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Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
March Madness 2025: Printable brackets for men's and women's basketball NCAA tournaments
March Madness is finally here. The brackets for the 2025 NCAA men's and women's tournaments are now set, and the men's field is set at 64 teams after the First Four wrapped up Wednesday night. Xavier rallied past Texas to take No. 11 seed in the Midwest region. Mount St. Mary's beat American earlier in the night. Advertisement Tuesday's opening game of the men's First Four delivered a dramatic finish with Alabama State beating St. Francis 70-68 on a layup with a second left following a tipped full-court pass. Alabama State will now face No. 1 overall seed Auburn on Thursday. No. 11 North Carolina routed San Diego State 95-68 in Tuesday's second First Four game. The Tar Heels will face No. 6 Ole Miss in the South's first round on Thursday. You still have until Thursday morning to fill out your men's bracket and Friday morning for the women's. Don't worry. We've got you covered. Our experts have already made their picks, choosing the winner for each first-round matchup. [Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K] On the men's side, Auburn claimed the No. 1 overall seed over Duke while North Carolina and Texas snuck into the field — to the chagrin of a handful of snubbed teams. The SEC set a March Madness record when 14 of its 16 teams made the tournament. Advertisement UCLA took the No. 1 overall seed in the women's tournament. The other three No. 1s were South Carolina, Texas and USC. The First Four starts on the men's side on Tuesday; the women begin the First Four games on Wednesday. [Betting lines, odds | Full NCAA tournament bracket revealed] See the full schedule below for both tournaments (click here for first-round tip times). 2025 NCAA tournament schedule: The tournament unofficially kicked off with Selection Sunday, but we won't see any action on the court until March 18. 2025 March Madness men's schedule: First Four: March 18-19 (TruTV) First round: March 20-21 (CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV) Second round: March 22-23 (CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV) Sweet 16: March 27-28 (CBS, TBS) Elite Eight: March 29-30 (CBS, TBS) Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (CBS) NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas (CBS) 2025 March Madness women's schedule: First Four: March 19-20 (ESPN2, ESPNU) First round: March 21-22 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) Second round: March 23-24 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) Sweet 16: March 28-29 (ESPN, ESPN2) Elite Eight: March 30-31 (ESPN) Final Four: Friday, April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida (ESPN, ESPN+) NCAA championship game: Sunday, April 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida (ESPN3, ESPN+) Here's what you need to know about March Madness:
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Russell Wilson reportedly joining Giants on 1-year, $21 million deal
Russell Wilson has reached an agreement to join the New York Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal for the 36-year-old quarterback is reportedly for one year and up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. ESPN Sources: The Giants and Super Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed. The 10-time Pro-Bowl selection had been in discussions with the Giants, Browns and Steelers, but is opting for… — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2025 Wilson played with the Steelers on a one-year, $1.21 million contract in 2024 while still owed $37.79 million from the Denver Broncos. He said after the season that he wants to play 'as long as possible,' reiterating a statement he made in November that he wants to play 5-7 more years. [Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K] Wilson joined the Steelers in the offseason after being released by the Broncos, but started on the bench in favor of Fields after a calf injury sidelined him in the preseason. He took over at quarterback in Week 7 and remained the Steelers' starter through the remaining 11 games of the regular season and a 28-14 wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh won its first four games with Wilson at quarterback before a 2-5 finish to the regular season that included a four-game season-ending losing streak. Wilson completed 63.7% of his passes for 225.6 yards per game with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in his 11 regular-season starts. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers during the playoff loss to the Ravens. Wilson's play improved from the worst of his disastrous stint with the Broncos that resulted in Denver releasing him in spite of a significant hit to the salary cap. He was good enough to keep Pittsburgh competitive as a playoff team, but there was little to indicate he could return to his Pro Bowl form from his Seattle Seahawks tenure and lift the Steelers into Super Bowl contention.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL free agency updates: QB carousel waits on Aaron Rodgers while Stefon Diggs posts workout video
