Star Playmaker Sends Strong Message on Ohio State Football
The Ohio State Buckeyes rank No. 3 in On3's 2026 team recruiting rankings with 11 commits. The receiver room is quite crowded with three prospects, including a five-star, but the management is still pushing for more.
Ohio State's spring campus visit from four-star wide receiver Jalen Lott left the Panther Creek (Frisco, TX) standout with no doubt that the Buckeyes stand alone atop college football's recruiting pyramid, per Mick Walker's April 30 report.
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'(Brian Hartline) didn't really sell it that much because, I mean, the whole thing was like it's Ohio State,' Lott told Lettermen Row. 'Like it's just Ohio State. It's incomparable to anywhere else. He doesn't really have to compare schools to school or who's better. He knows that they're the best and that was kind of like his message.'
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day© Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It was good,' He added about his visit. 'Going there is definitely like nowhere else. I feel like the only place that matches the work ethic like that is Georgia, maybe, but still, I think Ohio State is on a level of their own.'
A member of a finalist group that includes Miami, USC, Oregon and LSU, Lott's itinerary includes official visits to Texas on June 13, USC and Oregon on June 20, with Miami also on his radar.
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He conducted his spring visit under the guidance of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and had positive things to say about him.
'It was definitely good being able to gain a lot of knowledge and see how he coaches the top players in the country,' Lott said. 'Like it's like it's just cool to see. He's definitely a very serious guy, but also he has a side to him that I like, a little cockiness. I kind of like that.'
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Forbes
40 minutes ago
- Forbes
FIFA's $1 Billion Baby, Club World Cup, Facing Many Challenges
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents The FIFA Club World Cup ... More Trophy during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw at Telemundo Studios on December 05, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by) One of the most controversial FIFA tournaments is set to kick off on Saturday, June 14, when Inter Miami CF and Al-Ahly tussle in the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. So, what exactly is the Club World Cup, you might ask? It is a 32-team competition that is organized by soccer's world governing body, bringing together championship sides for one big tournament. It is being held in the United States a year before FIFA's pride and joy, the 2026 World Cup. That tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the U.S. FIFA has advertised it as the inaugural tournament, although it has been around since 2000, traditionally reserved for the champions of the various confederations around the globe. This is the first expanded edition. Even before a ball has been kicked, the competition has been plagued by controversy and some challenges, including lagging ticket sales in the group stage, the expected presence of U.S. Customs & Border Protection and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at games and serious concern over stretching players' limits in an already packed calendar. The Club World Cup isn't anywhere as well known as the FIFA World Cup. FIFA leaders had hoped a growing soccer interest in the United States would fill stadium, but it isn't looking that way. Here is some basic information about the tourney and story lines that are expected to emerge over the next month: INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: The CONCACAF Gold Cup Trophy during the Concacaf Gold Cup final ... More match between Mexico and Panama at SoFi Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) For the first time, there will be two major soccer tournaments being held in the U.S. at the same time. Besides the FIFA Club World Cup, which includes many of the top club sides in the world, there is also the Concacaf Gold Cup, which brings together the top national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The U.S. is participating in that competition, and Saudi Arabia is a guest team. The Gold Cup begins on Sunday, June 15 and runs through the final in Houston on July 6. Thirty-two teams are competing, and 20 countries are represented. Here is the breakdown by confederation: Asian Football Confederation: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Ulrawa Red Diamonds (Japan) and Ulsan HD (Korea Republic) Africa: Al-Ahly (Egypt), Wydad AC (Morocco), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) Concacaf: Monterrey (Mexico), Pachuca (Mexico), Inter Miami CF (U.S.), Los Angeles FC (U.S.), Seattle Sounders (U.S.) CONMEBOL (South America): Botafogo (Brazil), Flamengo (Brazil), Fluminense (Brazil), Palmeiras (Brazil), Boca Juniors (Argentina), River Plate (Argentina) UEFA (Europe): Chelsea (England), Manchester City (England), Atletico Madrid (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain), Bayern Munich (Germany), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Benfica (Portugal), Porto (Portugal), Inter Milan (Italy), Juventus (Italy), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) Oceania Football Confederation: Auckland City (New Zealand) The eight groups: Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al-Ahly, Inter Miami Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 09: General view of the stadium during the CONMEBOL Copa America ... More 2024 semifinal match between Canada and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by) In alphabetical order: Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Charlotte, N.C. (TQL Stadium), Cincinnati (Bank of America Stadium), Los Angeles (Rose Bowl), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Nashville, Tenn. (GEODIS Park), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Orlando, Fla. (Camping World Stadium) and Orlando (Inter&Co Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Seattle (Lumen Field) and Washington D.C. (Audi Field). Hundred dollar bills are seen in this photo illustraiton in Warsaw, Poland on 21 September, 2022. ... More Despite a drop in Treasury yields the US dollar has rallied which experts say may speak to a worldwide demand for liquidity. