Latest news with #MichiganWolverines
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ohio State Gets Clear Message From Highly Touted Five-Star
Ohio State Gets Clear Message From Highly Touted Five-Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's safe to say the Ohio State Buckeyes left an impression on one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Advertisement Five-star offensive lineman Darius Gray told On3's Steve Wiltfong on Friday that he had a great visit to the Buckeyes this past week. 'The big takeaways was definitely everybody is on the same page when it comes to goals," Gray told Wiltfong on Friday. "That's winning and being the best they can possibly be!' After his first Ohio State visit this spring, the offensive lineman shared what he enjoyed most about Ohio State. 'The environment at practice was live! The chance to be around winners is what excited me most," said Gray this spring. 'Just how the people in the building interact with one another!' Ohio State Buckeyes football head coach Ryan Day© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Buckeyes are competing with their top rival, the Michigan Wolverines, for Gray's services. Advertisement The LSU Tigers, South Carolina Gamecocks, Tennessee Volunteers, Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies are also pushing to land the five-star lineman. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Gray is the No. 2 offensive lineman and second-ranked Virginia prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. The lineman is also rated the No. 28 overall player on the same rankings. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, Gray will play his final high school season at St. Christopher's School in Richmond, Virginia. Based on the 247Sports ratings, the Buckeyes have the No. 2-rated recruiting class for 2026. Ohio State has received 15 verbal commitments, 13 of which are either four or five-star prospects. Advertisement The only program rated ahead of the Buckeyes in 2026 recruiting is the USC Trojans, who have landed 28 verbal commitments. Related: Ohio State Lands Extremely Early Commitment From Playmaker This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Global News
a day ago
- Sport
- Global News
Saskatchewan track star reflects on breaking Canadian, NCAA hurdles records
In her already illustrious track and field career, Savannah Sutherland hasn't been left speechless too many times before. On Saturday in Eugene, Ore., however, she found herself trying to find the right words after making NCAA history and throwing down one of the fastest times in women's 400 metre hurdles history. 'Even after a couple of days to reflect I think it still feels pretty surreal,' said Sutherland from the University of Michigan campus on Wednesday. 'It's definitely going to take a while to settle in.' Sutherland's trophy case continues to grow, as the Borden, Sask., product returned to the top of the podium at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with the Michigan Wolverines. Stepping out onto the track for the final race of her collegiate career, Sutherland blew away the competition and captured her second NCAA title in three years. Story continues below advertisement 'Coming down the home stretch I heard so much cheering,' said Sutherland. 'I didn't know if that meant that I was running fast, or if someone was coming up behind, or if I was in the lead. I don't know, I had no idea what it meant.' 'I just knew that I let it carry me through the finish as much as I could.' Crossing the finish line in 52.46 seconds, it was the best time of Sutherland's NCAA career and set numerous records as just the second collegiate runner to ever eclipse the 53-second mark in the event. The 21-year-old was able to best her previous Canadian record of 53.26 seconds which was set at last year's NCAA Outdoor Championships, crossing the line eight-tenths of a second faster. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy That wasn't the only history Sutherland was able to achieve, as she set the new NCAA standard by breaking the 2018 record time of 52.75 seconds set by then-University of Kentucky star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. 'That feels really, really special,' said Sutherland. 'It's hard to put into words and I don't think it's fully even sunk in yet. Of course, Sydney is the best to have ever done it.' Since setting the NCAA's record in 400 metre hurdles seven years ago, McLaughlin-Levrone has become one of the sport's greatest competitors winning gold medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and recording a new world record time of 50.37 seconds in Paris last summer. Story continues below advertisement 2:03 First-time Olympian Savannah Sutherland leaning on support from hometown of Borden Eclipsing a record previously held by one of her idols, Sutherland said it's one of the most surreal achievements of her young career. 'So many people look up to her,' said Sutherland. 'The fact that my name is even in the same conversations as hers is very humbling and something that I never would have predicted would have happened.' Sutherland's victory in Oregon also serves as a bit of redemption after settling for a silver medal at the 2024 NCAA Championships, despite setting a new personal best time. The gold medal also comes on the heels of a breakout showing last summer at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Sutherland would come home with a seventh-place finish in her Olympic debut. Not only was Sutherland able to gain confidence in racing against the best hurdlers on the planet, she also became the first Canadian since Rosey Edeh in 1996 to reach the event's final heat — a result that allowed the Saskatchewan track star to believe she can compete with anyone in any race. Story continues below advertisement 'The fact that I earned my spot there kind of solidified in my mind that no matter who is on this track, no mater what lane I'm in, no matter who else is out here… I deserve my spot and I've earned it,' said Sutherland. 'I belong here just as much as everybody else.' Sutherland's mark of 52.46 over the weekend has also become one of the fastest times in the sport's history, ranking ninth all-time in 400 metre hurdles competition. Meanwhile, her name continues to extend outwards from her small town community in Borden to the rest of Canada and beyond. 'Honestly that support is what carries you through the days that maybe you're tired and you don't want to show up to the track,' said Sutherland. 'You do it anyways because you're representing these people and you're running for something bigger than yourself at the end of the day.' Named Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Women's Athlete of the Year for her showing at NCAA Championships, Sutherland now will begin her professional racing career with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Why Malakai Lee's commitment decision could reshape Alabama's 2026 offensive line
