Sports
Stars align as SEC dominates Signing Day again
Jul 12, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian flashes the hook em sign as he is interviewed during Big 12 football media day at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images College football recruiting typically favors the Southeastern Conference, but National Signing Day on Wednesday turned into pure domination.
Texas, Georgia and Alabama claimed the top three spots in the Class of 2025 rankings according to most recognized services with a total of eight SEC teams in the top 11 at 247Sports.
Spearheaded by one of its newest members, the conference’s stranglehold on the recruiting trail was evident in the stars.
Here are some of the highlights of the early signing period classes around the SEC:
Texas
As of Wednesday afternoon, it was the Longhorns crowned with the nation’s top incoming class.
Unsurprisingly, coach Steve Sarkisian dove into the state’s hotbed of talent in the midst of what appears to be a second consecutive CFP appearance.
On3 credited Texas’ signing of No. 1 athlete Michael Terry III (Alamo High School in San Antonio) for pushing the Longhorns to the top of the ’25 rankings.
“I decided a couple of days ago. Me and my family, we were debating Nebraska and Texas,” Terry said at his announcement ceremony. “We were debating pros and cons. I just want to go somewhere where I can show my best side.”
Texas also signed the eighth-ranked overall player in the Class of 2025 in the 247Sports composite, Jonah Williams, a Galveston native ranked the No. 1 safety in the class.
Georgia
Not far behind the Longhorns in the 247Sports composite rankings is the Longhorns’ opponent in this week’s SEC Championship Game. Georgia is also taking advantage of the wealth of high school talent in its state. Pledging their commitments to stay home were a pair of five-star recruits: defensive lineman Elijah Griffin from Savannah, Ga., and linebacker Zayden Walker, a native of Ellaville.
Smart had one big defection in Lee County running back Ousmane Kromah, a four-star recruit who flipped to Florida State on Thursday. Georgia was left with only one signing at the position.
Alabama
With his first regular season in the books in Tuscaloosa, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has the Crimson Tide’s ‘25 class ranked third in the nation.
DeBoer’s incoming group is highlighted by the No. 2 overall player in the country, five-star quarterback Keelon Russell, of Duncanville, Texas. Current Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has the option to return for a fifth year in 2025, but if he decides to enter the NFL draft, Russell looks to be the next name to know under center for the Tide.
DeBoer said Wednesday that not letting Russell land elsewhere helped his first recruiting class stay together.
“There’s a swagger about him, a confidence about him,” DeBoer said.
Auburn
Head coach Hugh Freeze argued Wednesday that he “won the state” with nine of the 11 top-ranked recruits in Alabama ticketed for Auburn.
When the 2025 season rolls around, it will have been five years since the Auburn Tigers have produced a winning record and seven years since they won a bowl game.
Off the field, the Auburn haul was hailed as a certain victory. Then again, the 2024 class was ranked No. 10.
Ranked sixth overall this year, the Tigers found talent all across the roster. The headliner is the No. 2-ranked edge in the country, Jared Smith of Alabaster (Ala.).
Texas A&M
If the Aggies have found their quarterback of the future in sophomore Marcel Reed, their top incoming recruits will go a long way in Reed’s success.
The No. 6-ranked offensive lineman nationally, Lamont Rogers will arrive in College Station, not Missouri as originally planned, with one goal: Keeping his quarterback upright. Head coach Mike Elko also found a five-star wide receiver to catch the ball from Reed.
That receiver, Jerome Myles, was committed to Southern Cal but said A&M was an easy flip for him because of the Aggies’ persistence in staying connected with him throughout the process.
“I think this class is going to lay a phenomenal foundation for where we want Texas A&M football to go,” Elko said.
While the Aggies reeled in Myles, they weren’t able to secure five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet. The Californian instead signed with Southern Cal.
LSU
It was a wacky Wednesday in Baton Rouge.
Head coach Brian Kelly let off some steam in the wake of the Tigers losing No. 1 ranked overall recruit and top quarterback Bryce Underwood. The Michigan native flipped to the Wolverines last week with a reported $10 million NIL agreement.
