On Facebook
On Flipboard
Georgia HC Kirby Smart makes joke about Oregon's NIL funding
At SEC Media Days on Tuesday, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart revealed why he envies Oregon's Dan Lanning.
Smart discussed how his team met with Nike co-founder Phil Knight as part of a series where it studies successful organizations. He then quipped about the billionaire's relationship with his alma mater.
"I wish I could get some of that NIL money that [Knight is] sharing with Dan Lanning," Smart said, per CBS Sports' Shehan Jeyarajah. "But that's another note."
It's no secret that Knight is one of the most powerful boosters in college sports. In 2021, The Oregonian's Jeff Manning reported the 86-year-old's donations to the University of Oregon are "approaching the $1B mark."
Per Forbes' Kristi Dosh, he and other alumni launched a NIL collective — Division Street, Inc. — that same year.
Thus, it's fair to assume Oregon has much more NIL funding than other programs, giving it an edge in recruiting.
247 Sports rated the Ducks' 2024 recruiting class No. 3 in the country behind Georgia and Alabama. This offseason, they landed former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel — the Heisman Trophy favorite (+700), per FanDuel Sportsbook — in the transfer portal. Unsurprisingly, he has already signed new NIL deals.
Through a new NIL deal, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel helped his teammates get "iced out" with school-themed jewelry featuring Oregon's O logo and the Duck mascot with a huge Nike Swoosh.
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) July 16, 2024
Gabriel has a $1.2 million On3 NIL Valuation.https://t.co/1ZmCRA2QEw pic.twitter.com/9DVThwY9bY
Of course, Georgia isn't struggling. The Bulldogs have won two national championships over the past three seasons. Smart noted their NIL system is "competitive," which should help them add elite players and vie for more titles.
Still, Smart's comment about Oregon's deep pockets shows it's in a position to compete for national championships in the new era of college football. Moving from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten should also aid the Ducks' recruiting efforts.
More must-reads:
- Paul Finebaum says this college coach reminds him of prime Nick Saban
- Heisman Trophy odds changes: Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel co-favorite with Georgia’s Carson Beck
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
NFL Hall of Famer reveals why he chose to join Deion Sanders' Colorado coaching staff
New Update on Ohio State's QB Battle Offers Disappointing News For Julian Sayin
Following the departure of Will Howard after the team's College Football Playoff National Championship victory, the expectation around Columbus was that Julian Sayin would take over as Ohio State's quarterback. Sayin ranked as the No. 6 recruit in the 2024 class, and No. 1 quarterback in the country according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings. He ended up at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama following Nick Saban's sudden retirement. Although those around the sport have been quick to tab him as the heir apparent, the latest intel on Ohio State's battle doesn't indicate that this is Sayin's job just yet. Julian Sayin Not Named The Starting QB at Ohio State According to On3's Pete Nakos, not only is 2023 four-star Lincoln Kienholz putting up a good fight, but it appears he is the clubhouse favorite. "The Notre Dame and Ohio State quarterback battles are legitimate, and no true leader has emerged to this point, sources have told On3," wrote Nakos. "While Lincoln Kienholz has emerged as a leader in the Ohio State locker room, Julian Sayin has an arm that sources have raved about." Who is Lincoln Kienholz? No. 194 player in the country, No. 15 quarterback and No. 1 player from South Dakota in 2023. Chose Ohio State over North Dakota State, Washington, Wyoming and Wisconsin. Last played in the 2023 Cotton Bowl against Missouri, completed 6-of-17 passes for 86 yards Ryan Day Needs Starting QB to Emerge as Battle With Arch Manning, Texas Looms The Buckeyes won't have an easy time easing back into things as they begin their title defense, as they are set to host the Texas Longhorns in Week 1. The Longhorns were tabbed as the No. 1 team in college football in the preseason coaches poll, and are widely viewed as having one of the best defenses in the country. The longer it takes for a starter to be decided, the fewer reps the winner will get before facing off against Texas on Aug. 29.
