UNDATED (AP) — LSU did not place one-time pros Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris on its roster in advance of its season opener. A person familiar with the situation confirmed it to The Associated Press on Friday. The move appears to avoid an immediate confrontation with the Southeastern Conference, which had passed a rule forbidding former pros on rosters, only to see that rule put on hold by a court in Louisiana. It means LSU will open its season against Clemson on Saturday without Wright and Harris on the roster, according to the person who spoke to AP. The person did not want to be named because the school had not released the details publicly.
UNDATED (AP) — The showdown between LSU and Clemson has been overshadowed by controversy. Lane Kiffin's decision to recruit former NFL players has sparked debate. LSU fans are worried about the long-term impact on the program. Sports radio host Matt Moscona says the issue has dominated discussions, with fears of potential punishments. Kiffin recruited former players Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, defying SEC rules. The SEC has sued LSU, and several coaches, including Clemson's Dabo Swinney, have criticized the move. Kiffin argues it reflects the real world, while Moscona blames the NCAA for the situation.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — John Mateer threw three touchdown passes, Isaiah Sategna returned a punt 88 yards for a score and No. 10 Oklahoma overpowered UTEP 51-0 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams. The Sooners scored on their first eight possessions and limited UTEP to 198 yards. Mateer looked sharp, completing 11 of 17 passes for 225 yards before being pulled late in the third quarter. He threw scoring passes of 40 yards to Colorado State transfer Rocky Beers, 34 yards to Sategna and 48 yards to Virginia transfer Trell Harris. Oklahoma drove 76 yards for a score on its first possession then forced a punt that was returned for a touchdown by Sategna to make it 14-0 midway through the first quarter.
UNDATED (AP) — LSU hosts Clemson on Saturday in a rematch of last year's season opener. Both teams are looking to rebound after disappointing 2025 seasons. LSU has a new coach, Lane Kiffin, and a top transfer quarterback, Sam Leavitt. Clemson sticks with coach Dabo Swinney and names Christopher Vizzina as the starting quarterback. On Sunday, No. 9 Ole Miss faces No. 24 Louisville in Nashville. Ole Miss is favored but has seen significant changes, including losing Kiffin. Louisville brings in transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz. The SEC features six new coaches this year, with many players also on the move.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida has a multiyear sponsorship contract with Ripple that will generate $5 million annually by placing field logos in the Swamp. A person with knowledge of the deal shared financial terms with The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither side disclosed details. Ripple is a provider of blockchain solutions across traditional and digital finance. The deal will place XRP logos on Florida Field beginning with Saturday’s game against Florida Atlantic.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Austin Simmons shined in his debut with Missouri, completing 17 of 19 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns in a 54-14 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday night. Simmons, who transferred from Ole Miss, played less than a half as the Tigers rested starters for their upcoming game against Kansas. He connected with Shaun Terry II for a 25-yard touchdown and hit Donovan Olugbode eight times for 116 yards and two scores. Despite some pregame nerves, Simmons delivered a strong performance in his debut with his new team. Missouri faces a challenging schedule ahead, including five games against teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The eligibility fights taking place in courts across the country are taking place with college basketball weeks away from starting preseason practices. Much of the focus has been on college football with that season starting last week. But basketball is roughly two months from opening night with preseason practices officially starting later this month. Most of the questions deal with lawsuits tied to the NCAA's move to a new five-year, age-based eligibility model. That has hundreds of players who completed four-year careers in the spring seeking to play a fifth season.
