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Ohio State Sports Information Director Jerry Emig to retire next year

Ohio State Sports Information Director Jerry Emig to retire next year

USA Today5 days ago

Ohio State Sports Information Director Jerry Emig to retire next year
If you've been around Ohio State athletics, and most especially the football program, you've likely seen or heard from longtime Sports Information Director Jerry Emig. This year will be the last year in which media and others coming into the program will hear from Emig because he is retiring, according to an announcement from the University.
Now 64, Emig has been the SID for the OSU football program since 2011. Considering that time arc in combination with a similar role in 1988 and '99, Emig has been a part of the program for 23 years. Speaking to the Columbus Dispatch, the longtime face of the OSU program behind the scenes says it's time he retires after the 2025 season.
'When you get into your 60s, you realize, or at least I did, that life is short,' Emig told The Dispatch. 'There are things I want to do. Nothing crazy, but there are things I want to do. I feel great, and I'm thrilled about the 33-year career I had in sports information.'
Emig will continue his duties through February of 2026. It's not an easy job handling one of the largest media throngs in the country, but he's done it with grace, persistence, and professionalism. So much so that the Ohio State received recognition from the Football Writers Association of America for the work done by the SID in 2017.
"As the leader of our communications team, Jerry has been a consistent and passionate advocate for our student-athletes, ensuring their stories are shared with authenticity and pride," said OSU AD Ross Bjork. "His dedication to preserving and promoting the history of Buckeye athletics is truly commendable."
My own dealings with Emig haven't been as frequent as others on site routinely on "the beat," but every time I have crossed paths or corresponded with him, he's been nothing but great and we wish him nothing but the best.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

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Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions
Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions

Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Big Ten has won back-to-back national championships with Michigan in 2023 and Ohio State in '24. Another title to this conference wouldn't be a surprise in '25, especially with Penn State loaded with its best team potentially under coach James Franklin, and the Buckeyes not lacking for talent despite a significant turnover in personnel. The Wolverines should rebound in coach Sherrone Moore's second season, while Oregon is poised for a quick reload thanks to coach Dan Lanning's ability to stockpile talent. Advertisement Matching last year's success will be a challenge for Indiana, but coach Curt Cignetti's team should remain a factor in the playoff mix. Illinois returns one of the most-experienced squads in the nation and a run at the program's first playoff trip is within reach. The Big Ten has plenty of depth in the middle of the league, with USC, Iowa, Nebraska, and Washington all providing intrigue. How does Athlon Sports project Big Ten for 2025? Steven Lassan predicts and ranks all 18 teams in Big Ten for this fall: ORDER NOW: Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Guide Big Ten Football 2025 Predictions Penn State quarterback Drew Allar© Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images Big Ten Championship: Penn State over Ohio State 1. Penn State Could Penn State be the third consecutive Big Ten team to win the national championship? It's certainly not now or never for coach James Franklin's squad, but after keeping key players away from the NFL Draft and addressing a few of the team's weaknesses through the transfer portal, all of the pieces are in place for the Nittany Lions to win the Big Ten and play for the title in January. Advertisement Penn State led the Big Ten in yards per play (conference-only snaps), but coordinator Andy Kotelnicki must to get this group to another level in '25 to win the conference title. Quarterback Drew Allar was solid (3,327 yards and 24 TDs), but if the senior can take another step forward and improve across the board in his overall play, this offense will be even more prolific. A revamped receiving corps featuring three transfers - Trebor Pena (Syracuse), Devonte Ross (Troy), and Kyron Hudson (USC) - gives Allar a much-needed set of playmakers on the outside. Tight end Tyler Warren will be missed, but sophomore Luke Reynolds is a rising star. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen form the nation's top backfield, while the offensive line could arguably be the best in college football in '25. The arrival of Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator is just another reason why Penn State won college football's offseason. Knowles is one of - if not the No. 1 - defensive signal-caller in the nation. And even though the Nittany Lions held teams to 16.5 points a game last year, this unit could be even better with Knowles in charge. Up front, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is the next star pass rusher and fills the void left by Abdul Carter to the NFL. Tony Rojas and North Carolina transfer Amare Campbell headline the second level, and the secondary brings back two of the best in the Big Ten with cornerback A.J. Harris and safety Zakee Wheatley. Related: Projecting College Football's Top 25 Teams for 2025 2. Ohio State After a history-making run to the national championship in the first 12-team playoff field, Ohio State hopes to raise the bar even higher in 2025. Coach Ryan Day's team aims to become only the third program (Alabama 2011-12 and Georgia 2022-23) to go back-to-back since the start of the BCS era in 1998. However, In order for the Buckeyes to get back to No. 1, Day's team must navigate some significant personnel turnover on both sides of the ball. Advertisement The quarterback battle between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz will resume in fall practice, with Sayin favored to take the first snap. The former five-star prospect is short on experience but should be among the Big Ten's top quarterbacks by the end of '25. Although Brian Hartline is slated to handle play-calling duties instead of Day, don't expect the overall performance of this unit to change. The Buckeyes still have the nation's No. 1 receiving corps with Jeremiah Smith back on the outside, with Brandon Inniss and Carnell Tate rounding out the key contributors. Also, Purdue transfer tight end Max Klare should make an instant impact. The offensive line was hit hard by a couple of key injuries last season but remained a strength into the playoff run. With three starters back, along with a couple of transfers, this unit is among the best in the nation. Similar to the offense, Ohio State's defense lost a good chunk of talent. However, this group still has plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Three starters are back, but arguably the biggest change is at coordinator. Jim Knowles departed Columbus to call plays at Penn State, with long-time NFL assistant Matt Patricia taking over as the new coordinator. Depth up front is a concern, but linebacker Sonny Styles is back, and safety Caleb Downs is the top returning defensive player in college football. 3. Oregon Oregon coach Dan LanningBen Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Ducks earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff after a perfect regular season (13-0) and Big Ten title. But coach Dan Lanning's team was dominated by Ohio State in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, putting a damper on an otherwise memorable season in Eugene. Lanning and his staff have several holes to fill, but Oregon should still remain a factor in the Big Ten title race. Advertisement UCLA transfer Dante Moore is ready to take control of the Ducks' high-powered offense after learning behind Dillon Gabriel last year. Moore played in five games in '24, completing seven of eight passes for 49 yards. The former five-star prospect has a few dynamic playmakers at his disposal, including Tulane running back transfer Makhi Hughes, true freshman receiver Dakorien Moore, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq. A revamped offensive line is arguably Lanning's biggest concern. Transfers Isaiah World (Nevada), Emmanuel Pregnon (USC), and Alex Harkey (Texas State) are expected to ease the transition on a unit losing four starters. The theme of new faces needing to step up continues on defense. Oregon returns four starters on this side of the ball and must replace several key cogs, including lineman Derrick Harmon, cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. However, the cupboard isn't empty on