John Canzano

1 week ago | johncanzano.com | John Canzano

University of Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens told me this week that he’d love to continue to schedule the Civil War football series, but some obstacles threaten it in 2026 and beyond. Mullens sat down for a 1-on-1 interview on a wide variety of topics, including changes to the College Football Playoff seeding structure, the success of his women’s softball team, UO’s master plan for revenue sharing, and his hope that lawmakers intervene and help to stabilize college athletics.

2 weeks ago | johncanzano.com | John Canzano

I received a call on Thursday from University of Oregon women’s basketball coach Kelly Graves. He was making the drive from Eugene to Black Butte. We spent a few minutes talking about a fun project he’s working on. “It’s kind of like a birdhouse,” he said. Except it’s not exactly a birdhouse. It also functions as a bird feeder. Graves has a home on a golf course. He finds a lot of lost golf balls on his daily walks along the course. His new project isn’t for the birds. It’s for golfers.

2 weeks ago | johncanzano.com | John Canzano

There’s no chimney at the Pac-12 Conference headquarters in San Ramon, Calif. So there’s no sense in looking for smoke during this week’s ongoing mediation conclave. The Pac-12 and Mountain West have been locked up in settlement talks since Monday. The sides agreed to confidentiality orders, and information has been sparse. As one source told me on Thursday morning: “I’m not allowed to say anything — can’t tell you shit.”The mediation is ongoing. I can confirm that.

2 weeks ago | johncanzano.com | John Canzano

The USC-Notre Dame football rivalry is at risk. The schools are struggling to come to a long-term agreement that would keep the 100-year series alive beyond the 2026 season. And while Knute Rockne is unavailable for comment and probably rolling in his grave, Petros Papadakis spoke for him. The former USC team captain, radio host, and football broadcaster is authentic, outspoken, and has little tolerance for nonsense. What I’m saying is — we’re friends.

2 weeks ago | johncanzano.com | John Canzano

This week’s mailbag includes questions about the Pac-12 mediation with the Mountain West, college football scheduling, expansion, the Ducks’ Big Ten dominance, Beavers, Cougars, Trail Blazers sale, Michael Jordan, Pat Casey, and more. Who would I take with me in a dream golf foursome? Thanks to all who submitted questions. If you’re a paid subscriber, I appreciate your support. It means so much to me that you’re here. Consider a gift subscription if you’d like to share this publication with others.