Latest news with #Jackets
Fox Sports
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 College Football Predictions, Picks: Back Georgia Tech, Utah in Week 1
Is anyone else counting down the days until the college football season kicks off? I know I'm not the only one. I think we all started marking the days on the calendar as soon as Ohio State won it all back in January. Considering we're only a little more than a month out, I figured I'd go ahead and look at some games to sprinkle a little cash on. There are two so far that have caught my eye for Week 1. Let's dive into how I'm wagering Georgia Tech-Colorado and Utah-UCLA. Georgia Tech @ Colorado (+3.5) Entering the 2025 season, I'm high on Georgia Tech and selling on Colorado. This number does not reflect my feelings about the talent and execution difference between those two teams, even factoring in that this game is being played in Colorado. Let's start with Georgia Tech, which finished 7-5 (regular season) in head coach Brent Key's second full season. Key is a former offensive lineman and his team plays like that. The Yellow Jackets are physical on both sides of the ball and try to impose their will on their opponents. Look no further than their win against Miami last season or the 44-42 loss to Georgia in the final game of the regular season. They can routinely play with the big boys. Quarterback Haynes King is back for this season. He led the ACC in completion percentage and added nearly 600 yards on the ground. Lead back Jamal Haynes returns after rushing for 1,000 yards, and while Georgia Tech does have to replace some offensive linemen, this is where I trust the head coach. He has developed that position well everywhere he's been. On defense, Georgia Tech is led by new defensive coordinator Blake Gibson from Texas. The Jackets must replace multiple starting defensive linemen but have added transfer players that they hope will help the unit start fast. The Jackets return a veteran secondary and are in the top 40 for returning production on defense. I'd expect this unit to be prepared for Colorado. Colorado is undergoing roster turnover again. The Buffaloes have to replace their quarterback, their top four receiving targets and four offensive linemen on offense. Some might point to them upgrading the offensive line and, while I don't disagree, there are still lots of questions on offense. They aren't as talented at quarterback or receiver and the offense relied heavily on the production of Shedeur Sanders, and his receiving core. It's not an offense that's designed for easy plays and Colorado has yet to commit to the run in two seasons. Colorado's defense was much improved last season under first-time defensive coordinator Rob Livingston. I do not think enough attention was given to this unit, which was an outstanding second-half squad. However, Colorado is down lots of production, just like on offense. The Buffs are without their best pass rusher, both linebackers, both safeties and a Heisman-winning corner. How do you replace that much production without a base of high school players that you have developed? There's so much new for the Buffaloes, and I don't believe they will be ready to play Georgia Tech's brand of football in Week 1. New players on defense will need to stop a highly efficient quarterback and that Tech run game. On offense, Colorado is breaking in so many new players against a veteran Tech secondary. Can the Buffs get up to speed quickly to make enough plays? I just don't buy it. I like Georgia Tech to win and cover. PICK: Georgia Tech (-3.5) to win by 3.5 points or more Utah @ UCLA (+5.5) I'm also high on the Utes this season, and I'm starting by wagering on them in Week 1. This is a road game, but it's Labor Day Weekend at the Rose Bowl. Utah played the last two seasons with a roster ravaged by injuries. Quarterback Cam Rising played three games the last two seasons after injuring his knee in the 2023 Rose Bowl. That forced Utah to play at least five different quarterbacks in 2023 and 2024, and the results were ugly. Utah went into the portal to grab New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier, a first-team All-Mountain West selection. The Utes also added New Mexico's offensive coordinator, who led the Lobos to finishing first in the country in yards per carry. It's a perfect fit for Utah, which has got one of the best offensive lines in the country. Both tackles will be first-round picks. Utah's rushing attack is going to face a UCLA defense replacing nine starters. The Bruins did add some portal players, but they haven't recruited at a level that will help them reload that quickly. It's always fair to question Utah's passing attack and that could be a concern this season, but I don't see it mattering much here. The Utes will control the line of scrimmage and score on UCLA. UCLA made headlines this spring when it landed former five-star Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a talented player who is also inconsistent. He will compete with App State transfer Joey Aguilar for the starting job. The Bruins have decent receiving options and some transfer talent at running back. Their offensive line was brutal last season and they will replace three starters. Just like the rest of their roster, the Bruins are hoping to patch the holes on the line with portal guys. Utah's defense has been its calling card for years and I don't doubt it will change this season. The Utes are replacing their defensive line, but they've shown the ability to reload that position year after year. They return experience at linebacker and in the secondary. And their defense should win the matchup against the Bruins' offense. Utah is more talented and has a more cohesive approach than UCLA. I like Utah to cruise in this game. PICK: Utah (-5.5) to win by more than 5.5 points Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams. He started at right tackle for the University of Oregon for three seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @GeoffSchwartz. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Kate Middleton's $9,600 Dior debut included hidden details that nodded to Princess Diana