Aaron Rodgers met with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday. We've heard nothing much else since then. The quarterback carousel this offseason — what's left of it, anyway — is waiting on Rodgers' decision. Will he sign with the Steelers, who seem to be his best shot at starting for a playoff contender? Is the door on the Minnesota Vikings still slightly ajar rather than totally closed? Does the New York Giants' Jameis Winston signing rule out them as a destination? There are some other free agent QBs who no doubt are following the latest Rodgers saga as well. Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs, another one of the top free agents available, posted workout clips to his Instagram story this morning, five months after tearing his ACL. Diggs back in the weight room just 5 months after tearing his ACL 💪(via stefondiggs/IG) — NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2025 Diggs met with the New England Patriots last week but left without a contract, though the meeting was reportedly more of a feeling-out affair. [Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K] As for the rest of the league, most of Schwab's top 25 available free agents, and even more throughout his positional rankings, are already off the board. If you missed any news these past few days, don't worry. We've tracked the NFL free-agent deals this month. And don't forget: The NFL Draft also isn't far off. Cam Ward is going first in our latest mock draft, and Yahoo Sports draft expert Nate Tice has written profiles on Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, while fellow draft expert Charles McDonald wrote on Texas A&M edge Shemar Stewart last week. Also, check out Tice and McDonald's consensus big board. Free agency grades for all 32 teams Is Patriots QB Joe Milton the sleeper of the trade market? Listen: Fantasy Forecast on which deals move needle most Free agency's all-value team, led by D.J. Reed and Joshua Palmer Listen: Inside Coverage on Aaron Rodgers and free agency fallout so far Vikings determined to not let what ended their season happen again Early negotiating period winners and losers Should Jets' Justin Fields start for your fantasy team? 49ers at crossroads after major free agency purge How does Sam Darnold fit with Seahawks from fantasy standpoint? Eagles losing key defensive pieces Bears dominating offseason again, this time through trenches Listen: Football 301 early free agency reaction Diggs tore his ACL on Oct. 27 of last season, but five months later he's back in the weight room doing squats and other exercises on it. He posted to his Instagram story on Monday with multiple workout clips. The four-time Pro Bowler reportedly met with the New England Patriots last week as more of an information-gathering affair, and left without a contract. Diggs back in the weight room just 5 months after tearing his ACL 💪(via stefondiggs/IG) — NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2025 Most of NFL free agency is, practically speaking, done. It has been done for more than a week. There are some veteran receivers still deciding on their next team and a few other veterans who can contribute, but there's not much left among the top free agents. Teams executed their plans, players signed and most of the league is on to draft preparation. And then there's Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is taking his time making a decision. That gets more curious or obnoxious, depending on your perspective, because he doesn't have many options left. But there are still teams and players that need to hear what Rodgers' decision is before mapping out their next moves. And there hasn't been much indication of what Rodgers will do. Like it or not though, it's not like a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers has a lot of choice but to wait. Aaron Rodgers' options BREAKING: The #Giants and QB Jameis Winston are finalizing a 2-year, $8M deal, which could be up to $16M with incentives, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX. — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 21, 2025 The Chargers are signing former Jets TE Tyler Conklin to a one-year deal, per his agent Mike McCartney.A new weapon for Justin Herbert ⚡ — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 21, 2025 The Steelers' meeting with Aaron Rodgers ended about a half-hour ago. He spent time with GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith. No deal, but there was no expectation that would happen sides will keep talking. — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 21, 2025 Saints signing WR Brandin Cooks. (via @TomPelissero) — NFL (@NFL) March 21, 2025 The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reports that Aaron Rodgers is at the Pittsburgh Steelers' facility, but that is not an indication a deal is close or coming. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network says that Rodgers is just meeting with coaches as he contemplates his next stop. Rodgers' landing spots are dwindling with Wednesday's news that the Minnesota Vikings are all-in on J.J. McCarthy for next season. That would leave the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans as potential destinations as those are teams who are seeking help at quarterback. But this sounds more like the beginning of something than the end, per The MMQB's Albert Breer. Stefon Diggs is on his way home now after a good visit with the Patriots. New England able to gather some info, and Diggs got a chance to take his first keep talking. — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 20, 2025 Receiver Michael Gallup has officially come out of retirement and signed with the Commanders, the team announced. He agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, which could pay him up to $1.335 million. Gallup, 29, retired from the NFL before the 2024 season. After six seasons with the Cowboys, he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders. He took part in OTAs and minicamps but decided to retire before training camp and Las Vegas put him on the reserve/retired list. