Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke heads into the College Football Playoff attempting to improve his NFL draft stock. The senior quarterback is widely projected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
ESPN's Matt Miller has Rourke with a fourth-round grade heading into the tournament. The good news for Rourke is that Indiana's appearance in the College Football Playoff could raise his profile.
At 6-foot-5, 223 pounds, Rourke has the size that NFL teams covet. Rourke threw for 2,827 yards , 27 touchdowns and 4 interceptions while completing 70.4% of his passes during the regular season in 2024. The quarterback was solid during his previous five seasons with the Ohio Bobcats but leading Indiana to the playoff is the biggest plus on his resume.
Pro Football Network's Dalton Miller's Nov. 28 NFL mock draft has the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Rourke in the seventh round with the No. 238 overall pick. The Steelers would not be a bad landing spot for Rourke.
Russell Wilson has the Steelers firmly in the playoff picture, but the star is no longer the Pro Bowler who commanded a five-year, $242 million contract with the Denver Broncos. Both Wilson and Justin Fields will be free agents this offseason.
Kurtis Rourke is an NFL Quarterback pic.twitter.com/ElDmT797A5
— Hunter Carnes (@Carnziee) October 19, 2024
Barring an incredible College Football Playoff run, Rourke's most likely path in the NFL will begin as a backup. We have seen players like Brock Purdy carve out a starting role despite being a seventh-round pick. Rourke is ESPN Jordan Reid's No. 8 ranked quarterback for the 2025 NFL draft.
"Why aren't more people talking about this guy?" an AFC scouting director told Reid . "He's had nothing but success on two levels, and there hasn't been any drop-off since he moved up."
More must-reads:
#1 Texas Longhorns Most Important Player: QB Arch Manning Why: Manning steps into the starting role after backing up Quinn Ewers. His ability to lead a talented roster with a rebuilt offensive line against a tough schedule, including a Week 1 clash with Ohio State, will define Texas’ national title hopes. His dual-threat potential (939 passing yards, 9 TDs, 4 rushing TDs in 2024) is critical. #2 Ohio State Buckeyes Most Important Player: WR Jeremiah Smith Why: Smith, a dynamic freshman in 2024 (15 TD catches, 17.3 yards per reception), is the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense with a new QB (Julian Sayin) and new coordinators. His ability to stretch defenses will be vital for a repeat title run. #3 Penn State Nittany Lions Most Important Player: QB Drew Allar Why: Allar’s development as a passer is key for Penn State to overcome their Ohio State hurdle. With 2024’s top receivers gone, his ability to elevate a new receiving corps will determine if the Nittany Lions can compete for a Big Ten title. #4 Georgia Bulldogs Most Important Player: QB Gunnar Stockton Why: With Carson Beck transferring, Stockton takes over a Georgia team with 13 NFL Draft losses. His ability to manage a talented but retooled roster against a tough SEC schedule will dictate Georgia’s success. #5 Clemson Tigers Most Important Player: QB Cade Klubnik Why: Klubnik’s breakout 2024 season (3,600+ yards, 36 TDs) makes him the engine of Clemson’s ACC title defense. His consistency against top teams like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers will be crucial. #6 LSU Tigers Most Important Player: QB Garrett Nussmeier Why: Nussmeier’s 2024 stats rivaled Jayden Daniels’ pre-Heisman year. With a strong receiving corps and a bolstered line, his growth could push LSU toward an SEC title, especially in night games at Tiger Stadium. #7 Oregon Ducks Most Important Player: QB Dante Moore Why: Moore, a transfer, replaces Dillon Gabriel and must maintain Oregon’s high-powered offense after a 13-0 2024 season. His adjustment to a new system and ability to lead against Ohio State in the playoffs will be pivotal. #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Most Important Player: RB Jeremiyah Love Why: Love’s breakout 2024 season makes him the focal point of Notre Dame’s offense, especially with