Shreya Nag

2 weeks ago | essentiallysports.com | Shreya Nag |Mitali Dey

Deiondra Sanders’ motherhood has been a hot trending theme in the world of college football. Deion Sanders, the ultimate family man, got to enjoy his real Prime time as a granddad of little Baby Snow. No matter what goes on in the professional sphere for Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, the Sanders get to unwind, spending time with the newest member of the crew. But no one could get the taste as lavishly as Deiondra could. Quite a no-brainer.

2 weeks ago | essentiallysports.com | Shreya Nag

There is no reason to sleep on Oklahoma’s John Mateer. The Sooners made a significant upgrade at quarterback with Mateer. After a disappointing 6-7 finish, Oklahoma beat out Miami and North Carolina to get the former Washington State star. In 2023, the Sooners lost quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel, Jacob Switzer, and General Booty. This left coach Venables with only Jackson Arnold, Michael Hawkins Jr., Brendan Zurbrugg, and Casey Thompson, none of whom performed well last season.

2 weeks ago | essentiallysports.com | Shreya Nag

Ohio State and Ryan Day have a whole new set of challenges to tackle this season after their championship win. Sure, they might be gunning for some kind of redemption against Michigan, but mostly, they get to enjoy that national championship—something you don’t get every day! Still, Day knows that their natty win doesn’t just hand them a ticket to next year’s playoffs. They’ve got to hustle for it, especially without key players like Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, Emeka Egbuka, and a few others.

2 weeks ago | essentiallysports.com | Shreya Nag

Hugh Freeze has some unfinished business as he heads into the last three years of his seven-year contract. After a couple of tough seasons in 2023 and 2024, it’s definitely time for him to step it up. He’s got his eyes set on making some big moves with a bunch of top-notch recruits and a new quarterback, Jackson Arnold, in the spotlight. Auburn’s athletic director, John Cohen, is still all in on Freeze and believes he can pull it off with a solid recruiting game.

2 weeks ago | essentiallysports.com | Shreya Nag

Mike Norvell is under pressure to turn things around. After going 13-0 and winning the ACC title a couple of years ago, Florida State (FSU) fell hard to a 2-10 record last year. The quarterback position was a struggle, with transfer DJ Uiagalelei not performing well and the offense overall underwhelming. Norvell knows the issues and is taking action. The big question is whether his efforts will pay off. Norvell cleaned house and sacked his offensive and defensive coordinators from last year.