in the continuing reform of college sports that will provide benefits to student-athletes and provide clarity in college athletics across all divisions for years to come. This settlement is also a road map for college sports leaders and Congress to ensure this uniquely American institution can continue to provide unmatched opportunity for millions of students. All of Division I made today’s progress possible, and we all have work to do to implement the terms of the agreement as the legal process continues. We look forward to working with our various student-athlete leadership groups to write the next chapter of college sports.”

READ: College Football Playoff, TNT Sports reach 5-year sublicensing agreement; TNT Sports to begin broadcasting 2 first-round games in 2024

READ: Reports: Big Ten Conference made $880 million in revenue during 2023

Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. also reportedly released a statement, calling the settlement “necessary to avoid what would be the bankruptcy of college athletics.” Here is his full statement according to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo! Sports.

“The settlement, though undesirable in many respects and promising only temporary stability, is necessary to avoid what would be the bankruptcy of college athletics. To save the great American institution of college sports, Congress must pass legislation that will preempt the current patchwork of state laws; establish that our athletes are not employees, but students seeking college degrees; and provide protection from further antitrust lawsuits that will allow colleges to make and enforce rules that will protect our student-athletes and help ensure competitive equity among our teams,” Jenkins stated via Yahoo! Sports.

Among the expected outcomes from the settlement include the NCAA and universities sharing revenue directly with student-athletes. There could be “millions of dollars” paid to players as soon as fall 2025, according to the AP.

The model for revenue sharing with student-athletes “will cost major conferences a cumulative $1 billion-plus annually,” according to Yahoo! Sports, and schools can share up to $22 million with student-athletes per year — a figure that “was derived from 22% of an average of power conference revenues” and subject to change and exceptions.

According to Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel of ESPN, any Division I athlete dating back to 2016 is eligible to receive a share as part of the settlement class. These athletes therefore drop their claims in three antitrust lawsuits — House v. NCAA, Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA — and cannot sue the NCAA for other antitrust-related reasons.

Roster size could also be affected as a result of the changes expected after the settlement. According to Yahoo! Sports, scholarship restrictions could be eliminated while roster limits would be implemented.

Bankruptcy was reportedly at risk had the settlement not been reached among the NCAA and Power 5 regarding the lawsuits.

READ: Penn State Board of Trustees approves Beaver Stadium renovation before 2027 season

The ability for student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness began when the NCAA implemented policy in July 2021. Since, college athletics has seen a flurry of changes in almost the past three years, including in areas such as the conference realignment and the transfer portal. Texas senator Ted Cruz hosted an NIL roundtable on Capitol Hill in March discussing its impacts and urging Congress to pass college athletics legislation.

According to Yahoo! Sports, there is likely a five-to-eight month time period before finalization of the settlement to account for official filing, judge approval and individual plaintiff objections among other things.

Final details will be submitted to the court and Judge Claudia Wilken in the next 30 days, according to ESPN.

The post NCAA, Power 5 announce settlement agreement, plan to pay student-athletes appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Beginning with the 2024-25 seasons, TNT Sports will broadcast two first-round games, according to a release. TNT Sports will air two quarterfinal games additionally in 2026-28 through the agreement.

Additional details about programming plans for the College Football Playoff “will be announced at a later date,” according to a release.

“It is exciting to add TNT Sports, another highly respected broadcaster, to the College Football Playoff family,” Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Bill Hancock stated in a release. “Sports fans across the country are intimately familiar with their work across a wide variety of sports properties over the past two decades, and we look forward to seeing what new and innovative ideas they bring to the promotion and delivery of these games.”

READ: Reports: Big Ten Conference made $880 million in revenue during 2023

READ: Penn State Board of Trustees approves Beaver Stadium renovation before 2027 season

According to a release, TNT Sports will be “the primary network” televising its select games, and it will also distribute coverage among its additional platforms.

The playoff field expanded from its original four teams to 12 for the first time since it was implemented before the 2014 season.

What’s different under the new format include a range of changes. Notably, the entire first round will be played on-campus while the four highest-ranking conference champions will make up the first four seeds and receive byes in the opening round.

