Latest news with #A&M
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Chris Hacopian chose Texas A&M - ‘I Want to Be the Best Baseball Player Possible'
Next season will be a make-or-break year for Texas A&M head baseball coach Michael Earley. Fans had mixed reactions when it was announced he would be retained, but expectations were high for several changes heading into the 2026 season. The first major move was the addition of Conference USA Assistant Coach of the Year, Cliff Pennington, who brings valuable experience to the staff, particularly on defense and the base paths. Another area of focus was the roster, as several players had already committed to staying under Earley. However, he still needed to address the loss of production and pitching depth. After a slow start in the transfer portal, Coach Earley received great news late Thursday night when one of the top players available, Chris Hacopian, committed to Texas A&M. The former Maryland infielder slashed .375/.502/.656 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs, adding instant offense to the lineup. In a recent interview, Hacopian was asked why he chose A&M. His response: 'I want to become the best baseball player possible … and I think A&M and those guys over there are going to accomplish that.' Below you can see his interview with Cape Cod reporter Anna Watson. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M commit and 2026 4-star WR invited to Rivals Five-Star event
Texas A&M's 2026 recruiting class is chock-full of talent at every position. Over the past week, two of the program's elite commits, four-star quarterback Helaman Casuga and four-star edge rusher Jordan Carter, have been invited to the annual Rivals Five-Star event in Indianapolis, Indiana, which now features the Aggies' top-ranked wide receiver commit. On Friday, it was revealed that 2024 four-star wide receiver Aaron Gregory has become the newest A&M commit to be invited to the event of the summer, showcasing his elite talent. This is highly unsurprising, given his impressive play this summer during various camps, where he demonstrated his elite route-running and improved downfield speed. Earlier this month, running back Jonathan Hatton and tight end Caleb Tafua, along with Gregory, shut down their recruitment and will sign with the program as soon as Early Signing Day on December 4. During his 2024 junior season at Douglas County HS, Gregory reeled in 53 receptions for 914 yards and nine touchdowns after recording 795 yards and eight touchdowns during the previous season. Gregory's ability to quickly separate in coverage and make plays after the catch is similar to former A&M wideout and current Oregon standout Evan Stewart. As soon as Gregory steps on campus, the Georgia native has a chance to climb up the 2026 depth chart as a third or fourth option during his freshman season. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Aggie fans and media react to commitment from Top 30 player Brandon Arrington
Aggie fans and media react to commitment from Top 30 player Brandon Arrington The month of June has been extremely generous to the Texas A&M football program. It's the time of year when college football programs ramp up recruiting efforts to lock in top prospects before the 2025 season. Just a day after landing a commitment from a Top 50 player and the nation's No. 2 running back, the Aggies added another standout—this time from California. On Thursday afternoon, Brandon Arrington announced his commitment to Texas A&M over Oregon. Arrington, the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 2 athlete in the 2025 class, brings a five-star rating with him to Aggieland. In addition to his on-field talent, he offers elite speed and length to A&M's defense. On the track, he's posted personal bests of 10.24 in the 100m and 20.37 in the 200m, impressive marks for his 6-2, 180-pound frame. Arrington told ESPN that strong relationships with A&M assistants Jordan Peterson and Bryant Gross-Armiento played a key role in his decision: "The relationship goes back to day one, for real. They've been locked in with me, recruiting me hard from the very start. The environment feels like home. The people care about football there." Although National Signing Day is still months away and nothing is official until pen meets paper, this is huge news for Aggies fans. Social media lit up in celebration. Texas A&M lands the top athlete in the country Gig'em !! Coach Elko has been on fire this week on the recruiting trail Arrington is making this coach proud Coaches praising coaches Arrington has elite speed Arrington's complete recruiting breakdown AGGIE! Watch Brandon Arrington commit to A&M Exciting times in Aggieland Aggie recruiting is trending up It's been a great start to June recruiting He's Home! Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Previewing the 2025 season for Texas A&M QB Miles O'Neill with his player profile
Previewing the 2025 season for Texas A&M QB Miles O'Neill with his player profile As we gear up for the 2025 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight the player's background, recruiting rankings out of high school, and their projected role under head coach Mike Elko this year. All eyes are on Marcel Reed for the 2025 season, but the most intriguing battle might be for the backup quarterback role between newcomer in veteran Jacob Zeno and strong-armed redshirt freshman Miles O'Neill. O'Neill may have the edge, with more time in the program and a strong rapport with offensive coordinator Collin Klein. In the only game he played in during the 2024 season, O'Neill was highly efficient, going 5-of-6 for 51 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with a strong 2025 spring game, bolstering his case for the QB 2 spot next season. Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Marblehead, Massachusetts Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 lbs. Class in 2025: Redshirt Freshman Recruiting Rankings Class of 2024: National - NR / QB - 45 / Massachusetts - 15 The former three-star quarterback was the only QB signed in the A&M 2024 class after being named the 2023 New Jersey Prep A Offensive Player of the Year. Depth Chart Overview Marcel Reed enters the season as QB1, while the competition for QB2 is between O'Neill and transfer veteran Jacob Zeno. Both are expected to see early-season reps as the coaching staff evaluates the best fit for the second-string role. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE banks put up a strong show in Q1 2025
11 June 2025 22:06 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)UAE banks kicked off 2025 on a strong note, posting an 8.4% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase in aggregate net income to Dh22.2 billion, according to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) latest UAE Banking Pulse report for Q1 surge was attributed to a 59.3% QoQ reduction in impairment charges and an 18% rise in net fee and commission report, which tracks the performance of the UAE's ten largest listed banks, indicates that the first quarter was marked by enhanced cost efficiency, a rise in non-interest income, and renewed momentum in mergers and acquisitions a 2.1% dip in net interest income (NII), profitability ratios showed improvement: Return on equity (RoE) rose to 18.6%, while return on assets (RoA) increased to 2.1%.Lending activity also gained traction, with net loans and advances rising 3.6% QoQ, driven largely by corporate and wholesale lending, which saw a 5.1% grew at an even faster pace, climbing 5.8% due to a 7.6% jump in current and savings account (CASA) inflows. As a result, the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) declined to 74.7%, signalling improved sector discipline and digital transformation efforts further strengthened banks' performance. Operating expenses dropped by 7.8% QoQ, pushing the cost-to-income (C/I) ratio down by 234 basis points to 28.2% – the lowest level in the past efficiency gains contributed meaningfully to overall profitability, even as topline revenue remained mostly quality also showed significant improvement. The cost of risk (CoR) fell by 45 basis points to 0.29%, while the coverage ratio rose to 110.5%.The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declined to 3.2%, supported by stronger recoveries and a healthier loan book. Stage 1 loans increased 3.9% QoQ, while Stage 2 and 3 exposures key trends in Q1 include deposits mobilisation outpacing credit growth. Aggregate deposits grew by 5.8% QoQ, driven by a 7.6% QoQ increase in CASA deposits, exceeding loan growth of 3.6% QoQ. As a result, the Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) declined 1.5 percentage points to 74.7%.Operating income remained broadly flat, declining marginally by 0.2% QoQ. Net interest income decreased by 2.1%, while fee and commission income rose sharply by 18%, partially offsetting pressure from interest interest margin (NIM) compressed by 15bps QoQ to 2.52% due to lower yield on credit, which dropped by 99 basis points QoQ to 10.9% amid ongoing rate cuts. Cost of funds improved by 52 basis points QoQ to 3.9%, offering some margin protection. The banks analysed in the report are First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Emirates NBD (ENBD), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), Mashreq Bank (Mashreq), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB).
