OU women's gymnastics star Faith Torrez has received the SEC's top honor for a female athlete.Torrez was named the 2025-26 Roy F. Kramer SEC Female Athlete of the Year, the league announced Tuesday morning. She is the first OU student-athlete, male or female, to receive the SEC's highest individual honor. Auburn golfer Jackson Koivun was named the SEC Male Athlete of the Year.Im incredibly honored to be named SEC Athlete of the Year, said in a release. This recognition means so much because its a reflection of the people who have supported me throughout my journey. Im grateful to my coaches, support staff, teammates, family, and everyone at the University of Oklahoma who has believed in me and pushed me to be my best. Im proud to represent OU and the SEC, and Im thankful for the opportunity to compete alongside so many amazing athletes. This is an honor Ill always cherish.More: Which Oklahoma Sooners could be impacted by Class of 2022 eligibility ruling?Order new book on OU baseball run to NCAA titleLast season, Torrez won the NCAA all-around title, earned first-team All-America honors in the all-around and on all four events, and helped lead OUs program to its second consecutive NCAA championship and eighth overall national title. Torrez was the only gymnast in the nation to earn first-team honors in all five categories and just the sixth gymnast in program history to accomplish the feat in a single season.Torrez also claimed the SEC beam title with a perfect 10, earned All-SEC honors on bars and beam, and was named the 2026 Honda Sport Award winner for gymnastics. She made her all-around season debut at the NCAA Championship Semifinals, posting a 39.7875 to claim the national title.The Bristol, Wisconsin, product is a three-time NCAA team champion, two-time NCAA individual champion, 13-time NCAA All-American and 10-time WCGA All-American. She registered seven career perfect 10s, five individual conference titles and seven all-conference selections while helping the Sooners win four conference championships and four NCAA regional titles.Torrez helped OU win three national titles.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU women's gymnastics star Faith Torrez named SEC Female Athlete of the Year

Rainier Beach (Wash.) is a known commodity on the high school basketball front in the Evergreen State, but it leaped into national headlines last season after adding Tyran Stokes to its roster.Stokes, a Louisville native, had bounced around prep programs and was in California before transferring one more time ahead of his senior year. He landed with the Vikings and proceeded to guide them to a second-straight state title.The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle according to theRivals Industry Ranking has since signed with Kansas. Rainier Beach will not be without a top-ranked star moving forward, however.On Monday, Rivals released its initial rankings for the 2029 recruiting cycle. Atop the list is Rainier Beach five-star shooting guard JJ Crawford. The 6-foot-5, 165-pound playmaker is the son of former longtime NBA guard Jamal Crawford.The decision was to go with Crawford as the initial No. 1 player. A quick snapshot of Crawfords summer, playing with the NW Rotary Rebels club on Nikes E16 EYBL Circuit, he averaged 17.2 points on staggering 50/50/100 splits 55.4 percent from the field, 56.9 percent from three (5.8 attempts), and 100% from the free-throw line, Rivals Jamie Shaw wrote.He has a way of getting to his spots with excellent balance and a consistent shot load and release. Crawford was equally effective shooting off movement as he was off the dribble or with the feet set. And it was his shooting prowess that also helped him make the USA Basketball team for theU17 World Cup.JJ Crawford makes his high school debut for Rainier Beach pic.twitter.com/VvkQqUMo5e Home Team Hoops (@HomeTeamHoops) December 4, 2025As Rainier Beach captured its second state title in a row back in March, it was Crawford that led the Vikings in scoring, not Stokes. He capped off an eye-popping freshman year with a 20-point performance against Tacoma Lincoln.Rainier Beach finished the year as the No. 7 team in the nation, according to the Rivals Composite Rankings. Stokes of course carried the load at times, but Crawford has already proven that hes very much up for being his teams top option. Hell get that chance moving forward.Crawfords recruitment has taken offFrom the stats, to the highlights, to the last name and now the ranking, its no surprise that Crawford has already captured the attention of numerous high-profile college programs. Kentucky, Louisville, Washington, Michigan, USC, Alabama, Miami and North Carolina are among the schools on his offer sheet. His father notably played for Michigan. Crawford recently spoke on his recruitment and discussed those programs with Shaw.Ill probably start focusing on visits like next summer, Crawford said. Ill start going on some unofficials. I want to go somewhere I know will get me better. Obviously, I want to win; that is a big thing for me, but I also want to be great in the league. So, I want to go to a school where I trust the coach.It remains to be seen if Crawford will speed his process up. On Tuesday, AJ Williams, the No. 1 prospect in the 2028 cycle, reclassified up to 2027. Numerous top-ranked recruits have opted to reclass over the last handful of cycles. For now, hes gearing up for his sophomore