“We’re delighted to reach this agreement with ESPN, providing TNT Sports the opportunity to showcase these College Football Playoff games on our platforms for years to come,” TNT Sports Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser stated in a release. “TNT Sports aims to delight fans and drive maximum reach and engagement for these marquee games.”

The first round of the expanded playoff is scheduled for Dec. 20-21, then the quarterfinals will take place at familiar New Year’s Six locations, including the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, before the semifinals at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025, and Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, 2025, all leading up to the national championship in Atlanta on Jan. 20, 2025.

READ: Colorado announces season-ticket sellout for 2nd-straight season

It’s been a historic offseason for the College Football Playoff. It and ESPN agreed to a new media rights deal in March that will keep the playoff on the network through 2031.

The College Football Playoff also signed a six-year contract establishing a revenue distribution plan. That solidified the 12-team format through at least 2026, and the possibility of more teams joining the field could be a reality come that season.

ESPN “will also continue to manage the sponsorship program for the presentation of the CFP,” according to a release.

“ESPN is pleased to sublicense to TNT Sports a select number of early round games of the College Football Playoff, an event we’ve helped to grow – alongside the CFP – into one of the preeminent championships,” ESPN executive vice president of programming & acquisitions Rosalyn Durant stated in a release. “We’re confident in the reach and promotion that this new agreement will provide as we enter the new, expanded playoff era.”

The post College Football Playoff, TNT Sports reach 5-year sublicensing agreement; TNT Sports to begin broadcasting 2 first-round games in 2024 appeared first on Saturday Glory.

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.

CEO Pete Distad, who has previous experience at Apple and Hulu, announced Thursday that the name of the platform will be Venu Sports.

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

The collaborative relationship “will bring together the companies’ portfolios of sports networks and certain direct to consumer services in a compelling new streaming sports service to allow underserved fans to get the most out of every game,” according to a release. The platform will include content from all major professional sports leagues and college sports.

Customers who purchase subscriptions can access Venu Sports directly “via a new app,” and subscribers “would also have the ability to bundle the product, including with Disney+, Hulu or Max.”

“We are excited to officially introduce Venu Sports, a brand that we feel captures the spirit of an all-new streaming home where sports fans outside of the traditional pay TV eco-system can experience an incredible collection of live sports, all in one place,” Distad stated in a release. “As preparations for the platform continue to accelerate, we are singularly focused on delivering a best-in-class product for our target audience, built from the ground up using the latest technologies to engage and entertain discerning sports fans wanting one-stop access to live games.”

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

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

FOX, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery will have equal ownership shares in Venu Sports, according to Stephen Battaglio of the Los Angeles Times.

The formation and launch of Venu Sports “is subject to regulatory approval and the finalization of definitive agreements amongst the parties,” according to a release.

Venu Sports aims to provide a way for viewers to access “an extensive, dynamic lineup of sports content to serve sports fans, particularly those outside of the traditional pay TV bundle,” according to a release. It targets a younger audience and individuals who aren’t subscribed to major or traditional television streaming services.

According to Joe Reedy of The Associated Press, FuboTV filed an antitrust lawsuit against ESPN, FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu in February. FuboTV seeks cash damages and to prevent Venu Sports, or have restrictions imposed on the joint service to ensure competition within the market.

ESPN and the College Football Playoff reached an agreement on a new media rights deal in March keeping the Playoff on the network through 2031.

The post ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery introduce Venu Sports streaming service appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Beginning this season, the “SEC on ABC franchise” will debut with the Miami–Florida matchup Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m., according to a release. The SEC on ABC brand will include “a new graphics package, theme music and more.”

According to a release, all special date games and ESPN’s broadcast schedule for the first three weeks of the season will be revealed May 30. The network’s Bowl Season schedule will also be unveiled June 6.

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

READ: Joe Alt cherishes Notre Dame career, hopes to put ‘best foot forward’ with Los Angeles after No. 5 overall NFL Draft selection

ESPN’s College GameDay, which will welcome former Alabama head coach Nick Saban on set this fall, will begin the season in Dublin, Ireland, at noon on Aug. 24 when Florida State matches up in Week 0 with Georgia Tech. It will be the first time the show originates from outside the United States.

