## Auburn Feeling Snubbed: Analyst Calls Out AP Poll 

The Associated Press' annual Preseason Top 25 poll kicked off college football season, placing Texas at the top and solidifying Big Ten powerhouses Penn State and defending national champion Ohio State as serious contenders. But for teams left out of the initial rankings, it can feel like a personal slight. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, former Alabama quarterback, took aim at the AP voters Monday during his podcast "Always College Football with Greg McElroy," specifically calling out Auburn's perceived disrespect.

### The Case for Auburn 

"The other team I feel is really being slept on is Auburn," McElroy stated, pointing to last year's five-interception games against Cal and Arkansas, along with one-score losses against Oklahoma and at Missouri. "It’s just, there’s no way (Auburn) can be as snakebit as they were last year." He acknowledged that teams like Nebraska have experienced similar struggles but believes Auburn's potential this season is far greater.

The Tigers finished 5-7 overall and 2-6 in the SEC last season, missing bowl eligibility for the second time in three years under head coach Hugh Freeze. However, McElroy highlights Auburn's significant offseason improvements, including landing the No. 7 overall transfer class of 2025, according to the On3 | Rivals Industry Team Transfer Portal Rankings. Key additions include quarterback Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma) and receiver Eric Singleton (Georgia Tech).

###  Addressing Last Year's Shortcomings


McElroy emphasizes how Auburn addressed its weaknesses from last season. "They had challenges at quarterback, they were inconsistent at wide receiver, they were inconsistent on the offensive line," he explained.  "The offensive line has been solidified... They bring in a game-breaker in Eric Singleton from Georgia Tech. So that group has immediately gone from a middle-tier group in the SEC to one of the top groups in the SEC at the wide receiver spot."

He acknowledges potential concerns at running back due to depth issues but believes the team's overall improvements outweigh any setbacks. 


### "Way Too Far Down"

McElroy concluded his analysis by stating, “To me is way too far (down). I think Auburn has a chance to be a Top 25 team... Especially with the pieces that’ve improved from last year to this year."  


## Auburn Feeling Snubbed: Analyst Calls Out AP Poll 

The Associated Press' annual Preseason Top 25 poll kicked off college football season, placing Texas at t

Greg McElroy accuses AP voters of disrespecting Auburn in pr

Greg McElroy accuses AP voters of disrespecting Auburn in preseason poll

## Donor Fatigue Meets New NIL Rules: A Test for College Athletics

Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen isn't shy about the challenges facing college sports in the wake of sweeping name, image, and likeness (NIL) reforms. 

"Some people are betting that since it’s happened, there’s no way you go backwards," Dannen said. "This has to hold. This has to work."

He's referring to the new House Settlement, a landmark agreement allowing revenue sharing between schools and athletes. While it signifies a shift from the free-for-all of recent NIL seasons, it doesn't eliminate donor fatigue entirely. 

"The money that was coming in and frontloading and the money that was there for NIL the last two, three years – that was not an endless stream," Dannen explained. "It’s not just here, but it’s across the country." Now, with schools directly paying athletes through revenue sharing, some donors are questioning their own contributions: “Why am I writing a check if you’re paying them?”

The House Settlement allocates up to $20.5 million across sports, primarily earmarked for football. It aims to curb rampant spending by implementing stricter regulations.  Deals exceeding $600 require third-party approval and must be processed through a new clearinghouse called NIL Go. 

A dedicated enforcement arm has also been established to address violations. 

Despite these measures, Dannen remains cautious. "The biggest question is, what are we going to do with high school recruiting? Because the frontloading has moved to high school recruiting," he stated. The settlement's lack of control over pre-enrollment deals allows for potential circumvention, leading to a "a lot of money going pre-enrollment right now as a way to circumvent the gap."

The long-term impact of the House Settlement remains unclear. 

"There’s a lot of us that have made suggestions about what we should do from a regulatory standpoint. We’re waiting," Dannen said. This uncertainty fuels frustration among athletic directors like himself who are urging patience and regulation to ensure fairness in the evolving landscape.


Ultimately, Dannen emphasizes the need for balance: avoiding donor fatigue while securing competitive rosters.  Success on the field is paramount, but only time will tell how these new rules shape the future of college athletics. 


