Photo: UConn Becomes 1st CFB Team to Feature NIL Sponsorship Logos on FBS Field
Aug 26, 2024
EAST HARTFORD, CT - OCTOBER 21: A View of Pratt & Whitney Stadium during the game as the South Florida Bulls take on the UConn Huskies on October 21, 2023, at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In June, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel gave colleges and universities permission to place corporate sponsorship logos on their fields. Only up to three such on-field advertisements are allowed—one on the 50-yard line, and two smaller ones on either side of the field.
The UConn Huskies will be the first school officially taking advantage of the new rule, as the school announced on Monday:
"This change allows schools to generate additional income to support student-athletes," NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement back in June. "I'm pleased that we could find flexibility within our rules to make this happen for member schools."
More than a few schools are expected to take advantage, especially following the House v. NCAA settlement that paved the way for $2.8 billion in back-pay damages to college athletes over a 10-year period who missed out on NIL opportunities and paved the way for a revenue-sharing model that would allow schools to directly funnel money to the student athletes.
But all of that costs money, and corporate logos on fields were seen as one natural way to counteract those new expenses.
"I grew up in Syracuse, New York, so I was accustomed to the Carrier Dome, which is now the JMA Wireless Dome," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told reporters in June. "So this is not new within the college sports enterprise. We've had clear lines, so it hasn't been appearing on the field. I would anticipate there's going to be a continuing push of those limits."
UConn has started the push, but expect plenty of schools to follow suit.
Photo: Tulane Unveils New White Helmet Ahead of 2024 CFB Season
Aug 19, 2024
ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 27: A Tulane Green Wave cheerleader celebrates a touchdown during the Military Bowl between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Tulane Green Wave on December 27, 2023 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis Maryland. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Tulane released images of the new helmets that the team will wear during the 2024 season on Monday.
The white helmet features green flakes as well as the signature blue and green stripes running from the front to the back of the helmet. The school's Green Wave logo is also still prominently featured on the side.
The latest helmet adds another wrinkle in Tulane's array of uniform combinations, as the team also uses green and light blue helmets.
The Green Wave will be attempting to surpass a double-digit win total for the third consecutive season in 2024, as they're coming off an impressive 11-3 campaign in 2023.
Jon Sumrall is replacing Willie Fritz as head coach after Fritz joined Houston in Dec. 2023. Sumrall won two Sun Belt titles with Troy, compiling a 23-4 record over the past two seasons.
The 2024 starting quarterback for the Green Wave is still uncertain, as redshirt freshman Darian Mensah is battling with Kai Horton and Oregon transfer Ty Thompson ahead of the team's Week 1 clash with Southeastern Louisiana on Aug. 29.
The run game should still remain one of the team's strengths, as Makhi Hughes is returning for his sophomore season after racking up 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns on 258 carries in 2023.
Tulane will attempt to earn its second AAC title in three seasons during the 2024 season, and they'll debut a new helmet while doing so.
Former USF Football Player Teigan Martin Dies at Age 20 After Car Crash
Jun 26, 2024
BIRMINGHAM, AL - DECEMBER 29: A South Florida logo on the football at the Birmingham Bowl between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the South Florida Bulls on December 29, 2016. South Florida defeated South Carolina by the score of 46-39 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former University of South Florida tight end Teigan Martin has died at the age of 20 years old following a single-car crash near Hollywood Township, Minnesota.
Per Riley Moser of CBS Minnesota, the Carver County Sheriff's Office confirmed that deputies discovered a black 2013 BMW M5 crashed in the north ditch of County Road 122 shortly after 5 a.m on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that the driver was Martin, who died at the scene. He was the vehicle's only occupant.
Moser added more information from authorities.
"Investigators believe Martin had been driving eastbound on County Road 122 at a high rate of speed when he crossed the center line, entered the ditch and rolled the vehicle.
"Martin had been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, authorities say. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
"The crash is under investigation."
