Cyclones on the Rise: From NIL Turmoil to NBA Draft Prospects
Iowa State's basketball program has transformed from a modest outfit into an NBA talent factory, driven by savvy coaching, community-backed NIL deals and a pipeline of future draftees.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lexington across Basketball, Football, Soccer.
Iowa State's basketball program has transformed from a modest outfit into an NBA talent factory, driven by savvy coaching, community-backed NIL deals and a pipeline of future draftees.

The Wildcats enter the preseason Top 10, bolstered by veteran talent and a strong recruiting class, aiming for a tournament run.
Amare Mitchell, a 6‑foot‑3, 220‑pound linebacker from Canton McKinley High School, announced his commitment to Ball State University, joining a defensive cohort that includes safety Demond Green, cornerback Jaiden Daniels and cornerback Sebastian Moore.

Emma Johnson, a rising star for Indy Eleven W and the U‑20 Women's National Team, is chasing a place at the 2026 U‑20 World Cup in Poland while juggling academics and club commitments.

The new role blends Perkins’ championship pedigree with a commitment to student development and player branding at Jackson State.

First‑year head coach Will Stein is introducing new walkout songs, a third‑down siren and a broader entertainment zone around Kroger Field, aiming to honor the program’s past while creating a modern fan experience.

A talented two‑way athlete faces a decisive choice between baseball and football, with coaches and the league’s draft reforms watching closely.

The show blended Kentucky basketball player interviews, recruiting updates, and global soccer talk while engaging the live audience.

Tanner Mans, a former state champion and VMI alumnus, has been appointed head coach of the Wellington girls' basketball team, succeeding Eric Adams and planning to blend youth development with the program's championship tradition.

Kentucky’s football program is rewriting its recruiting playbook, swapping outdated fax machines for digital connections and a culture-driven approach that’s already delivering top talent.

In his first interview since arriving at the University of Kentucky, J Batt outlined his commitment to maintaining the Wildcats’ basketball pedigree, pledging support for the men’s team and highlighting the program’s championship aspirations.

After opting to stay another year, the talented forward aims to blend personal growth with team success, a move welcomed by coach Mikhail McLean.

New head coach Will Stein announces plans for unique walkout music, the revival of the coal whistle, and a partnership to create an entertainment district outside Kroger Field, signaling a bold shift for Kentucky football.

The Wildcats are using an eight‑week summer schedule to blend new talent with returning standouts, living together in the Wildcat Coal Lodge to accelerate cohesion.

J. Batt, the newly appointed athletics director at the University of Kentucky, says the Wildcats’ basketball and football programs must both thrive to sustain the department’s financial health. After a first‑day sit‑down with coaches Will Stein and Mark Pope, Batt emphasizes revenue, fan passion, and a return to the basketball gold standard.

Four-star linebacker Jalaythan “J.J.” Mayfield has trimmed his college list to Indiana, Georgia and Miami, with Indiana emerging as the favorite. Kentucky, after losing momentum, secured linebacker Drew Williams and is predicted to land wide receiver Tyler Fryman, who is set to visit Lexington this weekend.

Kentucky Wildcats coach Mark Pope leads practice at The Lodge as the team eyes its ninth NCAA title, navigating a transition after a tough second season.

The Tigers enter the 2026 campaign with high hopes, led by head coach Lane Kiffin and quarterback Sam Leavitt, while facing a Kentucky team reshaped by Will Stein's arrival.

The University of Kentucky football program has delayed its upcoming official visits following the death of 20‑year‑old defensive lineman Nic 'Happy' Smith, with head coach Will Stein emphasizing team well‑being.

The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have released the television time windows for all SEC-controlled football matchups in the 2026 season, giving Florida Gators supporters a clear view of upcoming games, including the high‑profile rivalry at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Despite being the lone mid‑major team, Troy’s dynamic lineup and standout arms have already toppled Miami and Florida, setting the stage for a compelling tournament run.

Georgia and Texas headline the conference’s outlook, while Florida, Missouri and a handful of rebuilding teams promise intrigue across the SEC.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup is driving a noticeable rise in youth soccer participation across Lexington, Kentucky, with clubs, schools and community events preparing for the global tournament’s impact.
With high expectations surrounding head coach Kenny Brooks and a schedule packed with marquee matchups, the Wildcats aim to extend their recent dominance and chase a breakthrough.