The upcoming commitment of Malakai Lee on June 27 will be a crucial point of the Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive line recruiting approach in the 2026 cycle. The four-star offensive tackle of Kamehameha Secondary in Honolulu, Hawaii, has come down to four powerhouse schools, and they are the Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines, Georgia Bulldogs, and Texas Longhorns. He is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, and Lee possesses elite physical tools that could have an instant effect on whichever program he commits to. His choice is especially significant to Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer, who is assembling his first full recruiting class since taking over as head coach. Alabama Crimson Tide faces critical recruitment battle The targeting of Malakai Lee by the Alabama Crimson Tide is a vital point in the evolution of the team's offensive line. Lee is the 137th overall prospect in this country and the 10th-best offensive tackle in the recruiting class of 2026, so he is a foundation block on which any program can build its future. His physical attributes are also impressive, with 36-inch arms and an 85-inch wingspan, which are excellent measurements that translate very well in the collegiate game. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) The Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic have put Lee on their radar and have been targeting him, as he is expected to be a huge anchor in their offensive line over a couple of seasons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See The List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo There is a great deal of versatility in the fact that the Hawaii native can play both left and right tackle, and this fits the Alabama recruiting philosophy to a tee. The natural balance and his fluid movement ability gave him an edge over other prospects in his class, which directly translates to success in the Southeastern Conference. Lee's decision timeline creates urgency for Alabama Crimson Tide As Malakai Lee plans to visit the Michigan Wolverines on June 20, the Alabama Crimson Tide is under more pressure to make him commit before the announcement date. The crystal ball of 247Sports has already predicted that Lee will go to the Michigan Wolverines, which adds pressure to the coaching staff of Alabama. Lee has already made official visits to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Texas Longhorns, and is already well-versed with what is being offered in each program. This was in the Alabama Crimson Tide, which has been successful in producing NFL-calibre offensive linemen as a strong selling point in the recruitment of Lee. Past Alabama players such as Jedrick Wills Jr., Alex Leatherwood, and Landon Dickerson have all come out successful in the professional arena, proving that the program can get the most out of its offensive line talent. The record of Alabama sending offensive linemen into the first round of the NFL draft may be the determining factor in Lee's analysis. Fans can follow Malakai Lee's commitment announcement on June 27 through various social media platforms and recruiting networks that typically broadcast such announcements live. The decision of Malakai Lee to commit will have a huge influence on the future of the Alabama Crimson Tide recruiting class in 2026 and in the future of the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line. His decision between Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, and Texas is one of the most closely followed recruiting battles of the cycle, and it could give a boost to the program that ends up with his signature. Also Read: Ohio State AD Ross Bjork warns SEC as he questions future of non-conference college football blockbusters Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
College Football Analyst Reveals 'Must-Win' Game for Alabama in 2025
College Football Analyst Reveals 'Must-Win' Game for Alabama in 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Alabama Crimson Tide went 9-3 last season, a passable record for most programs but not the paragon in the SEC. Alabama's nine wins last year marked the first time since 2007 — their first season under the tutelage of five-time SEC Coach of the Year Nick Saban — that they did not eclipse double-digit victories. Advertisement Much like the 2007 season, Alabama was under new management in 2024, hiring Kalen DeBoer away from the Washington Huskies to replace Saban. On Monday, college football insider Joel Klatt discussed DeBoer's standing in Tuscaloosa and among the fans during a segment of The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast. Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer and Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Klatt discussed ten college football coaches entering a pivotal 2025 campaign, but he started with DeBoer. He believes the fan base is trying to remain patient despite a brutal finish to the 2024 season, including losses to the Oklahoma Sooners and Michigan Wolverines in two of their last three games. He called DeBoer's first year "underwhelming." given the expectations to win, and win big, at Alabama. Klatt also dissected the 2025 schedule, calling the game against the Georgia Bulldogs a "coin flip" and the early season bout against the Florida State Seminoles a surefire victory. Advertisement However, he Zeroed in on the Tennessee Volunteers game, where a loss could push fans to call for his job. "If you were just to lose to Tennessee — who does not have Nico Iamaleava — and now you're about to go play LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers). I think South Carolina and LSU are both better teams than Tennessee. You still have to play Oklahoma. You still have the Iron Bowl." With a loss, Klatt assumes Alabama would need to win out the rest of the way to make the College Football Playoff, especially with the addition of a loss against Georgia. As proven last year with Alabama, nine wins in the regular season does not equate to a postseason berth despite playing in the SEC. "That Tennessee game at home, he's got to win that game. The pressure index for Kalen DeBoer, they are trying to be patient, but the patience would wear out real fast if they were to lose that game at home against Tennessee." Related: Alabama Projected to Have Multiple First Round Picks in 2026 NFL Draft This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
4-star OL Malakai Lee is nearing his commitment
4-star OL Malakai Lee is nearing his commitment Four-star offensive tackle recruit Malakai Lee is ready to announce his commitment. Lee is expected to decide among the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Michigan Wolverines and Texas Longhorns. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle plans to announce his commitment on June 27. Lee, who is a member of the class of 2026, plays high school football for Kamehameha Secondary in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lee is the second-best recruit in Hawaii. Lee is ranked as the No. 137 recruit in the nation and the No. 10 offensive tackle. The talented offensive tackle is a prior recruit for the Bulldogs. Georgia offensive line coach Stacy Searels even made the long trip to Hawaii to visit the four-star lineman. Lee has made multiple visits to Georgia and has received an invitation to play in the Navy All-American Bowl. The four-star offensive tackle has gone on official visits to each of his top schools, except for Michigan, over the past couple months. Lee is scheduled to visit Michigan on June 20. The Wolverines also had their offensive line coach Grant Newsome visit Lee in Hawaii. The Hawaii standout is projected to commit to the Michigan Wolverines, according to 247Sports. Georgia football have commitments from three offensive linemen in the class of 2026. Offensive linemen Zachary Lewis, Zykie Helton and Graham Houston are all committed to the Bulldogs.
