Manny Navarro

Florida

Columnist and Writer at The Athletic

Husband. Father. The Athletic/NY Times. ESPN+. Podcast: @WideRightPod Insider: @7SportsXtra & @BigOShow. Journalist since 1995. Email: [email protected]

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Articles

Nico Iamaleava provides a jolt to a usually dry spring quarterback transfer market

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

When the spring transfer portal period opens for business Wednesday, all eyes will be on former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. There are still some Power 4 programs that could use an upgrade at quarterback, and Iamaleava, who led the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff and a 10-3 record, would likely serve as one. But his asking price - and the new financial structure in college football - complicates things.
Reviewing the hits, misses and hidden gems from the 2015 cycle

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

Lamar Jackson is arguably the best football player to come out of the state of Florida. He was definitely underrated, a former three-star recruit from Boynton Beach High School who was ranked No. 398 overall and No. 58 in the state in the 2015 recruiting cycle. Jackson went on to win the Heisman Trophy at Louisville and two NFL MVP awards with the Baltimore Ravens.
At a Group of 5 school like FIU, coaches try to win with 'an abundance of love' not NIL

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

MIAMI - One of the final spring football practices at Florida International University has wrapped up, and coach Willie Simmons is talking to his team about the offseason. Change is constant in college football. Some players will soon be entering the transfer portal of their own volition. Others, Simmons said, will be getting assistance from him in finding a new home.
Who are the best Group of 5 transfers heading to the Power 4 ranks?

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

There were 292 players selected to Power 4 all-conference teams in 2024, and roughly 40 percent (119) were transfers. The majority of them (71) came from other P4 programs. But there were also plenty of notable selections who came from Group of 5 schools.
Will the freshman WRs play? When will Carson Beck be ready?

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

The Miami Hurricanes are halfway through spring practices. The spring game is scheduled for April 12. You have questions. Let's dive in. Any chance the new freshman receiver trio of Joshua Moore, Daylyn Upshaw or Malachi Toney getting playing time this season? Been hearing praise for Moore and Toney! - Hassan K. Who are the Greentree All-Americans? - Thomas L. I sense a bit of sarcasm in your question, Thomas.
State of Florida recruiting big board: 10 most intriguing uncommitted 2026 prospects

4 weeks ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Manny Navarro

Johnson has been climbing the rankings and is the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country, according to On3. He transferred from North Fort Myers to eight-time state champion Miami Northwestern for his senior year, where he’ll play for former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Johnson had 60 tackles, 29 TFLs, five sacks and five quarterback hurries in nine games as a junior as he battled a knee injury.Georgia is believed to be the front-runner, according to On3.
10 most intriguing uncommitted 2026 prospects

4 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

The state of Florida is home to 12 recruits who rank among the top 100 prospects in the Class of 2026 in the 247Sports Composite. Four have already issued a commitment, most notably five-star quarterback Dia Bell, who pledged to Texas last June. The other committed prospects are linebackers Izayia Williams (Florida) and Jordan Campbell (Miami) and wide receiver Naeem Burroughs (Clemson). More commitments should be coming in the next few months as prospects start taking official visits.
Who are the best FCS and Division II transfers heading to the Power 4 ranks?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

Two of the most impactful college football players in 2024 began their respective careers at the FCS level. Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, a first-team All-American, ranked second nationally with 1,711 rushing yards and led the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff. Miami quarterback Cam Ward guided the nation's No. 1 offense - total and scoring - and joined Skattebo on the All-America team.
What I learned from studying 2,300 transfers in the college football portal window

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

There's been a healthy debate about the devaluing of high school football recruiting in the transfer portal era. You can certainly make the argument that it's now less important than ever when you look at this past season's Power 4 all-conference teams. Roughly 40 percent of the all-league selections in 2024 (not including honorable mention) transferred at one point in their careers. Nearly a quarter (68 of 292) were acquired via the portal during the 2024 cycle.
5 storylines to follow as Mario Cristobal heads into Year 4

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Manny Navarro

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The University of Miami opened spring practice on Monday with coach Mario Cristobal discussing advancements in his program's culture. There is no question the Hurricanes look different physically at the line of scrimmage than they did before Cristobal replaced Manny Diaz in December 2021. The results, though, still aren't there.