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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 10 best SEC football rivalries ranked as conference schedule expansion is up for debate
The SEC cares so deeply for its rivalries that it once built its interdivisional schedule model around preserving the Auburn-Georgia and Alabama-Tennessee games. And those matchups don't even rank as the No. 1 rivalry for those schools. Then, the SEC built an eight-game conference schedule model for the 2024 and 2025 seasons that retained primary and prominent secondary rivalries after the conference expanded to 16 teams. Advertisement The two-year schedule format to accommodate Oklahoma and Texas joining the league served as a stop gap while conference brass continued to mull a long-term schedule plan. SEC officials have, for years, debated increasing from an eight- to a nine-game conference schedule. The league membership consistently decided to stay at eight. The SEC must soon consider that age-old question again, with a scheduling solution needed for 2026 and beyond. Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond (17) scores the game-winning touchdown against Auburn during their 2023 game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The SEC spring meetings, which begin May 27, offer a stage for the schedule debate to revive. Oklahoma and Texas could help tip the vote to approve expansion. The rivalry tentacle attaches to the debate. A nine-game conference schedule offers avenues to annually retain not only primary rivalries, but also secondary rivalry games. Continuing with an eight-game schedule probably would mean dialing back secondary rivalries that the SEC steadfastly protected for so long. Advertisement Some matchups like the Iron Bowl, Egg Bowl and Red River are non-negotiable. They're going nowhere, no matter the format. The importance of other rivalries varies based on factors such as your age, where you're from, and the extent to which history matters to you. Here's how I rate the conference's 10 best rivalries, some of which likely would go on the chopping block if the eight-game schedule persists in perpetuity. 1. Alabama-Auburn (Iron Bowl) Instate rivalries hit differently, especially when that state is football-crazed Alabama. As an Auburn fan once said, the Iron Bowl isn't life or death. It's much bigger than that. There been national title implications and memorable moments that serve to add to the lore. 2. Oklahoma-Texas (Red River) When the SEC added Oklahoma and Texas, the conference didn't just gain two iconic brands, it acquired one of college football's best rivalries. Most games are better when played on college campuses, but this one at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas stands as an exception to that rule. 3. Mississippi-Mississippi State (Egg Bowl) Mississippians' chosen side in this rivalry points not just to their allegiance, but to their identity. Opposing sides don't just dislike each other. They despise each other. This rivalry often features a dash of zaniness. When Ole Miss won the game in 1926, fans of both teams stormed the field. Rebels fans went for the goal posts, and Mississippi State (then Mississippi A&M) fans rushed to fight Ole Miss fans. 4. Florida-Georgia This rivalry touts its own hall of fame dedicated to the series. The longtime designation of this rivalry as 'The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party' sums up the vibe for this game played in Jacksonville, Florida. 5. Texas-Texas A&M Thanksgiving week felt incomplete during the 12 seasons this rivalry went dormant after the Aggies left the Big 12 for the SEC. The SEC's addition of Texas rekindled the series. This game packs its stiffest punch when scheduled for Black Friday, like it is this year. The Texas fight song and the Aggie War Hymn each includes a line needling their in-state rival. 6. Alabama-LSU LSU counts as many rivals as any SEC team, but none is more collectively hated than Alabama. You can thank Nick Saban (and copious amounts of liquor in Louisiana) for that. LSU fans even burned Saban in effigy in 2008. Vitriol for Saban aside, this game became one of the nation's most influential clashes throughout the 2010s. 7. Auburn-Georgia As the 'Deep South's Oldest Rivalry,' no SEC series touts more history. Georgia's stretch of 11 victories in the past 12 matchups dulled the luster of a series that once delivered such thrills as the 'Prayer at Jordan-Hare.' Throughout its history, this ranks as one of the SEC's most evenly matched rivalries. 8. Alabama-Tennessee Saban's dominance took some shine off this series, but the Vols renewed vigor to 'The Third Saturday in October' after they upset Alabama in 2022, then tore down the goal posts and baptized them in the river. This rivalry features a distinct smell. When cigar smoke wafts through the stadium, you know the outcome has been decided. 9. LSU-Mississippi (Magnolia Bowl) The rivalry that supplied Billy Cannon's Halloween run and 'The Night the Clock Stopped' found its peak stride the past few seasons. Fans from the winning side stormed the field in each of the past three years. This rivalry is not as heated as some others, but its games usually supply rich entertainment value. 10. Florida-Tennessee This rivalry lacks the tradition of others, but at its crescendo in the 1990s and early 2000s, this September clash charted the course for SEC supremacy. The game peaked when it pitted Steve Spurrier against Phillip Fulmer, but, even now, animosity lingers between these fan bases. Advertisement Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@ Follow him on X @btoppmeyer. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC football's rivalries ranked as schedule expansion debate looms
