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Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pitt Panthers Quarterback Julian Dugger Announces Transfer Destination
Former Pitt Panthers quarterback Julian Dugger officially announced his new collegiate destination. Dugger will suit up for the Washington State Cougars next season. After appearing in only one game for Pitt last year, Dugger was eligible for a redshirt as a freshman and will have four years of eligibility remaining for Washington State. Advertisement As a freshman, Dugger completed 7 of 13 passes for 72 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception with Pitt last year. He also rushed for 88 yards and a score. Pitt Panthers quarterback Julian Dugger (12) throws a pass against the Toledo Rockets. Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Dugger's lone game appearance came during the Panthers loss to Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He was dynamic in nearly carrying Pitt to a comeback win in the 48-46 defeat in six overtimes. A 6'3" and 210-Lb. left-handed quarterback, Dugger was an explosive dual-threat for Penn Hills High School in western Pennsylvania before attending Pitt. With the Panthers committed to now-sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein, Dugger announced his plans to transfer shortly into the offseason. Advertisement Dugger was the second transfer quarterback signed by Washington State in the last week. The Cougars also added former Rutgers quarterback Ajani Sheppard. They'll be two of six quarterbacks on the Washington State roster this fall. Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Eli Holstein (10) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Credit: Senior Zevi Eckhaus is the Washington State frontrunner at quarterback. Sophomore Jaxon Potter is the favorite for the backup job. However, they'll both face competition from Dugger, Sheppard, and incoming freshmen Dalton Anderson and Owen Eshelman. Julian Dugger leaves a Pitt Panthers team that started the 2024-25 season by winning their first seven games but lost their last six contests of the year. After his performance in Pitt's bowl game, most expected that Panthers offensive coordinator Kade Bell would find a role for Dugger. Advertisement This offseason, Pitt brought in Oklahoma transfer quarterback Cole Gonzales to back up Eli Holstein. Gonzales had previously played for Kade Bell when both were at Western Carolina. Related: Pitt Panthers Dominate Stan Romanoski Open Behind Norrah Lemongo, Je'Nyia Burton Related: Pitt Panthers Reportedly About To Land Top Australian Basketball Star Related: Pitt Panthers Football Secures Three-Star Wide Receiver Recruit Related: Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball Lands Two Major Backcourt Transfers Related: Pitt Panthers Lineman Branson Taylor Picked In The Sixth Round Of NFL Draft Related: Pitt Panthers Tight End Gavin Bartholomew Chosen In The Sixth Round Of NFL Draft Related: Pitt Panthers Wideout Konata Mumpfield Selected In Seventh Round Of NFL Draft Related: Three Pitt Panthers Get Their NFL Opportunity As Undrafted Rookies Related: Three Undrafted Pitt Panthers Get Invites To NFL Rookie Mini-Camp
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Every Big Ten football team's 2025 bowl projection following spring practice
AI-assisted summary Several Big Ten teams are projected to reach bowl games in the 2025 season, including Michigan State, Indiana, and Wisconsin, who all missed bowl games in 2024. Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon are expected to contend for the College Football Playoff again in 2025, while Illinois is also projected to make the playoffs. Teams like UCLA and Washington are predicted to have breakthrough seasons in 2025, while traditional powers like Michigan and USC aim to improve upon their 2024 performances. Penn State is considered the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten, with key returning players and crucial matchups against Oregon and Ohio State. While more than 100 days remain before the 2025 college football season kicks off, it's never too early to predict how the season will conclude. The Big Ten sent 12 of its 18 member programs to bowl games in 2024. Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon and Indiana's trips to the College Football Playoff highlighted that group. Of course, the Buckeyes finished the season by hoisting the national championship trophy. Those top three programs will look for repeat performances in 2025, each entering with some form of CFP expectations. On the other hand, Indiana is just looking to continue its momentum from last year's run and cement itself as a perennial bowl contender. While those top programs are the main story, several of the teams that missed a bowl game last season enter critical situations in 2025. Michigan State, UCLA and Wisconsin all finished 2024 at 5-7, just one win shy of a bowl trip. The Spartans and Bruins each enter 2025 needing a spark in year two under new head coaches, while Wisconsin is looking for any positive momentum, now entering year three under Luke Fickell. Earlier this month, we made full win-loss record predictions for eachBig Ten team after spring practice. With those totals recorded, here are our bowl predictions for the projected postseason-eligible teams: Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle Michigan State Spartans Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: GameAbove Sports Bowl vs. Miami (OH) Michigan State should be able to sneak into a bowl bid, with a light nonconference slate and several winnable Big Ten games. While six wins is below the program's overall expectation under Jonathan Smith, this would be a step in the right direction after a disappointing 2024 season. