UNDATED (AP) — The Senate has passed a bill aimed at controlling spending and addressing issues in college sports. The bill, which took over four months to pass, faces challenges in the House. Sen. Ted Cruz hopes the House will pass it within four weeks, but the House isn't scheduled to return until after the midterm elections. Some Republicans and Democrats have concerns about the bill, including antitrust protections and the employment status of student-athletes. The bill offers lawsuit protections to the NCAA and increases revenue-sharing with athletes. If the bill doesn't pass, conferences may consider self-governance models.
UNDATED (AP) — The Senate passed a bill that would bring new rules to college sports covering a wide range of issues including how colleges pay their players, what those players can and cannot go to court to fight and how many transfers between schools the players can make. Senators voted 77-22 to pass The Protect College Sports Act, which sends it over to the House where supporters are hoping the large margin and bipartisan nature of the bill will give it momentum to pass before the end of the year.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — College football coaches have one thing off their overflowing plate. In an era that has added revenue sharing, NIL and the transfer portal to day-to-day duties, coaches no longer need to decide if seldom-used players should appear in four or fewer games to redshirt and gain an extra year of eligibility. The NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes in June, permitting five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with student-athletes’ full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State coach Ryan Day addresses concerns about his team's defense after a recent game against Illinois. The Buckeyes allowed 462 total yards, including 199 on the ground, raising questions about their defensive execution. Day emphasizes the need for better discipline and execution, noting that missed assignments led to explosive plays by Illinois. Senior defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. calls the performance "unacceptable" and highlights the importance of players sticking to their assignments. Meanwhile, Iowa's defense impresses, ranking first in the nation for points allowed. Ohio State faces Iowa on Saturday, with potential lineup changes due to injuries.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Win or lose, Taylor Mouser is tough on himself. After Penn State blew a 17-0 lead in a 24-20 loss to Wisconsin last week, the Nittany Lions offensive coordinator had to take a longer-than-usual look in the mirror when he got home on Saturday night. Penn State’s loss was a hard watch for the 35-year-old who also doubles as the tight ends coach. Penn State outgained Wisconsin 81-14 in the first quarter and had five first downs to one for Wisconsin. However, the Nittany Lions managed just seven first downs the rest of the way and only one in the fourth quarter when they had multiple chances to finish off the Badgers.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland coach Michael Locksley was already in the hot-seat discussion before the season started. After two straight losses to teams with new coaches — Virginia Tech and UCLA — the Terrapins are reeling at a time when they were supposed to be making progress. Last weekend’s Big Ten opener at home was a 54-3 shellacking by the Bruins. That was the type of defeat that can put a coach past the point of no return with his bosses.
UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten Conference has gained bragging rights with three straight national titles while the Southeastern Conference struggles to land a team in the championship game. An Associated Press analysis reveals a shift in recruiting trends, with fewer top high school recruits from SEC states choosing to stay home. The percentage dropped from 72% in 2022 to a projected 53% for 2027. Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference schools are increasingly attracting these players, suggesting a slow drain of talent from the SEC. Coaches attribute this trend to factors like NIL payments and increased national exposure changing the recruiting landscape across college athletics.
UNDATED (AP) — Injured running back Turbo Richard could return to the field for No. 6 Indiana this weekend when the Hoosiers visit Rutgers, meaning the defending national champions could have their top two running backs available for their first road trip this season. Coach Curt Cignetti told reporters during his weekly news conference that the team “got really good news” on Richard and that he would be day to day. Cignetti says he's optimistic that Richard and injured linebacker Rolijah Hardy will play Saturday. Richard was the team's leading rusher until he got hurt. Hardy is tied for the team lead with 18 tackles.