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Isaiah Bond responds after turning himself in to Police on sexual assault charges just before the draft
Former Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond faced legal issues. He surrendered to authorities due to a sexual assault warrant. Bond was later released after posting bail. He strongly denies the allegations. Bond claims they are baseless. He is cooperating with the investigation. Bond requests everyone to withhold judgment. He emphasizes the importance of truth and evidence. Former Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond , on Thursday, April 10, surrendered himself on a sexual assault warrant and was later released posting bail. Bond was released from the Collin County jail after posting bail at $25,000. According to the reports, details about the allegations are unknown. 'Patently false,' reacting to the incident, Isaiah Bond claimed all allegations are baseless Soon after the incident, Isaiah Bond declared that all the claims and charges leveled against him are false. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases Taking it to the walls of Instagram, he released a statement and clarified himself regarding the assault case. 'Regarding the accusation made against me, I would appreciate the time and opportunity to defend myself and prove the claims made, patently false,' Bond said. 'I am in full cooperation with the authorities and will remain a willing and active participant in the investigation. Unfortunately, claims like these prove to be harmful to all involved, absent full review,' Isaiah Bond clarifies in the statement. Standing on a strong ground and defending himself, he said, 'I kindly request that all reserve judgment until the authorities provide a complete report based on truth and evidence.' Isaiah Bond has a strong career background. He was part of the Iron Bowl history. He bagged 34 passes for 540 yards and 5 touchdowns as a junior in the last season at Texas. He also spent his first two seasons at Alabama. Recently speaking to he expressed his love for Alabama. 'At the end of the day, I was there for two years. I follow my brothers.' 'Like I said, I went there for coach Saban and I have a lot of respect and love for that guy. Like I said, going to Texas, it was the next step and I had a great experience there and a great time there.' Bond is a versatile speeder, and his speed on the ground makes him an extraordinary player. He ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine. Also read: Los Angeles Lakers give shoutout to their Greatest Fan of all Time in a heartfelt post
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas WR prospect Isaiah Bond arrested on sexual assault charge, 2 weeks before 2025 NFL Draft
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond was arrested on a sexual assault charge Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 2025 NFL Draft prospect reportedly turned himself in to Frisco, Texas, police for an outstanding warrant. He has already posted bond and been released. His camp also released a statement to Rapoport, calling the accusation against him untrue: 'Regarding the accusation made against me, I would appreciate the time and opportunity to defend myself and prove the claims made, patently false. I am in full cooperation with the authorities and will remain a willing and active participant in the investigation. Unfortunately, claims like these prove to be harmful to all involved, absent full review. I kindly request that all reserve judgement until the authorities provide a complete report based on truth and evidence.' The exact details of what Bond is accused of doing, including the time and place, have not yet been reported. The arrest comes only two weeks before the beginning of the 2025 NFL Draft, in which Bond is considered a mid-round prospect. He made headlines for the wrong reasons last month when he pledged to break Xavier Worthy's 40-yard dash record then posted a disappointing 4.39 seconds, ranking ninth out of 39 wide receivers. Bond is not ranked on Yahoo Sports' big board of the top 80 draft prospects. The 21-year-old is coming off his first and only season with Texas, where he posted 34 receptions, 532 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 14 games with the Longhorns, who reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. Before that, he played two seasons at Alabama and hauled in one of the biggest catches in Iron Bowl history.
USA Today
01-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Could former Texas Longhorns WR Isaiah Bond end up with the Dallas Cowboys?
