Latest news with #Rittenberg
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN: Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell 'must deliver' improvement in 2025
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell was included in ESPN's list of coaches who 'must deliver soon' entering the 2025 football season. The tier was a subsection of Adam Rittenberg's larger 'Impatience Index,' which listed every coach under pressure to perform in 2025. In some cases, like with Florida's Billy Napier or USC's Lincoln Riley, that pressure is to break through to the College Football Playoff. In others, like with Penn State's James Franklin, that reality comes with national title expectations. Fickell, Florida State's Mike Norvell, Auburn's Hugh Freeze and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer were Rittenberg's four coaches who enter 2025 needing to deliver on the expectations that surrounded their respective hires. Badgers fans should understand the placement for their third-year head coach. The program is just 12-13 in two years under his leadership, including a 5-7 finish to the 2024 season that saw it miss its first bowl game in 23 years. A failed transition to the air raid offense headlines those struggles. While the Badgers enter 2025 set to return to their pro-style roots, a collective impatience likely resulted from that failed shift. Rittenberg reflects that sentiment in his explanation for Fickell's position "[Fickell] was hired with a clear purpose -- to get a somewhat stale program under Paul Chryst into the expanded CFP, which [he] had reached with Cincinnati in 2021," Rittenberg wrote. "His hire represented a detour from the Wisconsin way, which Bret Bielema continued after Alvarez and Chryst built upon. If Fickell could elevate Wisconsin, even with a different style and philosophy, most Badgers fans were willing to go along with problem is that Wisconsin has gotten worse under Fickell, and last fall missed the postseason for the first time since 2001...[He] might not face immediate hot-seat pressure this fall, especially since athletic director Chris McIntosh hired him. But he needs better results on the field and also must show a product that better connects with the Wisconsin tradition." Rittenberg also noted an under-the-radar storyline surrounding the placement of Fickell's program. In line with his program's departure from the school's previous regimes, Fickell's recruiting radius is spanning further outside the state of Wisconsin. We highlighted this dynamic back in March, as that theme was persisting through the 2026 cycle. "Wisconsin signed the No. 25 recruiting class in 2024 and the No. 31 class earlier this year, but it has largely looked farther away for prospects," Rittenberg continued. "Three of the top four in-state prospects for 2024 signed with Penn State, and the top two in-state prospects in 2025 signed with Notre Dame." While minor, that example highlights the program's departure from its previous regimes. Given Wisconsin's success over the past 30 years, that from sticking to a classic identity and approach, the impatience surrounding Fickell's regime is only heightened by increased moves away from that tradition. The Badgers enter the 2025 season near the middle of the pack of the Big Ten power rankings. The team would need a substantial improvement upon its 2024 form to take a leap forward and return to bowl eligibility. That is due to the nation's top-ranked schedule, which includes games against projected top 25 teams Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. As a result, 'delivering' for Fickell in 2025 might just be making a bowl game and building momentum for 2026. Rittenberg's sentiment, which is shared by many, implies that a further regression would increase the temperature of Fickell's seat. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN names the Miami Hurricanes as Notre Dame's arch villan for the upcoming 2025 season
There are more than a few teams and players that fall under the category of arch villain for Notre Dame football, but on Thursday ESPN named Miami as the biggest one of the Irish this fall. USC would have made perfect sense, as would Ohio State (who Notre Dame could face for the fourth-straight year if they meet in the College Football Playoff, but is not currently a scheduled opponent), but Adam Rittenberg went with the Hurricanes. The last time these two faced off against each other was in 2017, with a convincing Miami win, 41-8. Both teams have CFP hopes this season, and there is some drama surrounding the two. Miami's starting quarterback is now Carson Beck, who was one the sidelines as the Irish defeated his former team, the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP quarterfinals, out with an injury. Rittenberg thinks that he's 'talented enough to villainize a Notre Dame defense replacing standouts Xavier Watts, Jack Kiser, Rylie Mills and others and appearing in its first game under new coordinator Chris Ash.' Rittenberg isn't off his rocker with his assessment, but remember, Beck is coming off an injury, while he's also learning a new offense and working with new skill position players. His play regressed from 2023 to 2024, throwing for less yards, a lower completion percentage and doubled the amount of interceptions thrown. Not exactly awe inspiring progression from Beck. Now, Rittenberg does make another solid point, as head coach Marcus Freeman has a history of September losses, as every one of his three years has seen one happen. Personally, I would have picked USC, as there is always drama on the field, and this year it's off it was well with the Trojans potentially wanting to end its rivalry with the Irish. Both are good choices, and we will see how it all plays out soon.
