Latest news with #KliffKingsbury
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Texas Tech Football Preview 2025: The Red Raiders Might Be the Big 12's Best Team
X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFNTexas Tech Offense BreakdownTexas Tech Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to SeasonFor all the old "get off my lawn" types who need to take a nap after shaking their fists and wagging their fingers at how college football is finished because of how NIL is taking over …Texas Tech is showing EXACTLY how it's supposed to work. (Sorry, Texas Tech fans who read my stuff. I know I've hammered on this next point for, like, 20 years in a row, but now it really does matter, and in a good way.)Texas Tech has won next to nothing since before almost everyone reading this was last outright conference championship was in 1955, and even then, it was in a four-game Border Conference season. Outside of a few bowl games, the late Mike Leach never won anything. Neither did Kliff Kingsbury. Spike Dykes won half of a Southwest Conference title going 4-3 in 1994, and that's pretty much this is where the NIL side of things comes in. The Ohio States, Alabamas, and Michigans can afford anyone and anything, but lost in all of the unfettered free agency and professionalization of the sport is that this new era allows other programs, who aren't used to knowing a whole lot of success, to get very good, very fast. Cranking it up with a ton of good transfers doesn't guarantee anything but a little bit of improvement, as the all-frosting-no-cake Colorado Buffalo program has shown. However, if you're someone like Texas Tech, and being a factor in conference title chases is just a rumor, the portal might be enough to help get you over the McGuire put together three strong seasons since taking over in 2022, going 23-16 with two bowl wins and a third appearance. But the defense, especially last year, was powerfully what did Texas Tech do? It thunder-dunked the transfer portal, putting together what might be one of the best defensive lines in the Big 12. Offense hasn't been an issue, but it replaced a superstar college back like Tahj Brooks with Quinten Joyner out of O line was okay, but KABOOM … the Red Raiders got two outstanding tackles in Howard Sampson (North Carolina) and Will Jados (Miami University), who could start for anyone in America, to go along with the versatile Hunter Zambrano (Illinois State) with NFL potential at guard or as a swing tackle. The Red Raiders instantly upgraded the overall talent level and depth to go with a base that would've been good enough to finish 7-6ish back in the pre-NIL era. And now?If the new guys on defense can take that side of the ball from being the second-worst in the nation to merely meh, this could be the best team in the Big 12. Going to the College Football Playoff isn't just a realistic goal - if Arizona State, SMU, and Indiana could do it … - it's on the is the year Texas Tech is good enough to win Tech Offense Breakdown Texas Tech Defense Breakdown Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kingsbury Previews Samuel's Impact on Commanders
Kingsbury Previews Samuel's Impact on Commanders originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In 2024, the Washington Commanders learned that they had a franchise quarterback on their hands. Jayden Daniels is a superstar, and his ascension into a Super Bowl-caliber passer has the potential to change the fortune of the franchise for over a decade. Advertisement Helping him get there is offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and a supporting cast that improved during the offseason. Credit to Washington for acknowledging what it has under center and being aggressive in taking advantage of it. The team traded for veteran receiver Deebo Samuel and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, insulating the unit with known quantities. Samuel, specifically, has a unique opportunity to elevate the offense given the perceived weakness behind Terry McLaurin on the depth chart. On Thursday, Kingsbury previewed the impact of Samuel on the Commanders' offense. "Yeah, both tremendous players. Terry taking the top off, doing the things he does with his route tree, outside, always scares defenses. And then Deebo, just the myriad of ways you can use him, the touches you can get, he's hard to tackle, that firsthand space rarely gets him down," he told reporters. "And so just finding ways that he can continue to impact our offense and still get those other guys to football." Advertisement Samuel is an upgrade, albeit a risky one given his age, durability, and potential decline. He was at his best as a hybrid running back/receiver, but those days may be behind him. What he demands, though, is targets. And with so many of Washington's targets returning in 2025, that means everyone's slice of the pie is bound to get a little smaller. "Yeah, I've never had a great player that didn't want the ball and so that kind of comes with the territory," he said. "But that's one thing I think that DQ [Dan Quinn] has created where it's the team above anything else. And these guys that had their success last year and got their touches, they know bringing Deebo in, there's going to be less, but we're going to be better. 'And I think when they're able to sacrifice for that and understand that the ultimate goal is winning, then it all works itself out. But you want those guys, I mean, I'll get cussed out a few games, but it just comes with the territory. You'd rather have really good players cussing you out, than bad players cussing you out." Advertisement Ultimately, Daniels has the talent to fix any target-based issue. He's the rising tide that lifts all boats, and if Samuel is opening things up for McLaurin and his co-stars, there should be more than enough opportunities to satisfy him. Further, winning cures all, and Washington has a real chance to play meaningful football deep into January. Last season, the Commanders were playing with house money. Armed with a more talented, and expensive, roster, the clock is officially ticking on the Super Bowl window. Related: Oddsmakers Say Commanders Closing Gap On Eagles Related: Analyst Questions If Commanders Defense Got Better in Offseason This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington Commanders rookie Jaylin Lane is giving offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury no choice but to use him frequently in his rookie year.
