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Staff writer/editor @On3 covering college football, basketball, NIL/sports business | @On3NIL newsletter | @LoyolaChicago alum. Tips: nicholas.schultz@on3.com
Articles by Nick Schultz
College Football TV Ratings: Most-watched games of Week 7
Throughout the Week 7 slate, five of the top seven teams in the AP Top 25 lost. It was a historically crazy day across college football with upsets all over the sport, and the TV ratings reflected it. The top two teams notably fell on Saturday as No. 1 Georgia lost to Auburn and No. 2 Notre Dame dropped its Top-10 matchup against BYU. A Top-5 showdown in Bloomington, though, won the week as No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 5 Indiana on FOX drew the highest viewership for Week 7.
College Football TV Ratings: Most-watched games of Week 7
College Football TV Ratings: Most-watched games of Week 7 College Football TV Ratings: Week 7 Throughout the Week 7 slate, five of the top seven teams in the AP Top 25 lost. It was a historically crazy day across college football with upsets all over the sport, and the TV ratings reflected it. The top two teams notably fell on Saturday as No. 1 Georgia lost to Auburn and No. 2 Notre Dame dropped its Top-10 matchup against BYU.
Judge grants preliminary injunction giving Jaxon Kohler, Donovan Dent, others eligibility
A California judge has granted a preliminary injunction that gives Jaxon Kohler, Donovan Dent and others eligibility through the end of the 2026-27 college basketball season, On3’s Pete Nakos reported. The ruling comes in the Glancey v. NCAA case. The lawsuit involves 76 basketball players, mostly from the 2022 recruiting class. They are challenging the NCAA’s age-based, five-year eligibility model that went into effect this summer and previously received a temporary restraining order.
Kirk Ferentz announces Jeremy Hecklinski as Iowa starting QB vs. Minnesota
Iowa is expected to start quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski against Minnesota, Kirk Ferentz announced Tuesday. Hecklinski and Hank Brown were listed with an “or” on the Hawkeyes’ depth chart prior to the game. Iowa was on a bye last week, but Hecklinski got the start in the last matchup against Washington. He went 14-for-19 for 202 yards and three touchdowns as the Hawkeyes got a Friday night victory over the Huskies in Week 6.
Report: RJ Luis not expected to be cleared to play by SEC, LSU gives up eligibility fight
RJ Luis is not expected to be cleared to play for LSU by the SEC, CBS Sports' Matt Norlander reported Tuesday . As a result, Will Wade and the Tigers are giving up the fight for him to gain eligibility for this season. Luis, a former St. John's guard, committed to LSU in May as he attempted to return to college basketball. He has not been formally rostered by the Tigers, though, On3's Pete Nakos reported.
Brett Yormark addresses 'distinction' with Trey Kaufman-Renn after being added to Kansas roster
Despite a new Big 12 rule about adding former professional players to rosters, Kansas announced Trey Kaufman-Renn’s addition Monday even though he was selected in the NBA Draft. The former Purdue star’s attorneys said he never signed an NBA contract, and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said there’s another “distinction.” A judge granted Kaufman-Renn, who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, a sixth year of eligibility in his lawsuit against the NCAA.
2026 National Title Odds: Georgia continues to lead Polymarket odds after Week 7
Following a wild day of upsets in Week 7, the 2026 national title odds saw some movement, according to the Polymarket App. But even after suffering an upset loss in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, Georgia continues to lead the way. The Bulldogs fell to Auburn on Saturday to drop out of the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 rankings. A Gunner Stockton fumble loomed large as the Tigers got a walk-off field goal from Alex McPherson to pull off the victory in Athens.
Mel Kiper Jr. calls for Arch Manning to return to college rather than declare for NFL Draft
As Texas suffered its second straight loss on Saturday, Arch Manning had another rocky performance. Questions are again swirling about whether he could declare for the NFL Draft or go back to college, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said what he thinks the Longhorns quarterback should do. Manning is currently Kiper’s No. 24 overall player on his latest Big Board for the 2027 NFL Draft amid an up-and-down season at Texas.