this side of the ball. Matayo Uiagalelei (12.5 TFL in '24) is one of the Big Ten's top returning edge players, with linebacker Bryce Boettcher back to ease the transition on the second level. The secondary is arguably Lanning's biggest concern, but a couple of portal additions - especially Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman - should help this unit reload. Related: Ranking the Big Ten Coaches for 2025 4. Michigan Michigan had arguably one of the best finishes by a college football team in the 2024 season. The Wolverines were 5-5 in mid-November but rallied for three consecutive victories, including a win over rival Ohio State and a bowl upset against Alabama. Also, coach Sherrone Moore secured the future of the program by flipping five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood from LSU. After a transition season, Michigan is poised to rebound back into contention for a playoff spot in '25. Advertisement High expectations surround Underwood in '25, but the true freshman won't have to win games on his own. Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes form a standout duo at running back, and there's optimism for an offensive line returning three starters and added depth through the transfer portal. 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Indiana Indiana defensive lineman Mikail KamaraIndiana's Mikail Kamara (6) eyes Michigan's Davis Warren (16) during the Indiana versus Michigan football game at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Nov. 9, 2024. Credit: Rich Janzaruk The Hoosiers were the biggest surprise in college football last season. In coach Curt Cignetti's first year, Indiana won 11 games and earned a trip to the playoff. Exceeding expectations in '25 won't be easy, but the Hoosiers have plenty of staying power. Advertisement Even though Indiana won't sneak up on the rest of the Big Ten this season, Cignetti's work in the portal should keep this offense near the top of the conference. California transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza is a solid fit for Cignetti's attack, with fellow portal additions in offensive linemen Pat Coogan (Notre Dame) and Kahlil Benson (Colorado) and running back Roman Hemby (Maryland) providing support. Receiver Elijah Sarratt (18.1 yards a catch in '24) should push for All-America honors. The Hoosiers return three of the nation's top defensive players in lineman Mikail Kamara, linebacker Aiden Fisher, and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds off a unit that allowed only 15.6 points a game in '24. Coordinator Bryant Haines has holes to fill at every level, but the return of that trio of players, along with a handful of transfer additions to shore up the secondary, should be enough for Indiana to prevent a major drop in defensive production. 6. Illinois Not only did Illinois improve its win total by five (5-7 to 10-3) from 2023 to '24, the program's 10 victories last season were the first in a year since '01. With 16 starters back and one of the most experienced teams in the nation, coach Bret Bielema's program is poised for a run at a spot in the College Football Playoff. Advertisement As expected from a Bielema-coached team, the Fighting Illini are strong in the trenches. All five starters are back from '24, including standout left tackle JC Davis. Aidan Laughery, Kaden Feagin, and Ca'Lil Valentine form a standout trio in the backfield and should have no trouble finding lanes behind one of the Big Ten's top lines. Quarterback Luke Altmyer's play took a step forward last season from '23. The senior ranks among the Big Ten's top signal-callers after averaging 230.9 total yards in conference games last season. Replacing receivers Pat Bryant (54 catches) and Zakhari Franklin (55) is the top priority for coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. If the line reloads behind Wisconsin transfers Curt Neal and James Thompson, this defense should rank among the best in the conference. Edge rusher Gabe Jacas (13 TFL in '24) is back to create havoc off the edge, with the secondary anchored by All-America candidate Xavier Scott. After holding conference opponents to 21.7 points a game last season, this unit should be even stingier in '25. Related: Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2025 7. USC USC WR Makai LemonKirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports Since going 11-3 in his USC debut in 2022, Lincoln Riley is only 15-11 over the last two years. The Trojans needed a victory over rival UCLA on Nov. 23 just to ensure bowl eligibility in their Big Ten debut last season. However, Riley's team wasn't that far off from something better. Of USC's six losses - including games to Michigan, Penn State, and Washington - five came by seven points or less. Advertisement The pieces are in place for Riley's team to return to the top 25 this fall. Quarterback Jayden Maiava is settled into the No. 1 role after taking over the job late in the '24 campaign. The receiving tandem of Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane will make Maiava's job easier, while junior college transfer Waymond Jordan, Bryan Jackson, and portal addition Eli Sanders (New Mexico) provide plenty of pop on the ground. For this unit to take off, better play is needed up front. Left tackle Elijah Paige is a rising star, while transfers J'Onre Reed and DJ Wingfield will help to solidify the interior. Coordinator D'Anton Lynn made a big-time impact in his first season with the Trojans in '24. After this unit allowed 34.4 points a contest in '23, USC held opponents to 24.1 a game last year. Another step forward is within reach if the secondary is solidified. However, Lynn and Riley have assembled a solid front that includes linebacker Eric Gentry and linemen Keeshawn Silver, Anthony Lucas and touted true freshman Jahkeem Stewart. Related: Projecting College Football's Top 25 Teams for 2025 8. Iowa The Hawkeyes continued to be a model of consistency under coach Kirk Ferentz with an 8-5 overall record and 6-3 mark in Big Ten play last season. The schedule is tough in '25 with games at Iowa State, Wisconsin, USC, and Nebraska, along with home dates versus Oregon, Penn State, and Indiana. However, even with a handful of personnel questions, Iowa will be in the mix again to win at least eight (or even more) games. Advertisement In his first season as coordinator, Tim Lester guided Iowa's offense to an average of 27.7 points a game - up from 15.4 in '23. Despite losing standout running back Kaleb Johnson, optimism is high for this unit to take a step forward. South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski is a massive addition at quarterback and has the potential to rank among the Big Ten's top signal-callers. Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson form a solid replacement tandem for Johnson at running back and should have no trouble finding open lanes behind a standout offensive line anchored by center Logan Jones. For this offense to take off behind Gronowski, Iowa needs more playmakers to emerge at receiver. The Hawkeyes lost a handful of key pieces - linebackers Nick Jackson and Jay Higgins, defensive backs Sebastian Castro, Jermari Harris, Quinn Schulte, and lineman Yahya Black and Deontae Craig - but expect coordinator Phil Parker to keep this unit near the top of the conference. 9. Nebraska Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images Nebraska's 7-6 record in 2024 was the program's first winning mark since '16. Coach Matt Rhule's program is trending in the right direction and another step forward - potentially to a top-25 finish - is within reach this year. Advertisement The biggest reason for optimism in Lincoln is the return of sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola and a chance to develop for a full year under play-caller Dana Holgorsen. Raiola is poised to claim a place among the Big Ten's top quarterbacks this season and will have additional help in the receiving corps with the arrival of Nyziah Hunter (California) and Dane Key (Kentucky) from the portal. Two other transfers - Rocco Spindler (Notre Dame) and Elijah Pritchett (Alabama) - should claim starting spots up front and add to a promising group of players in the trenches. Rhule's defense features a bit of transition. John Butler was promoted to coordinator after Tony White departed to Florida State. Butler inherits four returning starters (all in the secondary) and plenty of turnover up front. Although the line and linebacker unit are navigating personnel changes, this unit should still emerge as a strength. Butler has plenty of intriguing pieces to work with here, including transfer linebacker Marques Watson-Trent (Georgia Southern) and former five-star prospect Williams Nwaneri arriving from Missouri to compete for snaps up front. Linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. is another breakout candidate at the second level. Related: Ranking the Big Ten Coaches for 2025 10. Washington Considering the massive personnel turnover and coaching change from Kalen DeBoer to Jedd Fisch last offseason, it was no surprise 2025 was a rebuilding year for Washington. However, even in a transition season, it's a good sign for Fisch and this program that the Huskies still managed to win six games in their Big Ten debut. Advertisement The outlook for '25 and beyond is bright for Fisch with rising star quarterback Demond Williams at the controls. The Arizona native threw for 944 yards and eight touchdowns and ran for 282 yards and two scores over limited snaps (and two starts) in 13 appearances. A revamped offensive line is the biggest concern for Fisch, but the rest of this unit is in great shape with the return of running back Jonah Coleman and receiver Denzel Boston. New defensive coordinator Ryan Walters has a busy offseason ahead with one starter returning off a unit that held opponents to 23.8 points per contest in '24. 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Wisconsin After going 57-18 with a playoff trip at Cincinnati, Luke Fickell was considered one of the top hires prior to the 2023 season. But success has been hard to come by in two years with the Badgers. Since taking over, Fickell is 13-13 overall and recorded a 5-7 mark last season - the program's first losing year since '01. Advertisement If Wisconsin is going to overcome a brutal schedule and exceed expectations, an offense that averaged only 22.6 points a game in '24 needs to get on track under new coordinator Jeff Grimes. A return to more of a run-focused attack should be in order under Grimes, but there are plenty of question marks here. Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. steps into the starting quarterback job, while Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones will battle for the top spot in the backfield. The outlook is more promising at receiver, and along the offensive line with three starters back, including tackle Riley Mahlman. The Badgers held Big Ten opponents to 23.1 points a game and 5.4 yards a play last season. Those numbers weren't bad, but Fickell's group struggled to stop the run (17th in the Big Ten). The staff landed a handful of transfers to boost the defensive line and get tougher in the trenches for '25. How the pieces fit and the overall play of the line remain a concern, but the secondary should be among the best in the conference with four returning starters. 13. Rutgers The Scarlet Knights are coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2011-12. Coach Greg Schiano's team has enough winnable games to get bowl eligible once again, but the schedule is not easy with matchups in conference play versus Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon. With a harder schedule, exceeding last year's seven wins will be a huge challenge. Advertisement Standout running back Kyle Monangai (1,279 rushing yards in '24) will be missed, but the ground game may not miss a beat with Antwan Raymond and Florida Atlantic transfer CJ Campbell powering the backfield. This unit could offset any drop in production by the ground game with continued development from quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who threw for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Transfer DT Sheffield fortifies a receiving corps also returning Ian Strong and KJ Duff. Tackle Hollin Pierce is a big loss, but the Scarlet Knights also have plenty of experience to lean on in the trenches. Considering injuries hit Rutgers' defense hard last year, it's no surprise this group allowed 6.3 yards a snap in Big Ten play and 26.6 points a contest. Only two starters are back, but Schiano bolstered the front and secondary with a couple of portal additions expected to make an impact right away. Linebacker Dariel Djabome is a rising star on the second level. Related: Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2025 14. Michigan State Michigan State coach Jonathan SmithNick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK As coach Jonathan Smith showed during his stint at Oregon State, the former quarterback isn't into quick rebuilds. The Beavers went 9-22 in his first three years but posted 25 victories in the following three seasons. The Spartans should improve in Smith's second