
MSU Hockey extends Big Ten lead in shootout win over Minnesota
Michigan State hockey took a big step towards another Big Ten regular season title on Saturday night.
The Spartans knocked off No. 4 Minnesota on Saturday night with a shootout victory.It was a back-and-forth game with the difference coming in a shootout thanks to goals from Daniel Russell and Isaac Howard.
The game will be considered a tie officially, but the shootout win for the Spartans means they'll get the extra point in the Big Ten standings. Michigan State earned five of the six available points in this weekend's two-game series against Minnesota. The Spartans now hold a five-point lead over the Golden Gophers in Big Ten play.
Click here to read complete game coverage from Nathaniel Bott of the Lansing State Journal.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.

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Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Washington Post
The leaders of college sports still don't get it
A quarter century ago, the NCAA invested $150,000 in lobbying on Capitol Hill. To a couple of lobbyists. For one year. In the first quarter of this year alone, the college sports governing body spent more than a quarter of a million dollars on the same. Using more than a dozen lobbyists. After having spent more than half a million dollars on lobbying last year, just as it had in each year since 2021. While throwing its authority behind bills such as H.R. 8534, titled the 'Protecting Student Athletes' Economic Freedom Act,' which would actually do anything but by restricting college athletes from being classified as employees who receive a paycheck and benefits like everyone else working in college sports. The NCAA's lobbying fund has been well spent. So too, apparently, was the $200,000 that the bellwether college athletic conference, the SEC, spent in 2025's first quarter to get its concerns before legislators, on top of the $800,000 it doled out last year. And the $160,000 the Big Ten spent in this year's first quarter, chasing the $460,000 it paid in 2024. Because listening Thursday to a congressional subcommittee discussing the barely week-old court approval of the multibillion dollar House v. NCAA settlement, which codified for the first time that colleges can pay their athletes directly, it was clear that what much of the media touted last week as a landmark victory for athletes may have been a big win for those who have always controlled them — the NCAA and the colleges and universities for whom they toil. Certainly, the Republicans who control House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on commerce, manufacturing and trade sounded Thursday as if they had bought what those entities were selling, from outdated terminology describing college athletes to ideas about how to manage them in the future, no matter last week's liberating decision. They called the hearing, 'Winning Off the Field: Legislative Proposal to Stabilize NIL and College Athletics.' The senior member of the committee, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida), and most others referred to college athletes as 'student-athletes,' the misleading phrase created by the modern NCAA's architect, Walter Byers, as a prophylactic for the NCAA and its member schools against claims that college athletes were employees entitled to compensation and, particularly if injured, benefits. Most of the inquisitors — 14 of the subcommittee's 25 members are Republicans — seemed to prefer answers from one of the four witnesses, SEC associate commissioner William King, who in his opening statement regurgitated the false bromide about college athletes: 'We're the only country in the world where elite athletes … can use their athletic ability to receive a college education for free while pursuing their athletic goals at the same time.' Free? Their athleticism, which results in scoring touchdowns and getting buckets, is called labor. In return, they get room and board and the chance to pursue a degree. Meanwhile, King, on the backs of those athletes' labor, was paid three-quarters of a million dollars last year and his boss, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, pocketed $4.2 million. SEC football and basketball players are no less employees than the conference executives, athletic directors and coaches for whom they perform. And they should be treated as such. Sharing in the revenue they produce in addition to selling their name, image and likeness. Enjoying the ability to organize. Being represented at the bargaining table. But the Republicans running Thursday's subcommittee have also floated legislation titled the 'Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act of 2025' that includes, among other restrictions on those athletes, several provisions ensuring those athletes would not be designated as employees. Unless and until those who control college athletics fully acknowledge and treat athletes as the employees who make college sports thrive, it will forever be a queasy enterprise, morally and ethically. Even Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh underscored as much four years ago in the ruling that tipped the scale and helped make last week's ruling possible. 'The bottom line is that the NCAA and its member colleges are suppressing the pay of student-athletes who collectively generate billions of dollars in revenues for colleges every year,' Kavanaugh wrote in NCAA v. Alston. 