USA Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ohio State ranked highly in ESPN's future college football rankings
Ohio State ranked highly in ESPN's future college football rankings A college football program's success can be measured with the here and now, but to be a true blueblood of the sport, you have to have a pipeline set for future gains as well. Over the years, there haven't been too many programs that compete at the elite level like the Buckeyes, and that doesn't figure to end anytime soon, especially coming off a College Football Playoff national championship. OSU is still recruiting at a high level and has the pieces in place to continue to be one of the very best in the sport, even with all of the changes we've seen, and will continue to see as the sport moves into uncharted territory. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg likes to take a look at the college football landscape and provide an annual health check for where teams might be in the future. It's all changed a bit with the proliferation of transfers, Name, Image and Likeness, and all that we've seen, so he now looks out two years to see which programs might still be at the top when we look back after 2026. The usual suspects are there, like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Notre Dame, but where does he have Ohio State? To make sense of it all, Rittenberg uses several factors to peer into the college football crystal ball, things like: Returning quarterback Likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster Offensive line/defensive line outlook Roster management Star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders) Coaching staff Some weigh heavier than others, and some shortcomings can be overcome by a massive strength in other areas. It's an impossible exercise, but we've seen that those on top typically remain near or at the top. So, where does Rittenberg have the Buckeyes? You'll be happy to know that Ohio State is firmly planted at No. 2, behind only the Texas Longhorns in the future rankings. Rittenberg leans into OSU having to replace a lot of key pieces over the next couple of years, but likes the chances of the Buckeyes having a multiple-year, talented starting quarterback, the personnel OSU will have, and Day at the helm. If there's anything holding Ohio State back, it's losing 14 players to the NFL and not really knowing what the roster will look like with all of the changes. Now, any OSU fan doesn't like to not be at the top of any ranking, but sitting at No. 2 through 2026 -- if you believe it -- should put the Buckeyes in position to do more special things. Rounding out the top ten of Rittenberg's top ten behind the Longhorns and Buckeyes are Georgia (3), Oregon (4), Notre Dame (5), Penn State (6), Clemson (7), LSU (8), Tennessee (9), and Alabama (10). In other words, its an SEC/Big Ten party at the top. Now, the games have to be played on the field before any of this comes to fruition, but as always, Ohio State seems to be positioned for future success. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where Florida ranks on ESPN's Future Power Rankings
Where Florida ranks on ESPN's Future Power Rankings ESPN's Future Power Rankings used to look forward three years, assuming that most elite players remained at one school through their junior year. The transfer portal has changed the way college football programs view windows to win, and so the list is now a two-year "snapshot of the landscape." The Florida Gators check in at No. 15 after not being ranked in the previous update. ESPN college football reporter Adam Rittenberg uses six categories to determine his rankings: returning quarterback, likelihood of a multi-year quarterback on the roster, offensive and defensive line outlook, roster management, star power (including All-Americans, national award contenders, and all-conference contenders), and the coaching staff. Rittenberg adds that a team doesn't have to be strong in every category to warrant a high ranking, but most top-25 teams likely check multiple boxes. The future is bright for the Gators. Here's why. Returning QB/Likelihood of Multiyear QB DJ Lagway is the reason for much of the optimism aimed at Florida this offseason, and the former five-star being the unquestioned start coming into the 2025 campaign answers the first two questions Rittenberg asks. Lagway got a taste of SEC action as a starter once Graham Mertz went down, and the team never lost a game that he started and finished. He's the leader of the program for at least the next two seasons if he can stay healthy. "Top 10 national recruit DJ Lagway emerged as Florida's starter last season, and displayed impressive deep-ball