Saban and College GameDay will return stateside Aug. 31 from College Station where new Aggies head coach Mike Elko and Texas A&M will face Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m.

ESPN will also broadcast the Southeastern Conference debuts for Oklahoma and Texas. The Sooners will open at home Aug. 30 against Temple at 7 p.m., and Texas will host Colorado State on Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m.

Deion Sanders and Colorado will also make their debut in the Big 12 Conference Aug. 29 when the Buffaloes host North Dakota State at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

READ: Former Penn State SAF King Mack transfers to Alabama

ESPN’s run of teams in new conferences continues in the Atlantic Coast Conference on Aug. 30 when Stanford, departing the Pac-12 Conference, plays TCU at 10:30 p.m.

ESPN will also carry Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama debut against Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31.

ABC will begin its Week 1 coverage in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where Dabo Swinney and Clemson will take on Kirby Smart and Georgia at noon.

Here is ABC and ESPN’s Weeks 0-1 schedule.

Week 0

Florida State at Georgia Tech — Aug. 24 at noon on ESPN

Florida A&M at Norfolk State — Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC

Week 1

North Dakota State at Colorado — Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. on ESPN

Temple at Oklahoma — Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. on ESPN

TCU at Stanford — Aug. 30 at 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

Clemson at Georgia — Aug. 31 at noon on ABC

Miami at Florida — Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. on ABC

Colorado State at Texas — Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN

Western Kentucky at Alabama — Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. on ESPN

Notre Dame at Texas A&M — Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC

USC at LSU — Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC

Boston College at Florida State — Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN

The post ABC, ESPN unveil Weeks 0-1 broadcast schedule appeared first on Saturday Glory.

When Drake Maye walked into Gillette Stadium for the first time in his life after being picked No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, he brought his three best friends with him in the form of his three older brothers.

Luke Maye is the oldest who played basketball at North Carolina from 2015-19 and currently plays basketball overseas in Japan; Cole Maye played baseball at Florida and was part of the Gators’ national championship-winning team in 2017; and Beau Maye was a walk-on part of the North Carolina men’s basketball team in 2022-23. They come from a family full of Tar Heel blue, as father Mark Maye played football in 1983-88 and mother Aimee Maye attended North Carolina.

READ: Former Oregon State, Nebraska coach Mike Riley appointed to CFP Selection Committee

When asked if he has any bragging rights over his three older brothers, Drake Maye doesn’t think he does just yet.

“I think in the Maye family, championships kind of rules over anything so maybe until I get one of those,” Drake Maye said. “They got two national champions over there so I think that still trumps being a first-round draft choice.”

READ: Georgia approves new contract for Kirby Smart; Smart becomes college football’s highest paid coach

READ: MAC Offensive Player of the Year Peny Boone to transfer to UCF

When it comes to championships, the Patriots know a thing or two about them.

New England is tied alongside Pittsburgh with an NFL record six Super Bowl victories, and all six were under quarterback Tom Brady.

Drake Maye said he has his sights on jersey No. 10 rather than Brady’s No. 12. They’ll get a chance to meet one another soon, and that could come June 12 when Brady is enshrined into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Drake Maye said Brady is the “G.O.A.T.” and that he hopes to learn as much as he can from him.

“I think any quarterback’s got to be a Tom Brady fan,” Drake Maye said. “And I think they’re already talking about June 12 is going to be sold out for Tom and the celebration for him, so just, it will be an honor to get to meet him, to get to pick his brain. And you know, one of the greats to ever do it so it’d just be an awesome moment to get to meet him. And like I said, just be a sponge, soak it all in.”

Drake Maye is New England’s first draft choice since parting ways with former head coach Bill Belichick. College football wasn’t the only form of football to see legendary coaches step aside from their longtime posts, as Belichick departed the Patriots after 24 seasons in the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks moved on from former USC head coach Pete Carroll after 14 years, while in college Nick Saban retired after 17 years at Alabama.

