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3 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Papiya Chatterjee |Rajdeep Paul
Wisconsin is blowing the whistle on Miami’s alleged recruiting violation. Two years after Michigan faced heat for allegedly poaching players during the NCAA’s ‘dead period’, another storm is brewing in college football. As Xavier Lucas’ transfer without a proper portal process is lighting a fire under the Badgers. And this time they aren’t letting it slide. Instead, they’re taking Miami to court, aiming to draw a line in the sand.
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3 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Papiya Chatterjee |Rajdeep Paul
It looks like Brent Venables just can’t seem to catch a break this recruiting cycle. First blow? When Oklahoma’s top offensive tackle target, Felix Ojo, called off his official visit. And before the dust could settle, another blow made its way towards Venables’ program as three-star quarterback Jaden O’Neal decommitted from the Sooners’ 2026 class. Worst part? He made a sharp turn toward Florida State.
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3 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Papiya Chatterjee |Rajdeep Paul
Well, Steve Sarkisian isn’t just drawing up plays; he’s been writing the blueprint of offensive brilliance for ages. From his electrifying USC offenses of the early 2000s to Alabama’s 2020 national title run, he’s consistently delivered explosive results. After honing his skills in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, he now orchestrates Texas’ potent attack. And that elite QB slate he built? Pretty impressive, as Sarkisian has sent nine to the NFL—six as first-round picks.
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3 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Papiya Chatterjee |Rajdeep Paul
Just when Dylan Raiola thought he had silenced his critics, raising concerns over his athleticism, the noise came roaring back louder than ever. First, those eleven interceptions raised questions about his decision-making under pressure, and then his 230-pound frame raised mobility concerns. Still, despite the setbacks, Raiola didn’t flinch; he led Nebraska to its first bowl victory since 2016 and used the offseason to shed ten pounds to sharpen his game.
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4 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul
Dylan Raiola’s connection to Nebraska isn’t just a choice—it’s a calling. The five-star quarterback is the son of Dominic Raiola, a former NFL standout and Rimington Trophy winner at Nebraska. His uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the Huskers’ offensive line coach. So when Dylan said on Signing Day, “It was always tugging at my heart,” it wasn’t just talk—it was legacy. He turned down national powerhouses like Georgia and OSU to chase something bigger: restoring pride in Lincoln.
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4 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul
All eyes are on South Carolina heading into 2025—and for good reason. After a thrilling 2024 campaign that saw QB LaNorris Sellers break out and the team finish 9-4, the buzz in Columbia is real. They came close to crashing the CFP—and with Sellers back under center, expectations are sky-high. But head coach Shane Beamer isn’t on the hot seat. Because he’s helped flip the program and turn South Carolina into a true SEC contender. Now, with success comes pressure.
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4 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Papiya Chatterjee |Rajdeep Paul
Jay Harris is more than a familiar face on SportsCenter; he’s a symbol of resilience. While many might fold under the weight of a cancer diagnosis, Harris faces prostate cancer head-on, refusing to let it pull him down. At 60 with decades on ESPN’s desk, he hasn’t missed a beat. And now Harris has turned his battle into a powerful message, urging men, “Take a cue from the ladies. They go see OBGYNs early.
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4 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul
Destrehan (La.) four-star WR Jabari Mack made his call in March, choosing Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers after a fierce SEC recruiting battle. The No. 1 wideout in Louisiana had heavy hitters like Texas and Texas A&M in hot pursuit. But in the end, staying home won out. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound playmaker couldn’t pass up the chance to shine in front of those who matter most. “A big part of it for LSU is that stay-home mentality,” shared Mack. So, for him, it’s personal.
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4 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Malabika Dutta |Rajdeep Paul
Back on May 7, a 6’4”, 230-pound EDGE from Fort Lauderdale, FL, made headlines by naming Oklahoma his leader in a chat with OU Insider. That same night, Sooners defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis was in Florida, spending hours painting the vision of life in crimson and cream. “When I compare these schools,” said the 4-star edge, “I look at who can develop me better as a person—not only on the football field, but off it as well.” And Coach Chavis gave him a clear response. One that hit home.
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6 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Papiya Chatterjee |Rajdeep Paul
Last year’s disastrous season has flipped the script for Mike Gundy. Once a pillar of stability at Oklahoma State, he’s now fighting to prove his worth. That disastrous 3-9 season didn’t just upset fans—it triggered a complete roster overhaul and tarnished Gundy’s legacy. With the 2025 season approaching, the pressure intensifies.