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire Indiana Hoosiers Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. BYU Indiana's 2025 season should be about establishing a strong floor. The team is unlikely to repeat its CFP run regularly. But it becoming a perennial bowl team would mark terrific program health. The Hoosiers do again have a manageable schedule in 2025, so six or seven wins shouldn't be hard to attain. Wisconsin Badgers Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Pinstripe Bowl vs. Syracuse Wisconsin going 6-6 against its gauntlet schedule would mark a major victory. While that record is far below the broader expectations of the Luke Fickell era, it would be impressive given the context of the season. This potential result and bowl trip would build strong momentum entering a make-or-break 2026 season. Minnesota Golden Gophers Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Las Vegas Bowl vs. Utah P.J. Fleck has established Minnesota's floor at bowl eligibility, as the program has reached the postseason in six straight non-COVID seasons. The team is still looking for its first double-digit-win breakthrough since the 2019 season. Given the current Big Ten landscape, it's hard to see that happening in 2025. Iowa Hawkeyes Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Music City Bowl vs. Oklahoma Write Iowa in for seven or eight wins and a good bowl game. The team should be an interesting watch in 2025 with top Football Championship Subdivision transfer Mark Gronowski at quarterback. The team could find itself needing wins over USC, Nebraska and Wisconsin to reach double-digit wins. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire UCLA Bruins Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: LA Bowl vs. Boise State UCLA is one of our big breakthrough picks entering 2025. The team's form toward the end of the 2024 season informs that pick, as does its addition of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. An 8-4 finish and good bowl trip would mark a major success in year two under DeShaun Foster. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire Washington Huskies Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Holiday Bowl vs. SMU Washington is our second breakthrough pick. The team flashed terrific form at times in 2024, plus now enters 2025 after significant offseason roster upgrades. The Huskies have a tough draw. But if all falls right, they could contend for a CFP trip. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire USC Trojans Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Alamo Bowl vs. Iowa State USC needs to take a step forward in its second year in the Big Ten after going just 6-6 during the 2024 regular season. The team has major questions entering the year, including its defense in year two under coordinator D'Anton Lynn and whether quarterback Jayden Maiava can excel as the full-time starter. USC fans want more than a bowl trip. But an eight-win season would mark a big step forward after last year's disappointment. Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire Nebraska Cornhuskers Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: ReliaQuest Bowl vs. South Carolina It's the offseason, which means it's time to predict a breakthrough season from Nebraska. Another top-20 defense and a second-year surge from quarterback Dylan Raiola would accomplish just that. Wins over tough UCLA and USC teams could be all that stands between the Cornhuskers and a 10-win season. Of course, or the program could just revert back to the Nebraska we've seen for the last 15 years. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire Michigan Wolverines Projected Record: 9-3 (7-2 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Citrus Bowl vs. Ole Miss Michigan should be a fringe-CFP contender in 2025. The major question comes at quarterback, where true freshman Bryce Underwood is a prime candidate to start. The team's finish to 2024 -- wins over Ohio State and Alabama -- has many predicting a breakthrough in 2025. Playoff-wise, that's more likely to happen once Underwood gains experience under center. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire Oregon Ducks Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: Sun Bowl vs. Miami We predict Oregon to narrowly miss the CFP in 2025. It may be a reset year for the team after all of the stars aligned in 2024. With new faces across the field, it's hard to see the Ducks delivering the same big-game performances that they did against Ohio State (regular-season), Penn State (Big Ten title game) and others. