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USA Today
29-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
SEC legend excited about the Oklahoma Sooners heading into 2025
David Pollack thinks OU has the best defensive line in the SEC and an absolute stud at told the Dari Nowkhah Show he's a believer in the Sooners.'Obviously, getting your quarterback. That kid is a baller. And I know all y'all know who I'm taking about.' The Oklahoma Sooners may have questions surrounding the team heading into the 2025 season, but there's also a lot of optimism. The Sooners' defense looks ready to roll once again after a strong 2024 season. Armed with a quarterback in John Mateer, who is one of the best in the game, the Sooners have the makings of a team that could contend in 2025. David Pollack, a former two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-American for the Georgia Bulldogs, is a believer in the Sooners. Joining Dari Nowkah and Josh Helmer on the Dari Nowkah Show on KREF, Pollack said, "I love OU this year." Pollack loves what the Oklahoma Sooners have up front, calling the Sooners' defensive line "the best in the conference." The former defensive end said, "If I'm gonna play in a system, I wanna play in Oklahoma's. Like, penetrate, make (tackles for loss), get sacks. Like, I think they're going to be a problem. Venables calling the plays." Defense is certainly a strength of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2025. Brent Venables has remade the defense over the last four years and now has it primed to be his best defense yet as the head coach at Oklahoma. And with Venables returning to playcalling duties, the Sooners will benefit from one of the best defensive minds in the history of the game leading the charge. But Pollack's praise didn't stop there. He's excited about what Oklahoma has to offer on offense as well. "(Ben) Arbuckle on the offensive side," Pollack said. "Obviously, getting your quarterback (John Mateer). Like, that kid is a baller. Here's what I love about him. Obviously, he was at Washington State and he didn't have the greatest supporting cast in the world or the greatest offensive line but what I loved about him is when you watch the scramble play... he's going to make those off-script plays that you guys are used to seeing because you've had some freak athletes with Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield and the list goes on and on." Mateer's ability to make a play when things are breaking down around him might be his greatest quality. 404 of his 1,008 rushing yards came on scrambles in 2024. He does a great job of avoiding pressure and making plays on the move. In addition to Mateer, Pollack is excited about the addition of running back Jaydn Ott and believes the Sooners did a good job in the transfer portal, adding players where they needed to. Concluding that if Oklahoma's schedule wasn't so tough, they would be a playoff team in his mind. Pollack said, "If y'all schedule wasn't Murderer's Row, I'm putting you in the playoffs." The schedule may be tough in 2025, but it's an opportunity for the Sooners to make some noise this year. If they get improvement on both sides of the ball, they'll have a chance to live up to Venables' belief that, "There's no game on our schedule that we can't win." Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
USA Today
26-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the Top 25 players to play for Alabama in the last 25 years
It's safe to say that a lot has happened for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program over the past 25 years. Since the year 2000, Alabama has won a total of six national championships in football, each of which came during an era where the greatest head coach of all-time led the Crimson Tide in a decade-plus long dynasty the levels the sport has rarely, if ever, seen before. Over that same span, Alabama has also won a total of nine SEC championships, as well as recorded 18 seasons of at-least 10 wins-or-more. As to why this level of success has happened for the Crimson Tide, a big reason is the level of talent that has come through Tuscaloosa since 2000, a list that includes multiple Heisman Trophy winners, countless All-America picks, and more. Here is a ranking of the 25 greatest players to suit up for the Crimson Tide over the past 25 years, as well as what each did during their time at Alabama. 25. Mark Barron, Safety (2008-11) We begin with safety Mark Barron, who started three of his four seasons at Alabama from 2008-11 where he had a combined 235 tackles, 14 TFL, five sacks, and 12 interceptions, among other stats. A two-time national champion, Barron had arguably his best season in 2009 where he had 76 tackles, four TFL, and seven interceptions, which led the SEC, but however also earned All-America honors in 2011. 24. Dont'a Hightower, Inside Linebacker (2008-11) Dont'a Hightower was a four-year inside linebacker who racked up 234 tackles, 22 TFL, five sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles from 2008-11. A two-time national champion, Hightower's best season at Alabama was his 2011 campaign in which he recorded 85 tackles, 11 TFL, four sacks, and an interception to earn All-America honors. 