Both USF and Mayer Lutheran High School confirmed the news and expressed their condolences.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Teigan Martin. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Teigan’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/ZS2DudmPiI
As the Mayer Lutheran family mourns with the family of Teigan Martin (MLHS Class of 2022), the school will hold a short prayer vigil on Thursday, June 27, beginning at 7 PM on the Mayer Lutheran football field. You are invited to gather and pray in support of the Martin family. pic.twitter.com/apBZgZjT9S
— Mayer Lutheran H.S. (@mayerlutheran) June 25, 2024
USF head coach Alex Golesh made remarks as well.
Alex Golesh: "We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Teigan Martin. His loss is felt profoundly by his teammates, our coaches and staff, and all those who knew and loved him...
Martin starred as a two-way player at Mayer Lutheran High School in Mayer, Minnesota, playing tight end and defensive tackle. He was an all-state player in 2021 and helped guide his team to the state championship.
Martin then left for Liberty University in 2022 but transferred to South Florida in 2023. Per Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times, Martin was no longer playing football for USF but remained a student at the school.
Houston Cougars to Add Oilers-Inspired Uniforms amid NFL's Legal Threats
May 1, 2024
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) looks for an open receiver in the second quarter during the college football game between the UTSA Roadrunners and Houston Cougars on September 2, 2023 at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The University of Houston is moving forward with plans to introduce an alternate blue uniform for its teams despite legal threats from the NFL.
The NFL sent Houston a cease-and-desist order last year, saying the uniforms are "blatant" copies of the Houston Oilers uniforms, for which the NFL has a trademark.
"We literally have a story we can show the city uses it," athletic director Chris Pezman told the Houston Chronicle's Joseph Duarte. "This isn't a reach. This is a layup. We've got a very defensible position."
Houston's football team wore the uniforms during its home opener against UTSA last season. The women's soccer team and golf team also wore uniforms featuring the color scheme.
While there is no mistaking the obvious similarities to the Oilers uniforms, Pezman said the school made alterations to the alternate blues it'll use moving forward to help differentiate the looks. Pezman said the school saw overwhelmingly positive reviews of the uniforms from fans.
"I knew it would be good," Pezman said. "I didn't know it would be what it was. We found a nerve, and we've got to mine that vein. It's real. What's cool about it, it's not about us. It's about the city. That's what we have to continue to do.
"When you do UH stuff, you limit your market. With the Houston script, it's everybody. It's our ability to have the Texas T-shirt in the truck stop, to have our version of it in that Houston blue with the red and white script. It can be anybody."
The NFL's letter, which was sent last October, said Houston was looking for a "free ride" of publicity off the back of its trademarks. The NFL has not commented on Houston's plan to move forward with the new uniforms.
Blake Watson NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Memphis RB
Apr 20, 2024
ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Memphis Tigers running back Blake Watson (4) tries to use a stiff arm to get around Missouri Tigers defensive back Joseph Charleston (28) during a non conference game between the Memphis Tigers and the Missouri Tigers held on Saturday Sep 23, 2023 at The Dome in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
HEIGHT: 5'9"
WEIGHT: 189
HAND: 8¾"
ARM: 29â…ž"
WINGSPAN: 71â…ž"
40-YARD DASH: 4.39
3-CONE: 7.13
SHUTTLE: 4.32
VERTICAL: 41.5"
BROAD: 11'3"
POSITIVES
— Serious home run speed. Type of runner who can easily breakaway when given a runway.
— Quick, agile mover. Plays with very good bounce and flexibility as an open-field runner.
— High-volume pass-catcher at two different schools. Smooth hands and dangerous YAC ability.
NEGATIVES
— Terribly light build. Will struggle to handle more than a dozen touches in an NFL setting.
— Poor strength and contact balance.
— Type of runner who wants to bounce runs way too often. Struggles to run with confidence and energy between the tackles.
— 2-star WR recruit in Old Dominion's 2018 class, per 247Sports
— Transferred from Old Dominion to Memphis in 2023
— Converted to RB after a redshirt year in 2018
— 35 career starts
— 2023 first-team All-AAC
— Attended 2024 Shrine Bowl
OVERALL
Blake Watson is a small former wide receiver who plays like that's exactly what he is, for better and for worse.
At 5'9" and 189 pounds, Watson is neither a workhorse runner nor someone who thrives between the tackles. He almost always looks to bounce plays when he can. Watson just doesn't have the bulk or balance to bang between the tackles, and he knows it.