season.About Rainier BeachRainier Beach High School, located in the heart of Seattle, WA, is a vibrant public high school known for its strong sense of community, cultural diversity, and commitment to academic excellence. RBHS offers rigorous academic programs including International Baccalaureate (IB), along with standout athleticsespecially its nationally recognized basketball program. With a focus on equity and student empowerment, Rainier Beach nurtures future leaders in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel called the NCAA's decision to suspend linebacker Arion Carter as "bull----" at the Vols' preseason media day on Aug. 4.The ruling that came out from the NCAA, the two-game suspension, I truly believe is bull----," Heupel said.Heupel's comments came six days after Carter was suspended by the NCAA for the first two games of the season against Furman (Sept. 5) and Georgia Tech (Sept. 12). The suspension stemmed from Carter returning to college after his agent paid for a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft training facility, which amounted to an improper material benefit per NCAA rules.Heupel released an earlier statement defending Carter and publicly disagreeing with the NCAA's decision right after the suspension was made public. He struck a similar tone in his opening statement on Aug. 4.Why Arion Carter was suspended by NCAACarter announced that he haddeclared for the 2026 NFL Draftfollowing his junior season and hired an agent, who paid for his $427 flight to the site of a pre-draft training facility. Carter later withdrew from the draftafter his previously injured foot flared back up, and on Jan. 19 he terminated his contract with the agent.But the NCAA found that Carter had committed a Level III violation because the flight qualified as an improper material benefit and his intentions at the time were to pursue a professional career. If the transportation cost was part of an NIL deal it wouldn't have violated NCAA rules, but once Carter signed a contract with an agent to represent his interests in professional sports, benefits like transportation costs jeopardized his college eligibility, even though he later repaid the agent for the flight.The NCAA initially issued a three-game suspension that was reduced to two games after UT appealed.Although he will miss the start of the season, Carter can still practice with the team. TheVolsstart preseason practice on Aug. 5.Emmett Siegel coversTennesseebaseball for Knox News. Email:emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X:@EmmettSiegel_This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel called 'bull---' about Arion Carter suspension

Jaxson Dart made his debut in The Athletics annual NFL quarterback tiers survey, ranking 24th overall among 35 veteran passers evaluated by a panel of 50 coaches and executives. The New York Giants quarterback drew mostly Tier 3 and Tier 4 votes after a rookie season marked by both promise and physical risk.Dart led qualifying quarterbacks in the percentage of plays that involved designed rushes, scrambles, sacks or hits, finishing at 33.7 percent. He was evaluated for a concussion four times in his first nine starts and once in the preseason, yet continued playing with the same aggressive approach.One general manager offered measured optimism mixed with clear concern.Im going to give Jaxson a nudge and give him a 3, arrow up, the GM said. But he is not going to change his style of play, so that is where Im like, I dont know if this guy is going to last.A defensive coordinator saw the upside.I do like Dart, he said. He can throw it. Hes athletic, and he has a little moxie about him. I like that (expletive).Another defensive coach summarized the split view of Darts game: Its more athleticism, playmaking ability, splash plays than consistency.Defensive coaches rated him higher than offensive coaches overall, a reflection of the traits that produce big plays but also invite hits.Dart ranked first among the five quarterbacks making their first appearance in the survey. The results highlight both the tools that made him intriguing as a prospect and the questions surrounding how long that style can hold up at the NFL level.This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL GM on Giants' Jaxson Dart: 'Don't know if this guy is going to last'

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The rookie tight end is dealing with a setback from offseason hernia surgery, but head coach Aaron Glenn expects him back for Week 1

AUSTIN, TX - JUNE 07: Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) reacts after hitting an RBI double during the NCAA Super Regional college baseball game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oregon Ducks on June 7, 2026 at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX.(Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe position-by-position look at the 2027 Texas Longhorns team starts with an infield led by star shortstop Adrian Rodriguez.CatcherDepartures: Carson Tinney (draft), Andrew Ermis (transfer), Presley Courville (transfer)Additions: Ian Armstrong (transfer), Brady Murrietta (signee), Jax Robinson (signee)Returning: NoneFor a second straight year, Texas turned to the portal to land a high-level catcher, missing on Clemson transfer Nate Savoie before landing a commitment from Saint Marys transfer Ian Armstrong, who at the time of his pledge was ranked as the No. 22 overall player in the portal and the No. 30 prospect in the 2027 MLB Draft by Over Slot. Baseball America ranks After slashing .364/.402/.576 with 55 hits, 11 doubles, three triples, five home runs, and 40 RBI in 2024, Armstrong was even better as a sophomore, leading the WCC with 16 home runs and batting .351 with a .416 on-base percentage, a .654 slugging percentage, and a 1.070 OPS. The first-team All-WCC selection notched 80 hits with 17 doubles, two triples, 51 RBI, and 53 runs scored.For Schlossnagle, high-level play behind the plate is a prerequisite for the position and Armstrong fits that mold with refined receiving ability, lateral quickness, clean footwork, and a plus arm.Armstrongs burgeoning power combined with an all-fields approach to hitting has turned him into a strong all-around batter as he heads to the Forty Acres with high expectations. Good bat speed allows Armstrong to produce an excellent contact rate on pitches in the strike zone, especially fastballs, and driving a breaking ball away out to center against UCLA in the Los Angeles Regional flashed his ability to handle offspeed pitches.B3 SMC 2-3 UCLAGaels chipping away! 16th home run of the season by Ian Armstrong! Tune in on ESPNU #GaelsRise@NCAABaseball@d1baseballpic.twitter.com/E7pUgycAcN Saint Mary's Baseball (@SMC_Baseball) May 31, 2026Signees Brady Murrietta and Jax Robinson will battle for the backup job. Perfect Game considers the two players prospects of similar quality, although Murrietta is perhaps ahead of Robinson defensively.First baseDepartures: Ashton Larson (transfer)Additions: Sawyer Solitaria (transfer), Easton Autrey (signee)Returning: Casey BorbaAfter splitting time between third base and first base in 2026, senior Casey Borba returns for his senior season as the projected starter at first base. Because Ashton Larson entered the NCAA transfer portal, the prime competition for Borba at first base will come from Kent State transfer Sawyer Solitaria, who also plays in the outfield and could be the designated hitter for the Longhorns in 2027, and signee Easton Autrey.Last offseason, Borba opted against playing summer baseball to focus on improving his functional mobility in the field, improving as a third baseman in 2026 while also spending time at first base, but even as his power kept improving up to 18 home runs his struggles using the whole field to hit continued to limit his batting average as late-season struggles dropped it to .266 as his walk rate also decreased and his strikeout rate ballooned to 36.5 percent.So Borba continues to have plenty to work on as a hitter. The swing and miss in his game combined with his reliance on his pull-side power limits his upside and could put his starting job in jeopardy next season.One possibility is a platoon with Autrey to get the Coricana products left-handed bat in the lineup. A 64, 233-pounder with better physicality than the 61, 210-pound Borba, Autrey possesses prodigious power with elite exit velocities even using a wood bat at the draft combine. Autreys power is so elite that it was fully present two years ago, when he was capable of a 544-foot blast in a showcase.Texas Longhorns commit Easton Autrey hit a 544-foot bomb at the Power Showcase World Classic pic.twitter.com/Fd9h3EJ6LD Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) November 27, 2024Some projections put Autreys future in the outfield, so with Borbas quality play defensively at first base, Autreys best path to playing time in 2027 may be at designated hitter.Solitaria, a Kent State transfer who hit 16 home runs in 2025, is the projected starter at designated hitter with the portal additions crowding the outfield competitions, but could also be a factor at first base if Borba struggles.Second baseDepartures: Callum Early (transfer)Additions: Lawson Behan (signee), Reiston Durham (signee)Returning: Ethan MendozaThe Horns also boast a returning starter at second base following Julys announcement from senior Ethen Mendoza that hell be back for a third season on the Forty Acres. Initially considered a draftable prospect during the season, Mendoza went undrafted after struggling with a shoulder injury for the second consecutive year and opted against signing as a free agent.Mendoza had spent the offseason bulking up to further improve his power, which helped him hit 10 home runs in 2026, but his batting average dropped to .278 and the increased weight contributed to Mendoza only stealing 11 bases.If Mendoza does require offseason surgery to address his persistent shoulder issues, it could impact his early-season availability. Texas Tech transfer Linkin Garcia is the projected third baseman for Texas next season, but could play second if Mendoza isnt available. Long Beach State transfer Trevor Goldenetz also played some second base in high school before playing center field for the Dirtbags as a freshman.For middle infield depth, the Longhorns also signed Lawson Behan and Reiston Durham, but the rankings for both players suggest they will need some time to develop, so Texas could make a late portal addition.ShortstopDepartures: NoneAdditions: Behan, DurhamReturning: Adrian RodriguezIn Adrian Rodriguez, Schlossnagle has one of the nations best returning shortstops. After playing second base, third base, and left field in 2025 as a freshman, Rodriguez worked to improve his range at shortstop for his sophomore season, which paid off in an impressive