'Those enormous sums of money flow to seemingly everyone except the student-athletes. College presidents, athletic directors, coaches, conference commissioners, and NCAA executives take in six- and seven-figure salaries. Colleges build lavish new facilities. But the student-athletes who generate the revenues, many of whom are African American and from lower-income backgrounds, end up with little or nothing.' Yet these legislators, so many college athletic administrators from the most powerful conferences such as the SEC and, of course, the NCAA, still don't want to share the whole loaf. Only a slice. Last week's agreement gives colleges the options to share up to $20.5 million with their athletes over the next year. But that's a fraction of the wealth produced by college sports. King defended using the vernacular vestiges that deny employment status to college athletes by claiming, without evidence, that most SEC athletes don't want to be employees of their universities. This is the same conference that I found talking its football players into playing amid a newfangled pandemic with long-term health consequences unknown at the time. It strains credulity, of course, that those athletes wouldn't want to be paid like King, or their coaches, or even someone on the maintenance crew — and to receive all the same health benefits, long-term and short, and worker's comp. After all, the NCAA likes to tout that most of its athletes 'go pro in something other than sports.' Which means college is their biggest opportunity to earn money from their athletic talent. Don't be hypocritical by denying them.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Minnesota Timberwolves Reportedly Frontrunners To Land Kevin Durant
Minnesota Timberwolves Reportedly Frontrunners To Land Kevin Durant originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Minnesota Timberwolves have suddenly emerged as the leading contenders to land Kevin Durant in what could become the most high-profile trade of the 2025 NBA offseason. Advertisement According to Zach Lowe of The Zach Lowe Show, the Timberwolves now sit atop the 'buzz' rankings in the Durant sweepstakes, leapfrogging previous favorites like the Houston Rockets and even the San Antonio Spurs, who were once thought to be in a near-done deal with the future Hall of Famer. "I would say the buzz order right now, if I had to do a buzz rank is Minnesota." Just a week ago, it seemed like Durant was quietly headed to San Antonio. Reports of mutual interest and a potential secret deal surrounding the NBA Draft had fueled widespread speculation. But momentum has shifted rapidly, and now Minnesota, fresh off back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, is aggressively exploring a deal to bring Durant to the Twin Cities. Advertisement This is more than a pipe dream. Shams Charania confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that Minnesota, Houston, and Miami are now the three most serious contenders for Durant. While nothing can be made official until July 1 due to second-apron financial restrictions, trade frameworks are being actively discussed behind the scenes. For Minnesota, the logic is simple. They've built a bruising, elite defensive team behind Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels. What they've lacked in both playoff exits has been a dependable secondary scoring option to relieve pressure off Edwards late in games. Enter Kevin Durant. Despite being 36, Durant remains one of the most efficient and lethal scorers in basketball. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43% from deep during the 2024–25 season. Even as the Phoenix Suns collapsed around him, finishing 36–46 and missing the play-in entirely, Durant remained their lone bright spot. When he wasn't on the floor, the Suns went just 3–17. Advertisement Durant's fit next to Edwards would instantly give Minnesota one of the most potent one-two punches in the league. The idea of Edwards slicing into the paint while Durant punishes defenders with pull-up jumpers and off-ball cuts is nightmarish for any defense. However, putting together a trade package will be difficult. Anthony Edwards is off-limits, and Naz Reid and Julius Randle, acquired at the deadline, would have to opt in to their contracts to be trade-eligible. That leaves Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and future draft picks as potential assets in a Durant trade. McDaniels, in particular, could be the key. At $24.4 million per year and just 24 years old, he represents both immediate value and long-term upside. Gobert's salary would help match Durant's $54.7 million for next season, but whether Phoenix wants an aging big man with limited offensive upside is unclear. Advertisement The Rockets remain in the mix, though it's reported that acquiring Durant would require them to part with both Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., a heavy price for a win-now swing. The Heat are always lurking, but their assets may not match Minnesota's combination of win-now talent and picks. As of now, the Timberwolves are the frontrunners and for good reason. They're close. They've tasted the edge of greatness. Durant might be the final step in their evolution from a feel-good story into legitimate title favorites. If the deal happens, the West could be looking at a new superpower, led by a cold-blooded scorer and a rising superstar ready to take the crown. Related: Former NBA Player Feels Anthony Edwards Would Go "Supernova" With Kevin Durant On The Timberwolves This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.


USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Updated Big Ten football helmet rankings for 2025
Updated Big Ten football helmet rankings for 2025 Traditional looks continue to lead the Big Ten in style points. The Big Ten is home to some of college football's true blueblood programs and some of the most traditional uniforms and helmets. From storied programs like Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State and Western powers like Oregon and USC, the Big Ten has spanned the nation to take ownership of some of the best looks in the sport of college football. But which Big Ten program has the best helmet design? Naturally, this conversation should lead to some debates and homer picks, and I am not about to suggest this list will be any different. As a college football connoisseur and a fan of the history and tradition of the sport, I have my own list of preferences when it comes to the best looks in the game. Perhaps my updated look at my Big Ten helmet power rankings for 2025 will surprise you a bit, or perhaps some of the results will be expected. Regardless, I did feel the urge to make a couple of small differences to this year's Big Ten helmet rankings compared to my ranking in 2024. So, who is trending up and who is falling? Here is my updated ranking of the Big Ten's helmets for the 2025 season. 18. Nebraska Cornhuskers 2024 ranking: 18 A year ago I ranked Nebraska at the bottom of the helmet power rankings. As much as I have respect for the history and tradition of Nebraska football, I still firmly believe it is time for the program to give the helmet a little bit of an upgrade. The simple block "N" slapped on the side of the helmet looks uninspired and in painful need of a font upgrade of some sort. Maybe I am being too disrespectful to the Nebraska look, or maybe that just speaks to the depth of the Big Ten helmet collection ahead of it. For more Nebraska news, analysis, and opinions, visit Cornhuskers Wire 17. Northwestern Wildcats 2024 ranking: 17 Northwestern remains just ahead of Nebraska in this year's update to the Big Ten helmet power rankings. The Wildcats have explored some alternate helmet designs in recent years, and most have been pretty solid. From the white helmet with purple logo and a black helmet, Northwestern manages to make purple work well. In fact, the standard purple helmet may not even be the best helmet for Northwestern. But it is unique. 16. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2024 ranking: 16 Rutgers is another program that has a fairly standard look and has modified the color scheme at times. Like Nebraska, Rutgers is playing with red and white but the Rutgers letter mark logo has a more distinguished look than what Nebraska is offering. As a result, Rutgers manages to stay out of the bottom spot in the Big Ten helmet rankings. 2024 ranking: 15 Illinois is a program that is continuing to try and build something up on the football field, and some of that work has gone into updating the identity of the program. The Illini have worn a variety of helmets lately, some better and more notable than others, like the script "Illinois" worn in the bowl game last season. Here's hoping the script "Illinois" makes some more appearances, but the Illini are a potential team to move up if they can find one look to stick. 14. Indiana Hoosiers 2024 ranking: 14 My sentiment on Indiana having an underrated look remains the same, but last year the Hoosiers fought tooth and nail for respectability on the field as well. Indiana's "IU" interlocking logo on the helmet continues to look good on the crimson helmet and I see no reason for the Hoosiers to go away from that look. The uniforms may be another story for some, but the Indiana helmet is just fine the way it is. 13. Purdue Boilermakers 2024 ranking: 13 Purdue's look is stronger than its performance on the field most year, and that may once again be the case in 2025. In the state of Indiana, Purdue gets the upper hand on the helmet power ranking with its gold helmet and black logo, but the Hoosiers will likely still control the scoreboard at the end of the year. Purdue does have some alternate options, like a black helmet. This is a solid secondary option for the Boilermakers. 12. Minnesota Golden Gophers 2024 ranking: 12 Minnesota's helmets are a bit polarizing with some being absolutely fantastic and others, not so much. Sometimes I feel as though Minnesota tries too much, but that is just what should be expected from a program led by PJ Fleck. We'll see what the Gophers roll out this season, but their simpler options tend to be their most respectable looks.. 