Latest news with #GregSmith
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Three Predictions: Illinois, Brock Williams, USC
Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith has predictions on a big commitment for Illinois, a standout 2027 crop of Midwest tight ends and USC posting a bounce-back season. MORE: Multiple five-stars, blue-chippers hitting Miami for official visit weekend Advertisement CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info JC ANDERSON ENDS UP AT ILLINOIS Illinois, Auburn and Ole Miss are the top contenders for the big tight end out of Illinois. North Carolina is lurking while Notre Dame has fallen off in the recruitment. The official visit to Illinois is the only one he's taken so far but dates are locked in for Auburn, Ole Miss and North Carolina trips. Advertisement It's risky to make the prediction ahead of three officials to programs with good recruiting head coaches. But I'm going out on a limb here and saying that Anderson will pick the Illini in the end. The ability to stay home and help the program build something special in Champaign could be too tempting to pass up. But Illinois will have to fight hard to get this one over the finish line. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ILLINOIS FANS AT MIDWEST GETS A FIVE-STAR IN 2027 CLASS There is lots of talk about the receivers in Midwest for 2027 already. That's rightfully so because Jamier Brown, Dakota Guerrant, Monshun Sales and Quentin Burrell could end up in five-star discussions. But don't lose track of an elite tight end that in the region for the 2027 cycle too. Advertisement Brock Williams is a prospect that has offers from coast to coast for a reason. He's more of a jumbo receiver at this point but as he continues to fill out his frame and work on his blocking, he'll be an absolute force on the field. He's got all the traits necessary to be a five-star tight end in his class. USC MAKES THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images So far during his tenure things have been pretty uneven for coach Lincoln Riley at USC. He's finished 11-3, 8-5 and 7-6 in his first three seasons. He's 2-1 in bowl games but the Holiday Bowl is the best bowl win on his USC resume. Things have slipped during his time in Los Angeles. So why am I ready to bet on Riley to turn things around? Advertisement It's simple. I don't think college football has figured him out quite yet. He's still an offensive guru who can coach quarterbacks as well as anyone in the country. We could see a big leap for returning starter Jayden Maiava. But the biggest reason I think the Trojans make the leap is because of defense. In 2023 the Trojans gave up 432 yards and 34 points per game. After an overhaul with the coaching staff before last season the team allowed 377 yards per game and 24 points per game. If the Trojans can get to the 20 points per game allowed mark (about middle of the pack in the Big Ten) they are going to win a lot of games. I like the schedule for USC this season. The two toughest games are at Notre Dame and at Oregon. A split in those games and taking care of business elsewhere means a huge bounce-back season for Riley which would quiet a lot of his doubters. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH USC FANS AT
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Big Ten Spotlight: Four programs that need a big June
June has become arguably the most important month in the recruiting calendar, with prospects crisscrossing the country on official visits and lining up announcement dates. Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith looks at four Big Ten programs that need to capitalize in the coming weeks. RELATED: Big Ten team recruiting rankings JUNE PREVIEW: Biggest storylines this weekend RECRUITING RUMORS: Pivotal weeks on deck for 2026 recruiting cycle CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Rivals Five-Star heading back to Indy | Rivals Five-Star roster | Schedule/info INDIANA It's always going to be tricky judging Indiana's recruiting classes. The Hoosiers had a magical season last year, finishing 11-2 in coach Curt Cignetti's first season running the program. But a lot of that success was built with players brought in from the portal. But now you'd expect there to be a bump in the Hoosiers' high school recruiting. Advertisement That hasn't happened yet for the 2026 cycle. Indiana has nine commitments right now and things have picked up with three of them coming in May. But if the Hoosiers are going to get a bump on the trail for this class, it'll need a huge June. One name to watch that would change the perception of the class is Jerquaden Guilford. The talented receiver from Indiana is very high on the Hoosiers and would be a game changer. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH INDIANA FANS AT MICHIGAN Jeff McCulloch/ Things are picking up in Ann Arbor on the recruiting trail with a pair of nice tight end commitments in June. However, we haven't seen the early run of commitments this cycle that we might have anticipated after the Wolverines finished so strongly last cycle. Advertisement There might be a reason for that though. The program is in on a number of high-profile prospects that have elected to take official visits before committing to a school. Five-star offensive lineman Felix Ojo, four-star defensive end McHale Blade and four-star offensive tackle Carter Scruggs are among the blue-chip prospects taking June official visits to Michigan. It'll be a huge month for coach Sherrone Moore. RELATED: Michigan's 2026 commitment list SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN FANS AT MICHIGAN STATE Nick Lucero/ Right now, the Spartans are sitting last in the Big Ten Team Recruiting Rankings. So it goes without saying that the Spartans need a big June to turn things around. The four commits in the class are great building blocks. Especially four-star quarterback Kayd Coffman, who continues to see new offers come in. But the Spartans need other reinforcements to help coach Jonathan Smith's rebuild. Advertisement They missed out on priority running back target Kory Amachree after spending a lot of time recruiting him. But the Spartans are likely to flip Iowa State defensive back commit Brayden Thomas. If they can find a way to keep four-star offensive lineman Khalief Canty home, it'd be a huge boost to the recruiting class. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH MICHIGAN STATE FANS AT NEBRASKA Nick Lucero/ The Huskers' recruiting class is very much in limbo right now. There are only four verbal pledges in the class. One of them, four-star defensive back CJ Bronaugh, is a pretty soft commit with several official visits set and other schools trying to get him on campus. The Huskers are going to take a smaller class so it seems the plan was to aim high and see where things land. Advertisement The issue is that Nebraska is already missing on top targets before it can get guys on campus for official visits. The latest example of that is defensive end Titan Davis, who did not have the Huskers in his reworked top group. Nebraska has some huge official visits scheduled. Offensive tackles Kelvin Obot and Claude Mpouma have a lot of upside. Priority four-star linebacker flip target Jordan Campbell would be a jewel of the class. Beating out Oklahoma on four-star running back DeZephen Walker would boost the class. Don't count out the Huskers because they've gone on huge runs before but they need a massive June. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT
Sport360
4 days ago
- Business
- Sport360
Skechers AERO series represents latest evolution of technical running shoes
Skechers Performance opens a new chapter of running innovation with the arrival of the Skechers AERO series. Named for the aerodynamic feel of the design, Skechers AERO represents the latest evolution of technical running shoes from the brand. The collection is engineered to deliver an exhilarating blend of speed, style and comfort to help runners cut through the wind and push beyond their personal bests while logging miles. 'Rooted in our award-winning performance legacy, the Skechers AERO series fuses our signature comfort with innovative technologies and a new aesthetic that elevates Skechers running,' said Greg Smith, VP of Product Development and Merchandising for Skechers Performance. 'We've fine-tuned every detail of each Skechers AERO design with feedback from top-tier runners through thousands of wear-test miles—from the four-minute milers looking for that quick speed to the ultramarathoners who are pushing the limits on distance. We believe that runners at all levels will love the feel of the Skechers AERO series, and our signature Comfort That Performs will deliver for competitive racers, casual joggers, and everyone in between.' The Skechers AERO series for Spring 2025 includes three styles designed to meet the differing needs of runners. Each offers a fusion of innovations to elevate comfort, promote smooth transitions, and propel you forward through every stride. Skechers AERO Burst™—elevated cushioning, built to go the distance. Designed for long- distance running routines, this well-cushioned style combines premium comfort with performance technologies to help runners feel great mile after mile. It features Hyper Burst Ice™ dual-density midsole foam, a carbon-infused H-plate in the forefoot, and the updated Skechers Arch Fit® support system. The breathable engineered mesh upper and anchored tongue design maximizes comfort through high- mileage training sessions. Skechers AERO Spark™—well-balanced everyday trainer. Built for logging miles with great cushioning underfoot, this go-to trainer can also pick up the pace. It features a dual-density Hyper Burst Ice™ midsole for plush cushioning and support, an all-new Skechers Arch Fit® insole design that is adapted specifically for runners with a more subtle feel, plus the carbon-infused H-plate for a snappy toe-off while also providing the right amount of torsional rigidity. The breathable engineered mesh upper with lace locks ensures a secure fit on every run. Skechers AERO Tempo™—the launchpad for speed. This high-performance speed day shoe offers a dynamic cushioned design packed with innovation for when you want to pick up the pace. Optimized to deliver a lightweight, yet stable running experience, the energetic design features a breathable woven TPU upper, a Hyper Burst® blend in the midsole, plus an internal full-length carbon-infused H-plate that provides the perfect ratio of rigidity and stiffness. Unique to this style in the range, the Hyper Burst Pro™ sockliner offers underfoot cushioning and responsiveness. Key signature innovations featured across the range include Skechers Hyper Arc™ technology that adapts to your stride for a more efficient run, plus Goodyear® Performance Outsoles for enhanced traction, stability and durability. In coordination with the product launch, Skechers will also be sponsoring running events around the globe with activations for runners to discover and experience the Skechers AERO series. From elite competitions to grassroots races, the brand will be present to help celebrate the spirit of running, engage directly with the running community, and make a positive impact while building awareness for the new range of technical running shoes. The first wave of Skechers AERO Burst and Skechers AERO Spark styles will be available 22nd May onwards at the following Skechers retail stores: Skechers MIRDIFF CITY CENTRE Skechers DEIRA CITY CENTRE Skechers MALL OF THE EMIRATES Skechers DUBAI MALL Skechers NAD AL SHEBA Skechers DUBAI HILLS Skechers YAS MALL
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Will your My Food Bag investment ever recover?