campaign with a .964 fielding campaign.Forced to undergo a second, midseason surgery on his left hand to remove a staple that was causing an allergic reaction, Rodriguez suffered the consequences as the persistent issue forced him to hit exclusively from the left side and continued to sap his power. Even so, Rodriguez still slashed .327/.417/.514 with 18 doubles, five home runs, 47 RBI, and 14 stolen bases, finishing the season red hot and proving his postseason capabilities.As with Mendoza, the offseason priority is to finally get his hand healthy and gain as much strength as possible while maintaining his range defensively, a balance that leaned towards getting as lean as possible last year.Third baseDepartures: Temo Becerra (graduation)Additions: Linkin Garcia (portal)Unable to land an elite infielder from the portal last year, Texas settled for Stanford transfer Temo Becerra, who brought a professional approach to the plate in hitting .301, but wasnt able to sustain his early-season power surge. The Longhorns didnt settle this offseason, landing Garcia from the Red Raiders.A top-25 prospect in the portal when he quickly committed to Texas, the 65, 218-pounder has immense physical upside that makes him a potential first-round pick next July as a draft-eligible sophomore. Baseball American ranked Garcia as the No. 17 player in the portal.In Garcias single season in Lubbock, he started all 55 games for Texas Tech, including 30 games at shortstop and 25 games at third base, batting .338 with four home runs and 59 RBI while tying for the Big 12 lead with 21 doubles, earning a spot on the All-Big 12 Freshman team. A contact hitter in his first collegiate season, Garcia had low strikeout and walk rates.Given Garcias physicality and gap-to-gap power as a freshman, expect a big power surge for the California product in burnt orange and white similar to the improvement by Aiden Robbins, who went from six home runs for Seton Hall in 2025 to 24 for Texas in 2026. Working deeper into counts is part of the equation, as Garcias barrel rate and exit velocities are similar to Robbins.If Linkin Garcia can learn to lift the ball under Troy Tulowitzki, he may be able to provide more HR power than Aiden RobbinsFREE analysis herehttps://t.co/7CZO13Q6Vjpic.twitter.com/4HYhPsAS0h Nash (@NashTalksTexas) June 28, 2026Texas Tech's Linkin Garcia has had a steady spot in the top 15 of our 2027 board drops, coming in at No. 14 of today's drop.A 6'5 shortstop with a bat that's among the most polished in the class.Full '27 T100 w/ reports pic.twitter.com/dM7yfmfksR Over-Slot Baseball (@OverSlot_) May 13, 2026A guy like Linkin Garcia contacts the ball, doesnt walk much, doesnt strike out much, hits the ball on the ground a little bit too much, right? So, is that something that we can impact? We believe we can, Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle said last week.

Former Real Madrid manager questions Mourinho appointment: I dont know whats the pointDespite intense criticism and uncertainty, Real Madrid made a bold call earlier this summer by re-appointing Jose Mourinho as head coach.Long considered a manager of yesteryear, Mourinho has given positive vibes since rejoining Real Madrid so far and has played a key role in dictating the clubs aggressive transfer policy, which marks a break from recent trends.Nevertheless, the Mourinho appointment has not pleased everyone, especially Jorge Valdano, who has a documented spat with the Real Madrid manager.Valdano questions Mourinho appointmentCan Mourinho restore Real Madrids lost glory? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)In an interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Valdano cast doubt over the logic behind bringing Mourinho back to the Bernabeu.The former Real Madrid player, manager and sporting director stated that he did not understand the point behind re-appointing the Special One.Florentino opted for a different type of coach. The truth is, there arent many available for Real Madrid. The options are dwindling. I dont know what the point is for Jose Mourinho to return to this responsibility; only the club knows, he said.Valdano was also cautious when asked whether Mourinho could finally deliver the Champions League this time around, stressing that much has changed since the Portuguese first arrived in 2010.Almost fifteen years have passed: football is not the same, society is not the same, Florentino is not the same, and Mourinho certainly wont be either. So, well see what happens, he added.Valdanos history with Jose MourinhoValdano and Mourinho go a long way back. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Valdanos scepticism is perhaps unsurprising given the pairs history. Valdano and Mourinho worked together during the Portugueses first spell in charge, but the friction between the two high-profile figures ultimately damaged their relationship, with Valdano eventually leaving his post while Mourinho stayed on for another two years.Even so, the Argentine was keen to stress that he harbours no lingering resentment towards his former colleague.Im the least resentful person in the world; conflicts dont last long for me, I move on very easily, he said.For now, Mourinho will be focused solely on proving the doubters, Valdano included, wrong. Having overseen an ambitious summer rebuild, the Portuguese has the tools to make an immediate impact, and silverware in his first season back.