11. Wisconsin Badgers 2024 ranking: 9 There is a bit of a change in the Big Ten helmet rankings for 2025, and the first culprit is Wisconsin. Wisconsin takes a slight step back in this year's rankings, and perhaps it is time to admit that Wisconsin's look may be in need of a revision. Wisconsin's flying "W" is iconic and unique, but is it time to give it a fresh update? Is there anything that can be done to breathe new life into the Badgers with their look and performance on the field in 2025? For more Wisconsin news, analysis, and opinions, visit Badgers Wire. 2024 ranking: 8 Iowa still has one of the best logos, and their Pittsburgh Steelers color combo still manages to work for the progam in 2025. Iowa does take a step down in this year's updated Big Ten helmet power rankings but only because the next two schools are deserving of moving up. For more Iowa news, analysis, and opinions, visit Hawkeyes Wire. 9. Maryland Terrapins 2024 ranking: 11 The first school moving up and into the top 10 this year is Maryland. The Maryland helmets and uniforms have been scrutinized for years, going back to the introduction of the state pride uniform and helmet combo, but the Terrapins have evolved and found a classic look that fits in well in their Big Ten surroundings. The "Terps" on the side of the helmet is perfect for the program and works best on the red helmet. But Maryland's white alternate helmet with red "Terps" looks great too. Just stay away from the black look, Maryland. 8. Washington Huskies 2024 ranking: 10 Also moving up this year is second-year Big Ten member Washington. I really liked Washignton's helmet look coming into the conference and my fondness has grown a bit one year on. Washington's gold helmet is the best look for the Huskies, although they have experimented with a couple of alternate looks like others on this list too. But when Washington sticks to the basics, it works best. For more Washington news, analysis, and opinions, visit Huskies Wire. 7. UCLA Bruins 2024 ranking: 7 UCLA basically does everything Washignton does with their gold helmets, but the UCLA script looks better. UCLA doesn't need to do much to their helmet to make it look great, and straying away from this classic look is ill-advised for the Bruins. For more UCLA news, analysis, and opinions, visit Bruins Wire. 6. Michigan State Spartans 2024 ranking: 6 Some may say Michigan State should consider replacing the logo on the helmet in favor of something else. To that I say, are you nuts? Michigan State's Sparty logo on the side looks great, no matter if it is a white logo on a green helmet or vice versa. Both look solid for the Spartans. For more Michigan State news, analysis, and opinions, visit Spartans Wire. 5. Oregon Ducks 2024 ranking: 5 Oregon made a big splash in its first season in the Big Ten in 2024, running through the conference to a Big Ten championship and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. And of course, they did so in their signature modern look. Choosing one Oregon helmet is impossible because the Ducks make multiple options look great. The variety is a detriment for some programs, but not for Oregon. No matter which dome they choose, it's going to look great. But the top spots in the Big Ten remain reserved for some of the more classic and iconic looks. For more Oregon news, analysis, and opinions, visit Ducks Wire. 4. USC Trojans 2024 ranking: 4 USC's first season in the Big Ten may not have gone according to plan, but at least they looked good. The classic look of the Trojans stands the test of time and there is a reason you do not see the Trojans mess with their look. The classic golden yellow trojan logo still looks iconic on the side of the Cardinal-colored helmet. There is nothing USC should ever do to this look. For more USC news, analysis, and opinions, visit Trojans Wire. 3. Ohio State Buckeyes 2024 ranking: 3 Ohio State may have been the kings of the college football world in the 2024 season, but their helmets still managed to only crack the top three in the Big Ten in 2025. There is no mistaking the Ohio State helmet with its simple gray helmet and scarlet striping, complete with Buckeye stickers for players making notable plays. Ohio State's look is a simple and straightforward take, and it works very well. This is why it is frustrating when the program opts for an alternate look, because the traditional helmet needs no substitute. For more Ohio State news, analysis, and opinions, visit Buckeyes Wire. 2. Michigan Wolverines 2024 ranking: 2 Just as they have on the field in recent years, Michigan gets the upper hand on Ohio State in this year's Big Ten helmet rankings. The signature winged helmet pattern remains as iconic as ever for the Wolverines, and the look still manages to command respect whenever it makes an appearance on the field. For more Michigan news, analysis, and opinions, visit Wolverines Wire. 1. Penn State Nittany Lions 2024 ranking: 1 You knew this one was coming. How could you not? Penn State's simple white helmet and blue stripe is as perfectly minimalistic as they come, and has proven to stand the test of time from generation to generation. Why mess with absolute perfection? Yes, Penn State does modify this look for the generations of greatness look typically seen around homecoming, but even that manages to look great. Penn State doesn't need to dazzle you with its helmet, and that remains the truth in 2025. Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads.