Latest news with #HeismanTrophy
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Commanders Marcus Mariota Helps College Into National Title Contention
Commanders Marcus Mariota Helps College Into National Title Contention originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders have a plethora of stars on the roster that are easy to root for. They also have some underrated players that carry plenty of respect around the league as well. Advertisement One of the best players who fits the latter category is backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. The former second overall pick of the Tennessee Titans has become a journeyman over the years, but has found a nice home in the nation's capital. He hasn't forgotten where he came from, though. Mariota is a Heisman Trophy winner from Oregon. During his career in college, he led the Ducks to the National Championship Game. Ever since, Mariota has always looked to help the Ducks in anyway he can. The latest example came ahead of the College Softball World Series. Oregon staved off elimination on Friday in a 6-5 thriller against Ole Miss. As the team moved on for a future battle on Sunday, Mariota took part in a hype video by the school's social media team. Advertisement 'Built by those before us, strengthened by those beside us, carried on by those behind us,' he said in the video. 'When belief meets the moment, champions are made.' The video ends on an inspiring note — a message that Ducks fans and players alike will carry with them as the team chases its first-ever WCWS title. Mariota isn't afraid to leave parting messages of wisdom to his former school. As a leader, he was always someone who people looked up to - both with the Commanders and in college. Time will tell if his message works for the Ducks on Sunday. Related: Commanders Trade Paying Off As A Steal as Deebo Stars at OTAs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is Travis Hunter's new wife Leanna Lenee under fire after their wedding video went viral?
A video shows Travis Hunter's wife, Leanna Lenee, seemingly dodging a kiss during their wedding (Image via Indtagram) J acksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter may be starting his professional football journey on a high note, but off the field, his personal life is facing immediate turbulence. The 22-year-old two-way sensation, fresh off a Heisman Trophy win and a top draft pick selection, recently married Leanna Lenee in a glamorous ceremony. However, their newlywed bliss has quickly turned into a hotbed of online controversy. NFL rookie 's fairytale wedding overshadowed by viral clip sparking trust concerns A now-viral video from their wedding reception shows Lenee subtly dodging a kiss from Hunter during their first dance — a gesture that many fans have interpreted as a red flag. The incident, captured in a clip shared widely on social media, has stirred heated conversations about her intentions and commitment. The internet's reaction has been swift and unforgiving. While the couple made a grand reveal of a new car by cutting a black ribbon at the reception, it was the dance-floor moment that stole the spotlight — for the wrong reasons. Social media users have accused Lenee of deliberately avoiding her husband's kiss, with some suggesting that the gesture signals deeper issues. Critics have also reignited concerns over the couple's decision not to sign a prenuptial agreement. Many fans have voiced unease over Hunter's financial future, arguing that his NFL earnings should be protected, especially given his fast-rising fame and recent multimillion-dollar contract. Leanna Lenee's past comments fuel fan skepticism Leanna hasn't been a stranger to public scrutiny. Back in December, she openly shared that she initially ignored Hunter's DM for two months, admitting, 'I thought he wasn't my type.' Though she later clarified, 'I don't have a physical type. Period. No two men that I've previously dated look the same,' that remark did little to calm skeptical fans. For many, these details are enough to question whether Lenee is genuinely in it for love — or if Hunter's spotlight played a bigger role in the relationship. Amid the growing backlash, Travis Hunter has stood firm in his support for Lenee. He continues to defend her and their marriage, showing no public signs of wavering. However, with his NFL career just beginning and the spotlight only growing brighter, how this young couple navigates public pressure could shape not only their relationship, but also Hunter's image in the league. Also Read: Tyreek Hill trade rumors intensify as 49ers emerge as serious contenders for Dolphins star As the debate continues to swirl, one thing is clear: the NFL isn't the only arena where Travis Hunter will be forced to play defense.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Colorado Football Faces Backlash After Team GPA Under Deion Sanders Surfaces
Colorado Football Faces Backlash After Team GPA Under Deion Sanders Surfaces originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There's no question that the Colorado Buffaloes football program has undergone a dramatic culture shift—largely for the better—since Deion Sanders took over as head coach in 2023. Now entering his third season at the helm, the program shared a notable update Friday evening. Advertisement Colorado released its collective team GPA for the spring semester, which came in at 2.957. That mark represents the second-highest spring GPA in program history, just behind the 3.011 recorded during the fall 2024 semester. While the announcement was intended to reflect positively on the program's academic progress, it was met with mixed reactions. A 2.957 GPA—roughly equivalent to a B or B- average (around 80–81%)—is certainly an improvement compared to past years. Still, some fans were critical, with backlash surfacing across social media despite the strides being made both on and off the field. Fans reactions: Advertisement "Respect to Prime but 2.9 as your 2nd highest is crazy," a fan said. Someone else added, "Please delete this." "There was no reason to post this," another fan posted. "Nothing to be proud about a 2.957 GPA," a fan shared. One more fan commented, "That's an embarrassing standard… but guess u ain't there to play school." Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks during a press conference. Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images While the GPA may not jump off the page to some in the Buffaloes fanbase, it's important to note that the two highest GPAs in the program's long history of Division I football have come under Deion Sanders' leadership. That alone signals progress as he enters his third season at the helm. Advertisement Sanders has already made a significant impact—sending several players to the NFL in April's draft and coaching a Heisman Trophy winner in Travis Hunter, only the second player in Colorado history to earn that honor. Now, he steps into arguably the most intriguing chapter of his coaching career: the first season at Colorado without Hunter or his two sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders—all of whom were key contributors over the past two years. Related: Alabama Announces Big Kalen DeBoer News on Friday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Lip reader reveals what Travis Hunter's wife Leanna told him amid claims she refused to kiss him at their wedding