Urban Meyer admits he 'misfired' about impact of NIL, transfer portal on college football Original
When NIL and the transfer portal arrived in college football, Urban Meyer recalled thinking the bigger programs would benefit. Given the amount of parity in the sport, he admitted he “misfired” with that prediction. Meyer’s comments came after a historically day of upsets across the country. Of the top seven teams in last week’s AP Top 25, five of them loss, including No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Notre Dame. As a result, every team moved in the latest rankings released Sunday.
Matt Rhule holds players accountable for role in losses: 'I ain't the one out there'
After a close loss at Oregon on Saturday, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule had a message about accountability during his Monday press conference. As part of a lengthy answer about how the bye week can impact the Cornhuskers, he stressed the need to execute. Rhule’s message centered around looking back on things that happened in previous games. Nebraska had its opportunities against both Indiana at home and Oregon on the road, but came up short and fell to 5-2 on the year.
BCS formula sets 12-team College Football Playoff bracket after Week 7
Week 7 featured a historic number of upsets across college football. Of the top seven teams that were ranked in the AP Top 25 at the time, five of them suffered losses, leading to plenty of shakeups in the rankings. That movement is also clear in a projected College Football Playoff bracket, based on the BCS projections, according to the crew at @BCSKnowHow.
Mike Norvell calls holding call that wiped away Hail Mary vs. Miami 'an absolute joke'
Speaking with reporters Monday, Florida State coach Mike Norvell made his thoughts clear about a key call in Saturday’s loss to Miami. He called a holding call that wiped away a Hail Mary in 2OT an “absolute joke.” In the second overtime period, Ashton Daniels appeared to hit Micahi Danzy for a 36-yard touchdown to put FSU out in front, pending the two-point conversion. However, the officials whistled Xavier Chaplin for a holding penalty.
Report: Commissioners discuss weeknight College Football Playoff games under 24-team format
As discussions continue about College Football Playoff expansion to 24 teams, commissioners have also talked about putting first- and second-round games on weeknights, Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported. The reason would be to disperse inventory and also avoid potential conflicts with the NFL, which the CFP has run into the last two years under the 12-team model. Starting with the third week in December, the NFL starts to play games on Saturdays.
Former Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn signs with Kansas after judge's order Original
Former Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has signed with Kansas, the program announced Monday. He received another year of eligibility via a judge’s order despite being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Kaufman-Renn filed an eligibility lawsuit in late August seeking a sixth year of eligibility. He spent five seasons at Purdue from 2021-26, but missed the entire 2021-22 season due to injury.
Jalen Hurts to miss rest of 2026 season due to blood clots Original
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is set to miss the rest of the season due to multiple blood clots in his lungs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He had been undergoing tests after missing last week’s game. After returning from the Oct. 11 game in London, the Eagles announced Hurts was diagnosed with a blood clot and would not play in last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers. It was unclear how long he would be out, but Philadelphia later placed him on injured reserve.
Playoff expansion injects hope into college football’s middle class
RIVALS FOOTBALL RECRUITING Tigers firmly in the mix with one of the nation's best quarterbacks: 'It was a real big step for LSU'Sam Spiegelman · 10h RIVALS FOOTBALL RECRUITING 'It’s pretty close': Miami, Texas A&M battling over 4-star LB Aston Whiteside as he closes in on a final decisionSam Spiegelman · 10h RIVALS FOOTBALL RECRUITING Miami makes a big move with top 50 prospect Jalen FlowersGreg Biggins · 13h FOOTBALLMilitary member dies after being taken to hospital following fall while...
Mike McCarthy spends halftime of Steelers vs. Buccaneers in medical tent with apparent leg injury
“It was kind of a freak thing as McCarthy was coming over to speak with me at halftime,” CBS sideline reporter AJ Ross said on the broadcast out of halftime. “I’m being told by Steelers staff, of course he’s going to continue coaching here in the second half. “And he didn’t cross the field to go into the locker room because he wanted to just make sure everything was okay. The training staff attended to him at halftime.