accuracy, finishing with 1,915 passing yards and 12 touchdowns," Rittenberg wrote. "He didn't throw this spring because of a shoulder injury but should be ready for preseason camp." Offensive and Defensive Line Outlook Florida's good here, too. The Gators return four starters on the offensive line, including All-America center Jake Slaughter. Austin Barber is entering his third year as Florida's left tackle, Knijeah Harris took a big step forward at left guard last season and Damieon George Jr. decided to return for his senior year instead of going to the draft. The only position up front that's a question mark is right tackle, following Brendan Crenshaw-Dickson's graduation. "The Gators excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, and promising sophomore Bryce Lovett is pegged to take over at right tackle. Florida brings back one of the SEC's top defensive line tandems in senior tackle Caleb Banks and senior end Tyreak Sapp, who led the team in both sacks (7) and tackles for loss (13)." Beyond Banks and Sapp, Florida is getting Jamari Lyons back from a broken ankle that happened during the preseason. George Gumbs Jr. was one of the more productive edge rushers for Florida, too, and several young guys will get the chance to step up on defense. Roster Management/Star Power Lagway is the obvious star on offense, but there are plenty of guys on both sides of the ball looking to make an impact. The return of Eugene Wilson III is highly anticipated, and the running backs room was the talk of the spring game. Florida has a roster full of Billy Napier-recruited talent now, which means its time to produce. "A small number of incoming transfers (seven) underscores how pleased Florida is with its returning group. The Gators retained several players who could have gone to the NFL, especially linemen Slaughter, Banks and Sapp. They also brought back one of the nation's top young offensive backfields..." "... Napier has his best roster entering Year 4, headlined by an established star in Slaughter, experienced defensive linemen in Banks and Sapp, and a group of exciting non-seniors, including Lagway, (Jadan) Baugh and safety Bryce Thornton." Coaching Staff Napier's coaching decision might still come under fire from the fans, but his team produced results in the second half of the season and was one of the most injured programs in the SEC. With a healthier and more mature group, the success Florida saw at the end of the season should only continue. Yes, there were changes to the staff, but Florida still has its primary defensive coordinator in the fold and Napier runs the offense alongside Russ Callaway." "Napier is in a much stronger position after a strong finish to 2024. He brought in Vinnie Sunseri to replace Austin Armstrong at defensive coordinator and work alongside veteran Ron Roberts. Russ Callaway is back to lead the offensive staff and work with Lagway." Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
ESPN believes that Notre Dame football will be a top-5 team over the next few seasons
ESPN believes that Notre Dame football will be a top-5 team over the next few seasons We all say that Notre Dame's football future is bright, and on Wednesday ESPN's Adam Rittenberg backed that idea up. When looking ahead to who he believes will be the top teams over the next two seasons, he ranked the Irish as his No. 5 team. It's a slight jump from last year, when Notre Dame was No. 7, for more than a few reasons. Rittenberg went on the explain that while the Irish aren't returning their starting quarterback, they should have a multiple year starts whoever (CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey) wins the job. He believes that the offensive line 'should be one of the nation's most talented groups,' along with the defensive line being loaded with talent despite having to replace more on this side of the ball. He lauds head coach Marcus Freeman's roster management, noting that the transfer additions will help immediately and 'retaining arguably the nation's best running back room and its gifted young offensive linemen.' Rittenberg mentions Notre Dame's star power also, as running back Jeremiyah Love, linebackers Drayk Bowen, cornerback Leonard Moore and safety Adon Shuler should be household names. As far as the coaching staff, Rittenberg has Freeman 'as one of the sport's top young coaches,' but did say that new defensive coordinator Chris Ash has 'big shoes' to fill replacing Al Golden. Put all this together, Notre Dame has one of the brighter immediate futures in college football, as just four others teams are viewed as being potentially better. It's going to a be a great few years of Irish football, starting very soon.