An important consolation for LSU, head coach Brian Kelly gained a commitment from the class’ No. 1 running back in Harlem Berry and third-ranked overall cornerback DJ Pickett, enough for most programs to rejoice.
Kelly said many coveted high school players aren’t seeking the best fit but the biggest paycheck to commit.
“It’s not just about finding the right fit, it’s about the most money I can get,” Kelly said. “That’s unfortunate, but it’s the world we live in. You realign and readjust.”
Florida
Since the Gators made public their commitment to bring back head coach Billy Napier, he’s had one heck of a month.
Florida won three consecutive games, locked in the No. 11 recruiting class and found playmakers at almost every position of need.
That includes Vernell Brown III, the nation’s sixth-ranked wide receiver, and former FSU commit Tramell Jones Jr., a four-star QB out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville.
Tennessee
Despite verbally committing to the Volunteers in August, No. 1 OT David Sanders didn’t sign on Wednesday’s signing day. However, the No. 10 class did nab the No. 13 defensive lineman, Mariyon Dye, and the 10th-ranked quarterback in the class.
Brentwood Academy four-star quarterback George MacIntyre not only signed, he’s ready to enroll and be part of Tennessee’s pre-playoff postseason practices.
Ole Miss
The Rebels boasted the No. 14 class in the country and stayed in-state for its top guy, five-star wide receiver Caleb Cunningham.
Cunningham was the top-ranked player in Mississippi and he’ll team with another coveted wideout, four-star Winston Watkins Jr.
Oklahoma
For what the Sooners’ incoming class lacks in size (18 total commits), it makes up for in potential. Oklahoma’s top newcomer, five-star offensive lineman Michael Fasusi, is the program’s 10th-highest all-time recruit.
Fasusi did make OU sweat.
He took a Thanksgiving week trip to Texas and on Nov. 30 was at Texas A&M before sticking with his commitment to the Sooners in a sea of 30-plus offers.
“Belief and trust is who I am as a person,” Fasusi said of his pick Wednesday. “From the beginning until the end of this process, Oklahoma has been there for me and my family. I want to stick with that type of program.”
The younger brother of Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is coming to campus, too. Maliek Hawkins, a consensus top-50 cornerback in the class, also signed with the Sooners.
Missouri
As the Tigers graduate a top-four all-time passing leader in Missouri history, Brady Cook, the program hopes its top recruit can follow in his footsteps, as No. 7 ranked quarterback Matt Zollers contends for a starting role in Columbia.
Four-star defensive end Javion Hilson — ranked No. 42 overall by the 247Sports composite — and running back Marquise Davis, who flipped from Kentucky to the Tigers on Wednesday, helped boost Missouri into the top 25 overall for the fourth time in five years.
South Carolina
As the Gamecocks deal with the disappointment of likely missing out on their closest-ever CFP bid, the program will welcome in the No. 20 recruiting class. Rock Hill, SC., native Malik Clark is the class star, a four-star wide receiver.
The Gamecocks were successful in a bid to reconnect with 2022 commitment Zavion Hardy. A massive defensive lineman (6-foot-6, 280 pounds), he was the top-ranked junior college recruit via East Mississippi Community College.
Kentucky
Owners of the No. 29-rated class, Kentucky cashed in on a pair of homegrown talents, picking up commitments from safety Martels Carter Jr. and edge rusher Javeon Campbell, the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the state, respectively, in the 247Sports composite.
Mississippi State
Head coach Jeff Lebby’s top two in-state targets committed on Wednesday, in Tyshun Willis, an edge rusher from Camden, and KaMario Taylor, a quarterback from Macon. Both are four-star gets for the Bulldogs.
Arkansas
In their 28th-ranked ‘25 class, the Razorbacks signed four-star linebacker Tavion Wallace of Appling County High in Baxley, Ga. He’s the No. 13 linebacker and No. 124 player in the 247Sports composite. Arkansas’ haul also includes Hutchinson Community College offensive lineman Bubba Craig (6-8, 320), a three-star ranked No. 30 in the 247Sports’ junior college rankings.