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Gallup said he wasn't 'in the right head space" after leaving Dallas. He tore the ACL in his left knee during Week 17 of the 2021-22 season and came back to play the next two years with the Cowboys. However, Gallup's production during those two seasons slipped noticeably, averaging 36 receptions and 421 yards. Stefon Diggs is one of the top NFL free agents left on the market, and he's visiting the New England Patriots, per The Athletic's Chad Graff. Diggs was traded to the Texans last spring but tore his ACL on October 29 and is still in the recovery process. NFL draft evaluators don't view this wide receiver class as particularly strong, so adding established talent whether through free agency (like Cooper Kupp) or extensions (like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins) has taken on extra importance. The Patriots need weapons for Drake Maye, and Diggs might be their man. Houston and Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million extension, per NFL Network. It's a one-year deal for Gay, per ESPN. The former Chief, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Kansas City, played last season with the Saints. Houston's offensive line reshaping has been one of the stories of free agency. Now they're adding a big piece, with Cam Robinson agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, per Fox Sports. Washington will guarantee $17 million of Samuel's salary this season, per ESPN, and is adding $3 million in incentives. The former Ram and Panther is reuniting with his old defensive coordinator in Los Angeles, Raheem Morris, who is now the Falcons' head coach, according to NFL Network. It's a one-year deal, per The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue. The Minnesota Vikings don't need Aaron Rodgers, they already have a starting quarterback. The Vikings have reportedly rejected trade calls for J.J. McCarthy, telling teams he'll be their starter heading into next season, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The Vikings have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the 41-year-old Rodgers, who was released by the New York Jets in March. Rodgers has reportedly targeted the Vikings as a possible landing spot, but the team will reportedly roll with McCarthy, 22, next season. McCarthy, who was drafted by the team with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. The Los Angeles Chargers are adding a key player to their O-line, announcing Tuesday that they've signed center Andre James. James, who played at UCLA, returns to L.A. after six seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. holdin' it downwe've signed C Andre James → — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) March 18, 2025 Sources: Former Vikings' 2019 first-round pick Garrett Bradbury has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed, with the New England started all 88 games he played for the Vikings. The Patriots recently… — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025 Chase's deal is for four years, $161M, while Higgins' contract is $115M over four seasons. Touchdown. Ink next. — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 18, 2025 Diggs tore his ACL on Oct. 27 of last season, but five months later he's back in the weight room doing squats and other exercises on it. He posted to his Instagram story on Monday with multiple workout clips. The four-time Pro Bowler reportedly met with the New England Patriots last week as more of an information-gathering affair, and left without a contract. Diggs back in the weight room just 5 months after tearing his ACL 💪(via stefondiggs/IG) — NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2025 Most of NFL free agency is, practically speaking, done. It has been done for more than a week. There are some veteran receivers still deciding on their next team and a few other veterans who can contribute, but there's not much left among the top free agents. Teams executed their plans, players signed and most of the league is on to draft preparation. And then there's Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is taking his time making a decision. That gets more curious or obnoxious, depending on your perspective, because he doesn't have many options left. But there are still teams and players that need to hear what Rodgers' decision is before mapping out their next moves. And there hasn't been much indication of what Rodgers will do. Like it or not though, it's not like a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers has a lot of choice but to wait. Aaron Rodgers' options BREAKING: The #Giants and QB Jameis Winston are finalizing a 2-year, $8M deal, which could be up to $16M with incentives, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX. — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 21, 2025 The Chargers are signing former Jets TE Tyler Conklin to a one-year deal, per his agent Mike McCartney.A new weapon for Justin Herbert ⚡ — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 21, 2025 The Steelers' meeting with Aaron Rodgers ended about a half-hour ago. He spent time with GM Omar Khan, coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith. No deal, but there was no expectation that would happen sides will keep talking. — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 21, 2025 Saints signing WR Brandin Cooks. (via @TomPelissero) — NFL (@NFL) March 21, 2025 The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reports that Aaron Rodgers is at the Pittsburgh Steelers' facility, but that is not an indication a deal is close or coming. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network says that Rodgers is just meeting with coaches as he contemplates his next stop. Rodgers' landing spots are dwindling with Wednesday's news that the Minnesota Vikings are all-in on J.J. McCarthy for next season. That would leave the Steelers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans as potential destinations as those are teams who are seeking help at quarterback. But this sounds more like the beginning of something than the end, per The MMQB's Albert Breer. Stefon Diggs is on his way home now after a good visit with the Patriots. New England able to gather some info, and Diggs got a chance to take his first keep talking. — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 20, 2025 Receiver Michael Gallup has officially come out of retirement and signed with the Commanders, the team announced. He agreed to a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, which could pay him up to $1.335 million. Gallup, 29, retired from the NFL before the 2024 season. After six seasons with the Cowboys, he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders. He took part in OTAs and minicamps but decided to retire before training camp and Las Vegas put him on the reserve/retired list. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Gallup said he wasn't 'in the right head space" after leaving Dallas. He tore the ACL in his left knee during Week 17 of the 2021-22 season and came back to play the next two years with the Cowboys. However, Gallup's production during those two seasons slipped noticeably, averaging 36 receptions and 421 yards. Stefon Diggs is one of the top NFL free agents left on the market, and he's visiting the New England Patriots, per The Athletic's Chad Graff. Diggs was traded to the Texans last spring but tore his ACL on October 29 and is still in the recovery process. NFL draft evaluators don't view this wide receiver class as particularly strong, so adding established talent whether through free agency (like Cooper Kupp) or extensions (like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins) has taken on extra importance. The Patriots need weapons for Drake Maye, and Diggs might be their man. Houston and Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million extension, per NFL Network. It's a one-year deal for Gay, per ESPN. The former Chief, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Kansas City, played last season with the Saints. Houston's offensive line reshaping has been one of the stories of free agency. Now they're adding a big piece, with Cam Robinson agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, per Fox Sports. Washington will guarantee $17 million of Samuel's salary this season, per ESPN, and is adding $3 million in incentives. The former Ram and Panther is reuniting with his old defensive coordinator in Los Angeles, Raheem Morris, who is now the Falcons' head coach, according to NFL Network. It's a one-year deal, per The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue. The Minnesota Vikings don't need Aaron Rodgers, they already have a starting quarterback. The Vikings have reportedly rejected trade calls for J.J. McCarthy, telling teams he'll be their starter heading into next season, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The Vikings have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the 41-year-old Rodgers, who was released by the New York Jets in March. Rodgers has reportedly targeted the Vikings as a possible landing spot, but the team will reportedly roll with McCarthy, 22, next season. McCarthy, who was drafted by the team with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. The Los Angeles Chargers are adding a key player to their O-line, announcing Tuesday that they've signed center Andre James. James, who played at UCLA, returns to L.A. after six seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. holdin' it downwe've signed C Andre James → — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) March 18, 2025 Sources: Former Vikings' 2019 first-round pick Garrett Bradbury has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed, with the New England started all 88 games he played for the Vikings. The Patriots recently… — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025 Chase's deal is for four years, $161M, while Higgins' contract is $115M over four seasons. Touchdown. Ink next. — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 18, 2025
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NCAA tournament TV schedule: Where can you watch March Madness Sweet 16 games?