## Donor Fatigue Meets New NIL Rules: A Test for College Athletics

Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen isn't shy about the challenges facing college sports 

Troy Dannen admits there was ‘donor weariness’ at Nebraska o

Troy Dannen admits there was ‘donor weariness’ at Nebraska over paying players

## Can Clemson Star Avieon Terrell Bridge the Gap to NFL Draft Success?

Avieon Terrell has been a key piece of Clemson's defense for two seasons, racking up 77 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and 16 pass deflections in 27 games.  He's projected as a top defensive back prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. But even with his impressive collegiate stats, questions remain about whether Terrell can translate his talent to the professional level.

NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay recently weighed in on Terrell's potential during “The McShay Show.”  "He was sixth on the team with 58 tackles, 12 pass breakups and two interceptions last year," McShay said. "5-foot-11, 180 pounds. I actually think there’s a gap after the top two defensive linemen we just talked about (Peter Woods and T.J. Parker), then there’s Terrell. But then there’s a significant gap with the rest of these (defensive guys in terms of NFL Draft prospects).”

McShay sees Terrell as a "Day Two" prospect, potentially landing in the second round.  

**“Easy Speed” Meets Inconsistency**


Terrell's sophomore season saw him shine, ranking second in the ACC with 12 passes defended and three forced fumbles, earning him Second Team All-ACC honors. McShay acknowledged Terrell's strengths: "I like him a lot but I see the flaws," he said. “Really good in off-coverage I thought. He can explode out of his petal. He really can. Good body control around the ball (for the most part). I really liked him driving on the ball and I think he’s athletically quick and sudden and all of those things. I think he’s got ‘easy speed’ and I preach that a lot.” 

McShay emphasized the importance of "easy speed" for both receivers and cornerbacks, explaining how it allows players to be both fast and controlled when reacting to airborne passes. He believes Terrell possesses this crucial attribute.

However, McShay also pointed out a significant weakness: "I actually think he’s a good form tackler, but the problem is he gets there and wraps up but has got to hold on for the cavalry to come in because he can’t finish them off," he said. “He shows some pop at times but he’s too inconsistent.”


The upcoming season will be crucial for Terrell as Clemson aims for a top-ranked defense.  They face LSU in their opener on August 30th, kicking off at 7:30 PM on ABC. Will Terrell prove his doubters wrong and solidify his place among the elite NFL draft prospects? Only time will tell. 


## Can Clemson Star Avieon Terrell Bridge the Gap to NFL Draft Success?

Avieon Terrell has been a key piece of Clemson's defense for two seasons, racking up 77

Todd McShay breaks down Avieon Terrell as NFL prospect, poin

Todd McShay breaks down Avieon Terrell as NFL prospect, points out flaws

## Sooners Betting Big on Portal Magic

Analyst David Pollack is fully invested in Oklahoma's potential this season, praising the team’s savvy use of the NCAA transfer portal. 

“I’m all in on Oklahoma,” Pollack said. “I like the additions, I like (Ben) Arbuckle, I like you going into the portal. Look, Oklahoma is not Texas. Oklahoma does not have the resources that other schools have but I think they did a good job identifying a few things they had to have.”

**Finding Their Leader**

The Sooners' biggest need was a quarterback after a season of instability at the position. Jackson Arnold initially took the reins but ultimately lost his starting role, eventually regaining it late in the year. However, Arnold has since transferred to Auburn, leaving a void Oklahoma needed to fill quickly. 

Enter John Mateer, who immediately became their top target. The Sooners had several advantages:  Mateer's offensive coordinator at Washington State, Arbuckle, joined Oklahoma's coaching staff, and playing closer to home in Little Elm, Texas, was also appealing.

**Pollack Predicts Offensive Revolution**

Now Pollack believes Mateer will lead a dramatic shift in the Sooners' offense. 

"Can I say this and feel very confident?” Pollack said. “Oklahoma’s offense will be the biggest turnaround in all of college football… If they’re average, they are so much better than they were a year ago, it’s ridiculous. Like, if they’re average.”

While average would represent significant progress, there's even greater ambition in Norman. College football analyst Josh Pate recently ranked Mateer as the No. 2 quarterback in all of college football, only trailing Florida’s DJ Lagway.