Maryland fires defensive coordinator Ted Monachino
Maryland has fired defensive coordinator Ted Monachino, head coach Mike Locksley announced Sunday. The Terrapins are preparing for their bye week after a loss to Rutgers on Saturday. Through seven games this season, Maryland’s defense has allowed 366.6 yards per game, which ranks 14th in the Big Ten. The Terps have also given up a conference-worst 33.3 points on average heading into the bye.
Mike McCarthy spends halftime of Steelers vs. Buccaneers in medical tent with apparent leg injury
As the Pittsburgh Steelers went into the locker room at halftime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike McCarthy was not with them. He spent all of the break in the blue medical tent after suffering an apparent leg injury. This story will be updated. SPORTS PREDICTIONSCollege Football Predictions: McMurphy's best Week 7 tradesBrett McMurphy · 2d ON3 NFL DRAFTMel Kiper Jr. unveils first top-25 prospect Big Board for 2027 NFL DraftDaniel Hager · 3d NFLPhiladelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts out vs.
Military member injured, taken to hospital after falling while rappelling before UTSA vs. Navy game
A member of the military was taken to the hospital after falling during a rappel ahead of Saturday's game between UTSA and Navy according to the San Antonio Express-News . It's unclear the extent of the person's injuries. Prior to the matchup at the Alamodome on Saturday, four U.S. army. officers were due to rappel from the rafters to the field prior to the coin toss.
Ryan Day: Julian Sayin will probably be out several weeks with injury suffered vs. Indiana
Ohio State could be without quarterback Julian Sayin for an extended period of time. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day said Sayin will “probably be out several weeks” with the injury he suffered against Indiana Sayin left Saturday's Top-5 matchup in Bloomington in the fourth quarter and headed to the locker room favoring his arm. He later returned to the sidelines wearing a sling and did not return as Ohio State held on for the victory.
Miami hangs on to defeat Florida State in 2OT after controversial replay review
After a touchdown on 4th and 21 got called back due to a penalty, Florida State attempted another Hail Mary as the Seminoles looked to take down Miami in 2OT. The officials called it incomplete, though, and the play stood after a controversial replay review. Ashton Daniels threw it into the end zone, hoping for more magic after the previous play came off the board. Amid the scrum of players, the officials ruled the pass incomplete, sealing Miami's 43-35 victory over its in-state rivals.
Alabama RB EJ Crowell heads to locker room with injury in 1st half vs. Tennessee
In the first half of Saturday's game against Tennessee Alabama running back EJ Crowell headed back to the locker room with an apparent injury. He left the field alongside the training staff with less than 10 minutes to play in the second quarter. At the time of his departure, Crowell had just one carry, which he took for a yard. It's unclear what his exact injury was as he departed the Third Saturday in October matchup against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.
College Football Rankings: USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 released after wild Week 7
Week 7 featured a historic day of upsets, and the college football rankings reflect as much. The USA Today coaches poll Top 25 underwent some major changes, as well, with a new No. 1 team and plenty of movement. Five of the Top 7-ranked teams in last week’s coaches poll lost in Week 7, including No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 4 Indiana. As a result, Miami now occupies the top spot as one of only a few undefeated teams left standing.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay calls out clock error on final play of Notre Dame vs. BYU
With three seconds left, Notre Dame had one last shot at the end zone while trying to avoid an upset against BYU CJ Carr tried to find Jaden Greathouse on the final pass, but it fell incomplete, meaning the Cougars pulled off the victory. On that final play, though, there were two controversies that emerged. One was a decision not to throw a flag for defensive pass interference on the BYU defender. The other had shades of Week 1's Michigan vs.
Big 12 admits to clock error in Notre Dame vs. BYU, says there should have been 1 second left
In a statement late Saturday night, the Big 12 admitted to an officiating mistake at the end of Notre Dame vs. BYU. The conference said there should have been one second left, following a review of the play. The sequence happened on what turned out to be the final play of the Top-5 showdown at LaVell Edwards Stadium. With three seconds to go, CJ Carr attempted to find Jaden Greathouse, but the pass went out the back of the end zone and fell incomplete.