Washington Commanders rookie Jaylin Lane is giving offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury no choice but to use him frequently in his rookie year. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders may have just found a diamond in the rough. Advertisement With their fourth-round pick at No. 128 overall, the Commanders chose the electrifying Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane, who could turn out to be one of the most impactful rookies from the Draft. Many expect him to be a kick returner before he gets many chances with the offense, but that role is something he is attacking with full force. "I'm just here to dominate my role. That's gonna be part of my game," Lane said via the team website. "Being a rookie coming in, I gotta play special teams regardless. So, I'm excited for that. Just being back there, I feel like I can make any play, any catch and ultimately, take it to the crib. Advertisement "That's what you want to do as a returner. Speed is one of my assets. I plan on using it every chance I get." Even more exciting for the Commanders fans already drooling at the mouth is the reports of Lane's performance at OTAs this week. Washington insider Rick Snider was thoroughly impressed with what Lane showed as a receiver, calling the prospect a "sleeper" to crack the offensive rotation. Lane might not have been brought in because there was a major need for an offensive playmaker, but if he can be another weapon for star quarterback Jayden Daniels, that's a nice bonus. It could turn the Commanders into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NFL ... if they aren't already after last season's fireworks. Advertisement The rookie Lane's first pro practices may be leaving Kingsbury no choice but to find him touches in that scheme. However, there are now two proven veterans in Daniels' arsenal, too. Joining Terry McLaurin in the receiving corps is Deebo Samuel Sr., acquired this offseason in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. They each will be great assets for Lane's growth as the rookie can learn from two versatile athletes who have already thrived in high-octane offenses. As McLaurin and Samuel are the focal points of the passing game, Lane could find lanes open up for him, and if he "takes them to the crib", it will lead to more and more targets. Advertisement This creates for a crowded offensive situation, but Lane reiterated that he will fit whatever role he is called into. We believe that will be an impactful one with how Washington is already finding new ways to utilize him in kick returns and in the slot on offense. Says Lane: "I'm just very confident. And I feel like I'm gonna be able to help score some touchdowns for the Commanders." Related: Commanders Rookie Electric Season Predicted By NFL Analyst Related: Kingsbury Previews Samuel's Impact on Commanders This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Washington Post
6 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
The Commanders have plenty of weapons, and only one football
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury knows it's a good thing that one of his biggest problems this season will be ensuring all his talented skill players get enough touches. 'I've never had a great player that didn't want the ball, and so that kind of comes with the territory,' he said this week. 'But that's one thing I think that [Coach Dan Quinn] has created, where it's the team above anything else. And these guys that had their success last year and got their touches, they know bringing [receiver] Deebo [Samuel] in, there's going to be [fewer touches for them]. But we're going to be better. And I think when they're able to sacrifice for that and understand that the ultimate goal is winning, then it all works itself out. But you want those guys. I mean, I'll get cussed out a few games, but it just comes with the territory. You'd rather have really good players cussing you out than bad players cussing you out.'
Washington Post
6 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Jayden Daniels looks a little thicker, but he's focused on his mind
The most pressing question at the Washington Commanders' first day of organized team activities was not about the state of their offense, the shake-up to their offensive line or the new look of their defense. It wasn't about the continuity of their coaching staff, with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury spurning head-coaching interviews to stay, and it wasn't about their rookies.
