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Texas A&M Director of Athletics Trev Alberts announced today that first-year head baseball coach Michael Earley would return to College Station for the 2025-26 academic year.
"Earlier today, I met with Coach Earley to discuss the state of our baseball program. I appreciate Mike's work in taking a holistic view of what changes need to be made so that we have a baseball program that meets our high standards," Alberts said. "Baseball success is critically important to Texas A&M. I am confident in Mike's ability to execute the needed change and fully support his vision going forward."
Earley took over for Jim Schlossnagle, who guided the Aggies to a pair of College World Series appearances in his three seasons at the helm. In 2024, Texas A&M made it to the championship finals, but fell in three games (2-1) to national champion Tennessee.
Schlossnagle took the University of Texas head coaching position one day after the decisive third game and Earley, the program's hitting coach, was elevated to the top spot in the dugout.
Texas A&M was the consensus No. 1 pick in the preseason, but struggled to a 30-26 record, which included a 11-19 mark and 14th place finish in the SEC. The Aggies failed to earn an NCAA Tournament bid for just the second time since 2007.
The nucleus of the team is expected to return, but Alberts did not address the statuses of hitting coach Caleb Longley and pitching coach Jason Kelly.
More must-reads:
- Lions CB undergoes shoulder surgery, will miss 2025 season
- Chargers LT Rashawn Slater carted off field in training camp
- The '2024-25 NFL passing-yard leaders' quiz
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One NFL training-camp surprise for every team
A full schedule of preseason games is on tap this week. Let the overreactions begin! While teams continue to shape rosters, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the major surprises — good or bad — for each team during training camp. NFC East DALLAS COWBOYS | Running back Jaydon Blue | The Cowboys will likely use multiple backs this season. Texas rookie Jaydon Blue is third on the opening depth chart, but his ability to run inside and out has raised his profile to "potential prime back." NEW YORK GIANTS | QB Jaxson Dart | Russell Wilson has secured No. 1, but first-rounder Jaxson Dart is barely third behind Jameis Winston and over Tommy DeVito. The Giants are hoping Dart is No. 2 so he can take over next season. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES | Edge-rusher Jalyx Hunt | The Eagles needed pass-rushing help, and second-year player Jalyx Hunt has stepped up. Left tackle Jordan Mailata said Hunt is "going to be a star," and edge-rusher Nolan Smith Jr. called him "the best thing since sliced bread." WASHINGTON COMMANDERS | Running back Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt| He was supposed to be a special teamer. However, one electrifying cut on a physical play awakened the seventh-rounder’s chances of possibly starting soon. — Rick Snider NFC West ARIZONA CARDINALS | OL Isaiah Adams | Adams has a lot of pressure to perform entering his second season, but he came to camp prepared. Adams has earned praise from head coach Jonathan Gannon and won many feisty, one-on-one reps against an aggressive Cardinals defense. LOS ANGELES RAMS | QB Matthew Stafford | The Rams are all-in for 2025 as they attempt to maximize what’s left of Matthew Stafford’s career. However, the QB has already missed multiple practices because of an aggravated disc in his back and received an epidural to help with the issue, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Rams fans shouldn't panic yet, but this situation bears watching. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS | CB Upton Stout | The third-round pick has outperformed the rest of the 49ers' 2025 draft class. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has not named him the starting nickelback, but the Western Kentucky product is impressing the coaching staff. Stout has also earned snaps with the first-team defense in less than two weeks of practice. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | WR Tory Horton | The fifth-round pick may be the biggest riser on the roster. Horton is already taking first-team reps and building chemistry with QB Sam Darnold. It’s unclear where Horton will slot on the depth chart, but he is pushing for a pivotal role. — Sterling Bennett NFC North CHICAGO BEARS | WR JP Richardson | Bears fans are understandably excited about second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III, but Richardson, an undrafted WR out of TCU and Oklahoma State, is turning heads. The undersized (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) rookie has a long way to go to make the roster, but he’s off to a hot start. DETROIT LIONS | Edge Aidan Hutchinson | Hutchinson missed most of last season after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6, but you wouldn’t know it by his performance in training camp. The star defensive end has been so dominant in practice that head coach Dan Campbell implemented a Hutch rule that allows the offense to finish its rep after Hutchinson beats the offensive line for a "sack." GREEN BAY PACKERS | WR Matthew Golden | The Packers drafted Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to inject speed at wide receiver, but they probably didn’t expect him to shine this brightly. According to QB Jordan Love (via ESPN's Kevin Clark), "He’s been playing lights out. He’s gonna be a stud." MINNESOTA VIKINGS | CB Jeff Okudah | Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, has underwhelmed in the NFL. That's why the Vikings signed him to a cheap, $2.35M deal this offseason. The once-promising talent is exceeding expectations at training camp — enough to challenge Isaiah Rodgers for a starting CB spot next to Byron Murphy Jr. — Jack Dougherty NFC South ATLANTA FALCONS | WR David Sills V | Sills last played a regular-season down in 2023 (when he was on the field for 16 snaps in three games) and has 13 career receptions in three seasons. Early in camp, he formed a quick connection with backup QB Kirk Cousins, with Falcons.com’s Terrin Waack highlighting his performance during the second day of camp and starting QB Michael Penix Jr. noting his production with Darnell Mooney (shoulder) absent. CAROLINA PANTHERS | Defense | Last season, the Panthers had the league’s worst defense, allowing 31.4 points and 404.5 yards per game. But second-year head coach Dave Canales recently praised the unit’s "dominant" practice, a promising development as it looks to pull its way out from rock bottom. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | Secondary | The past 12 months haven’t been kind to the defensive backfield, with Marshon Lattimore being traded at last season’s trade deadline, Paulson Adebo leaving for the New York Giants in free agency and Tyrann Mathieu retiring at the start of camp. Those losses haven’t been felt this summer, with second-year pro Kool-Aid McKinstry, in particular, standing out as a potential lockdown corner with a string of excellent performances. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | RB Rachaad White | The Buccaneers found a jewel in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft when they landed running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for 1,122 yards last season, at No. 125 overall. His emergence has made White, a 2022 third-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, potentially expendable. But head coach Todd Bowles recently shut down that line of thinking, labeling White as the team's best blitz pickup back and increased quickness after slimming down during the offseason. — Eric Smithling AFC East BUFFALO BILLS | QB Mike White | The 30-year-old journeyman, signed by the Bills to their practice squad in 2024, went 3-of-11 for 28 yards in the team’s regular-season finale but has been splitting second-team reps with Mitchell Trubisky in early practices. He could be a more cost-effective option with a $1.1M cap hit for 2025. MIAMI DOLPHINS | LB Grayson Murphy | Murphy joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Miami’s first preseason game. Once healthy, Murphy used a quick first step to shine in early OTA practices and could steal a roster spot from linebackers Cameron Goode or Channing Tindall, who combined for six tackles and no sacks last season. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | TreVeyon Henderson as a receiver | New England’s rookie running back has impressed as a receiver, with some using words like "special" and "difference-maker" to describe his pass-catching abilities. Henderson averaged a career-high 7.1 yards per carry for 1,016 yards and 10 rushing TDs in 2024 with Ohio State. But he also had 77 catches for 853 yards and six TDs in four years with the Buckeyes and could prove to be a reliable target for second-year QB Drake Maye. NEW YORK JETS | WR Arian Smith | Smith had 48 catches for 817 yards and four TDs for Georgia in 2024 and posted the fifth-fastest time (4.36) in the 40-yard dash of any receiver at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. A fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, Smith has earned praise from head coach Aaron Glenn for his explosive plays and ability to catch in traffic, and could make an impact paired with fellow receiver Garrett Wilson. — Bruce Ewing AFC West DENVER BRONCOS | WR Troy Franklin | Franklin, who had only two touchdown catches in 16 games during his rookie season in 2024, is making explosive plays in camp. Per DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens, he had multiple TD catches during Tuesday’s practice, including a 25-yarder from QB Bo Nix. Denver offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Tuesday the Oregon product has "stood out" throughout camp. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | WR Tyquan Thornton | Thornton had just two touchdown catches in his first three seasons with the Patriots, but he’s developing chemistry with QB Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has said that "there’s a lot of trust building" between the QB and WR. With WRs Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (ankle) and Rashee Rice (groin) battling injuries, expect Kansas City to keep giving the Baylor product more reps. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | QB Trey Lance | Chargers QB Justin Herbert is entrenched as the starter, but Lance has looked like a dependable backup. The former San Francisco 49ers/Dallas Cowboys bust completed 13-of-20 passes for 120 yards and two TDs during L.A.’s 34-7 win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh complimented the QB’s poise in a postgame news conference. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | TE Michael Mayer | After second-year TE Brock Bowers had the league’s third-most receptions (112 in 17 games) in 2024, Mayer seemed like a cut candidate. However, the 2023 second-round pick has been "among the offensive standouts" at camp (via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden). Perhaps new Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be running plenty of 12 personnel (one running back, two TEs) this season. — Clark Dalton AFC North BALTIMORE RAVENS | WR Devontez Walker | Walker spent the 2024 season playing primarily as a special-teams contributor, catching just one pass all season. But he has developed an early chemistry with QB Lamar Jackson and beaten first-team Ravens defenders such as CB Jaire Alexander. CINCINNATI BENGALS | Rookie linebackers | The Bengals invested heavily in their defense in the draft, and rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight II (second round) and Barrett Carter (fourth round) have been early standouts. A lot of the defensive improvements will come from first-round DE Shemar Stewart, but if Knight and Barrett can help transform their linebacker group, it could be a big game-changer for a team that needs a defensive boost. CLEVELAND BROWNS | WR Gage Larvadain | The Browns do not have much proven wide receiver depth after Jerry Jeudy, but the undrafted Larvadain is making a strong case for a roster spot. He is one of the biggest surprises in the passing game and landed in a great spot (a team without a lot of proven wide receivers) to maybe make an immediate impact. PITTSBURGH STEELERS | TE Darnell Washington | Washington is a mountain of a man (listed at 6-foot-7, 264 pounds) who has primarily been used as a blocking tight end over the first two years of his NFL career. He is still mauling defenders in camp, but he has also been a dominant red-zone target in the passing game and showed breakaway speed that could give OC Arthur Smith a dream three-tight-end set with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. — Adam Gretz AFC South HOUSTON TEXANS | RB Nick Chubb | Chubb rushed for only 332 yards in eight games with the Browns after returning from a knee injury in 2024, but he may not be out of gas. Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday he’s improved every day in camp. That bodes well for Houston, as starting RB Joe Mixon is expected to miss the preseason with a right foot injury. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | WR Adonai Mitchell | Mitchell had zero touchdown catches in 17 games during his rookie season but could be poised for a second-year breakout. Former Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Johnson praised the Texas/Georgia product after he dominated Wednesday’s joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts need Mitchell to become a dependable target for Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, who are competing for the starting QB job. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | CB/WR Travis Hunter | Letting Hunter play both ways was always going to be challenging for the Jaguars, but it seems their plans are working. New head coach Liam Coen has said the 2024 Heisman winner doesn’t seem overwhelmed by his workload. TENNESSEE TITANS | LB Cody Barton | Tennessee may have found a steal in Barton, whom it signed to a three-year, $21M deal in free agency. According to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, he led all Titans in interceptions (two) through the first eight practices. Fellow LB James Williams told Davenport, "He’s a defensive coach on the field." — Clark Dalton
Chargers star's brutal injury shows why players should hold out with new contracts on line
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater was carted off the practice field on Thursday afternoon with what turned out to be a significant injury. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the two-time Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending knee injury. It's a massive blow to the team's offensive line and offense as a whole. It also serves as a harsh reminder as to why players will always — and should always — act on the side of caution when it comes to participating in training camp when they are seeking a new contract. In Slater's case, he's a lucky one because he just agreed to a new four-year, $114 million contract extension with $92 million in guarantees days before the injury happened. That contract was signed after he did not participate in some of the team's early training-camp practice sessions. If Slater had participated early on and had this injury happen before he was able to get his new deal signed, it would have been a devastating blow in his quest to get that pay day. Not only would the Chargers have had no incentive to pay him this season, but there is no guarantee he would have ever received that sort of contract in the future. Fans might not like the idea of a hold-out or hold-in, but you have to look at it from the perspective of the player. They have a very limited time to earn top dollar in the NFL, and there are never any guarantees. The hold-out/hold-in approach is not only a way to put pressure on the team to pay them, but it's also a matter of self-preservation. Football is a violent game. It's a physical game. It's a collision game. Injuries are always going to be a part of that. But injuries happen with much greater frequency early in the season, and especially in training camp, due to the fact that players are still working their way back into game shape and going through more intense and physical practices than they do at any point during the season. It's a dangerous time for them in terms of injuries, and that should not be overlooked when it comes to contract talks. Players have short careers and even less time to set themselves up financially. They should not be willing to take unnecessary risks when it comes to their earning power. The Slater situation shows just how delicate all of it is.