Bear Bachmeier cites 'disrespect' as motivation for Notre Dame game: 'Wasn't going to lose to those guys'
In 2023, Bear Bachmeier had an offer from Notre Dame. He ultimately committed to Stanford before making his way to BYU via the transfer portal, and he led the Cougars to a huge upset win over the Fighting Irish on Saturday. After the game, though, Bachmeier said he had some extra motivation as BYU faced Notre Dame. He cited “disrespect” out of high school as a reason he vowed to do whatever it took to get the victory in Provo. Speaking with reporters after the game, Bachmeier did not give specifics.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay calls out clock error on final play of Notre Dame vs. BYU
With three seconds left, Notre Dame had one last shot at the end zone while trying to avoid an upset against BYU. CJ Carr tried to find Jaden Greathouse on the final pass, but it fell incomplete, meaning the Cougars pulled off the victory. On that final play, though, there were two controversies that emerged. One was a decision not to throw a flag for defensive pass interference on the BYU defender.
Miami hangs on to defeat Florida State in 2OT after controversial replay review
After a touchdown on 4th and 21 got called back due to a penalty, Florida State attempted another Hail Mary as the Seminoles looked to take down Miami in 2OT. The officials called it incomplete, though, and the play stood after a controversial replay review. Ashton Daniels threw it into the end zone, hoping for more magic after the previous play came off the board. Amid the scrum of players, the officials ruled the pass incomplete, sealing Miami’s 43-35 victory over its in-state rivals.
Military member injured, taken to hospital after falling while rappelling before UTSA vs. Navy game
A member of the military was taken to the hospital after falling during a rappel ahead of Saturday’s game between UTSA and Navy, according to the San Antonio Express-News. It’s unclear the extent of the person’s injuries. Prior to the matchup at The Alamodome on Saturday, four U.S. army. officers were due to rappel from the rafters to the field prior to the coin toss. One of the officers appeared to slide down quicker than they expected and crashed to the ground, according to the Express-News.
Alabama RB EJ Crowell heads to locker room with apparent injury in 1st half vs. Tennessee
In the first half of Saturday’s game against Tennessee, Alabama running back EJ Crowell headed back to the locker room with an apparent injury. He left the field alongside the training staff with less than 10 minutes to play in the second quarter. At the time of his departure, Crowell had just one carry, which he took for a yard. It’s unclear what his exact injury was as he departed the Third Saturday in October matchup against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.
Ryan Day: Julian Sayin will 'probably be out several weeks' with injury suffered vs. Indiana
Ohio State could be without quarterback Julian Sayin for an extended period of time. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day said Sayin will “probably be out several weeks” with the injury he suffered against Indiana. This story will be updated.
Greg Sankey: SEC prepared to engage in self-governance discussions if Protect College Sports Act fails
In mid-November, as the College Football Playoff race begins to take shape, much of the industry will also be watching what happens in Washington, D.C. with the Protect College Sports Act. The House of Representatives is due to return Nov. 9, six days after the midterm elections. The bipartisan bill faces pressure after advancing out of the Senate late last month.
Report: ESPN expected to pay additional $345 million per year for 24-team College Football Playoff
Under the 24-team College Football Playoff, ESPN is expected to pay an additional $345 million per year for the next five years, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported . That's in addition to the $1.3 billion per year the network is already paying. Conference championship games are expected to go by the wayside under the expanded CFP, as On3 reported this week .
SEC prepared to engage in self-governance discussions if Protect College Sports Act fails
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Greg Sankey: SEC ‘prepared to engage’ in self-governance discussions if Protect College Sports Act fails
In mid-November, as the College Football Playoff race begins to take shape, much of the industry will also be watching what happens in Washington, D.C. with the Protect College Sports Act. The House of Representatives is due to return Nov. 9, six days after the midterm elections. The bipartisan bill faces pressure after advancing out of the Senate late last month.
Greg Sankey: SEC 'prepared to engage' in self-governance discussions if Protect College Sports Act fails
In mid-November, as the College Football Playoff race begins to take shape, much of the industry will also be watching what happens in Washington, D.C. with the Protect College Sports Act. The House of Representatives is due to return Nov. 9, six days after the midterm elections. The bipartisan bill faces pressure after advancing out of the Senate late last month.