The Patriots named former first round pick from Tennessee and defensive lineman Jerod Mayo as their next head coach in January. Mayo was a member of New England’s Super Bowl XLIX-winning team in 2014, a captain for seven-straight seasons from 2009-15 and he played his entire eight-year career with the Patriots.

READ: Jayden Daniels realizes draft dream after No. 2 overall selection by Washington Commanders

Drake Maye said Mayo is “a player’s coach,” and he could tell “right away” how the Patriots drew toward Mayo upon his taking of New England’s head coaching position. Drake Maye also said he sees parallels between the Patriots and North Carolina where both are “family-type” teams, and he believes Mayo can continue the Patriots’ winning traditions that make them the organization that they are today.

“It’s still a family-oriented organization,” Drake Maye said. “That means a lot to me, and I think every time I’ve seen coach Mayo he’s been in a workout outfit just putting in work. He’s still getting it in so just excited to play for him. Like I said, player’s coach, and understands it, know what it’s like playing as a Patriot, and I think that’s something that you just can’t buy nowadays being in his position.”

Mayo’s new quarterback said he’s “got to do my part before I get on other people’s part” and assume New England’s starting role. Drake Maye said he’s hopeful to be the starter down the line, and “a leader” at the same time.

As a Tar Heel, Drake Maye made the Second-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference team or better in each of his two seasons as starter, and he threw for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns to 16 interceptions in 30 games. The Huntersville, North Carolina, native was named ACC Player of the Year as a redshirt freshman in 2022 while breaking the single-season school records with 4,321 passing yards and 342 completions in 517 attempts.

READ: Entire UAB football team signs up for Athletes.org

Drake Maye said he hopes to show New England that he’s “a grinder” and prove to his teammates and others that he’s someone “who’s going to put the work in.” After a decorated career at North Carolina, Maye will look to make the jump to the NFL within a historic franchise.

“I think the one thing I’m looking forward to show the Patriots organization (is) just that I love football,” Drake Maye said. “This sport, you know, I don’t do anything else besides winning and hate losing. I think me and my brothers, we did that growing up no matter anything. Keeping score, just didn’t want to lose and have the bragging rights. So I’m looking forward to showing that and I think I fit right in in this organization.”

The post Drake Maye believes he can ‘fit right in’ New England after No. 3 overall draft pick 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.

The 2024 NFL Draft continued Friday with the second and third rounds picking through No. 100 overall. It began with wide receivers Keon Coleman of Florida State and Georgia’s Ladd McConkey going back to back at Nos. 33-34 to the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively, and ended with Rice’s Luke McCaffrey being picked by the Washington Commanders. No quarterbacks were selected after six went in the first round on Thursday.

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

More than 150,000 fans attended the draft on Thursday, and all 32 picks are listed in First Round Live Reaction: 2024 NFL Draft.

Michigan men go back-to-back in second round; Jim Harbaugh takes Los Angeles’ first Wolverine in third

Defending national champion Michigan sent an NFL Scouting Combine-record 18 participants to Indianapolis earlier this offseason.

Michigan saw six players drafted in the second and third rounds, bringing its total to seven so far this draft after quarterback J.J. McCarthy went No. 10 overall to the Minnesota Vikings.

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

Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was the second Wolverine picked in the draft when he went No. 49 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round. He began back-to-back selections of former Michigan players as cornerback Mike Sainristil went next at No. 50 overall.

New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh drafted his first former Wolverine when he chose linebacker Junior Colson in the third round at No. 69 overall.

The crosstown rival Los Angeles Rams selected former Michigan running back Blake Corum at No. 83 overall in the third round. He started a string of three-straight Wolverines drafted when wide receiver Roman Wilson went No. 84 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers and guard Zak Zinter was picked No. 85 overall by the Cleveland Browns.

Harbaugh broke out in song among Chargers personnel during the draft in a video posted on X.

Kirby Smart shouts out drafted Bulldogs

Georgia continued its streak of at least six Bulldogs picked in every draft since 2018.