year after a 5-7 debut. However, a big step forward in the standings is likely another offseason (or two) away. Advertisement For Michigan State to challenge for a bowl trip (or more), the offense must generate more production after averaging only 19.3 points a game in '24. Quarterback Aidan Chiles (2,415 yards and 13 TDs) is back, along with rising star receiver Nick Marsh (15.8 yards per catch). Smith's work in the transfer portal should help this unit take a step forward. Joining Marsh at receiver is an intriguing pair from the portal in Chrishon McCray (Kent State) and Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee). Help is also on the way at running back (Elijah Tau-Tolliver from Sacramento State), along with a couple of additions to boost a struggling offensive line. The Spartans lost a couple of key pieces on defense, but coordinator Joe Rossi still has experience returning at every level. The returning personnel provides a solid foundation for this unit, while transfers in cornerback Josh Eaton (Texas State), defensive lineman Grady Kelly (Florida State), and edge David Santiago (Air Force) should make an instant impact in their first year in East Lansing. Michigan State gave up 5.8 yards a snap in Big Ten games last season, so Rossi's group has plenty of room to improve. 15. UCLA After a 1-5 start, UCLA showed steady improvement last year in coach DeShaun Foster's debut. The Bruins won four out of their final six contests, including upsets over Nebraska and Iowa. Improving on last season's 5-7 mark will be a challenge with a tough schedule, but Foster has established a solid foundation for '25 and beyond. Advertisement The biggest reason for optimism for Foster is the arrival of Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Although Iamaleava didn't quite live up to high expectations in Knoxville last year, the sophomore isn't lacking for talent. New coordinator Tino Sunseri is tasked with getting the most out of Iamaleava in a quarterback-friendly offense. Adding to Sunseri's challenge is the loss of four out of the team's top five statistical receiving options, along with a revamped line. California transfer Jaivian Thomas is joined by Jalen Berger in the backfield. After a slow start last season, UCLA's defense settled in under coordinator Ikaika Malloe and held four out of its last five opponents to 20 or less points. Maintaining that level of play won't be easy in '25, as the Bruins lost standout linebacker Carson Schwesinger and hit the transfer portal hard for help in a revamped secondary. A veteran front anchored by seniors Keanu Williams, Devin Aupiu, and Siale Taupaki should be the early strength of this unit. Related: Ranking the Big Ten Coaches for 2025 16. Northwestern Northwestern was unable to build on the momentum from an 8-5 record in coach David Braun's interim stint in '23. The Wildcats stumbled to 4-8 overall and won just two games in Big Ten play last fall. However, even though Northwestern has a long way to climb to finish in the top half of the conference, this team has reasons for optimism entering '25. Advertisement Arguably the biggest reason for hope this fall for the Wildcats is the arrival of SMU transfer Preston Stone at quarterback. A leg injury suffered at the end of the '23 season clearly bothered Stone at the start of last year before he lost the starting job with the Mustangs. However, with a full offseason to recover once again, Stone should have a rebound year in Evanston. Braun also landed FCS standout Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State) to bolster the receiving corps. Running back Cam Porter returns to anchor the ground attack, while three starters are back in the trenches. After limiting Big Ten foes to 5.1 yards a play in 2023, Northwestern's defense took a step back last season by allowing 5.9 a snap. Navigating turnover at linebacker and in the secondary is Braun's biggest concern here. However, the line should be a strength with Aidan Hubbard, Carmine Bastone, and Najee Story leading the way. 17. Maryland Maryland coach Mike Locksley© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Maryland's streak of consecutive bowl trips and winning seasons ended at three with a 4-8 mark last year. The Terrapins posted one victory (USC) in Big Ten play and seven out of the eight conference losses came by 14 or more points. Advertisement If coach Mike Locksley is going to get this program back on track, it starts with finding answers to several preseason question marks on offense. UCLA transfer quarterback Justyn Martin has the edge in experience, but it will be tough to keep touted true freshman Malik Washington on the sidelines. Major improvement is needed up front to repair a struggling offensive line. Even though the Terrapins lost their top three statistical receiving options and leading rusher, Locksley and new coordinator Pep Hamilton still have talent to work with at the skill spots. New coordinator Ted Monachino inherits a defense that allowed 36.1 points in Big Ten play last fall and returns only one starter. In addition to generating more stops in '25, Monachino must find ways to spark a lackluster pass rush and clean up some of the mistakes in the secondary (41 plays of 20-plus yards allowed). 18. Purdue The Ryan Walters era at Purdue ended after a disastrous 1-11 record in '24. New coach Barry Odom is one of the offseason's top hires after a 19-8 run at UNLV from 2023-24. But the former Missouri linebacker faces a steep rebuild in West Lafayette and progress could be hard to find in '25. Advertisement The strength of Purdue's offense is at running back with the return of Devin Mockobee and the arrival of Virginia Tech transfer Malachi Thomas. Outside of that duo, question marks litter the depth chart. Quarterback Ryan Browne transferred from Purdue to North Carolina in the spring but opted to return to West Lafayette. He's the frontrunner to start, but the offensive line and receiving corps are virtually revamped with several transfers expected to step into key roles at both positions. The rebuilding process continues on defense. Purdue returns zero starters and lost its top 14 tacklers from '24. Odom's background on defense should help speed up the improvement process on this side of the ball, but the Boilermakers allowed 39.9 points a game last season, so this unit has a long way to go against a difficult schedule. Related: Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2025 Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025 Related: Ranking the Big Ten's College Football Coaches for 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