Vanderbilt
Rounding out the SEC is Vanderbilt, slated as the No. 71 class. The upstart Commodores top get was four-star safety Carson Lawrence of Chattanooga, Tenn.Car
–Field Level Media
Sports
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images LAS VEGAS — Entering her eighth season in the WNBA, Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson is poised to build on what was arguably the most dominant individual campaign in league history.
Wilson joined Cynthia Cooper (1997) as the second player in league history to win a unanimous MVP award and joined an exclusive club as the fourth player to win the award three times. She averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game last season and set the all-time single-season mark for points (1,021) and rebounds (451).
Unfortunately for Las Vegas, injuries and fatigue from their two previous championship runs mounted and resulted in the team’s worst regular-season record (27-13) since 2019. The Aces’ three-peat hopes ended with a 76-62 home loss to the New York Liberty to drop their semifinal series 3-1.
It’s that loss on her home floor that served as Wilson’s motivation this offseason.
“Losing sucks, especially on your home court,” Wilson said “It still kind of burns a little bit, but I’ve used that as fuel to help my teammates understand how hard it is to win in this league. Yes, we can celebrate the two championships. They were great. But for us to move forward, we have to understand how hard this league is and value the basketball and the little things. I think that’s what we lacked last season, so we’re going to make sure that we can show up better than we did.”
While the Aces appeared to be on top of the world heading into their potential three-peat campaign in 2024, the reality inside the locker room was that both the internal and external pressure to win another championship had become suffocating. A common theme across media day was the fact that the team feels less pressure entering the 2025 season, a sentiment Wilson shared as the unquestioned leader of the team.
“(Three-peat talks) obviously impacted us, because it’s like, y’all think we don’t want to win? We’re trying as well,” Wilson said.
“I would definitely say it’s refreshing this year. I feel like this is one of my only years where it feels like there’s no weight. There’s a lot of weight to be defending champs. It’s a lot of weight to be trying to win one. We don’t have that. We actually have a clean slate to really dial into getting back to who we are culturally, like, in our system and everything.”
Leading the Aces back to the top of the mountain for a third time in four years is one of a few historically significant achievements Wilson can collect this upcoming season. Wilson could also become the first four-time MVP in league history, though the meaning of that is something she hasn’t quite allowed herself to ponder yet.
“I haven’t given it much thought, but it would be a blessing to have my name in that conversation,” Wilson said. “Every year, I try to be better than I was the year before just to give myself a chance in this league. Because the league is getting better. We’re growing. At this point, you just want to maintain your stamina. You want to maintain your mental, all of that, because the season gets hard. I can’t think too much about that just yet, but I’m definitely going to try to be better than I was last year.”
As Aces coach Becky Hammon put it, fans can expect to see an even better version of Wilson this season.
“What I see is, she went and got better,” Hammon said. “Which is hard to do when you’re already the best, but it speaks to her work ethic, her desire and her mindset this whole offseason. We talked a lot this offseason. She’s a busy lady, but I can tell you what she always does is her workouts. She’s always getting her workouts in. That comes first and foremost, she never gets her priorities jumbled up.”
When Hammon was asked what a player like Wilson would possibly need to improve after last season’s campaign, the coach did not feel like revealing too much.
“There was (something for Wilson to improve), and she did,” Hammon said. “I’m not going to tell you what it was. Actually, there were two things.”
–Will Despart, Field Level Media
Sports
Jacob Wilson joins Aaron Judge in spotlight for Yankees-A's series
May 5, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) throws to first for an out against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images The top two hitters in the majors square off Friday night when the New York Yankees face the Athletics in the opener of a three-game series in Sacramento, Calif.
It’s no surprise to see Yankees star Aaron Judge off to a superb start after winning American League MVP honors last season. He has a major league-best .400 batting average and entered Thursday’s play tied for the big-league lead with 12 homers and 34 RBIs.