READ: Florida State’s Braden Fiske motivated by ‘huge impact’ leading up to NFL Draft

Four more of head coach Kirby Smart’s former players heard their names called in Detroit: McConkey and defensive backs Kamari Lassiter, Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith.

Smart shouted each of the four Bulldog draftees on Friday, as he did Thursday for former tight end Brock Bowers and tackle Amarius Mims.

About McConkey, Smart posted: “Congrats @laddmcconkey02 !! So excited to watch you be a part of the @chargers. You’re such a great young man & I’m thankful for your time in Athens. You meant so much to this team, school & community. Always grateful for your impact on this program. GO DAWGS !!”

Of Lassiter, Smart posted: “Another Dawg off the board @kamari_lassiter!! You were such a good player, teammate and leader for this program, and I am so thankful for your impact. The @houstontexans are going to get a great player for their defense. I know you’ll represent us the right way and you’ll be very successful.  Enjoy this moment! GO DAWGS!!”

Of Bullard, Smart posted: “Bull to Green Bay!! @cravejaaye I know you’ve worked really hard for this & so happy you were able to reach your goals and more. You have a bright future & I’m proud of you. The @packers are getting a great player and an even better person. I hope you can come back to Athens sometime this fall. GO DAWGS !!”

Of Smith, Smart posted: “Let’s go @TykSmith!! Can’t wait to see what you do in Tampa Bay. You’re such a great player, leader and person and I am so happy for you that your dreams are becoming a reality. Soak in this moment with your family! Thanks for all you’ve done & GO DAWGS!!”

READ: Jayden Daniels says he’ll ‘be ready’ for NFL after LSU Pro Day

2024 NFL Draft results

Here are the full results from rounds two and three of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Second round

No. 33: Buffalo Bills via trade with Carolina Panthers: WR Keon Coleman — Florida State

No. 34: Los Angeles Chargers via trade with New England Patriots: WR Ladd McConkey — Georgia

No. 35: Atlanta Falcons via trade with Arizona Cardinals: DT Ruke Orhorhoro — Clemson

No. 36: Washington Commanders: DT Jer’Zhan Newton — Illinois

No. 37: New England Patriots via trade with Los Angeles Chargers: WR Ja’Lynn Polk — Washington

No. 38: Tennessee Titans: DT T’Vondre Sweat — Texas

No. 39: Los Angeles Rams via trade with Carolina Panthers (from N.Y. Giants): DT Braden Fiske — Florida State

No. 40: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with Washington Commanders (from Chicago): CB Cooper DeJean — Iowa

No. 41: New Orleans Saints via trade with Green Bay Packers (from N.Y. Jets): CB Kool-Aid McKinstry — Alabama

No. 42: Houston Texans (from Minnesota): CB Kamari Lassiter — Georgia

No. 43: Arizona Cardinals via trade with Atlanta Falcons: CB Max Melton — Rutgers

No. 44: Las Vegas Raiders: OC Jackson Powers-Johnson — Oregon

No. 45: Green Bay Packers via trade with New Orleans Saints (from Denver): LB Edgerrin Cooper — Texas A&M

No. 46: Carolina Panthers via trade with Indianapolis Colts: RB Jonathon Brooks — Texas

No. 47: New York Giants (from Seattle): SAF Tyler Nubin — Minnesota

No. 48: Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Maason Smith — LSU

No. 49: Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kris Jenkins — Michigan

No. 50: Washington Commanders via trade with Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): CB Mike Sainristil — Michigan

No. 51: Pittsburgh Steelers: OC Zach Frazier — West Virginia

No. 52: Indianapolis Colts via trade with Los Angeles Rams: WR Adonai Mitchell — Texas

No. 53: Washington Commanders via trade with Philadelphia Eagles: TE Ben Sinnott — Kansas State

No. 54: Cleveland Browns: DT Michael Hall Jr. — Ohio State

No. 55: Miami Dolphins: OT Patrick Paul — Houston

No. 56: Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland — Western Michigan

No. 57: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Chris Braswell — Alabama