Oregon QB Targets Bryson Beaver, Matt Ponatoski Turned Heads at Elite 11 Finals
Oregon QB Targets Bryson Beaver, Matt Ponatoski Turned Heads at Elite 11 Finals

USA Today

time29 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Oregon QB Targets Bryson Beaver, Matt Ponatoski Turned Heads at Elite 11 Finals

Coming out of the Elite 11 Finals this week in Los Angeles, a narrative was built that this is among the best crop of quarterbacks that the camp has seen in quite some time. So it bodes well that a pair of Oregon Ducks targets, Bryson Beaver and Matt Ponatoski, are receiving some high praise coming out of the camp. After the three-day camp, Beaver was named the No. 3 top performer, while Ponatoski came in at No. 7 on the list. In a story from The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, the CFB analyst's biggest "pleasant surprise" was seeing what Ponatoski could do with the ball in his hands. "The most pleasant surprise to me was Ohio's Matt Ponatoski," Feldman wrote. "The two-sport star has an electric arm, having been clocked at 97 mph as a pitcher. That arm wowed me Thursday morning in his 7-on-7 performance. The 6-1, 196-pounder, who is uncommitted, made two 'wow' throws to receivers who didn't look open at all, but he fired the ball into the only spot he could and completed the passes. It was impressive." Meanwhile, Beaver turned a lot of heads throughout the weekend, coming in as a relatively unknown prospect who has exploded onto the scene in the last week. "Bryson Beaver, a three-star recruit from Southern California (No. 54 QB in the class), turned a lot of heads as well this week. The 6-2, 200-pounder, who recently decommitted from Boise State, is getting a lot of interest from some Power 4 powers, including Oregon. It wasn't hard to see why. He has an excellent arm and good feet." In his "superlatives" for the Elite 11 Finals, Charles Power named Beaver the player from the week with the strongest arm, while Ponatoski was the most accurate of the bunch. Both Ponatoski and Beaver are expected to take their official visits to Oregon this week, with the Ducks likely getting a commitment from one of them. At the moment, there is a belief that Ponatoski could get selected in the MLB draft as a top high school prospect this summer, which might lead to him never taking a snap in college football. That may lead to the Ducks prioritizing Beaver, who is among the fastest-rising QB prospects in the nation. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

Oregon Ducks target Khary Adams announces college commitment
Oregon Ducks target Khary Adams announces college commitment

USA Today

time44 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Oregon Ducks target Khary Adams announces college commitment

The Oregon Ducks have been recruiting 4-star cornerback Khary Adams strongly over the past few months, but on Friday afternoon, they got some unwanted news. Adams, the No. 36 player and No. 3 cornerback in the 2026 class, per 247Sports, announced his commitment to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It appeared that this was the likely outcome over the past week, especially when Adams cancelled an official visit that he had planned to Eugene for this weekend. Adams stands at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, and is from Towson, Maryland. It makes sense for him to stick closer to home at Notre Dame, but he would have been a significant win for Oregon had they been able to land him. This may not be the only win that Notre Dame gets over the Ducks on Friday in the recruiting world, either. 5-star safety Joey O'Brien is scheduled to announce his commitment later this afternoon, and the expectation is that the Oregon target is also going to end up committing to the Fighting Irish as well. While these are two unfortunate losses for the Ducks on the recruiting trail, they did get to celebrate a big win on Thursday, with 5-star safety Jett Washington joining Oregon's 2026 class. Washington is rated as the No. 18 player in the nation, and he becomes the No. 1-ranked safety to ever commit to the Ducks. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

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