## Lady Vols Make Their Mark in Thrilling WNBA Showdown

**Former Tennessee Stars Shine in Tight Victory, Harrison Contributes to Liberty Effort**

Los Angeles claimed a hard-fought victory over New York on Saturday night, emerging victorious with a final score of 101-99. The win marked the Sparks' fifth consecutive triumph and showcased the talents of three former Lady Vols basketball players.

**Jackson Clinches Victory in Dramatic Fashion**

Rickea Jackson led the charge for Los Angeles, securing a game-winning field goal as time expired to propel her team to victory.  The second-year professional, drafted fourth overall by the Sparks in 2024, put up an impressive 24 points, along with three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 31 minutes of play. Jackson's shooting prowess was undeniable, converting 9-of-15 field goals, including 4-of-6 three-pointers, and a perfect 2-of-2 from the free throw line.

**Burrell Provides Spark Off the Bench**

Teammate Rae Burrell also contributed significantly to the Sparks' success, scoring 12 points, grabbing two rebounds, dishing out one assist, and securing one steal in 18 minutes of action. The former Lady Vol, drafted ninth overall by Los Angeles in 2022, showcased her shooting skills by converting 4-of-9 field goals, including 2-of-3 three-pointers, and 2-of-5 free throws.

**Harrison Contributes to Liberty Effort**

Meanwhile, Isabelle Harrison provided valuable support for the Liberty, contributing seven points, one rebound, and one steal in 13 minutes of play. The former Lady Vol, drafted twelfth overall by Phoenix in 2015, displayed her scoring ability by converting 2-of-4 field goals and 3-of-4 free throws.


Harrison's time at Tennessee (2011-15) under legendary coaches Pat Summitt and Holly Warlick saw her earn accolades like SEC Tournament MVP in 2014 and First-Team All-SEC recognition.  


## Lady Vols Make Their Mark in Thrilling WNBA Showdown

**Former Tennessee Stars Shine in Tight Victory, Harrison Contributes to Liberty Effort**

Los Angeles 

Rickea Jackson makes game-winning shot for Sparks at New Yor

Rickea Jackson makes game-winning shot for Sparks at New York

## Tigers Roar into Top 5: Auburn Baseball Prepped for College World Series Run

**Auburn made a stunning comeback in 2025, transforming from cellar dwellers to Super Regional hosts. Now, experts predict another stellar season.**

Just one year after a disappointing campaign with only 27 wins, the Auburn Tigers soared to new heights in 2025.  Their remarkable turnaround saw them improve their win total by 14 games and secure their first-ever Super Regional berth. This impressive surge has caught the attention of college baseball experts at Baseball America, who have ranked Auburn No. 5 in their "way-too-early" top 25 for the 2026 season – a significant jump from their No. 10 ranking at the end of 2025.

Experts Jacob Rudner and Peter Flaherty highlight the impact of standout freshmen Chris Rembert, Christian Chatterton, and Eric Guevara, along with transfers Todd Clay and Drew Whalen, predicting they will propel Auburn to the top of both the SEC and national rankings next season.  


### From Bottom to Top: A Year of Transformation

Auburn's rapid climb back into SEC prominence in 2025 saw them more than double their conference win total from the previous year.  While key contributors Samuel Dutton and Ike Irish have departed, leaving behind a void difficult to fill, returning players like Chris Rembert, Chase Fralick, Eric Guevara, Bub Terrell, Christian Chatterton, and Andreas Alvarez form a solid foundation built upon strategic recruiting.

To bolster their pitching staff, Auburn has welcomed additions Drew Whalen (Western Kentucky), Ethan Harden (Belmont), and Jake Marciano (Virginia Tech). Offensively, Ryan Farber (Texas State), Todd Clay (Alabama-Birmingham) and Logan Greggorio (Northern Illinois) promise exciting contributions.


### Rebuilding for 2026: A New Season Dawns

Despite a successful 2025 season, Auburn head coach Butch Thompson faces the challenge of rebuilding his pitching staff and infield following the departure of several players to Major League Baseball organizations.

The loss of Ike Irish, drafted No. 19 overall by the Baltimore Orioles, will be particularly significant.  His versatility in the field and power at the plate made him a vital asset. 

However, Thompson's proven coaching ability and the return of key players like catcher Chase Fralick, outfielders Lucas Steele and Bub Terrell, and infielders Eric Guevara and Chris Rembert provide optimism for another successful season.  Pitchers Christian Chatterton, Jackson Sanders, Andreas Alvarez, Alex Petrovic, and Saxon Roberts are also poised to contribute alongside returning arms Mason Koch, Connor Gatwood, and Trevor Booton.


### SEC Dominance: A Battle for the Top

Baseball America's top five is heavily dominated by SEC teams. Defending College World Series champion LSU sits at No. 2, followed by Texas at No. 3 and Mississippi State at No. 4. UCLA rounds out the top five, aiming to build on their successful 2025 season with a return to the College World Series.  