23. DeMeco Ryans, Linebacker (2002-05) One of Alabama's greatest linebackers of the early 2000's was Ryans, who spent four seasons with the Crimson Tide from 2002-05, ending his time in Tuscaloosa with 307 career tackles. Ryans was also one of Alabama's first All-America selections of the 2000's, doing so during the 2005 season in which he also won the Lott Trophy and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. 22. Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback (2018-20) A three-year starter at Alabama, cornerback Patrick Surtain II compiled 117 tackles, seven TFL, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries from 2018-20. Surtain was a one-time national champion with the Crimson Tide who had his best season in 2020 where he compiled 38 tackles, four TFL, and an interception to earn All-America honors. 21. Landon Collins, Safety (2012-14) A multi-year impact player at safety for the Crimson Tide, Landon Collins amassed a combined 188 tackles, nine TFL, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries from 2012-14. Collins, a one-time national champion, had likely his best season in 2014 where he had 103 tackles, five TFL, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries to receive All-America honors. 20. Terrence Cody, Defensive Tackle (2008-09) While only at Alabama for two seasons, Terrence "Mount" Cody made the most of his time while in Tuscaloosa, as the defensive tackle racked up a combined 52 tackles, 11 TFL, 0.5 sacks, and a forced fumble from 2008-09. Cody, a one-time national champion, was a two-time All-America selection at Alabama whose best season was likely his 2009 campaign in which he had 28 tackles and six TFL. 19. A.J. McCarron, Quarterback (2010-13) Alabama's all-time leading passer, A.J. McCarron was a three-year starter at quarterback during his four seasons at Alabama, completing 66.9% of his overall passes during that span for 9,019 yards and a 77:15 TD:INT ratio, rushing for three more scores as well. A two-time national champion, McCarron's best season at Alabama was also likely his 2013 campaign in which he completed 67.3% of passes for 3,063 yards and a 28:7 TD:INT ratio to win the Maxwell and Unitas Awards. 18. Quinnen Williams, Defensive Tackle (2016-18) At Alabama for three seasons, the first of which he redshirted, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams ended his time in Tuscaloosa with a career 91 tackles, 21 TFL, and 10 sacks from 2016-18. A one-time national champion, Williams' top season at Alabama came in 2018 when the defensive tackle had 71 tackles, 20 TFL, and eight sacks to win the Outland Trophy. 17. Reuben Foster, Inside Linebacker (2013-16) Reuben Foster is among the most talented inside linebackers in Alabama program history, finishing his four seasons in Tuscaloosa from 2013-16 with a combined 222 tackles, 24 TFL, eight sacks, and 11 PD. Foster, a one-time national champion, had likely his best season at Alabama in 2016 when he had 115 tackles, 13 TFL, and five sacks to win the Butkus Award. 16. Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle (2014-16) Cam Robinson started for each of his three seasons in Tuscaloosa at left tackle, eventually departing Alabama as one of the top offensive linemen in the program's storied history. A one-time national champion, likely Robinson's greatest season at Alabama was his 2016 campaign in which he won the Outland Trophy. 15. Trent Richardson, Running Back (2009-11) A three-year running back at Alabama, Trent Richardson compiled a total of 3,130 yards and 35 touchdown on 540 attempts from 2009-11, while also hauling in 68 receptions for 730 yards and seven more scores, as well as 700+ yards as a kick returner. Richardson, a two-time national champion, had likely his best season at Alabama in 2011 where he led the SEC with 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns to win the Doak Walker Award. 14. Najee Harris, Running Back (2017-20) A four-year impact player in Alabama's backfield, running back Najee Harris racked up a combined 3,843 yards and 46 touchdowns on 638 attempts from 2017-20, while also hauling in 80 receptions for 781 yards and 11 additional scores. Harris, a two-time national champion, had his best season in 2020 where he led the SEC with 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns rushing, the latter of which also led the nation, to win the Doak Walker Award. 13. Barrett Jones, Offensive Lineman (2008-12) At Alabama from 2008-12, Barrett Jones is one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in Crimson Tide history, starting 50 games across four seasons at every position. A three-time national champion at Alabama, Jones was a three-time All-America selection with the Crimson Tide, as well as the winner of the 2011 Outland Trophy. 12. Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle (2013-16) A four-year player along Alabama's defensive front, Jonathan Allen racked up a combined 153 tackles, 46 TFL, 28.5 sacks, seven PD, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries from 2013-16. Allen, who won one national title at Alabama, had likely his best season in 2016 where he compiled 69 tackles, 16 TFL, 10.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries to win numerous honors such as the Nagurski, Bednarik, Hendricks, and Lombardi Awards. 11. C.J. Mosley, Inside Linebacker (2010-13) A two-time national champion, C.J. Mosley is among the greatest inside linebackers in Alabama program history, collecting a total of 317 tackles, 24 TFL, 6.5 sacks, five interceptions, 17 PD, and two forced fumbles across four seasons from 2010-13. Mosley, a two-time All-America selection, likely had his best season at Alabama in 2013 where he racked up 106 tackles and nine TFL to win the Butkus Award. 10. Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker (2007-09) Rolando McClain was a three-year starter at inside linebacker for Alabama, racking up a combined 274 tackles, 32 TFL, eight sacks, five interceptions, and a forced fumble from 2007-09. A one-time national champion at Alabama, McClain's best season was likely his 2009 campaign in which he had 105 tackles, 15 TFL, and four sacks to win the Butkus Award. 9. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety (2015-17) A three-year starter at safety for Alabama from 2015-17, Minkah Fitzpatrick compiled 171 tackles, 16 TFL, 4.5 sacks, nine interceptions, and two forced fumbles with the Crimson Tide. At Alabama, Fitzpatrick was a two-time national champion and All-America selection who led the SEC with six interceptions during the 2016 season, with his best year with the Crimson Tide likely coming in 2017 when he had 60 tackles to win the Bednarik and Thorpe Awards. 8. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver (2008-10) One of Alabama's most accomplished wide receivers ever, Julio Jones spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa where he had a combined 179 receptions for 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns from 2008-10, while also rushing for two more scores. Jones' best season at Alabama was likely his 2010 campaign in which he hauled in 78 receptions for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns, each of which were career-high's. 7. Mark Ingram, Running Back (2008-10) Alabama's first-ever Heisman Trophy winner, running back Mark Ingram spent three years at Alabama from 2008-10 where he racked up a combined 3,261 yards and 42 touchdowns on 572 attempts, while also hauling in 60 catches for 670 yards and four more scores. Ingram's best season at Alabama was his 2009 Heisman winning campaign in which he rushed for a SEC-leading 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns. 6. Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver (2012-14) Starting for three seasons at Alabama from 2012-14, wide receiver Amari Cooper hauled in 228 receptions while in Tuscaloosa for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns. Cooper, a one-time national champion, also had a memorable year in 2014 where he led the SEC with 1,727 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns (also led college football with 124 total receptions) to win the Biletnikoff Award. 5. Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback (2017-19) A two-year starter who delivered one of the biggest moments in Alabama program history, Tua Tagovailoa, over three seasons at Alabama from 2017-19, completed 69.3% of passes for 7,442 yards and an 87:11 TD:INT ratio, while also rushing for nine more scores. Tagovailoa, a one-time national champion, had likely his best season in 2018 where he led the SEC with a 69 CMP%, 3,966 passing yards, and 43 touchdowns, among other categories, while winning the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards, as well as finishing runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. 4. Will Anderson Jr., Outside Linebacker (2020-22) When it comes to defensive players alone, an argument can certainly be made that Will Anderson Jr., an outside linebacker who had a combined 205 tackles, 63 TFL, 34.5 sacks, one interception, four PD, and a forced fumble across three seasons from 2020-22, is the best at Alabama since 2000. A one-time national champion, Anderson led the SEC in both TFL and sacks during the 2021 and 2022 seasons (led college football in 2021), and was a two-time Nagurski Award winner who also won the Bednarik, Lott, and Lombardi Awards in 2022 as well. 3. Derrick Henry, Running Back (2013-15) At Alabama for three seasons from 2013-15, running back Derrick Henry ended his time in Tuscaloosa with 3,591 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns on 602 career attempts, while also hauling in 17 receptions for 285 yards and three more scores. A one-time national champion, Henry also had one of the best seasons Alabama has ever seen from a running back in 2015 where he led college football with 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, receiving multiple honors that included the Heisman Trophy, Doak Walker, Maxwell, and Walter Camp Awards. 