Category: football

Ohio Valley Conference announces return to traditional football branding

Staff

Courtesy of Kyle Schwartz, Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications, Ohio Valley Conference Building upon a legacy that spans nearly 80 years and includes national championship teams, All-Americans, National Players of the Year and NFL draft picks, the Ohio Valley Conference announced today that its football-playing members will once again compete under the OVC name and logo beginning with the 2026 season. The return to the OVC identity follows three successful years of partnership with the Big South Conference under the names Big South-OVC Football Association (2023, 2024) and OVC-Big South…

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Ethan Pritchard Takes Major Step Forward in Recovery Journey

Brandon King

Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard reached a remarkable milestone this week, taking his first steps without a walker while celebrating his 19th birthday with family and loved ones. The moment comes just 10 months after Pritchard survived a gunshot wound to the head, an injury that threatened not only his football career but his life. Since then, he has undergone an arduous rehabilitation process, showing incredible determination and resilience every step of the way. Videos and photos from the celebration captured an emotional scene as Pritchard walked unassisted, drawing cheers…

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Former 49ers Star Aldon Smith Dies at 36 After Spending Final Day Giving Back

Brandon King

The football world is mourning the loss of former NFL pass-rushing standout Aldon Smith, who died at the age of 36. According to reports, Smith spent part of the final day of his life delivering pizzas to a local homeless charity, helping those in need just hours before tragedy struck. Later that day, Smith was found unresponsive inside a vehicle and was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death, which remains under investigation. Smith was one of the…

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Former Oklahoma State Coach Bob Simmons Passes Away At 77

Brandon King

The college football community is mourning the loss of former Oklahoma State head coach and trailblazer Bob Simmons, who passed away at the age of 77. Simmons leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the football field. In 1995, he became the first Black head football coach in Oklahoma State history, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of coaches throughout college athletics. During his six seasons leading the Cowboys, Simmons compiled a 30-38 record and helped guide the program through the formative years of the Big…

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Deion Sanders Announces He Is Cancer-Free Following Bladder Cancer Battle

Brandon King

There are victories that happen on the football field, and then there are victories that mean far more than the game itself. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders shared uplifting news on Monday, announcing that he is officially cancer-free after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in April 2025. Speaking publicly about his health, Sanders expressed gratitude for the medical professionals who helped him through the process and credited his faith for carrying him during one of the toughest challenges of his life. “I’m cancer-free. I’m good. Great doctors in Colorado that…

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Kentucky Football Mourns The Passing Of Defensive Lineman Nicholas Smith At Age 20

Brandon King

lThe Kentucky football program is mourning the loss of one of its own. On Monday, the Wildcats announced that defensive lineman Nicholas “Nic” Smith passed away at the age of 20. Smith, a redshirt freshman from Loganville, Georgia, was entering his second season with the program after joining Kentucky as part of its 2025 recruiting class. According to university officials, Smith was found Monday morning at a campus residence hall. Authorities stated that there were no immediate indications of foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing. The loss has sent…

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Tennessee State Alum Shannon Harris Continues Elevating HBCU Coaching Legacy With DC Defenders

Brandon King

Image via the DC Defenders The impact of HBCUs on professional football extends far beyond the players on the field. Tennessee State University alumnus and DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris is proving that point in a major way. Harris has guided the Defenders to the UFL Championship Game for the second consecutive season, further solidifying his reputation as one of professional football’s rising coaching stars. His success represents not only a personal achievement but also another significant milestone for Tennessee State and the HBCU football community. A former quarterback…

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Tennessee State Flips 3-Star Defensive Back Rymen Mosley From Rice

Brandon King

Tennessee State continues to make noise on the recruiting trail. The Tigers have secured a commitment from 2026 three-star defensive back Rymen Mosley, who announced his pledge to TSU after previously being committed to Rice Owls. Mosley, a standout from Cardinal Mooney High School, brings athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability to Tennessee State’s secondary. Coming out of Cardinal Mooney ( Sarasota, FL) Mosley was scouted as a player that is “quick and instinctive” and plays “much bigger than his 5-10 frame.” “I feel like with me being undersized it’s a…

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Browns Reportedly Trade Myles Garrett To Rams In Massive Blockbuster Deal

Brandon King

The NFL landscape may have shifted dramatically. According to reports, the Cleveland Browns are finalizing a blockbuster trade that will send star edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and additional draft compensation. If completed as reported, the deal would mark the end of an era in Cleveland and instantly bolster a Rams defense that is already loaded with young talent and championship aspirations. Garrett has been the face of the Browns’ defense since being selected first overall…

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Ball State Freshman DB Gavin Yates-Lyons Dies at 18 Following Tragic Shooting

Brandon King

The college football community is mourning the loss of Ball State freshman defensive back Gavin Yates-Lyons, who passed away at just 18 years old after succumbing to injuries sustained in a shooting in Tallahassee, Florida. Yates-Lyons had recently taken a major step toward realizing his football dreams. After graduating from Lowndes High School in Georgia, the talented defensive back enrolled early at Ball State University and participated in spring football activities with the Cardinals. Coaches and teammates were already getting to know a young player whose future appeared bright both…

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