## Tigers Roar into Top 5: Auburn Baseball Prepped for College World Series Run

**Auburn made a stunning comeback in 2025, transforming from cellar dwellers to

Auburn baseball&#39;s &#39;rock solid foundation&#39; create

Auburn baseball&#39;s &#39;rock solid foundation&#39; creates positive outlook from Baseball America

## Oklahoma Shocker: Analyst Predicts Sooners to Dominate SEC in 2025

**Texas and Georgia Remain Top Contenders, But One Bold Prediction Shakes Up the Forecast**

The consensus among Southeastern Conference experts points to Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs as the top contenders for the 2025 SEC Championship.  In the preseason SEC football media poll following SEC media days in Atlanta, Texas garnered 96 votes to win the conference championship, followed by Georgia with 44 votes. Alabama Crimson Tide secured a distant third with 29 votes.

However, amidst these predictions, one analyst has made a daring claim.  Matt Hayes, a veteran columnist for USA TODAY Sports, boldly predicts that the Oklahoma Sooners will emerge victorious in the SEC in 2025.  

Speaking on "That SEC Podcast," Hayes stated, "I know many people here told me that I'm crazy, but I said I think Oklahoma is going to win the SEC. I think (John) Mateer is going to play really well, and that defense will be as good as any defense in the league. They're going to shock some people this year."

Hayes' prediction seems unlikely considering Oklahoma's performance last season. The Sooners finished with a 6-6 regular season record in their first year in the SEC, despite a memorable upset victory over Alabama in Norman. They ultimately ended up with a 2-6 conference record and lost to Navy in a bowl game. Head coach Brent Venables enters the 2025 season facing pressure.

Oklahoma has brought in Mateer from Washington State via the transfer portal along with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle.  Mateer, entering his junior season, had a stellar year at Washington State, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns to seven interceptions while also rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns on 178 carries (4.6 AVG).

Despite the preseason media poll placing Oklahoma in the middle of the pack, Hayes remains confident:

"I think Mateer is a lot better than people think he is. He's a very good player, number one. Number two, I think he is going to have that type of impact (where) it's not just on the field, it's also in the locker room. I think you're going to see that, I really do. I may be way out there, and you guys in three months may say, 'Remember when you said Oklahoma was going to win the SEC and they finished such and such?' Yeah, I think they're going to win it."

A truly unexpected SEC champion has been scarce in recent years. Gus Malzahn's Auburn team in 2013 is the last team to defy preseason expectations and claim the league title.  The Tigers were predicted to finish 10th but ultimately reached the national championship game, riding Alabama's downfall in that year's Iron Bowl.

Oklahoma will face Alabama on November 15 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a week after Alabama's annual clash with LSU. Only time will tell if Hayes' prediction holds weight or remains another bold offseason forecast. 




## Oklahoma Shocker: Analyst Predicts Sooners to Dominate SEC in 2025

**Texas and Georgia Remain Top Contenders, But One Bold Prediction Shakes Up the Forecast

USA TODAY Sports analyst&#39;s &#39;crazy&#39; prediction fo

USA TODAY Sports analyst&#39;s &#39;crazy&#39; prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title

## 100 MPH Powerhouse Finds New Home in Louisiana

**Texas A&M loses promising pitcher to Ragin' Cajuns.**

College Station, TX - Kyrin LeBlanc, a highly touted right-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball, has transferred from Texas A&M to the University of Louisiana Lafayette. 

LeBlanc, who arrived at Texas A&M last season after transferring from Cisco College, will bring a potent weapon to the Ragin' Cajuns roster. Reports indicate he has reached speeds of 100 mph with his fastball during his career.  "IM HOMEEEEEE🌶️🌶️🌶️ Let’s #geaux#Ragin' Cajuns Baseball," LeBlanc announced on X, confirming his move to Lafayette.

While his raw talent is undeniable, control has been a challenge for the young pitcher. If he can harness his power, LeBlanc's future in baseball appears bright. He will finally get the chance to see action on the mound in 2026 after being held back by Texas A&M's pitching depth chart.

"Pitchers of his caliber are rare," a source close to the program commented. "While plenty of former quarterbacks and high school pitchers can throw in the upper 90s, control is the key to playing in college, and, of course, the MLB."


**Texas A&M's Pitching Landscape Shifts**

LeBlanc's departure signals a significant shift in Texas A&M's pitching rotation for the 2026 season. Returning relievers Weston Moss and Shane Sdao are expected to take on starting roles, likely paired with one of the newly acquired transfer additions.


The transfer portal era has brought about unprecedented player movement, and LeBlanc's decision exemplifies this trend. The Aggies will look to rebuild their pitching staff as they enter the 2026 season.  


## 100 MPH Powerhouse Finds New Home in Louisiana

**Texas A&M loses promising pitcher to Ragin' Cajuns.**

College Station, TX - Kyrin LeBlanc, a highly touted

#College

Rickea Jackson makes game-winning shot for Sparks at New York

Auburn baseball's 'rock solid foundation' creates positive outlook from Baseball America

USA TODAY Sports analyst's 'crazy' prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title

Former Texas A&M RHP will transfer to Louisiana at Lafayette

#College

Rickea Jackson makes game-winning shot for Sparks at New York

Auburn baseball&#39;s &#39;rock solid foundation&#39; creates positive outlook from Baseball America

USA TODAY Sports analyst&#39;s &#39;crazy&#39; prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title

Former Texas A&M RHP will transfer to Louisiana at Lafayette

Auburn baseball's 'rock solid foundation' creates positive outlook from Baseball America

USA TODAY Sports analyst's 'crazy' prediction for which team will win 2025 SEC title