**Adding Depth Through the Portal**

Oklahoma also bolstered its roster through the portal by landing running back Jadyn Ott, who chose the Sooners over Georgia.

**Tough Tests Ahead**

The Sooners face their first major test in Week 2 against Michigan before plunging into a challenging SEC schedule. On Sept. 20, Mateer will face his former teammate Arnold and Auburn in a highly anticipated matchup.   


## Sooners Betting Big on Portal Magic

Analyst David Pollack is fully invested in Oklahoma's potential this season, praising the team’s savvy use of the NCAA t

David Pollack expects Oklahoma’s offense to be the biggest t

David Pollack expects Oklahoma’s offense to be the biggest turnaround in college football

## The QB Most Like Tom Brady: It's Not Who You Think

**Brady Names Mahomes as His Closest Modern Counterpart** 

“From afar, I can only tell so much because if I was in there every day, I could see their habits. It’s always that line about who wants to win versus who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Tom Brady said on The Joel Klatt Show. “Everyone wants to win, but what are the habits and the daily habits and the actionable things you need to do every day to put your team in a position to win."

Brady believes Patrick Mahomes embodies this winning mentality more than any current quarterback.  "Patrick Mahomes, to me, is the one that does that the most often because who he is — I mean, obviously his physical talent, how he understands what he needs to do offensively, and he brings a consistent winning attitude to work every single day. In the biggest moments you can depend on him the most.”

**Mahomes: A Worthy Rival, But Can He Catch Brady?** 

While Mahomes mirrors Brady's early success — three Super Bowl wins in eight seasons, matching Brady's own total through his first eight years —  Brady's legacy hinges on his unparalleled longevity. 

“What made Brady’s career so special was his longevity,” a source commented. “Mahomes will have to at least double his Super Bowl wins in the back half of his career and win another MVP award to rival Brady’s legacy.”


**The Next Generation:  Potential, But Still Developing**


Despite Mahomes' similarities to Brady, other young quarterbacks are starting to make waves. However, Brady believes they need more time to prove themselves.

“There’s other guys that are still developing, and they need to prove it before, in my mind, I can say, ‘Oh yeah, he’s done it.’ Well, obviously, he hasn’t done it yet,” Brady said. “They’ve all shown flashes of amazing things. They’re all great players. All of them can make tremendous plays at some point. They need to take the next step and take, in my mind, more ownership of what they’re doing, in terms of the organizational level."

Brady emphasizes that true greatness goes beyond individual talent. "The quarterback, in many ways, is the CEO of the team, certainly on game day. There’s nobody that impacts the game more than the quarterback in NFL football. Now, you have to have the ability and the belief from the entire team, offensively and defensively, that your word means so much." 


## The QB Most Like Tom Brady: It's Not Who You Think

**Brady Names Mahomes as His Closest Modern Counterpart** 

“From afar, I can only tell so much because i

Tom Brady: Patrick Mahomes is the NFL quarterback most like 

Tom Brady: Patrick Mahomes is the NFL quarterback most like him

## Tennessee Receiver Back on Practice Field After Arrest, Injury Rehab

**Court Date Looms for Brazzell Following Driving Violation**

Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell returned to practice Monday just three days after his arrest for driving with a suspended license. 

According to Adam Sparks, Brazzell was also rehabbing an unspecified injury throughout preseason and had hoped to return to the field sometime in August. The timing of his return is unrelated to his recent arrest, Sparks reported.

Brazzell was pulled over by police on August 17th for driving 60 mph in a 35 mph zone near the Tennessee campus. He reportedly handed over his US Passport but claimed he didn't have his driver's license with him.  However, police learned that his license had been suspended due to an incident last summer.

Brazzell failed to appear in court in Blount County on August 15th, 2024, leading to his arrest for the history of failing to appear. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 20th.  

**Vol's Respond with Limited Statement**

"We are aware of the traffic stop involving Chris Brazzell II and have no further comment at this time," a Tennessee spokesperson told Knox News Sunday. The program has not yet announced any internal punishments, if they will occur.

 **Brazzell's Role on the Field**

Brazzell is Tennessee's top returning wide receiver for the upcoming season. He recorded 29 catches, 333 yards and two touchdowns last season, including the game-winning touchdown against Alabama in 2024.  He transferred to Tennessee from Tulane after spending two seasons there (2022 & 2023).