a QB battle (Carr vs. Minchey). His versatility will be key against a tough schedule, including Miami. #9 Alabama Crimson Tide Most Important Player: QB Ty Simpson Why: Simpson is the likely QB1 for the Crimson Tide this season. His leadership and playmaking will be critical for Alabama to rebound under Kalen DeBoer. #10 Miami Hurricanes Most Important Player: QB Carson Beck Why: Beck, a transfer from Georgia, brings elite experience to Miami’s high-powered offense. His ability to gel with a reloaded roster will determine if the Hurricanes can challenge Clemson in the ACC. #11 Illinois Fighting Illini Most Important Player: QB Luke Altmyer Why: Altmyer’s return gives Illinois continuity after a 10-win 2024. His leadership against a tough Big Ten schedule (USC, Ohio State) will decide if the Illini can sustain their sleeper status. #12 Arizona State Sun Devils Most Important Player: QB Sam Leavitt Why: Leavitt’s return after a Big 12 title run is critical without star RB Cam Skattebo. His connection with WR Jordyn Tyson will drive ASU’s offense against a challenging road schedule. #13 Florida Gators Most Important Player: QB DJ Lagway Why: Lagway’s emergence in 2024 gives Florida a dynamic QB. His development with receivers like J. Michael Sturdivant and a tough SEC schedule will shape the Gators’ ceiling. #14 South Carolina Gamecocks Most Important Player: QB LaNorris Sellers Why: Sellers’ dual-threat ability nearly upset Clemson in 2024. His growth as a passer and leader will be crucial for South Carolina to navigate a brutal schedule and contend for a CFP spot. #15: BYU Cougars Most Important Player: WR Chase Roberts Why: With top receivers gone, Roberts is the primary target for BYU’s passing game. His ability to create mismatches will be vital for the Cougars to stay in the Big 12 race. #16 Michigan Wolverines Most Important Player: QB Bryce Underwood Why: The five-star freshman is Michigan’s future, and his early impact could elevate a retooling offense. His performance will determine if the Wolverines can stay in the Big Ten hunt. #17 Kansas State Wildcats Most Important Player: QB Avery Johnson Why: Johnson’s dual-threat ability and chemistry with RB Dylan Edwards make him the centerpiece of K-State’s offense. His growth in Year 2 as a starter is key for a Big 12 title push. #18: Tennessee Volunteers Most Important Player: QB Joey Aguilar Why: Aguilar, a UCLA transfer, steps in after Nico Iamaleava’s departure. His ability to adapt to Josh Heupel’s system will determine if Tennessee can leverage their defensive strength. #19 SMU Mustangs Most Important Player: TE RJ Maryland Why: Maryland’s return (17 TD catches in three years) is critical for SMU’s passing game after losing six key receivers. His health and production will drive their ACC title hopes. #20 Iowa State Cyclones Most Important Player: QB Rocco Becht Why: Becht’s experience as a third-year starter is vital with top receivers gone. His connection with transfer WR Sowell will determine if Iowa State can repeat their 2024 success. #21 Ole Miss Rebels Most Important Player: QB Austin Simmons Why: Simmons replaces Jaxson Dart, and his ability to lead a transfer-heavy roster will be key for Ole Miss to stay competitive in the SEC under Lane Kiffin. #22 Texas A M Aggies Most Important Player: QB Marcel Reed Why: Reed’s dual-threat ability and new weapons like KC Concepcion make him critical for Texas A M’s offense. Generating a pass rush will complement his impact. #23 Iowa Hawkeyes Most Important Player: QB Brendan Sullivan Why: Sullivan, a transfer, must improve Iowa’s passing game, which has been a weak point. His performance will determine if the Hawkeyes can exceed their 8-5 2024 record. #24 Texas Tech Red Raiders Most Important Player: QB Behren Morton Why: Morton’s recovery from shoulder surgery and ability to lead a revamped defense with transfer additions will be crucial for Texas Tech to climb the Big 12 standings. #25 Auburn Tigers Most Important Player: QB Jackson Arnold Why: Arnold, an Oklahoma transfer, must stabilize Auburn’s offense under Hugh Freeze. His experience and fit with playmakers like Cam Coleman will determine Auburn’s improvement.