"It's Dior, darling," Kate Middleton likely thought to herself as she looked at her outfit on Tuesday. Prince William and the Princess of Wales welcomed Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron to the UK on Tuesday for a state visit. Kate, 43, stepped out of her fashion comfort zone for the occasion, forgoing her favorite designers, Catherine Walker and Alexander McQueen, in favor of a pink Christian Dior ensemble. Kate has never worn Dior at a public event before, and making her debut in an outfit from the French fashion house as she greeted the country's president was a savvy diplomatic move. Plus, the princess's outfit was full of hidden details that made it stand out even more. Kate Middleton's Dior debut The star of Kate's outfit was a 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket from Dior's 2024 collection. The brand's Bar Jackets have been iconic since Christian Dior first designed them in 1947. Maria Grazia Chiuri created the reimagined version Kate wore on Tuesday. Chiuri became Dior's first female creative director when she took on the role in 2016, and she announced in May 2025 that she would be stepping down. Kate paired the jacket with a midi-length tulle skirt in the same shade that flared out around her calves, offering a royal spin on the balletcore trend. Although blush versions of the products aren't available on Dior's website, the jacket retails for $5,000 in three colors, while the skirt comes in white and black for $4,600. Kate kept her monochromatic look going with a bespoke hat from Jess Collett Milliner, a UK-based hat designer, and a Mulberry clutch, both of which were the same blush color as her jacket and skirt. She also added $795 Gianvito Rossi pumps to the look. Royal roots Kate completed her outfit with pearl jewelry that previously belonged to other royals. Queen Elizabeth frequently wore the three-strand pearl necklace Kate sported on Tuesday, and the Princess of Wales was first spotted wearing it in September 2022 in the wake of the queen's death, as Town & Country reported. Kate paired the necklace with Princess Diana's pearl drop earrings, which she also wore to a remembrance service in 2021. Diana's earrings were a particularly appropriate accessory for her Dior ensemble, as Diana became a muse for the fashion house in the 1990s. For instance, she attended the 1996 Met Gala, which celebrated Christian Dior, in a gown custom-designed by John Galliano, fresh off her finalized divorce from then-Prince Charles. The navy slip dress made quite a statement for the royal, as it was inspired by lingerie and featured lace detailing on the neckline. Likewise, Diana was given a Dior bag in 1995 by Bernadette Chirac, the first lady of France at the time. She went on to tote several versions of the bag to royal engagements before her death. Dior renamed the bag"Lady Dior" in her honor. Kate continued Diana's legacy with her ensemble on Tuesday, stepping into her tenure as Princess of Wales even more firmly.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Georgia Tech Baseball Lands Top Transfers to Supercharge 2025 Lineup
Georgia Tech Baseball Lands Top Transfers to Supercharge 2025 Lineup originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A New Era is Brewing on the Flats. The buzz is back at Russ Chandler Stadium. Georgia Tech baseball is making noise, but not just with returning stars, but with a trio of transfer portal additions that could push the Jackets into national contention next spring. Advertisement Head coach James Ramsey, known for his sharp eye for talent and relentless recruiting, has reeled in three transfers. It's a statement to the rest of the ACC: Georgia Tech isn't waiting around. They're coming. Ryan Zuckerman: A Power Surge from Pittsburgh The biggest headline? Pittsburgh slugger Ryan Zuckerman, who committed to the Jackets on Monday. A third baseman with a heavy bat and a proven track record, Zuckerman hit .295 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs last season, leading the Panthers in both categories. His presence in the middle of a lineup that already returns Drew Burress, Alex Hernandez, and Caleb Daniel turns a dangerous offense into one of the most feared in college baseball. His on-base percentage (.382) and slugging (.555) show a well-rounded hitter ready to thrive in Atlanta's hitter-friendly park. For a team that ranked among the ACC's top five in runs scored last season, Zuckerman could be the final piece to an Omaha-level lineup. Sophomore outfielder Drew Burress mashes a home run versus Cal during the ACC Tournament Tech Baseball/X Justin Shadek: A Fresh Start on the Mound From Rutgers comes right-hander Justin Shadek, a redshirt freshman with flashes of brilliance and plenty of room to grow. He went 4-5 in 15 appearances with the Scarlet Knights, recording 52 strikeouts but also posting a 7.78 ERA. Advertisement The raw numbers might not scream dominance, but the upside is clear. Shadek has swing-and-miss stuff and experience as a starter in a Power Five program. Ramsey has a reputation for developing arms, and Shadek may be the kind of under-the-radar addition who thrives with better defense, coaching, and run support in Atlanta. Cade Brown: The Local Star Returns Home Perhaps the most intriguing name is Cade Brown, a