March Madness has finally begun. The field of 68 was determined by the selection committee on Sunday, and while some of its choices invited controversy, the show must go on. The bracket was then whittled down to 64 teams after the First Four on Tuesday and Wednesday with Alabama State, North Carolina, Mount St. Mary's and Xavier advancing to the first round. The opening day of the first round had some notable upsets, including No. 12 McNeese beating No. 5 Clemson. No. 11 Drake also took down sixth-seeded Missouri. Day 2 followed with another big upset when No. 12 Colorado State beat No. 5 Memphis. Since then, college basketball's elite have reigned over the tournament. Only one double-digit seed advanced to the Sweet 16: Arkansas, which upset St. John's in the second round. Only four conferences — SEC, Big 12, Big Ten and ACC — make up the Sweet 16, with the first four games scheduled for Thursday. [Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K] Four different networks are carrying March Madness games in 2025. During the first round of the tournament, TruTV, CBS, TNT and TBS will carry various games. TruTV is channel 246 on DirecTV. It's listed as channel 242 on Dish. It varies on other providers. The Sweet 16 round of games will be carries on two networks: CBS and TBS. The TV schedule for the Elite Eight games will be announced later. Streaming games is also an option. Any streaming service that has access to CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV, is also showing the games. Both Final Four games and the national championship will air on CBS. Once the final 64 teams are set, the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament can begin. Below is a full schedule of each tournament game, including start times and TV networks for each matchup. All times are Eastern. No. 16 Alabama State 70, No. 16 St. Francis 68 No. 11 North Carolina 95, No. 11 San Diego State 68 No. 16 Mount St. Mary's 83, No. 16 American 72 No. 11 Xavier 86, No. 11 Texas 80 No. 9 Creighton 89, No. 8 Louisville 75 No. 4 Purdue 75, No. 13 High Point 63 No. 3 Wisconsin 85, No. 14 Montana 66 No. 1 Houston 78, No. 16 SIU Edwardsville 40 No. 1 Auburn 83, No. 16 Alabama State 63 No. 12 McNeese 69, No. 5 Clemson 67 No. 6 BYU 80, No. 11 VCU 71 No. 8 Gonzaga 89, No. 9 Georgia 68 No. 2 Tennessee 77, No. 15 Wofford 62 No. 10 Arkansas 79, No. 7 Kansas 72 No. 4 Texas A&M 80, No. 13 Yale 71 No. 11 Drake 67, No. 6 Missouri 57 No. 7 UCLA 72, No. 10 Utah State 47 No. 2 St. John's 83, No. 15 Omaha 53 No. 5 Michigan 68, No. 12 UC San Diego 65 No. 3 Texas Tech 82, No. 14 UNC Wilmington 72 No. 9 Baylor 75, No. 8 Mississippi State 72 No. 2 Alabama 90, No. 15 Robert Morris 81 No. 3 Iowa State 82, No. 14 Lipscomb 55 No. 12 Colorado State 78, No. 5 Memphis 70 No. 1 Duke 93, No. 16 Mount St. Mary's 49 No. 7 St. Mary's 59, No. 10 Vanderbilt 56 No. 6 Ole Miss 71, No. 11 North Carolina 64 No. 4 Maryland 81, No. 13 Grand Canyon 49 No. 1 Florida 95, No. 16 Norfolk State 69 No. 3 Kentucky 76, No. 14 Troy 57 No. 10 New Mexico 75, No. 7 Marquette 66 No. 4 Arizona 93, No. 13 Akron 65 No. 8 UConn 67, No. 9 Oklahoma 59 No. 6 Illinois 86, No. 11 Xavier 73 No. 2 Michigan State 87, No. 15 Bryant 62 No. 5 Oregon 81, No. 12 Liberty 52 No. 4 Purdue 76, No. 12 McNeese 62 No. 10 Arkansas 75, No. 2 St. John's 66 No. 5 Michigan 91, No. 4 Texas A&M 79 No. 3 Texas Tech 77, No. 11 Drake 64 No. 1 Auburn 82, No. 9 Creighton 70 No. 6 BYU 91, No. 3 Wisconsin 89 No. 1 Houston 81, No. 8 Gonzaga 76 No. 2 Tennessee 67, No. 7 UCLA 58 No. 1 Florida 77, No. 8 UConn 75 No. 1 Duke 89, No. 9 Baylor 66 No. 3 Kentucky 84, No. 6 Illinois 75 No. 2 Alabama 80, No. 7 St. Mary's 66 No. 4 Maryland 72, No. 12 Colorado State 71 No. 6 Ole Miss 91, No. 3 Iowa State 78 No. 2 Michigan State 71, No. 10 New Mexico 63 No. 4 Arizona 87, No. 5 Oregon 83 7:09 p.m.: No. 6 BYU vs. No. 2 Alabama (CBS) 7:39 p.m.: No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 1 Florida (TBS) 9:39 p.m.: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 1 Duke (CBS) 10:09 p.m.: No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 3 