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire Illinois Fighting Illini Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: College Football Playoff Illinois will be included in most preseason College Football Playoff predictions. The team returns nearly its entire team after a 10-win season in 2024. It also faces one of the conference's lightest schedules. The Fighting Illini are rightfully being crowned as this year's Indiana. Ohio State Buckeyes Projected Record: 10-2 (8-1 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: College Football Playoff Ohio State should take a minor step backward after its national title run. The team lost most of its production to the NFL, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Still, the Buckeyes are too talented to win fewer than 10 games. They should be an annual CFP contender, regardless of their returning production total. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire Penn State Nittany Lions Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten) Bowl Projection: College Football Playoff (first-round bye) Penn State should be the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten. The team returns its star quarterback and two star running backs. Games against Oregon and Ohio State will decide the Big Ten regular-season race. Either way, Penn State is a playoff team. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
K.C. picks star prospects from Mizzou, K.U. in Chiefs Wire's final 7-round mock draft
The 2025 NFL draft starts tomorrow at 7 p.m. CST, and while it will take a few hours for the Kansas City Chiefs to make their first selection, fans should expect the defending AFC champions to select an exciting prospect in Round 1. Kansas City has several needs to address in the draft, and will need to leverage every asset it has to get back to the Super Bowl next season. Advertisement With a total of eight selections to make during the three-day event, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is uniquely positioned to set Kansas City up for future success. Check out this full seven-round Chiefs mock draft that predicts Veach will address Kansas City's receiving corps in Round 1 before turning his attention to Steve Spagnuolo's defense on Day 2: Round 1, Pick 31: Missouri Tigers WR Luther Burden III Sep 16, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs with the ball against Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Will Lee III (8) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports There was a time when it would have been implausible for Burden to drop all the way to the end of the first round, but the former Mizzou star has seen his draft stock sink slowly over the last few months. Advertisement Now, it seems that Burden is destined to come off the board right around the time Kansas City is set to make its first pick (or even a little later!), and the Chiefs could get their chance to add another blue-chip receiver in their bid to win the AFC West arms race. Round 2, Pick 63: Toledo Rockets DT Darius Alexander DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 26: Darius Alexander #9 of the Toledo Rockets leaps to avoid Julian Dugger #12 of the Pittsburgh Panthers while turning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the GameAbove Sports Bowl game at Ford Field on December 26, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by) The Chiefs' selections at No. 63 and No. 66 will make or break this draft for Kansas City's front office. By selecting Alexander here at the end of Round 2, Veach shores up the Chiefs' front-four and gives Chris Jones a rookie running-mate to mentor next season while Kansas City's defense reinvents itself. Round 3, Pick 66: Purdue Boilermakers OT Marcus Mbow Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman Marcus Mbow (63) high-fives a fan Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, during the NCAA football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Mbow joins the Chiefs as a developmental tackle who may be able to contribute as a rookie if injuries affect Kansas City's depth next season. Advertisement If the Chiefs don't pick a tackle with one of their first or second-round picks, expect Veach to target a player like Mbow with the early third-round selection to ensure that Kansas City doesn't miss its chance to add a talented lineman. Round 3, Pick 95: Oklahoma Sooners DB Billy Bowman Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates an interception in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct., 12, 2024. The loss of veteran safety Justin Reid in free agency was a huge blow to Kansas City's defense, and while the Chiefs already have a stash of talented defensive backs under contract, the team could stand to add another here in Round 3. Bowman is a certified ball-hawk and a willing tackler who could ease into life in the NFL with one of the most exciting defensive backfields in the league. Round 4, Pick 133: Kansas Jayhawks RB Devin Neal Nov 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) maneuvers past a diving during the Colorado defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo (97) in the 4th quarter between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images This class is full of talented Jayhawks, and it would be malpractice for Veach to pass up on his chance to add a local talent to the Chiefs' offense. Advertisement A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Neal is an explosive running back prospect who could become a valuable asset for Kansas City when Isiah Pacheco's contract ends after the 2025 season. Round 7, Pick 226: Oregon Ducks LB Jeffrey Bassa Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Seventh-round picks are a shot