When Watson does get out in space, he is dangerous. He's a twitchy, agile runner with quick feet and a great sense for when to kick into high gear as a runner. Watson's long speed is dangerous if he gets a good angle to the sideline. He is more than liable to take one to the house if given a runway.
Watson is also a useful pass-catcher. As a former receiver, he shows good hands and the dangerous ball-carrying skills you see from him as a runner.
Watson is a nice bottom-of-the-roster stash for teams looking to add some juice.
Jordan Magee NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Temple LB
Apr 15, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 7: Jordan Magee #6 and Conlan Greene #90 of the Temple Owls react against the UTSA Roadrunners in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on October 7, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
— Has plenty of speed when coming downhill to be an effective blitzer and get unblocked tackles for loss. Can blitz from depth to avoid tipping it and tests offensive linemen's ability to adjust on the fly.
— Speed for decent range when he does read plays quickly.
— Closes quickly in zone coverage.
— Good pass-rush production for an off-ball linebacker with eight sacks in the last two years. Had decent ball production with 10 passes defended in the last three years.
NEGATIVES
— Slow to key and diagnose run plays and recognize blocking schemes. Will get beat to the spot after taking too long to read keys.
— Isn't a knockback tackler and likes to catch running backs, leading to yards after contact.
— Struggles to recognize passing concepts and will lose receivers in coverage because of it.
— Takes on blocks square, lacks strength to hold his ground and will get stuck on blocks as a run defender.
Jordan Magee's game is rooted in speed and athleticism. He also has a decent frame that has room for growth, which helps make him an interesting project at linebacker.
However, Magee is more of an athlete than a football player right now, as his instincts and situational awareness are subpar. He could also afford to add some size and strength to play the run.
SMU CB Teddy Knox Suspended for Alleged Involvement in Car Crash with Rashee Rice
Apr 11, 2024
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 10:Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Teddy Knox (18) on special teams during a college football game between the North Texas Mean Green and Southern Methodist Mustangs on November 10, 2023 at Gerald Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX.(Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SMU announced in a statement Thursday that cornerback Teddy Knox has been suspended following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest due to his alleged involvement in a multi-car crash that also involved Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice.
SMU @SMUFB announced that corner Teddy Knox, the other driver involved in #Chiefs Rashee Rice driving incident charged with eight felonies, has been suspended from the football team. Knox a Mississippi State transfer graduated from The Woodlands HS where he was an all-district… pic.twitter.com/r0j2IMmuLI
Both Knox and Rice have been charged with six counts of collision involving bodily injury, one count of aggravated assault and one count of collision involving serious bodily injury.
The first charge carries a punishment of up to five years in prison for each count. The second is a second-degree felony and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The third, a third-degree felony, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Rice told authorities he was the driver of a Lamborghini SUV involved in a multi-car crash in late March. All of the passengers in both the Lamborghini and Corvette—both cars leased by Rice from Classic Lifestyle—fled the scene. None of the other passengers have been charged with crimes.
WFAA reported that authorities said marijuana was found in both vehicles, as well as a Chiefs playbook, a diamond chain and a check worth $16,500.
The 23-year-old Rice, who was a rookie for the Chiefs in the 2023 season, was teammates with Knox at SMU. As of Wednesday night, Rice reportedly planned to turn himself in to authorities.
I’m told #Chiefs WR Rashee Rice is currently planning to turn himself over to authorities in connection with active warrants for his arrest by the Dallas PD, per source.
The specifics of that process are still being finalized at this time, the source said. pic.twitter.com/1qUCDeXmvz
"I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities," he wrote on Instagram earlier in April. "I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday's accident."
Knox, a junior, appeared in 23 games for the Mustangs in the past two seasons.
Eric Watts NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for UConn EDGE
Mar 30, 2024
EAST HARTFORD, CT - OCTOBER 21: UConn Huskies defensive lineman Eric Watts (95) stares down South Florida Bulls quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during the game as the South Florida Bulls take on the UConn Huskies on October 21, 2023, at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'6"
WEIGHT: 274
HAND: 9¾"
ARM: 35¾"
WINGSPAN: 84⅜"
40-YARD DASH: 4.67
3-CONE: 7.59
SHUTTLE: 4.73
VERTICAL: 36.5"
BROAD: 9'9"
POSITIVES
— Good size and excellent arm length. Tested well at the NFL combine with an 8.26 RAS out of 10.