2. Bryce Young, Quarterback (2020-22) One of the highest-rated recruits in Alabama football history, Bryce Young spent three seasons in Tuscaloosa, two of which he started at quarterback, where he overall completed 65.8% of his passes for 8,356 yards and an 80:12 TD:INT ratio from 2020-22, while also rushing for seven more scores. A one-time national champion, Young also won numerous honors following his 2021 season that included the Heisman Trophy, Davey O'Brien, Manning, and Maxwell Awards, one in which he led the SEC with 4,872 passing yards and 47 touchdowns. 1. DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver (2017-20) Alabama's all-time leading receiver, DeVonta Smith spent four seasons at Alabama where he hauled in a combined 235 receptions for his career with 3,965 yards and 46 touchdowns from 2017-20, while also adding two more scores through the rushing and return game. A two-time national champion, Smith also won the 2020 Heisman Trophy, as well as the Biletnikoff, Maxwell, and Walter Camp Awards following one of the best season's Alabama has ever seen from a wide receiver in which he led the nation with 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
USA Today
24-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Vol to play basketball professionally in France
Former Tennessee men's basketball player Zakai Zeigler signed to play professional basketball. Zeigler, a point guard and three-year starter for the Vols, signed to play for Nanterre 92, in the LNB Elite, which competes in the top-tier league in France. Nanterre 92 is located in Nanterre, France. "New recruit," Nanterre 92 announced. "The Vol hoops point guard Zakai Zeigler joins Nanterre 92 and will try to outpace the Betclic_ELITE! After a solid (NBA) Summer League with the Detroit Pistons, Zakai averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 assists per game in his last NCAA season. Let's go ZZ!" Zeigler signed as an undrafted free agent with Detroit following the 2025 NBA draft. He played for the Pistons' NBA Summer League team in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with his Tennessee teammate Chaz Lanier, a second-round pick by Detroit. Zeigler, a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 9.0 points and 3.0 assists in four games with Detroit in the NBA Summer League. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tyrann Mathieu retires from NFL: A look back at his career and legacy
Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints safety, has announced his retirement on Instagram just before training camp. After 12 NFL seasons, including three with New Orleans, the 33-year-old Louisiana native, known as the "Honey Badger," expressed gratitude for his journey. Mathieu, a Super Bowl LIV champion with the Chiefs, looks forward to coaching and received support from teammates and Saints management. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tyrann Mathieu Shocks Fans with Retirement Announcement Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tyrann Mathieu's Career Highlights and Legacy Support from Teammates and Saints Management Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs Just before the Saints kicked off their first training camp practice, New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu dropped a shocking news, that he is retiring from football on his social media Instagram 33-year-old's decision came suddenly and was surprising after he was seen at the team's recent minicamp, as per an ESPN shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, he wrote that, "As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way," as per his social media shared in his post that, "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community," as per the Instagram also said in his post that, "To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined." as quoted in his READ: Ozzy Osbourne's memoir 'Last Rites' to reveal his untold story that he penned before his death Mathieu retired after 12 seasons in the NFL and three seasons in New Orleans, according to the ESPN report. The former professional football safety is Louisiana native, who has earned the nickname "Honey Badger" while playing at LSU, and is popularly known for his ability to force turnovers, as per the ESPN report. He had 7 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 36 interceptions in his NFL career, as reported by was a third-round draft pick for the Cardinals in 2013, who spent the first five seasons of his career there, according to the report. Then he signed with the Houston Texans and he also played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2019 to 2021 and was part of Kansas City's Super Bowl LIV-winning team, as reported by ex-player was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he won the Chuck Bednarik Award and was a Heisman Trophy finalist as a sophomore, as per the has revealed that he hopes to get into coaching one day, has maintained a close relationship with LSU even after his dismissal