There have been a couple of different theories floated about why the Las Vegas Raiders made the shocking decision to cut star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, but head coach Pete Carroll has no interest in sharing the real motive. The Raiders released Wilkins on Thursday, which was barely a year after they signed him to a four-year, $110M contract in free agency. Initial reports suggested Wilkins and the team were at odds over how the 29-year-old's foot injury was being handled, but the story has since taken a bizarre turn. ESPN's Adam Schefter said on Monday that there was an incident between Wilkins and a teammate in the locker room that Wilkins viewed as playful, but his teammate did not take it that way. Tashan Reed of The Athletic reported that the incident took place in a meeting room at the Raiders' facility last week and was investigated by the team's human resources department. On Tuesday, a reporter asked Carroll about the alleged incident. The 73-year-old coach refused to get into it. "I have no comment to make,” Carroll said, via The Athletic. “We made a decision on what we’re doing, and we’re moving with it. We’ll see how that all unveils itself in time.” The last part of Carroll's comment is interesting. Carroll may have been saying time will tell how the decision to cut Wilkins will turn out for the Raiders, or he may have been insinuating that more information will come out at some point. Raiders defensive tackle Adam Nelson was also asked about Wilkins on Tuesday. Nelson responded by encouraging people to seek therapy if they are struggling with something in their life. Wilkins had 17 total tackles and a pair of sacks in five games with the Raiders before he suffered his season-ending foot injury.
The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
The Yankees have interest in Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Heyman adds that the Yankees, and the Mets, have checked in on Joe Ryan of the Twins and MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals. However, he downplays the likelihood of anything coming from those pursuits. Similarly, Heyman mentions that the Yankees reached out to the Pirates about Oneil Cruz but says nothing is likely to come from that either.P The Yankees have been connected to plenty of starting pitchers recently. That includes some potentially notable upgrades like Dylan Cease or Mitch Keller, as well as more back-end types like Chris Paddack, who was traded from the Twins to the Tigers yesterday. Heaney is more in the latter category at this stage of his career. He’s had some tantalizing strikeout stuff in the past but that’s not the case this year. In 107 innings for the Pirates, he has a 4.79 earned run average and a subpar 17.2% strikeout rate. His season got off to a strong start but he’s been in a rough slide lately. Through his first 14 starts, he had a 3.33 ERA, though with a subpar 18.5% strikeout rate. He was getting a bit of help from his .234 batting average on balls in play and 81.8% strand rate. His FIP and SIERA were both 4.44 for that span, suggesting those metrics thought it was a mirage. They were proven correct when Heaney posted an 8.79 ERA over his next six starts. It’s not the most exciting set of numbers but the Yanks might just want a veteran to take the ball every five days. As mentioned, they were interested in Paddack, who has similar numbers to Heaney this year. Paddack posted a 4.95 ERA with a 17.6% strikeout rate before his trade. The Yankees have lost Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt to Tommy John surgery but still have a strong one-two atop the rotation in Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. They have been without Luis Gil all year so far but he’s on the cusp of a return. Will Warren is having a good season on the whole. Adding a vet would allow the Yanks to perhaps move Cam Schlittler back to Triple-A or bump Marcus Stroman to long relief or off the roster. It’s been a rough stretch for the Yankees, as they have fallen into a tight Wild Card race. Entering today, they are only a game and a half ahead of the Rangers, who are the top team not currently in possession of a playoff spot. Heaney wouldn’t be in the club’s planned playoff rotation but he could upgrade the staff for the stretch run. Schlittler has just two big league outings under his belt while Stroman has a 6.08 ERA in his eight starts this year. Heaney shouldn’t cost much in terms of prospect capital and is also making just $5.25M this year. There’s now less than $1.75M of that still to be paid out. Since the Yankees are a third-time competitive balance tax payor and are over the top tier, they face a 110% tax on any additional spending. The Yankees could pursue a more impactful upgrade and it seems like they have looked into the possibility. However, all reports have suggested that a trade of either Gore or Ryan would be a long shot. Both pitchers are affordably controlled for two years after this season, making them very valuable to their respective clubs. It would likely take a massive prospect haul to pry either player loose. It’s basically the same story with Cruz, who is controlled for three seasons after this one.
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