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Yes, that is correct, there is $1 billion in prize money at stake. Nearly half of the $1 billion prize pot will be handed out based on sporting success with the finalists banking $30 million in merit payments for that game. Teams will receive $1 million for each point earned in the group stage, $7.5 million for making the Round of 16, $13.125 million for qualifying for the quarterfinals and $21 million for reaching the semifinals. Clubs will earn $30 million to qualify for the final, with the winner receiving $40 million. Each club also will receive participation money, based on their confederation. Europe teams will get from $12.81 million-$38.19 million (determined by a ranking based on sporting and commercial criteria, according to FIFA) The payouts for teams from the other confederations: South America - $15.21 million Concacaf - $9.55 million Asia - $9.55 million Africa - $9.55 million Oceania - $3.58 million But not everyone is happy. Players on the three MLS clubs – Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC - want more of a payout. The current CBA between the MLS Players Association and Major League Soccer calls for players to receive 50 percent of the bonus pay from outside competitions. The agreement, however, caps the total payout at $1 million. During warm-ups for their June 1 home game against Minnesota, Seattle players wore "Club World Cup Ca$h Grab" shirts. Sports Illustrated recently reported that MLSPA wanted 40 percent of the performance-based earnings. As of Thursday, June 12, this issue had not been resolved. MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 31: Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy ... More after his team's victory, to secure Paris Saint-Germain's first ever UEFA Champions League title in the club's history and a record UEFA Champions League Final winning scoreline of 5-0, following the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by) Paris Saint-Germain (France), only weeks off its drubbing of Inter Milan (Italy) in the UEFA Champions League final, must be considered near or at the top of teams that could take a victory lap at MetLife Stadium on July 13. Real Madrid and new head coach Xabi Alonso also could be in the mix as reports say the Spanish powerhouse is taking the tourney seriously. Don't count out Manchester City, the 2023 Club World Cup champions. Midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and 2023 Club World Cup player of the tournament, is back after being sidelined most of the past season with an injury. Botafogo, the defending Brazilian and Copa Libertadores champions, is expected to make a strong showing. Other teams to watch are Pachuca (Mexico), the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup winners, and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), which has several former European stars and could surprise observers and fans. MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 29: Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with teammates after ... More scoring the team's first goal during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group A match between Argentina and Peru at Hard Rock Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by) Ticket sales for the group stage have been slow, even in Miami, where MLS golden boy Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play in the competition's opener. In January, the cheapest seat at Hard Rock Stadium cost $230 on Ticketmaster, which is FIFA's official ticket sales platform. The price rose to $349 after the group draw. According to The Athletic, those same ticket prices fell to $55. FIFA has offered Miami Dade College students $20 a ticket, but with the promise of as many as four complimentary tickets to help fill up the 65,326-seat Hard Rock Stadium, The Athletic reported on June 10. FIFA President Gianni Infantino promised that the stadium will be filled. "Yes, Hard Rock will be full," he told reporters on June 10. "We will have a great atmosphere. It will be historic. It'll be two historic teams for very different reasons. The stadium will be full. Well, as for every new venture that anyone tries to create in the world, there are always discussions, and you never really know what will happen. 'We were lucky we got great attention from sponsors and broadcasters so that when it comes to revenues, everything is perfectly secured. But I'm sure that all those who will come, and there are still tickets available, but many will go out these days.' LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts after missing his penalty ... More during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) Not everyone is excited about the tournament. Several European Leagues and FIFPRO, the global players' union, have claimed that the soccer calendar is "oversaturated" and "risks player safety and wellbeing," BBC Sports reported. FIFA, however, has claimed otherwise. "The FIFA Club World Cup is not responsible for calendar congestion," a FIFA spokesperson told BBC Sport. "It is a competitive tournament that takes place once every four years and, as independent studies have verified, FIFA is only responsible for a small percentage of matches per season." But its critics have claimed the tournament adds to the number of matches for leading teams and players, when they should be resting for the next campaign. "The issue is that UEFA and FIFA keep adding extra matches, and we can raise concerns, but no solutions have been found," former Manchester City Kevin de Bruyne told reporters. "It seems that money speaks louder than the players' voices." Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé wasn't happy about playing for at least another month when he and his teammates could be resting up for the 2025-26 campaign. "We play like already, 60 games in the year... you have so many competitions. And we are happy to play, but when it's too much, it's too much," Mbappe told Sky Sports. "I think we have to respect the health of the players." NEW YORK CITY - JANUARY 28: In this handout photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs ... More Enforcement, the New York City Fugitive Operations Team, joined by ICE Acting Director Caleb Vitello, conducted targeted enforcement operations resulting in the arrest of an illegal Dominican national on January 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images) Over the years, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been involved policing major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl. But with the Trump administration strongly enforcing immigration laws, which ignited prompting high-profile protests in Los Angeles recently, there are concerns that both organizations could go beyond their traditional security roles at the tournament. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CBP wrote on June 4: "CBP will be suited and booted, ready to provide security for the first round of games." That post has since been deleted, but the organization reportedly is expected to attend the matches. ICE told WTVJ-TV in Miami that its officers will assist with security for the opener at Hard Rock Stadium. The TV stadium reported that ICE reminded viewers that "non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status." On June 10, Infantino was asked if had concerns about fans being detained by ICE agents. 'No, I don't have any concerns about anything in the sense that we are very attentive on any security question," he replied. 'Of course, the most important [thing] for us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games. This is our priority. This is a priority of all the authorities who are here.' Twenty-six World Cup champions are slated to participate. The biggest World Cup champion names include 2010 Spain victors Sergio Ramos (Monterrey) and Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami), 2014 German champs Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) and Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), 2018 France winners Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (LAFC) and Hugo Lloris (LAFC), and 2022 Argentina champions Ángel Di María (Benfica), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami). A total of 81 countries are represented in the tournament. CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 15: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a ... More goal in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on August 15, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) Whenever the Argentine legend steps on the field, there is always the expectation not only if he will produce a goal, but whether he will dazzle the crowd. Messi, who turns 38 on June 24, has been a menace and a half this season, when he has been healthy. Messi has been impressive with 10 goals and six assists in 13 appearances. He also is coming off consecutive MLS Player of the Matchday honor. While Messi has produced much magic in MLS, it is a question whether he can accomplish that in a high-quality club competition while keeping his health. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 04: The Seattle Sounders celebrate after beating Pumas 3-0 during 2022 ... More Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Final Leg 2 at Lumen Field on May 04, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by) Three teams from Major League Soccer will participate - the Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami CF. They do have an advantage over many of their foes, as they are in mid-season form. Inter Miami was a controversial selection by FIFA because it did not win the 2024 MLS Cup crown, the LA Galaxy did. But FIFA picked the south Florida side as the host team on the strength of it winning last year's Supporters Shield as the league's regular season champion. FIFA wanted the star power of Messi and company. None of the MLS trio has been touted to go very far, but there are always surprises in big tournaments. Coached by former Argentina international Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami boasts a lineup of international superstars who are talented but are on the downside of their career. That includes Spanish internationals Sergio Busquets (36), Jordi Alba (36), Uruguayan standout Luis Suarez (38) and Messi. While they have had their moments domestically this season and have amazing resumes, their age could catch up to them against some of the world's superior club sides, if Inter Miami gets out of its group. Miami, which is in third place in the Eastern Conference, has struggled this season and underachieved in the league with an 8-3-5 mark. The Sounders, who have participated in two Club World Cups when the competition was smaller, qualified when they won the 2022 Concacaf Champions League crown. They can be physical. There is concern whether several injuries could catch up to the team, including veteran forward Jordan Morris, who has been hobbled by a hamstring injury. Head coach Brian Schmetzer, who has run the show since 2009, is considered one of the best coaches in MLS with his tactical acumen and ability to get the most out of his players. Seattle (7-6-5) is in sixth place in the Western Conference. LAFC, the 2022 MLS Cup champions, was the final team to book a spot, behind a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Club América in a Play-In Game at BMO Stadium on June 1. Denis Bouanga connected the game-winning goal in the 115th minute. The team is guided by former U.S. international defender Steve Cherundolo. LAFC (7-4-5). LAFC can play a free-wheeling game when it finds its rhythm, is in fifth place in the Western Conference. There are 33 Americans on the three MLS clubs - Seattle (14), LAFC (12) and Inter Miami (seven). TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 17: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's second goal ... More during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and PSV Eindhoven at Juventus Stadium on September 17, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by) Besides the three MLS clubs, seven U.S. Men's National Team players are on Club World Cup rosters. They include Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and forward (and all-purpose man) Tim Weah, Borussia Dortmund midfielder-forward Gio Reyna are among the high-profile participants. Other Americans include Cole Campbell and Albert Mathis (both Borussia Dortmund), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea) and Joshua Wynder (Benfica). If they're not attending games, U.S. soccer fans have a choice. They can watch matches on cable via TNT Sports or DAZN via streaming. TNT Sports' networks TNT, TBS and truTV will televise 24 of the tournament's matches in the states while all 63 fixtures will be broadcast for free on DAZN.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Ohio State Athletics launches Center for Sports Intelligence and Strategy