No. 58: Green Bay Packers: SAF Javon Bullard — Georgia

No. 59: Houston Texans: OT Blake Fisher — Notre Dame

No. 60: Buffalo Bills: SAF Cole Bishop — Utah

No. 61: Detroit Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. — Missouri

No. 62: Baltimore Ravens: OT Roger Rosengarten — Washington

No. 63: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with San Francisco 49ers: OT Kingsley Suamataia — BYU

No. 64: San Francisco 49ers via trade with Kansas City Chiefs: CB Renardo Green — Florida State

Third round

No. 65: New York Jets via trade with Carolina Panthers: WR Malachi Corley — Western Kentucky

No. 66: Arizona Cardinals: RB Trey Benson — Florida State

No. 67: Washington Commanders: OG Brandon Coleman — TCU

No. 68: New England Patriots: OT Caedan Wallace — Penn State

No. 69: Los Angeles Chargers: LB Junior Colson — Michigan

No. 70: New York Giants: CB Andru Phillips — Kentucky

No. 71: Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee): OG Isaiah Adams — Illinois

No. 72: Carolina Panthers via trade with New York Jets: LB Trevin Wallace — Kentucky

No. 73: Dallas Cowboys via trade with Detroit Lions (from Minnesota): OG Cooper Beebe — Kansas State

No. 74: Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Bralen Trice — Washington

No. 75: Chicago Bears: OT Kiran Amegadjie — Yale

No. 76: Denver Broncos: EDGE Jonah Elliss — Utah

No. 77: Las Vegas Raiders: OT Delmar Glaze — Maryland

No. 78: Houston Texans via trade with Washington Commanders (from Seattle): SAF Calen Bullock — USC

No. 79: Atlanta Falcons (from Jacksonville): OT Matt Goncalves — Pittsburgh

No. 80: Cincinnati Bengals: WR Jermaine Burton — Alabama

No. 81: Seattle Seahawks (from New Orleans through Denver): OG Christian Haynes — UConn

No. 82: Arizona Cardinals via trade with Indianapolis Colts: TE Tip Reiman — Illinois

No. 83: Los Angeles Rams: RB Blake Corum — Michigan

No. 84: Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Roman Wilson — Michigan

No. 85: Cleveland Browns: OG Zak Zinter — Michigan

No. 86: San Francisco 49ers via trade with Houston Texans (from Philadelphia): OG Dominick Puni — Kansas

No. 87: Dallas Cowboys: LB Marist Liufau — Notre Dame

No. 88: Green Bay Packers: RB MarShawn Lloyd — USC

No. 89: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SAF Tykee Smith — Georgia

No. 90: Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): CB Elijah Jones — Boston College

No. 91: Green Bay Packers (from Buffalo): LB Ty’Ron Hopper — Missouri

No. 92: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Detroit): WR Jalen McMillan — Washington

No. 93: Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Adisa Isaac — Penn State

No. 94: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Jalyx Hunt — Houston Christian University

No. 95: Buffalo Bills via trade with Kansas City Chiefs: DT DeWayne Carter — Duke

No. 96: Jacksonville Jaguars (Compensatory Selection): CB Jarrian Jones — Florida State

No. 97: Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory Selection): DT McKinnley Jackson — Texas A&M

No. 98: Pittsburgh Steelers (from Philadelphia; Compensatory Selection): LB Payton Wilson — NC State

No. 99: Los Angeles Rams (Special Compensatory Selection): SAF Kamren Kinchens — Miami

No. 100: Washington Commanders (from San Francisco; Special Compensatory Selection): WR Luke McCaffrey — Rice

The post Notes and Reaction: Rounds 2-3 of 2024 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The first round of this year’s draft begins tonight at 8 p.m. on ESPN and NFL Network, and 32 players will hear their names called in Detroit where thousands of fans are expected to attend.

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

READ: Florida State’s Braden Fiske motivated by ‘huge impact’ leading up to NFL Draft

Check out five takeaways from the 2024 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis where 321 players were invited to take part in workouts and measurements in front of NFL personnel.

The Chicago Bears will select first, and many reports have indicated USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams will be taken with the No. 1 overall selection.

