Coaches’ Self‑Interest Shapes College Football Playoff Debate, Says Texas A&M’s Mike Elko
Mike Elko contends that coaches, conferences and networks push playoff formats that serve their own ambitions, making unified leadership unlikely.
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Mike Elko contends that coaches, conferences and networks push playoff formats that serve their own ambitions, making unified leadership unlikely.

The No. 25 USC baseball team begins NCAA Regional play on Friday, May 29, against Texas State in College Station, Texas, as the No. 2 seed in a regional hosted by Texas A&M. The team boasts a historic 43‑15 season, a perfect 32‑1 home record, and multiple national rankings in pitching and fielding.

Patrick Mahomes returned to the Chiefs' opening OTA, wearing a brace on his left knee, and expressed his intent to be ready for the Week 1 matchup against the Broncos.

Tickets for the NCAA Baseball Lincoln Regional at Haymarket Park vanished within ten minutes, as season‑ticket donors and the general public rushed to secure seats for the upcoming showdown against South Dakota State.

Redshirt freshman Julian Lewis is slated to start for Colorado in 2026, but his development will be tested against a group of promising quarterbacks and a new challenger.
Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart highlights the danger of allocating excessive resources to football, warning that it could jeopardize other athletic programs as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2026 season.
The Southeastern Conference is exploring a split from the NCAA to run its own rules, playoffs and enforcement, leveraging its financial clout and media dominance.
The Southeastern Conference is exploring the creation of its own rules, calendar and collective bargaining agreement amid growing frustration with the NCAA’s enforcement record.

Pat McAfee’s recent commentary spotlights a group of Raiders players he dubs "football robots from heaven," emphasizing their high‑end traits and the strategic vision of coach Klint Kubiak.

During the 2024 Olympics, Steve Kerr evaluated a proposal from Paris Basketball before re‑signing with the Warriors, highlighting a moment where global basketball ambitions intersected with domestic loyalty.

CJ Carr, a quarterback from Notre Dame, is generating significant hype as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. ESPN's Jordan Reid praises Carr's throwing motion, athleticism, and ability to buy time, suggesting he could rise in the draft if he performs well in the 2026 season. Despite some concerns about his tendency to force plays, Reid remains optimistic about Carr's prospects, even projecting him to the Browns in a recent mock draft.

Michigan’s latest recruiting win brings a highly ranked Chicago wide receiver whose route‑running and work ethic are drawing comparisons to established collegiate stars.

Michigan’s latest commit, 6‑foot‑3 wide receiver Quentin Burrell, brings top‑tier rankings, record‑setting high school stats and a skill set that aligns with the program’s offensive vision.

The PWHL becomes the first women’s pro hockey league to disclose player salaries, revealing a $126,000 top earner and a $37,000 baseline as the league eyes expansion and a new CBA.

Taylor Twellman discusses the U.S. team's tactical focus, historical setbacks, and the realistic target of reaching the quarterfinals as hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

The upcoming 2026 Football Kickoff and Media Days will bring Conference USA teams, including FIU, to Arlington, Texas, with a live ESPN+ show and press conferences featuring head coach Willie Simmons, quarterback JJ Kohl and defensive back Shamir Sterlin.

After a 9‑4 campaign and a New Orleans Bowl victory, Western Kentucky University will showcase its key leaders at the 2026 Conference USA Media Days in Texas, where the team will also outline its schedule and ambitions for the new season.

A 1969 broadcast gamble reshaped NFL television, birthing Monday Night Football and spawning a legacy of iconic commentators and cultural moments.

Alabama's backup quarterback Austin Mack has been highlighted by ESPN analyst Jordan Reid as a draft‑eligible prospect to watch for the 2027 NFL Draft, positioning him for a breakout season.

Left‑handed pitcher Gage Jump has been promoted from the Athletics’ Triple‑A affiliate to the majors, bringing a strong strike‑out record and a top‑40 prospect ranking with him.

ESPN's latest FBS quarterback rankings placed Georgia's Gunner Stockton in a tier labeled the 'Sean Clifford Zone', but his clutch statistics and game performances tell a different story.

With the season opener looming, Iowa's coaching staff is keeping a tight lid on who will start at quarterback, even as ESPN places Jeremy Hecklinski in a low national tier.

The Hawkeyes are preparing for the 2026 campaign, focusing on a quarterback competition that remains unresolved while a potent defense looks ready to anchor the team.

ESPN recalibrates its playoff projections following the firing of Brent Pry and the hiring of James Franklin, highlighting Virginia Tech’s potential to break into the new 12‑team College Football Playoff.