— Has some power and pop at the point of attack to help set the edge against weaker offensive tackles.
— Solid at shedding or getting off blocks when he lands his hands.
— Decent long-arm move with his length and strength.
— Flexible ankles to help bend at the top of the rush.
NEGATIVES
— Not explosive and labors off the ball despite a good 10-yard split time.
— Subpar knee bend, plays high.
— Needs to be more consistent at picking his hands straight up from the ground and into the offensive lineman.
— Stops his feet on contact, hurting his bull rush.
— Low production this past season, especially for a non-Power-Five prospect.
2023 STATISTICS
— 12 G, 34 TOT, 2 SK, 6.5 TFL, 1 PD, 2 FF
NOTES
— 3-star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports
— No major injuries
OVERALL
Eric Watts has the size and frame of an NFL defensive end. He also posted some impressive athletic testing numbers at the combine.
However, that didn't seem to translate on the field. He isn't quick-twitched, and his 1.62-second 10-yard split was surprising because his get-off wasn't very impressive on tape.
A team might be intrigued by Watts' measurables enough to draft him, and he has the potential to contribute as a 5-technique in even fronts. But it's hard to expect him to be much of a factor in the NFL, as he's a fifth-year senior who has underwhelming film and production at a non-Power-Five school.
GRADE: 5.3 (Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential — UDFA)
Michael Pratt NFL Draft 2024: Scouting Report for Tulane QB
Mar 6, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 02: Michael Pratt #7 of the Tulane Green Wave in action against the University of Southern Alabama at Yulman Stadium on September 02, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 217
HAND: 9¼"
ARM: 30¾"
WINGSPAN: 77"
40-YARD DASH: N/A
3-CONE: 7.20
SHUTTLE: 4.23
VERTICAL: 36"
BROAD: 9'6"
POSITIVES
— Good pocket toughness. Willing to stand in collapsing pocket and make throws.
— Functional athlete. Balanced, powerful runner. Can be used in short-yardage situations.
— Above-average touch accuracy. Shows the ability to put air under the ball and layer throws both over the middle and outside.
— Showed the ability to handle pre-snap operation with checks and protection calls.
NEGATIVES
— Below-average arm talent. Lumbering release with middling velocity on the ball.
— Often double-clutches and loses confidence when operating beyond first read.
— Below-average processing speed. Too many instances where he misunderstands coverage shells or loses sight of zone defenders moving post-snap.
Michael Pratt has all the qualities of a solid backup quarterback in the NFL, but he lacks the polish and high-end traits to be a developmental starter.
Pratt's toughness and aggressive mentality are the basis of his game. He is fearless in the pocket. At least a few times per game, Pratt will take a clean hit to ensure he delivers a ball where it needs to go. That toughness and team-first mentality will serve him well.
That mentality extends to Pratt's risk tolerance. He is an aggressive passer. Pratt always looks for angles to throw down the field if the pre-snap look from the defense allows for it.
Pratt is a somewhat functional athlete as well. He isn't quick or fast, but there is a degree of power and balance to Pratt's game that serves him well as a designed runner in short-yardage situations or in the red zone.
From an arm-talent perspective, Pratt is lacking. He has a lumbering release, and the ball does not pop out of his hand with good velocity. Pratt too often lacks the ball speed to make certain throws, especially outside the numbers, and he doesn't have a loose arm that can access different throwing angles.
Pratt's saving grace is his touch accuracy. Though not special in any way, Pratt does show the ability to layer throws over defenders.
At the same time, Pratt lacks the decision-making and vision that his four-year starter status suggests. Pratt too often fails to see defenders in the middle of the field or adjust to any post-snap rotations, be that by the safeties or blitz packages with defenders dropping off the line of scrimmage.
Pratt can be a useful backup in the NFL. His toughness, touch accuracy and moderate athletic ability should help him keep the ship afloat in a pinch. However, Pratt's uneven decision-making and lack of high-end traits limit his upside.