Louisville Cardinals head coach Pat Kelsey, left, yells from the sidelines as the Cards take on Eastern Michigan Nov. 24, 2025 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. At right is assistant coach Peyton Siva, former star player at UofL. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters CoThe Louisville mens basketball program was dealt a late summer surprise when assistant coach and Cardinal legend Peyton Siva announced over the weekend that he would be leaving to join his former head coach Rick Pitinos staff at St. Johns. Appearing on The Assist podcast with 247 Sports Kyle Tucker, U of L head coach Pat Kelsey discussed his reaction to the news for the first time. I totally get it, Kelsey said after putting himself in Sivas shoes and imagining the opportunity to work for his former coach, Skip Prosser, again. Him being able to (work) for his former coach that won a championship together. I wish him all the luck in the world except for in, possibly, November when St. Johns and Louisville could possibly go head-to-head. Kelsey continued to express his admiration for Siva, who spent the past two years on his U of L staffs, and said the door would always be open to the Cardinal legend. As for what comes next as far as a replacement for Siva, Kelsey had less to say. This is late in the process, Kelsey said. Were kind of assessing how were going to move forward with this. Well let you know when those decisions are made. You can watch the full interview right here.

Commanders running back Bill Croskey-Merritt wasnt involved much in the pass game last season. He had just nine catches for 68 yards on 13 targets, stats that show a lack of production, opportunity and (lets just say it) trust from the coaching staff to use the rookie in those situations. That wasnt a massive shock, considering Croskey-Merritt didnt do much receiving in college, either. He had just seven receptions for New Mexico in 2023, his last full collegiate season after odd eligibility issues essentially nullified his 2024 campaign at Arizona. The Commanders pushed him to improve as a receiver and a pass protector in 2026, and are testing him in those areas during training camp.They want me to be able to do more, Croskey-Merritt said in a press conference after Tuesdays camp practice. The more you can do, the better. They know I can do it. I just have to put more of it on film. Theres always something you can get better at. I just want to go out show I can do whatever is needed.LIVE: RB Bill Croskey-Merritt speaks to the media after practice https://t.co/L0RpIp1wev Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 4, 2026Croskey-Merritt had a productive rookie year despite a clear focus on rushing, with 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries. He had some blowup games and some subdued efforts in 2025. He showed real promise as a runner, with a style that should fit well with the zone rushing concepts expected of new coordinator David Bloughs scheme. Well-rounded play is essential to staying on the field in the NFL, so there was an obvious desire to get better as a receiver. Croskey-Merritt believed it was a matter of opportunity over skill, but has set out to prove he can do it all while holding onto the ball.Bill going through some ball security drills pic.twitter.com/LePzfxRVok Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 4, 2026He worked hard during the offseason to get bigger and stronger thatll certainly help in pass protection and be a trusted target in the passing game. Look at those arms on Bill Croskey-Merritt Bill got bigger! pic.twitter.com/eOAKApr2GV Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 4, 2026I always felt like it was slept on, Croskey-Merritt said. I feel like it comes natural for me, and its something I definitely want to show. I can do more than just run the ball. I want to be able to catch out of the backfield, block and run. I just want to be a jack of all trades.That means being right on technique and the details of his assignment. His talent is unquestioned. Its about building trust in areas where he didnt have as much in 2025. Does that mean Croskey-Merritts competing to be Washingtons featured, every-down back? Probably not. The Commanders have a well-balanced running back room with juice coming from several different players. Veteran free-agenct acquisition Rachaad White has long been a quality receiver out of the backfield who can be an efficient runner. Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen enters the chat following an A-plus career at Penn State, bringing a physical rushing style to the unit and could be valuable in short-yardage situations. Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford are also battling for a roster spot as depth components. Croskey-Merritt enters his second season with confidence stemming from a productive offseasonThey had a plan for me and I went at it 100%. I trusted the process and its paying off. I dont feel like I slowed down any. I feel stronger. I feel like Im ready to go and in the best shape of my life right now.When the balls coming my way, just make the most of it. I feel like I have been doing that well so far. I want to get better every day.