in the dark, and if Bassa falls this far, there would be no downside for the Chiefs in selecting him. Kansas City doesn't necessarily need to come away from this draft with a linebacker, but depth is the name of the game in the NFL, and Bassa could have an outside shot to make the Chiefs' 53-man roster as a rookie. Round 7, Pick 251: Texas Longhorns EDGE Barryn Sorrell Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) looks to pass the ball against Texas Longhorns linebacker Barryn Sorrell (88) during the first half of the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Sorrell would be an ideal pick this late in Round 7, but it seems unlikely that he will fall this far. Advertisement Nonetheless, he projects as a late Day 3 pick, and if Kansas City has the chance to pick him up here, his selection would be a no-brainer. Round 7, Pick 257: BYU Cougars OT Caleb Etienne Sep 4, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys offensive lineman Caleb Etienne (76) blocks during the second quarter of the game agains the Missouri State Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma State Cowboys beat Missouri State Bears 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports Andy Reid won't let Veach get out of this event without taking a flyer on a BYU lineman. Last year, the Chiefs took Kingsley Suamataia in Round 2. This year, I'm predicting that Veach will wait until every other need is addressed before he gives Reid a chance to pick one of his pet prospects. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs pick Mizzou, K.U. stars in final 7-round mock draft
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
More 49ers pre-draft visits with players expected to go outside the 1st round
More 49ers pre-draft visits with players expected to go outside the 1st round San Francisco owns 11 picks in this upcoming 2025 NFL draft as they look to reconstruct their roster into an NFC West and Super Bowl contender. While the 49ers certainly need to hit on the No. 11 overall pick in the draft's first round, San Francisco needs to make the rest of their draft picks count, too. As the draft's first round quickly approaches on Thursday, April 24, the 49ers are busy meeting with prospects to identify potential fits. It's clear that the 49ers are intent on beefing up their defensive interior as San Francisco has been linked to a pair of defensive tackles. According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, San Francisco has held pre-draft visits with Tennessee defensive tackle Omari Thomas and Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander. Alexander is ranked as the No. 6 defensive tackle and the No. 46 overall prospect per ESPN in its latest best available rankings. The 6-foot-4, 305 pound defensive lineman was a second-team All-MAC selection last season as he amassed 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups and 3.5 sacks. Alexander returned an interception for a touchdown in Toledo's GameAbove Sports Bowl victory over Pitt. In his five-year Toledo career, Alexander racked up 127 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, nine sacks and the lone interception. Alexander projects as a potential second-round choice or third-round selection for the 49ers. San Francisco owns a trio of picks in the second and third rounds (picks No. 43, No. 75 and No. 100). Thomas just completed his fifth season with the Volunteers where he tallied 23 tackles, six tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one sack. A Memphis, Tenn., native, Thomas was a four-star signee with the Vols in the 2020 signing class. Thomas totaled 115 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 12 pass breakups, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick during his five-year run in Knoxville. The 6-foot-4, 325 pound defensive tackle projects as a potential seventh-round selection or undrafted free agent addition for San Francisco. The 49ers are looking to replace each of their starting defensive tackles from last season in Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fitch All-State kicker signs with Division I program
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Austintown Fitch kicker and punter Anthony Ruggles will officially continue his career at Toledo after signing his national letter of intent on Wednesday. 'It's a great program, they have a great winning tradition and anything I could do to help that and improve that, it's an honor,' Ruggles said. In 13 games as a senior, Ruggles made seven field goals with a career-long of 51 yards while adding a school-record 59 touchbacks. Ruggles also averaged a whopping 42.4 yards per punt while handling the punting duties for the Falcons as well. That mark is good for second best in program history. For his efforts, Ruggles was also named to the First Team All-Ohio in Division II after his senior campaign. 'My goal is to come in and win the job and I think all the other kids or all the other guys in that room want to want the same thing,' Ruggles said. 'So obviously there's going to be competition, but I think I'll be ready and I'm going to be working hard to get that job.' Toledo is one of the most decorated teams in the Mid-American Conference and has finished .500 or above in 15 consecutive seasons. Most recently, the Rockets finished 8-5 with a win in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