A lip reader has revealed what Travis Hunter's wife Leanna Lenee said to him after online trolls alleged she dodged his kiss on their wedding day. Daily Mail exclusively revealed last week that the rising NFL star and his bride got married at a rustic barn in Athens, Tennessee. Hunter, 22, who won the coveted Heisman Trophy as college football's best player this year, married his longtime love, 23, at The Barn at Faith Farms, a luxury wedding venue nestled between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the 'full experience package' is listed online as $6,000. The groom, who was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, surprised his new wife with a luxury six-figure black Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 Brabus 800 to whoops and cheers from their guests at its unveiling. But Leanna has come under fire in the aftermath of their special day after a video surfaced online that some claimed showed her refusing to kiss Hunter as they danced. Expert Nicola Hickling, who is the founder of LipReader, has now revealed to Daily Mail what Lenee said to her husband during the exchange after reviewing the footage. Hunter says: 'Kiss me now babe'. Lenee, shaking her head, replies: 'Not now, we're gonna make love all night' A grinning Hunter then says: 'Yeah' Their relationship has not always been plain sailing with Lenee attracting plenty of criticism online last December, following his Heisman Trophy win. Many fans criticized her for perceived slights against her now-husband, including what they interpreted as a muted response to his historic honor. As Hunter was announced as the Heisman winner, she initially remained sat down while Hunter's mother and Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders stood to their feet. She briefly stood and gave Hunter a hug after Sanders appeared to tap her, but promptly sat back down as the two-way star continued embracing his group. Fans took issue with what they perceived to be a slight, sparking horrific backlash on social media. Hunter later revealed that Lenee had cried herself to sleep following the ceremony as she continued to be pelted with criticism. 'She's still sleeping, she's slumped,' the Heisman winner shared on a Twitch stream. 'You know when you're hurt but you just cry yourself to sleep and you just be gone? She drunk [sic], like, an OD amount tonight for no reason.' Fans perceived other issues as well. During the run up to the Heisman ceremony, Lenee appeared angry at Hunter as he took pictures with female fans at a planned event. Lenee was seen seated just a few feet away from Hunter as he took snaps with a female fan, looking upset before asking him 'What do you want me to do... I'll just sit here then.' Hunter then appeared to suggest that she could leave if she felt like it, with the video catching him saying, 'You could go to the hotel, you can walk around...' There was video that resurfaced in which Lenee said that Hunter was not her 'type' before they had started dating, leading to more vitriol from fans. Then there was the aftermath of his team's 52-0 win over Oklahoma State Cowboys in late November, when Lenee and Hunter appeared to get into some sort of argument - with Lenee seemingly rebuffing Hunter's attempt to kiss her on the cheek. In the end, though, the couple appears happier than ever after tying the knot in Tennessee with family and friends on hand.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Which Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie, not named Travis Hunter, is player to watch in 2025?
Which Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie, not named Travis Hunter, is player to watch in 2025? Of the Jacksonville Jaguars' draft picks, which rookie, not named Travis Hunter, will you be watching most closely this season? Of the Jacksonville Jaguars' nine draft picks, which one will you be watching most closely during the 2025 NFL season? Pro Football Focus recently answered this question for all 32 teams, and not surprisingly, they selected Travis Hunter, which I'm guessing is going to be the answer for most. How can you not want to see how Hunter and the team navigates him playing on both sides of the ball? "Hunter is one of the most intriguing rookies in NFL history," wrote PFF. "Last year's Heisman Trophy winner is the greatest two-way player in college football history, having earned an 89.0 PFF receiving grade and a 90.3 PFF coverage grade. He projects as more of a receiver for the Jaguars right now but should still see a healthy number of snaps at cornerback in more of a rotational role." With Hunter being the obvious choice here, I'm going to take it in a bit of a different direction. So which rookie, outside of Hunter, am I most intrigued by? Running back Bhayshul Tuten, specifically, how big of a role can he play in 2025? How the playing time shakes out in the running back room this season remains to be seen. Returning from last year's team are Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, although Etienne struggled with efficiency, averaging 3.7 yards per rush in 2024, while Bigsby put the ball on the ground. Under the Jaguars' new leadership structure, as a draft pick, Tuten is 'their guy.' But like any young player, there will be a learning curve for Tuen to navigate as he adjusts to the NFL level and a new, demanding offensive scheme. Early on in OTAs, Tuten has already put the ball on the ground, which was an issue he dealt with during his college career. However, what he brings to the Jaguars' offense is speed, running a 4.32-second 40 during the pre-draft process--the fastest time of any running back at the NFL combine--and big-play ability. Last season, Tuten averaged 6.3 yards per rush and was difficult to bring down, ranking 13th in average yards after contact and 16th in missed tackles forced, per PFF. Having a strong running game to lean on is going to be important to the overall success of the Jaguars' offense. I think we can all expect Tuten to have a role this season, but how big of one may still have to be determined. "I thought last week, as we were kind of getting more into the scheme, he was getting a little bit more comfortable," Coen said of Tuten last week. "I thought he started to get a little bit more into it, had a couple better runs of feeling the zone and being able to stick his foot in the ground and accelerate. "So, good learning experience. You know, first time in a live setting in the National Football League, on your first carry, hopefully you learn something from that moment."