Could former Texas Longhorns WR Isaiah Bond end up with the Dallas Cowboys? Even thought it is widely thought to have been the Dallas Cowboys biggest position of need, America's Team didn't draft a wide receiver in last week's 2025 NFL Draft. There's speculation owner and GM Jerry Jones could turn to a former Texas Longhorns WR that went undrafted due to recent legal problems. Isaiah Bond was projected to be a high draft pick. Most mock drafts placed Bond in the second round of the NFL Draft. But in early April, Bond turned had to turn himself in to Frisco, TX police because of an outstanding warrant for an arrest on a charge of sexual assault. Bond, 21, was released after posting $25,000 bail. Bond and his representation have filed a defamation lawsuit against his accuser in the United States District Court in North Texas. A 17-page legal complaint and explanation was sent to all NFL teams by his agent, Damien Butler. But it wasn't enough for the speedy wide out to get drafted in Green Bay. The fact the case is in Frisco, home of the Cowboys, should give the team of the severity and the validity of the accusations. In the past, the Cowboys have overlooked occasional past problems and transgressions when they are in desperate need at a certain position. But if the 2025 NFL Draft is an indication, that narrative might be changing. Dallas drafted nine players last week that have reputations as "leaders," many with experience captaining their college teams. The Cowboys were specifically looking to draft players with a "proven strong love for the sport." Dallas management might be tired of seeing lost games and bad attitudes tied to those with off-the-field issues. For now, the Cowboys seem to be a non-starter. Where does that leave Bond? One NFL source told Cowboys insider Mike Fisher, "Let's see if he's proven innocent. Let's see what happens when the dust settles.'' Bond will mostly likely need to clear up his legal issues in Texas before any team would consider signing the Texas Ex.
Newsweek
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
2025 NFL Draft: Most Surprising Undrafted Players Include ACC-Leading Wide Receiver
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 2025 NFL Draft is now complete, as the seventh round wrapped up this afternoon. Like always, this draft was not free of drama. The biggest story became Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders not getting drafted until the fifth round. This surprising drop perplexed analysts, especially considering several lower-rated passers went before Sanders. This FanDuel promo code offer gives new customers a chance to bet $5 on WR Isaiah Bond and No. 1 Texas vs. No. 5 Georgia to win $300 in bonus bets for NFL Week 7... This FanDuel promo code offer gives new customers a chance to bet $5 on WR Isaiah Bond and No. 1 Texas vs. No. 5 Georgia to win $300 in bonus bets for NFL Week 7 and more. MoreOtherwise, a ton of talented players got to achieve their dreams this weekend. But, not every talented college player heard their name called, and there is an impressive crop of undrafted free agents this year. Now, with the draft festivities over, let's identify the most surprising undrafted players. Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas Isaiah Bond was one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the transfer portal last spring. Now, just one year later, the receiver went undrafted. Bond had a disappointing showing at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, running a much slower 40 than people expected. The receiver is also facing some serious allegations that likely affected his draft stock. Still, Bond was a productive SEC wide receiver and it's surprising that no team took a chance. Expect the receiver to battle in camp for a roster spot, assuming his legal issues are resolved. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami Xavier Restrepo is another receiver who's stock tumbled due to his performance in drills. The Miami product ran a miserable 4.83 40-yard dash and that unquestionably scared teams. However, Restrepo was one of the best receivers in college last season. The shifty receiver caught 69 passes for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. The receiver may not be as fast as teams would like, but he's a great route-runner and has sure hands. Don't be surprised to see Restrepo make a final roster. Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson Jake Briningstool fits the theme of talented pass-catchers who didn't test the best and subsequently went undrafted. Bringinstool isn't the best blocker and he's going to need to add some weight if he wants to stick in the league. Still, it was surprising to see a productive ACC pass-catcher not get taken in the later rounds. Briningstool caught 49 passes for 530 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. The pass-catcher may have a future as a receiving-only tight end at the back of a roster. Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas Cobee Bryant was arguably the most talented cornerback to go undrafted. Bryant was a ballhawk in college, securing four interceptions in each of his final two seasons. However, teams couldn't get over his slight frame and average speed. Still, a corner who makes as many plays as Bryant did should have been worth a late-round flier. Bryant is another UDFA who could end up making a team and playing a role as a rookie.