former Georgia Bulldog who brings elite high school credentials back to the Peach State's capital. Though he played in just 15 games as a freshman in Athens (.171 average, 1 HR), Brown was a prep phenom. He batted .472 with 14 home runs as a senior, earned the MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year, and was rated the No. 1 third baseman in Georgia by Perfect Game. Advertisement Now under Ramsey's guidance, Brown's return to form could give Tech another high-ceiling bat—and extra motivation against the team he left behind. The Takeaway: Georgia Tech Is Reloading, Fast With Zuckerman's power, Shadek's upside, and Brown's potential, Georgia Tech isn't rebuilding, they're reloading. These additions, paired with a stacked returning core, make it clear: Ramsey and the Yellow Jackets are chasing championships, not just headlines. The road to Omaha starts now. Are you ready? Related: Georgia Tech Lands 2026 DL Commit, Continues Recruiting Momentum This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Two Blue Jackets Stars Chosen To Represent Team Canada In IIHF World Championships Per Report
Columbus Blue Jackets forwards Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson have been chosen to represent Canada in the upcoming IIHF World Championship's according to Aaron Portzline. He also says that Jackets assistant coach Steve McCarthy will join Evason's staff. Just last week, the CBJ's Head Coach Dean Evason was picked to be the bench boss for Canada, leading many to believe that Fantilli and Johnson would be picked to play for Canada as well. Report: Dean Evason Chosen To Coach Team Canada Darren Dreger has said today that Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach Dean Evason will be chosen to coach Team Canada at the Men's World Hockey Championships in Sweden and Denmark next month. Evason's Blue Jackets team just barely missed the playoffs last week. Fantilli and Johnson both set career highs in goals, assists, and points. Fantilli led the Jackets with 31 goals, and Johnson finished second on the team with 24 goals. Fantilli was an extra player for Canada last season for the IIHF Worlds, but was sent home when they got some guys back with more experience. Congrats to Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson for being chosen to represent Team Canada. Let us know what you think below. Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story. Will 2025-26 Be Yegor Chinakhov's Final Season In Columbus? On June 21, 2024, new GM Don Waddell took care of a piece of business that many considered vital. Almost a year later, people wonder if that business will ever pan out. Jet Greaves Stays Perfect Against The Toronto Marlies It took 19 minutes and 5 seconds into the second OT, but the Cleveland Monsters defeated the Toronto Marlies and will move on to play the Pascal Vincent-led Laval Rocket in the next round of the AHL Playoffs. Former Blue Jacket Josh Anderson & Tom Wilson Clash In Canadiens' Bench Last night in the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals game, there was a very interesting moment. A moment that was both intense and hilarious at the same time.
New York Times
19-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Blue Jackets head into offseason with a mixture of frustration and optimism
COLUMBUS, Ohio — One message, but two different perspectives, because Don Waddell and Dean Evason have two different jobs. On Friday, the day after the Columbus Blue Jackets ended a memorable and unique season with a 6-1 win over the New York Islanders in Nationwide Arena, Waddell, the general manager, and Evason, the coach, met with the media to discuss what happened and what's ahead. Advertisement Evason knows full well that the Blue Jackets, which came one win short of making the playoffs, have a strong foundation and a bright future, but the frustration and anger of falling short were making all of that cloudy. Asked if the Jackets were 'further ahead' than he could have expected when he was hired by Columbus last summer, Evason said: 'Well, we're not far enough, because we're not (still) playing. We're not preparing to play (in the Stanley Cup playoffs), so I want to make that clear. I know we're going to get some accolades and all that kind of stuff. But at the end of the day, we're not in the playoffs. That was our first step, and we didn't get there. 'Are we happy with the foundation we're continuing to build? Sure. We're extremely positive. But there's negativity, too, because we're not playing tomorrow.' Meanwhile, Waddell is required to have a bigger-picture view. He was as grumpy as anybody last Wednesday when the Montreal Canadiens' win over his previous club, the Carolina Hurricanes, eliminated the Blue Jackets from the postseason after 81 games. The Blue Jackets were expected to spend the final months of the season tracking the NHL draft lottery odds, not doing playoff math. He highlighted the character of the veterans and other players in the room, saying, 'This was one of the strongest teams I've ever been involved with.' He also noted that so many of the Blue Jackets' blue-chip young players bloomed this season, driving the offensive outburst that kept the Jackets in the hunt. 'Our goal is always to make the playoffs,' Waddell said. 'When you make the playoffs, you don't want it to be a one-and-done situation. You want to make the playoffs, and then in a few years, we'll stop talking about making the playoffs and it'll be about winning the Cup. 'I truly believe, after what I witnessed this year, that we have most of the pieces in that locker room. There are going to be changes (this summer). There are unrestricted free agents and needs that we need to address. We'll do everything in our power to address those needs.' From GM Don Waddell and all of us to you, THANK YOU for showing up and cheering us on all season long ❤️ The countdown to our 25th anniversary season starts now! — Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 18, 2025 This was an educational season for Waddell. He was impressed with the Blue Jackets' stable of young players — especially the dynamic forwards — but a full season and ground level, closely observing this group of players on the ice and off the ice, will inform the moves he makes this summer. And there figures to be lots of moves, especially from the red line back. Advertisement The Blue Jackets set a franchise record with 267 goals this season, finishing eighth in the NHL. Most of the foundation up front is veterans in their prime or young players on the rise, so expect Waddell to, as he's said, 'fill in around the edges' up front. It's the defense and goaltending that could see the most changes. The Blue Jackets also allowed 267 goals, the eighth most in the league this season. Of the 16 clubs that qualified for the postseason, only one (Montreal, 261) allowed more than 240 goals. The Blue Jackets have six prominent unrestricted free agents: forwards Justin Danforth, Sean Kuraly and James van Riemsdyk, and defensemen Dante Fabbro, Jack Johnson and Ivan Provorov. Waddell said contract talks with the players they want to keep were put on hold during the season's stretch drive. 'I'll sit with the coaches in the next couple of days,' Waddell said. 'There are a few obvious ones we'd like to have back. We've talked about Provorov and Fabbro. There are some other guys we'd like to have back, but we haven't made those determinations yet. 'Not making the playoffs, we have some time here. We can study the market and say, 'If we don't sign this player, we can replace him with player X or Z. All of that will happen over the next 4 to 6 weeks.' Among defensemen, Fabbro and Provorov played top-four roles for the Blue Jackets this season, so losing either would be a big loss. Up front, Danforth and Kuraly played significant roles on the third and fourth lines and as penalty killers, while van Riemsdyk moved all over the line and finished with 16 goals. The roster spot that probably demands the most attention is goaltending. Elvis Merzlikins showed improvement for much of the season, but his game dipped dramatically in the final month of the season, just as the Blue Jackets were hanging in the race. In his final eight outings, including seven starts, he had an .865 save percentage and 4.24 goals-against average. Worse, there were on-ice temper tantrums that NHL goaltenders cannot exude. Advertisement Meanwhile, backup Daniil Tarasov earned no confidence with the coaching staff, going long stretches without games. It wasn't until the final week of the season, when Jet Greaves was recalled from AHL Cleveland, that goaltending became a position of strength. Greaves has a one-way NHL contract for next season, and his run of play would almost certainly give him a solid shot as the Blue Jackets' backup next season. But there is much to sort out here. Merzlikins has two years remaining on a contract that pays him $5.4 million per season. Tarasov is a restricted free agent, meaning the Blue Jackets would need to extend a qualifying offer this summer to maintain his rights. 'If we don't examine every position and dissect everything that we've done this year, we're not doing our jobs,' Waddell said. 'The goaltending numbers are not as good as we hoped they'd be. I said a while ago that I thought Elvis won us a lot more games than he lost us. We know there's a lot of talent there, but we're looking for more of a consistency factor. 'To say we're just staying with the status quo … maybe that's the way it ends up, but we have to examine this position like all of the positions and make decisions.' Waddell has all of the tools necessary to make significant upgrades via trades and free-agent signings. According to PuckPedia, the Blue Jackets will have a projected $41 million in salary cap space heading into the summer. The Blue Jackets also have two first-round draft picks, including the Minnesota Wild's first-round pick acquired last November in the deal that sent David Jiricek to the Wild. As of today, those two picks are 13th and 20th heading into the June draft. Waddell has shown a willingness to pursue other teams' restricted free agents via offer sheets, but they'd be slightly limited in what type of offer they could extend. Advertisement A restricted free agent lifted from another team's roster with an offer sheet requires draft-pick compensation, and the Blue Jackets do not own their second-round pick this coming draft. That was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers two summers ago for Provorov. Waddell was asked if he had the flexibility to buy out contracts of highly paid, underperforming players. Two leap to mind: Merzlikins ($5.4 million per season through 2026-27) and defenseman Damon Severson ($6.25 million per season through 2030-31), who was a healthy scratch 10 times this season. 'That's not something we're looking at,' Waddell said. 'I can't say how the summer is going to play out, but, as of now, we haven't talked about it.' However, one thing is clear. Waddell says he didn't come to Columbus to oversee a roster rebuild. He wants to win immediately. The Blue Jackets don't need sweeping changes to become competitive. Expect Waddell to be aggressive in helping them take another big step forward. 'There will be some challenges, but every summer there are deals to be made. It's just a matter of what pieces you're willing to give up for it,' he said. (Photo of Ivan Provorov: Ben Jackson / Getty Images)