Mock Trade Has Knicks Acquiring Former NBA Champion, Rising Center From Jazz
The New York Knicks have made some key additions to their roster this offseason as they try to make a run at the NBA Finals next season. Of course, the Knicks are coming off an impressive season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. With their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby returning next season, the Knicks will likely enter next season as one of the favorites to come out of the weakened East. New York also upgraded their bench this offseason by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele and they still have one roster spot open. While the Knicks are expected to use their final roster spot on a veteran in free agency, Sports Illustrated’s Rohan Raman recently released a mock trade that would see them add three key players from the Utah Jazz, including a former champion and rising center. Knicks predicted to land Walker Kessler, Kevin Love from Jazz In the trade, the Knicks would send Mitchell Robinson, Pacome Dadiet and a 2026 first-round pick to the Jazz for Walker Kessler, Kevin Love and Svi Mykhailiuk. New York would also send Tyler Kolek to the Atlanta Hawks, who are the third team in this deal. For the Knicks, this trade would allow them to add even more talent to their bench while also moving on from Robinson who has been a solid player for them but has also struggled with injuries. Of course, the headline of this trade for the Knicks is Kessler, whom they have targeted over the past few seasons. Kessler is a great defender and inside scorer who has continued to work on his mid-range and three-point shots. The young center would be a great addition to the Knicks’ bench as a replacement for Robinson and New York could also pair him and Towns in the starting lineup if needed. New York would also land another veteran in Love who has championship experience and would provide them with a solid shooting big man off the bench. While this trade would likely work out well for the Knicks, it is likely that the Jazz would want a much larger trade package for them to move on from Kessler.
Lions CB undergoes shoulder surgery, will miss 2025 season
Ennis Rakestraw will not play in 2025. The second-year corner was already known to be a candidate to miss time, but the Lions placed him on injured reserve Thursday. Only players released via an injury settlement are eligible to play after being moved to IR at this point in the offseason. Given his status as a 2024 second-round pick, that will obviously not be the case for Rakestraw. After what was essentially a redshirt rookie season, this news is a significant blow for team and player. Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently said Rakestraw was going to miss time due to a shoulder injury. Surgery took place on Thursday, and NFL insider Jordan Schultz notes the procedure was a success. That is of course only a small consolation considering the fact Rakestraw’s rehab process will cost him the entire campaign. The 23-year-old logged just 141 total snaps across eight games last season. A starting cornerback role was not in play since Detroit still has Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson in the fold and replaced Carlton Davis with D.J. Reed via free agency. Still, Rakestraw was in position to occupy a backup spot on the perimeter, so an injury to Arnold or Reed could have elevated him to first-team action. Now, the Lions’ secondary depth will be tested after the unit dealt with numerous injuries last season. Luq Barcoo and D.J. Miller were signed earlier this week. Veteran Avonte Maddox represents an experienced option amongst the team’s remaining backups, although he is best suited for slot and/or safety duties. Rock Ya-Sin has spent his entire career as a corner, but the Lions have tried him at safety this offseason. In the wake of Rakestraw’s injury, it will be interesting to see that plan changes and Ya-Sin’s attention turns back to the cornerback position. With nearly $48M in cap space, Detroit can easily afford a one-year deal amongst the remaining free agents at the CB spot. Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas and Kendall Fuller are some of the veterans still looking for a gig at this point in the offseason. With a vacancy in the secondary, it will be interesting to see if the Lions pursue a contract with any member of that trio or another cover man on the market.
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