But who had Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson ranking second in the majors at .357 as the season nears the quarter pole? Wilson has played in just 64 career games and quickly has solidified himself as a future All-Star, perhaps even this season.
Sharing the marquee board with Judge seems quite surreal for the 23-year-old shortstop who was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2023 draft.
“It’s a great feeling, for sure,” Wilson said of his name being mentioned with Judge. “Obviously, everybody has seen what he is doing. It’s pretty incredible watching him do his thing on a daily basis. To be up there with him is pretty cool for me.
“I’m excited to play against him this week and see what it looks like in person.”
Wilson had his first career four-hit game during Wednesday’s 6-5 home loss against the Seattle Mariners and has six multi-hit outings in the past eight games. He went 8-for-14 with one game-winning hit in the three-game series against the Mariners and is 16-for-34 (.471) with four walks during the eight-game stretch.
The hot hitting led to Athletics manager Mark Kotsay moving Wilson to the leadoff spot on Wednesday. Kotsay indicated Wilson may be sticking at the top of the lineup.
“I think you’ll see Jacob up there now,” Kotsay said. “Jacob’s earned it. … Jacob has shown enough over the last week. He’s walking and taking pitches, and, obviously, swinging the bat really well.”
Judge arrives in Sacramento in the midst of a four-game funk in which he is 2-for-15.
The two-time MVP just went 1-for-10 in a three-game home series against the San Diego Padres, but the one hit was a homer.
Judge grew up 50 miles south of Sacramento in Linden and starred for Linden High but wasn’t highly sought by major league teams. The then-Oakland Athletics selected him in the 31st round in 2010.
Judge instead went the college route and starred for Fresno State. He was chosen in the first round (32nd overall) by the Yankees in the 2013 draft.
Trent Grisham was one of the heroes of Wednesday’s 4-3, 10-inning win over the Padres. He hit a tying two-run pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning.
Grisham had two homers and five RBIs in the series against the Padres — one of his former teams — and already has 10 long balls in just 89 at-bats. He hit just nine last season in 179 at-bats.
“I’m having fun with the guys, I would say that more than anything,” Grisham said. “The clubhouse is really good in here, led by Cap (Judge). So, I would say the guys have been the most enjoyable part.”
New York is starting right-hander Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA) in Friday’s series opener. Right-hander Osvaldo Bido (2-2, 4.71) will be on the mound for the Athletics.
Warren, 25, struck out a career-high eight in 4 2/3 innings while losing to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. He gave up five runs (three earned) and seven hits. Warren hasn’t previously faced the Athletics.
Bido, 29, received a no-decision against the Miami Marlins last Saturday when he gave up four runs on three hits over five innings. He is winless (0-1) over his last three starts. Bido hasn’t faced the Yankees.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao coming out of retirement
Aug 21, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada; Manny Pacquiao (right) fights Yordenis Ugas in a world welterweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao plans to end his retirement and return to the ring on July 19 against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, ESPN reported Thursday.
Pacquiao, 46, will be fighting for the first time since losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
The fight will be for Barrios’ WBC welterweight championship belt. Barrios turns 30 on May 18.
Pacquiao is an eight-division champion who is slated to be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in June. He reportedly will formally announce his return to boxing next week. The report stated that Pacquiao has been cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
In recent years, Pacquiao has been focusing on his political career in the Philippines.
The boxer nicknamed “PacMan” has a 62-8-2 record with 39 knockouts during his career. He won his first major title — the WBC flyweight crown — at age 19 in 1998.
Pacquiao was 54-3-2 prior to turning 33 and 8-5 afterward. One of those losses was to Floyd Mayweather Jr. via unanimous decision in 2015, a bout that reportedly drew nearly $400 million in pay-per-view sales.
Barrios (29-2-1, 18 knockouts) fought to a 12-round, split-decision draw against Abel Ramos last November. This will be his third defense since winning the title by beating Ugas in 2023.
–Field Level Media
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
Best Mothers Day gifts: Show mom some love