Alabama’s Terrion Arnold drafted by Detroit Lions: “I’m going to help them win a Super Bowl”

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was a First Team All-American last season, was picked No. 23 by the Detroit Lions, who traded up with the Dallas Cowboys.

Arnold tied atop the Southeastern Conference with 17 passes defended and five interceptions. The Tallahassee, Florida, native had 63 tackles to finish fifth on the Crimson Tide in 2023.

UCLA’s Laiatu Latu is first defensive player picked; record 14 offensive players taken to start draft

A record-breaking 14 offensive players were taken to start the draft. The previous record was seven in 2021.

UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu became the first player on defense to be drafted when he was chosen No. 15 by the Indianapolis Colts.

Latu won the 2023 Lombardi Trophy given to the top offensive lineman/tight end or defensive lineman/linebacker in college football. He led the NCAA with an average of 1.8 tackles for loss per game and fourth with 1.08 sacks per game. Latu had 13 sacks last season, most by a Bruin since Anthony Barr in 2012.

Five quarterbacks picked in top 10 for first time in NFL history

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy went No. 10 overall to the Minnesota Vikings, who traded up one spot with the New York Jets according to multiple reports.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, this year marks the first time in NFL history that five quarterbacks were picked in the top-10 selections of the draft.

And according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, it’s the first time since 1983 that the first round has featured six quarterbacks taken by teams.

Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. goes No. 8 to Atlanta; Daniels and Nabers make history

Four quarterbacks were selected among the top-eight picks.

Washington gunslinger Michael Penix Jr. heard his name called at No. 8 by the Atlanta Falcons, who signed former Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract this offseason.

Penix led college football with 4,903 passing yards and finished second in the Heisman voting.

According to the SEC Network, Daniels and Nabers are the first quarterback-wide receiver duo to be selected in the top-10 picks of the NFL Draft.

Jim Harbaugh takes Notre Dame’s Joe Alt with first pick with Los Angeles Chargers

Amid plenty of rumors about trading back, former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt with the No. 5 pick.

Alt was a captain at Notre Dame and consensus All-American in 2023. He departs the Fighting Irish with over two dozen starts in his career.

Quarterbacks go Nos. 1-2-3

The last time quarterbacks were chosen with the first three picks of the draft was 2021.

Williams, LSU‘s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina‘s Drake Maye were picked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 to begin the 2024 NFL Draft.

On stage, Harrison said he aims to “work as hard as I can to be the best player I can be” in the NFL. Cardinals quarterback Kyle Murray posted on X “LET’S ROCK!”

Heisman Trophy winners go No. 1-2

The Chicago Bears chose Williams at No. 1 overall and the Washington Commanders took Daniels, who won the Heisman in 2023, with the second pick of the first round.

Daniels said on stage at the draft after he was selected that he was “pretty confident” the Commanders would pick him at No. 2, and he said “Washington is going to get everything out of me.”

Marvin Harrison Jr. will soon realize his childhood dream

The 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner and Ohio State wide receiver capped a decorated college career last fall, and now Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to make a name for himself.

He’s grown up as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr. After catching 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns across three seasons with the Buckeyes, Marvin Harrison Jr. will likely follow in his father’s footsteps as a first round NFL Draft pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the only two-time All-American receiver in Ohio State history.

More than 150K fans are in Detroit

The crowd in Detroit is full of blue, and many in attendance are wearing jerseys from teams like the hometown Lions or rival Minnesota Vikings including some who are donning their college swag.

Maye is attending the draft. He’s reportedly expected to be among the first several gunslingers selected, perhaps as early as No. 3 to New England.

TRANSFER PORTAL: Read the latest regarding the transfer portal.

Follow here for real-time results and reaction from around the football community.