Ohio State Athletics launches Center for Sports Intelligence and Strategy On the heels of the House Settlement being approved, which paves the way for direct revenue sharing with college athletes, the Ohio State Department of Athletics announced the creation of the Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy. It's not a physical building, mind you, but according to a release from the department, it is the bringing together of a cross-functional team of athletics department administrators dedicated to driving strategic planning, optimizing data-driven decision-making, and fostering collaboration across teams. It is designed to provide Ohio State coaches with access to cutting-edge analytics, strategic insights, and tools designed to inform and enhance key areas such as recruiting, scheduling, resource allocation, and roster construction. In other words, it's designed to beat every other college and university athletic department when it comes to the new order of revenue sharing and NIL in amateur college sports. 'The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will equip our coaches with more information, context, and clarity to make even better decisions,' said Shaun Richard, Deputy Athletics Director, in a statement. 'We already have the best sports science team that equips our coaches with data on training, recovery, and performance. This unit will work in tandem with our sports scientists, as well as our business and NIL strategy teams, to give coaches additional data and actionable insights.' There's no other way to explain this than groundbreaking. In a sense, Ohio State is looking to bring together sports sciences, operations, and athletic performance together to provide a better outcome for the student-athlete and success on the field. 'The intelligence and strategy we're providing will enhance our coaches' ability to make critical decisions by giving them the most relevant and timely information available – so they can maintain a competitive edge in every aspect of their programs,' said Richard. This type of integration and cooperation is being embraced by Ohio State coaches across multiple sports. 'As coaches at Ohio State, we know the difference between winning and losing often comes down to the smallest details,' wrestling coach Tom Ryan said in the statement. 'The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will uncover subtle patterns and insights that will give our teams a competitive edge. As the world of college athletics evolves, we know the additional intelligence and strategy will help us stay at the forefront in this highly competitive environment.' Many areas will be impacted by the creation of the Center for Sports Intelligence and Strategy. It will be designed to integrate data and strategic expertise to support long-term planning and real-time decision-making. Areas of impact include recruiting and roster management, scheduling strategy, scholarship and budget modeling, and other operational aspects. 'The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy reinforces Ohio State's commitment to innovation, excellence, and leadership in the future of college athletics,' said Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director. 'As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, the intelligence and strategy provided will serve as an additional resource to ensure sustained success across all 36 sports.' This is just the beginning of this initiative, and it'll be interesting to see how it all is employed and how it evolves. It'll be even more interesting to see if success on and off the field reach new heights with the collaborative approach. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Nation's No. 1 Recruit Had No Words for 5-Star Athlete's Miami Post
Nation's No. 1 Recruit Had No Words for 5-Star Athlete's Miami Post originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the Miami Hurricanes continue to push for the top players remaining in the 2026 recruiting class, they've started to ramp things up with official visits. Advertisement That includes athlete Lamar Brown. He went to Coral Gables on May 30, marking the second time the program hosted the Erwinville, Louisiana, product. Of course, as is a long-standing tradition with almost any visit, Brown tried on the Hurricanes' uniform, which he showcased with a social media post on Thursday, captioned "Take me back!!!" That caught the attention of Miami commit Jackson Cantwell (the No. 1 player in the nation per On3 Industry Rankings), who acknowledged the post by replying with three shrugging emojis. Of course, it's no surprise to see Cantwell trying to help the Hurricanes land Brown, as On3 Industry Rankings have him as a five-star prospect, the No. 1 athlete, the No. 1 player in Louisiana and the No. 7 player in the nation. Advertisement Throughout his high school career, he has been extremely impressive and in 2024 earned MaxPreps Junior All-America first-team honors at offensive line after not allowing a single sack all season. However, as impressive as that is, in an article from On3's Chad Simmons, Brown revealed that he plans on playing defensive line for whichever program earns his commitment. Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario CristobalSam Navarro-Imagn Images Now, it will remain to be seen if Cantwell's subtle recruiting tactics pay off, as the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the LSU Tigers the best chance to land Brown at 96.9%, while Miami is listed at less than 1%. It's not as though these two are the only programs in play either, as Brown previously had an official visit with the Texas Longhorns on June 6 and has another scheduled with the Texas A&M Aggies on June 20. Advertisement Related: Texas' Former No. 1 Recruit Sends Clear Message to 5-Star Prospect This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