Texas Tech (TBS) 7:09 p.m.: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 2 Michigan State (CBS) 7:39 p.m.: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 2 Tennessee (TBS) 9:39 p.m.: No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 1 Auburn (CBS) 10:09 p.m.: No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 1 Houston (TBS) Game times and TV networks have not been announced at this time Game times and TV networks have not been announced at this time 6:09 p.m.: TBA vs. TBA (CBS) 8:49 p.m.: TBA vs. TBA (CBS) 8:50 p.m.: TBA vs. TBA (CBS) How to watch March Madness 2025: If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability subject to change.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 March Madness: Everything to know about Amir Khan, the viral McNeese manager in the NCAA tournament
Ahead of its stunning first-round NCAA tournament upset over Clemson, McNeese was in the headlines for head coach Will Wade reportedly agreeing to take the job at NC State after the Cowboys' March Madness run is finished. McNeese is also drawing attention during its tournament run for more fun and endearing reasons. Student manager Amir Khan has become a social media sensation for walking with the men's basketball team out of the tunnel holding a boom box playing rap songs and singing along to tracks like Lud Foe's "In & Out." [Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K] Nicknamed "Aura," Khan's rising profile has provided the opportunity to sell his own T-shirts and made him the first student manager to earn a Name, Image and Likeness deal, getting endorsement deals with Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick and Insomnia Cookies. ALL THE AURA — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 20, 2025 "Not only did I know the song but it is one of my favorite songs," Khan told The Associated Press this week. 'So yeah, I just rapped a few of the lyrics. Some of the players saw that I was rapping it and they just kind of hyped me up telling me, 'Hey, just keep going, rap for us!'" he added. "We had the camera on us, but that's usually not a new thing. So yeah, I just I just rapping and having fun with it." Since McNeese social media director Phillip Mitchell Jr. posted the video of Khan with the players, the clip has drawn nearly 200,000 views on X. 'Easily one of my all-time favorite filming moments," Mitchell wrote with the post. McNeese's manager Amir Khan taking photos with fans ahead of the Clemson game 🤩GOAT 🤝(via @MarchMadnessMBB) — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 20, 2025 Khan was nearly as much of an attraction as the McNeese players prior to tipoff against Clemson in Providence, Rhode Island. McNeese cheerleaders are wearing Amir Khan socks at the game 😂(via @BleacherReport) — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 20, 2025 His rapport with the players and coaches was already apparent from the video, but guard DJ Richards Jr. was among those to praise Khan's work ethic. "The managers, they really don't get credit for what they do," Richards told the AP. 'They follow us all year. They rebound for us. They get up early and then they still have to go to class and come back and rebound again. ... I love that Amir is getting this." Assistant coach Reed Vial lauded Khan on social media after he signed his NIL deals. Amir Khan, you are officially a pioneer. In the wildest couple of weeks anyone could have, you've stayed so humble & true to yourself. First-ever college student manager to ink a NIL deal… 3 deals… all with global brands… in a week! Keep going. You deserve it all✊@amirk_23 — Reed Vial (@reed_vial3) March 16, 2025 "Amir Khan, you are officially a pioneer," Vial wrote. "In the wildest couple of weeks anyone could have, you've stayed so humble & true to yourself. First-ever college student manager to ink a NIL deal… 3 deals… all with global brands… in a week! Keep going. You deserve it all." Khan's popularity is sure to increase now that McNeese has advanced to the second round. What more is possible for him if the Cowboys get to the Sweet 16?