2024 NFL Draft results

1: Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Caleb Williams — USC

2: Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels — LSU

3: New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye — North Carolina

4: Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. — Ohio State

5: Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt — Notre Dame

6: New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers — LSU

7: Tennessee Titans: OT JC Latham — Alabama

8: Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr. — Washington

9: Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze — Washington

10: Minnesota Vikings via trade with New York Jets: QB J.J. McCarthy — Michigan

11: New York Jets via trade with Minnesota Vikings: OT Olu Fashanu — Penn State

12: Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix — Oregon

13: Las Vegas Raiders: TE Brock Bowers — Georgia

14: New Orleans Saints: OT Taliese Fuaga — Oregon State

15: Indianapolis Colts: DE Laiatu Latu — UCLA

16: Seattle Seahawks: DL Byron Murphy II — Texas

17: Minnesota Vikings via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Dallas Turner — Alabama

18: Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims — Georgia

19: Los Angeles Rams: DE Jared Verse — Florida State

20: Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Troy Fautanu — Washington

21: Miami Dolphins: EDGE Chop Robinson — Penn State

22: Philadelphia Eagles: CB Quinyon Mitchell — Toledo

23: Jacksonville Jaguars via trade with Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland through Houston): WR Brian Thomas Jr. — LSU

24: Detroit Lions via trade with Dallas Cowboys: CB Terrion Arnold — Alabama

25: Green Bay Packers: OT Jordan Morgan — Arizona

26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C Graham Barton — Duke

27: Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): EDGE Darius Robinson — Missouri

28: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with Buffalo Bills: WR Xavier Worthy — Texas

29: Dallas Cowboys via trade with Detroit Lions: OT Tyler Guyton — Oklahoma

30: Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins — Clemson

31: San Francisco 49ers: WR Ricky Pearsall — Florida

32: Carolina Panthers via trade with Buffalo Bills via trade with Kansas City Chiefs: WR Xavier Legette — South Carolina

The post First Round Live Reaction: 2024 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The NCAA announced Friday its Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved Thursday “optional technology rules” effective for the 2024 season. Among them is a long-awaited change already prevalent in the NFL: coaches can communicate to a player through helmet technology.

READ: Arizona State QB Jaden Rashada announces transfer

According to the NCAA, “each school will have the option to use coach-to-player communications through helmets to one player on the field,” and that player “will be identified by having a green dot on the back midline of the player’s helmet.”

The communication will turn off “with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock or when the ball is snapped, whichever comes first,” according to the NCAA.

READ: Miami leading rusher Henry Parrish Jr. enters transfer portal

This marks a highly anticipated move within college football bringing it closer to the professional game. Many coaches have called for helmet technology to be implemented at the college level, and teams experimented with it if they so chose during bowl season in 2023. It will be a welcomed change in 2024.

It’s significant that college football will allow coach-to-player communications through helmets next season. Last year, Michigan was penalized by the Big Ten Conference for having conducted “an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years, resulting in an unfair competitive advantage that compromised the integrity of competition,” and head coach Jim Harbaugh served a three-game suspension lasting the remainder of the regular season.

Former Wolverines staff member Connor Stalions resigned from the program midseason in 2023. It was found he purchased tickets to at least 30 games over at least the 2021-22 seasons including the 2021 and 2022 Southeastern Conference championships games.

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Among the other approved rules include the use of tablets to view only in-game video featuring the broadcast and camera angles from the coach’s sideline and coach’s end zone, according to the NCAA. There can be “up to 18 active tables for use in the coaching booth, sideline and locker room” for each team, though tablets “cannot be connected to other devices to project larger additional images and cannot include analytics, data or data access capability or other communication access.”

According to the NCAA, “all team personnel” can view the tablets during a game.

Additionally, another change will come when two minutes remain in the second and fourth quarters. The Playing Rules Oversight Committee, according to the NCAA, approved an automatic timeout that “synchronizes all timing rules, such as 10-second runoffs and stopping the clock when a first down is gained in bounds, which coincides with the two-minute timeout.”

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Horse-collar tackles occurring within the tackle box will be penalized “as a 15-yard personal foul,” another change for the 2024 season according to the NCAA.

Head coaches can also interview “with broadcast partners” after the first and third quarters, which the NCAA announced is a permanent rule going forward.

The Football Rules Committee “had a thorough discussion regarding wearable technologies,” according to the NCAA. It met the final week of February, and it “invites non-FBS conferences that are interested in using wearable technologies to submit an experimental proposal to the committee” by June 15.

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