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani reaches yet another incredible milestone
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani entered Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals on the precipice of another milestone. Ohtani had recorded 999 hits in his career, an impressive number considering he continued to hit while rehabbing after a pair of elbow surgeries and the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He notched his 1,000th career hit in the third inning, belting a two-run homer off Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore. While that home run temporarily gave his team a 2-1 lead, the Dodgers' bullpen failed to hold on in the 5-3 loss. Ohtani has put together an impressive season as he slowly works himself back as a starting pitcher. He has posted a .276/.381/.606 batting line in 521 plate appearances, hitting 39 homers and 15 doubles while stealing 16 bases. Ohtani also has a 2.37 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 19 innings, striking out 25 batters with just five walks. His 1,000th hit is another milestone in a career that is on track to end in Cooperstown. The 2018 American League Rookie of the Year, Ohtani is a five-time All-Star and three-time MVP, joining Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. He is one home run shy of his fourth season with 40 or more homers and is the only player in major league history to hit 50+ homers and steal 50+ bases in the same season. Ohtani's exploits on the mound have been equally impressive. He has reached the double-digit mark in wins twice and has struck out more than 150 batters in a season three times. Ohtani finished fourth in the 2022 AL Cy Young race after posting a 15-9 record with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.012 WHIP over 166 innings, striking out 219 batters with 44 walks. It is sure to be one of the many milestones Ohtani reaches as his career continues.
Patriots stars react to HC Mike Vrabel getting bloodied while breaking up camp fight
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel likely won the respect of his team Wednesday. However, he may have needed a few stitches afterward. The Patriots hosted a joint practice with the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. New England rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson took a Commanders pass-rusher to the ground in pass protection, resulting in a scuffle. Vrabel then jumped in to help stop the fight. His face was bloodied after both teams calmed down. Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye loved that his coach was willing to step in. In a news conference after practice, the 22-year-old passer said that's the mentality the team needs. "That's what we're trying to build," he said. "The intensity, bringing it every day, taking no cr-p when we're out on the field. But also, it comes a time where, with our guys offensively, and getting over there and getting some tussles and kind of having some penalties, and extra after the whistle, can get us in trouble. But for mentality, I like it. I mean, I almost got in there, but I think maybe another day, maybe." His new coach doesn't want the QB to get in any brawls. The Patriots are banking on the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft being the franchise's future. Plus, he doesn't need to worry about the Patriots' intensity with Vrabel in the building. New England wide receiver DeMario Douglas noted the former linebacker didn't seem rattled after breaking up the scrap. "I said, 'Coach, what's wrong with you?' And he said, 'You should have seen the other guy,'" Douglas told the media while smiling. "I just saw the scar on his face but didn't know what was happening." Vrabel likely sent two messages at Wednesday's practice. He won't tolerate an undisciplined team but also has his players' backs. That could go a long way for a Patriots squad aiming to improve after a 4-13 season.
Angel Stadium experiences embarrassing issue after game
Angel Stadium is apparently doing its best impression of Oakland Coliseum. The Los Angeles Angels hosted the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday afternoon for a game at their Anaheim, California, home. It was the Rays who emerged victorious by a 5-4 final score, turning in some impressive plays along the way as well. After the loss by the Angels, the baseball gods continued to rain on them … literally. While reporters were gathered in the media room waiting for Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery to give his press conference, the roof in the room was noticeably leaking, resulting in water puddling on the floor and on a nearby trash can. Sam Blum of The Athletic shared the footage, noting that Montgomery’s press conference was ultimately moved to a different room. Angel Stadium opened back in 1966 and has served the home of the Angels ever since (also notably housing several other professional and collegiate teams, including the Los Angeles Rams from 1980-94). But it is clear that some renovations are badly needed at this point (beyond the trash can that appeared to have been intentionally placed under the leak to deal with the dripping water). Angels owner Arte Moreno, who has owned the team since 2003, is often accused of penny-pinching, particularly when it comes to resources and accommodations. Now that Angel Stadium looks to be slowly falling apart as well, perhaps Moreno will call for cups to be taped to the ceiling like other MLB teams have done before to stop leaks.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