He has 74 catches, 1,055 yards, seven touchdowns and a 14.3 yard per catch average over his three years of college football. 

The 2024 season was Brazzell's first with the Vols. Despite an injury during fall camp, he remains a key player for the upcoming 2025 regular season.




## Tennessee Receiver Back on Practice Field After Arrest, Injury Rehab

**Court Date Looms for Brazzell Following Driving Violation**

Tennessee wide receiver 

Chris Brazzell arrest: Tennessee WR returns to practice afte

Chris Brazzell arrest: Tennessee WR returns to practice after driving violation

## Tigers Roaring: Clemson Aims for National Glory

College football expert Phil Steele is predicting big things for the Clemson Tigers in 2025. "This year QB [Cade] Klubnik and my #2 receiving corps operate behind my #3 Oline," Steele said. "While they lose RB [Phil] Mafah, they have a fine stable of backs and this is one of the most potent offenses in the country!"

**Offensive Firepower Returning**

Clemson's offensive unit is loaded with returning talent.  Eight starters are back, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik. In 2024, Klubnik threw for an impressive 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, ranking third in the country. He only threw six interceptions. This season, he'll be targeting top receivers Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and TJ Moore.

**Defensive Reinforcements and a New Leader**

Steele also highlights Clemson's defensive potential: "This year the defensive line is much more experienced and deeper and they have my #8 rated LB corps," he wrote. "New DC Tom Allen will have them allowing less big plays, and this will be more of the type of defense you expect to see on the field for Clemson.”

The Tigers' defense boasts eight returning starters.  Headlining the changes is new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who replaces Wes Goodwin. Allen brings experience from Penn State, where his defense ranked seventh in the nation, allowing just 294.8 yards per game.


**Championship Aspirations?**

"Clemson used the portal a little this year to basically go from 0 to 4 returning starters on the DLine,” Steele wrote. “They will have an improved D with DC Tom Allen and the offense is one of the nation’s best.  Clemson opens with LSU and has road games at [Georgia] Tech, Louisville and South Carolina but could be favored in all 12 games. With little turnover they have a cohesive roster… more of a team atmosphere than most and are a legitimate National Title contender.”   


## Tigers Roaring: Clemson Aims for National Glory

College football expert Phil Steele is predicting big things for the Clemson Tigers in 2025. "This year QB [

Clemson Tigers Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

## Colorado's QB Battle: A Reigning Throne for Primetime 

**Sanders confident in both contenders but keeps ultimate decision close.**

The Buffaloes have a quarterback controversy brewing, and it's one Coach Deion Sanders is savoring. While the competition between Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis rages on, the fiery coach is taking a long-view approach to the battle for QB1.  

**No Rush to Crown a King**

"I see us winning," Sanders stated emphatically Saturday. "I’m not looking that far down the line." He emphasized the focus on individual growth and team success over crowning an immediate starter. 

"I'm looking to have great practices by these two young men, and the cream of the crop is gonna rise," he explained.  “So it’s not an urgency that we got to name this and name that. Both these guys can play."

While Sanders didn't explicitly rule out both quarterbacks seeing playing time, his focus on finding "the best position" suggests a singular starter will emerge. He also highlighted the valuable contributions of veteran Ryan Staub, who brings experience and stability to the room. 

**High Praise for Two Rising Stars**

Sanders isn't alone in his confidence. Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur echoed the sentiment, asserting that both Salter and Lewis "could be our very best players." This bold statement reflects the high expectations Colorado has for its quarterback position moving forward.

"We as coaches owe it to our fans, our team and everybody out there to play the very best players," Shurmur stated Friday.  “In reality, in terms of the quarterback, both guys could be our very best players." 


The final decision will ultimately rest with Coach Prime, who is carefully evaluating both quarterbacks behind closed doors. The competition continues, promising a captivating storyline as Colorado prepares for the upcoming season.   