My Food Bag has reported a 5 percent profit increase in the most recent full year, but shareholders could be waiting a while for shares to return to their initial list price. Photo: RNZ My Food Bag has reported a positive year in its latest update, but shareholders are being told they could have a long wait ahead of them for shares to return to their initial list price. My Food Bag listed on the NZX in 2021, in what it said at the time would be the largest IPO by amount raised since 2014. Shares were issued at $1.85 each, including to many customers. But the price dropped in initial trading and has largely continued to decline from there. Shares were trading for 20c on Thursday afternoon, after chief executive Mark Winter told the market it had lifted its profit 5 percent in the most recent full year. Greg Smith, head of retail at Devon Funds, said the prospect of the share price recovering to anything like its list price was "incredibly remote". "It was a classic private equity exit, which has seen a lot of retail investors lose out. The stock was floated in peak conditions, as lockdowns were in force, and the idea of everyone ordering meal kits on a regular basis reinforcing the hype. The firm actually did deliver on its prospectus forecasts in the early days, but many investors extrapolated a situation that as we know now was only ephemeral," he said. The bulk of the shares sold came from private equity firm Waterman Capital, with smaller parcels from founding shareholders Cecilia and James Robinson and Theresa Gattung. "At under three times earnings (EBITDA) the stock seems very cheap, however investor confidence is pretty shot, and the question is how does the company deliver a sustainable earnings growth path? "Consumer spending pressures will ease at some point, but it has tried to expand overseas and that didn't work, competition in NZ has also intensified. As management also notes they have 'right sized' the business so it would be hard to see the shares ever getting back to former glories." Jeremy Sullivan, an investment adviser at Hamilton Hindin Greene, agreed it would be tough. "Never say never, although it's a long way off. There's no doubt that a lot has happened since they listed, including Covid, high food price inflation and rising interest rates. These factors have certainly hampered demand. "However, with rates starting to fall and people beginning to feel the pressure come off, things might start to turn around for the company, [Thursday's] announcement is an encouraging sign in that direction." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
MP opposes plan for East Claydon energy storage plant
An MP has opposed plans for an electricity storage plant in the countryside the size of 10 football pitches. Statkraft UK Ltd, which produces renewable energy, wants to build the 8.6-hectare (21-acre) plant close to a substation at the village of East Claydon in Buckinghamshire. Greg Smith, the Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, said: "Once again, I will be objecting to this in the strongest possible terms."A Statkraft spokesperson said the site - to store excess electricity generated by wind and solar farms which could then be released into the National Grid - could "help play an important role in decarbonising the UK". They added the plant, called a Greener Grid Park, would "ensure the electricity grid can remain resilient, replacing the stability previously provided by fossil fuel generation".The spokesperson said East Claydon was a "strategically important area on the transmission grid, with a need for storage and stability". "Projects like this are a crucial part of the transition towards using cleaner forms of home-grown renewable electricity, which will mean cheaper bills for homes and businesses," they added. Claydons Solar Action Group (CSAG), which describes itself as "a collective of concerned residents from nearby villages", told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it was "passionate" about keeping the countryside "safe".CSAG claimed battery energy storage units and solar farms were "destroying our countryside". In the application to Buckinghamshire Council, Statkraft said the plant would be a "reserve power supply" for the local electricity electricity would be stored in batteries in rows and rows of said the plant was "sensitively designed" existing woodland would be retained. The plan includes lighting, CCTV masts, fencing, office buildings, internal access roads and underground water tanks to help with fire protection. In June, CSAG is holding a walk to "highlight just how much of our beautiful countryside will be lost to battery energy storage systems and solar". Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