and donated $1 million to the school in 2016, according to the ESPN READ: Ozzy Osbourne Family: What we know about the Black Sabbath lead vocalist's wife Sharon and children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, Elliot His retirement announcement instantly received well wishes from former teammates, including former LSU and Arizona Cardinals teammate Patrick Peterson, as per the who also retired this year, commented, "What a journey it has been for the both of us!", and added, "For us to have that same mentality, hunger, and drive to be the best version of ourselves was a treat in itself. Enjoy retirement love ya! #jobwelldonebabybro," as quoted by general Manager Mickey Loomis said that Mathieu's decision to retire came about recently, and that he didn't try to talk him out of it, saying, "He's a legendary Louisiana player, legendary NFL player. I really appreciate his time with us. He was fantastic," and added, "I don't have enough good things to say about him. ... I just wish him all the best," as quoted in the made three Pro Bowls, was named first-team All-Pro three times, and won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, as per the ESPN played 12 seasons in the NFL, including three with the New Orleans Saints, as per the ESPN report.
Economic Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Tyrann Mathieu retires from NFL: A look back at his career and legacy
Tyrann Mathieu Shocks Fans with Retirement Announcement Live Events Tyrann Mathieu's Career Highlights and Legacy Support from Teammates and Saints Management FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Just before the Saints kicked off their first training camp practice, New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu dropped a shocking news, that he is retiring from football on his social media Instagram 33-year-old's decision came suddenly and was surprising after he was seen at the team's recent minicamp, as per an ESPN shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, he wrote that, "As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way," as per his social media shared in his post that, "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing. Football gave me purpose, discipline, and memories that will stay with me forever. But more than anything, it gave me a community," as per the Instagram also said in his post that, "To every coach who believed in me, every teammate who battled beside me, and every fan who showed up, cheered, and rode with me through the highs and lows, thank you. You gave me strength when I needed it most, and your love carried me farther than I ever imagined." as quoted in his READ: Ozzy Osbourne's memoir 'Last Rites' to reveal his untold story that he penned before his death Mathieu retired after 12 seasons in the NFL and three seasons in New Orleans, according to the ESPN report. The former professional football safety is Louisiana native, who has earned the nickname "Honey Badger" while playing at LSU, and is popularly known for his ability to force turnovers, as per the ESPN report. He had 7 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 36 interceptions in his NFL career, as reported by was a third-round draft pick for the Cardinals in 2013, who spent the first five seasons of his career there, according to the report. Then he signed with the Houston Texans and he also played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2019 to 2021 and was part of Kansas City's Super Bowl LIV-winning team, as reported by ex-player was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he won the Chuck Bednarik Award and was a Heisman Trophy finalist as a sophomore, as per the has revealed that he hopes to get into coaching one day, has maintained a close relationship with LSU even after his dismissal and donated $1 million to the school in 2016, according to the ESPN READ: Ozzy Osbourne Family: What we know about the Black Sabbath lead vocalist's wife Sharon and children Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, Elliot His retirement announcement instantly received well wishes from former teammates, including former LSU and Arizona Cardinals teammate Patrick Peterson, as per the who also retired this year, commented, "What a journey it has been for the both of us!", and added, "For us to have that same mentality, hunger, and drive to be the best version of ourselves was a treat in itself. Enjoy retirement love ya! #jobwelldonebabybro," as quoted by general Manager Mickey Loomis said that Mathieu's decision to retire came about recently, and that he didn't try to talk him out of it, saying, "He's a legendary Louisiana player, legendary NFL player. I really appreciate his time with us. He was fantastic," and added, "I don't have enough good things to say about him. ... I just wish him all the best," as quoted in the made three Pro Bowls, was named first-team All-Pro three times, and won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, as per the ESPN played 12 seasons in the NFL, including three with the New Orleans Saints, as per the ESPN report.