## Colorado's QB Battle: A Reigning Throne for Primetime 

**Sanders confident in both contenders but keeps ultimate decision close.**

The Buffaloes have a qua

Deion Sanders addresses timeline to decide Colorado starting

Deion Sanders addresses timeline to decide Colorado starting quarterback: ‘It’s not an urgency’

## College Football on Trial: Miami to Fight Wisconsin Lawsuit

**A landmark legal battle is brewing in college football as the University of Miami prepares to fight back against a lawsuit filed by the University of Wisconsin.** The suit, alleging tortious interference and financial damages, centers around the transfer of standout cornerback Xavier Lucas from Wisconsin to Miami.  

**Wisconsin Claims Interference with Revenue Sharing**

The lawsuit, filed in June in a Wisconsin state circuit court, claims that Miami interfered with a binding revenue-sharing deal involving Wisconsin and Lucas. According to the complaint, Miami communicated directly with Lucas and “knowingly induced” him to leave Wisconsin without entering the NCAA’s transfer portal.  

Miami is expected to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit by Friday, sources say. The University of Miami declined to comment on the matter. 

**Lucas: Caught in the Crossfire?**

While not named directly in the complaint, Lucas is identified as “Student Athlete A.” His attorney, Darren Heitner, previously alleged that Wisconsin violated NCAA rules by failing to put Lucas into the transfer portal after multiple requests.  

“We are displeased that Wisconsin is suing Miami, and I have heard from other athletes who are concerned about the approach Wisconsin is taking,” said Heitner in a statement. “Athletes like Xavier are watching this and are understandably worried that a school could potentially take the extra step and sue a student when the school was in the wrong for violating NCAA rules.”

He added, "The only issue here is that Wisconsin failed to place Xavier’s name into the transfer portal, as required, leaving Xavier with scrambling to find a solution, which was ultimately to unenroll when he felt trapped."

Lucas, a standout freshman cornerback for the Badgers in 2024, posted 18 tackles and an interception in seven games. He withdrew from classes at Wisconsin and enrolled at Miami in January, bypassing the NCAA’s transfer portal.  

**Big Ten Stands With Wisconsin**

In a further twist, the Big Ten publicly voiced its support for Wisconsin's lawsuit in June, stating that "The University of Miami’s actions are irreconcilable with a sustainable college sports framework and is supportive of UW-Madison’s efforts to preserve.”


**Transfer Portal Under Fire** 

This legal battle highlights the growing tension surrounding the NCAA transfer portal. Coaches have criticized the ease with which athletes can "hit free agency," while players increasingly leverage schools against each other for lucrative NIL deals.   


## College Football on Trial: Miami to Fight Wisconsin Lawsuit

**A landmark legal battle is brewing in college football as the University of Miami prepares to 

Miami expected to file motion to dismiss against Wisconsin i

Miami expected to file motion to dismiss against Wisconsin in Xavier Lucas lawsuit

## College Football RedZone: Could It Be Coming Soon?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted at the possibility of a dedicated College Football RedZone channel during an appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter. 

**Goodell Addresses Future of NFL RedZone**

"It’ll continue to be produced right here in this building," said Goodell from the NFL Network broadcast studio in L.A., when asked about the future of NFL RedZone. "It will be the NFL RedZone. I don’t think fans will see any difference to that."

**ESPN's Acquisition Opens Doors for New Possibilities**

However, with ESPN recently acquiring the rights to the RedZone name, Goodell acknowledged the potential for its use in other sports. 

"Obviously, in the context of that, though, ESPN purchased the RedZone name, and they will be able to utilize that for other sports, college football and other things, and I think that could be an exciting thing for our fans also to see a RedZone, maybe in college football or other sports. That’s something that they now own and have the ability to do that," Goodell explained.

**A College Football Fan's Dream?**

The prospect of a College Football RedZone channel has generated significant excitement among fans. With more college football teams than the NFL, such a channel could provide continuous coverage from 12 p.m. ET to 12 a.m. ET, featuring multiple hosts and keeping viewers updated on all the action across the country.

**NFL Network Sold to ESPN in Major Deal**

On Tuesday evening, the NFL announced a landmark deal with ESPN, selling the network and other media assets, including NFL RedZone and NFL Fantasy, in exchange for 10 percent equity in ESPN.  Despite the sale, Goodell emphasized that the NFL will continue to own, operate and produce NFL RedZone.


“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” said Goodell in a statement. “Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.” 


## College Football RedZone: Could It Be Coming Soon?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted at the possibility of a dedicated College Football RedZone channel 

#On3