Report: ESPN expected to pay additional $345 million per year for 24-team College Football Playoff
Under the expanded 24-team College Football Playoff, ESPN is expected to pay an additional $345 million per year for the next five years, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported. That's in addition to the $1.3 billion per year the network is already paying. This story will be updated.
Report: ESPN expected to pay additional $345 million per year for 24-team College Football Playoff
Under the expanded 24-team College Football Playoff, ESPN is expected to pay an additional $345 million per year for the next five years, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported. That’s in addition to the $1.3 billion per year the network is already paying. This story will be updated.
Judge grants temporary injunction in eligibility lawsuit involving Thomas Castellanos, Mark Mitchell, Seth Trimble
A judge has granted a motion for a temporary injunction in a fifth-year eligibility lawsuit involving Thomas Castellanos and Seth Trimble, according to court records. It clears the way for the athletes to play while the order is in effect. Per the order, the NCAA cannot bar the athletes from participating in the 2026-27 season if they already used their four years of eligibility.
LSU AD Verge Ausberry expresses support for 24-team CFP: 'We feel it helps us'
With rumors and reports swirling about expansion, LSU athletics director Verge Ausberry expressed support for a 24-team College Football Playoff during a board of directors meeting Friday. He explained how it could positively impact the school. ESPN reported Thursday that CFP leaders were nearing a deal to double the field from 12 teams to 24 as soon as the 2027 season.
NFL to remove Josh Jacobs from Commissioner Exempt list Original
The NFL is expected to remove Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs from the Commissioner Exempt list on Monday, the league announced Friday. He has not played this season after being added to the list prior to the start of the season. Jacobs received notification that he’ll be removed from the list Oct. 19, therefore making him eligible to play for the Packers in Week 7.
Nick Saban declares money the 'bottom line' for 24-team CFP, pitches 'compromise'
As conversations continue about the College Football Playoff’s future, expansion to 24 teams is reportedly on the horizon. The CFP said Thursday discussions are ongoing with ESPN about doubling the field from 12 teams to 24. Nick Saban has one big “concern” about going to 24 teams, citing the increased schedule. But he also made clear the importance of money in the discussions and also pitched a “compromise,” of sorts, for the new-look CFP.
Five games that could impact ESPN College GameDay's Week 8 location
In Week 7, ESPN College GameDay will be in Provo for the Top-10 matchup between Notre Dame and BYU. As for what could lie ahead in Week 8, a few notable games could be options for the show’s next stop. It’s been a record year for College GameDay through the first half of the season. Through six weeks, viewership is up 6% year-to-date, and the Week 6 program at Georgia vs. Alabama drew 2.8 million viewers.
College Football Announcer Schedule: Broadcasters for top Week 7 games
Last week marked the unofficial halfway point of the 2026 season. It’s now on to Week 7, and the college football announcer schedule is in place for the full slate of games this weekend. A number of ranked games on deck this weekend, including two Top-10 showdowns. No. 4 Ohio State will visit No. 5 Indiana in the early window on Saturday while No. 2 Notre Dame takes on No. 8 BYU in Provo in primetime.
College Football TV Ratings: Most-watched games of Week 6 Original
Week 6 featured plenty of upsets as October got in full swing across the country. For ABC, it was another big week of TV ratings with its college football tripleheader as the network again led the charge this past weekend. The biggest game of the week was in Tuscaloosa as Georgia and Alabama renewed their storied rivalry. It was a close one, but Kirby Smart got his first regular-season win over the Crimson Tide, and all eyes turned to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the matchup.
SEC calls LSU expulsion ‘very real threat' in new filing in federal lawsuit
In a new filing in the federal lawsuit against LSU , the SEC called expulsion of the school a “very real threat,” according to court records viewed by Yahoo! Sports' Ross Dellenger . The league also argued the case should not be dismissed. The latest filing came Tuesday, more than two weeks after LSU filed a motion to dismiss the suit. Yahoo! Sports also reported talks between the SEC and the university about a mutual resolution to end the legal battle.
SEC calls LSU expulsion 'very real threat' in new filing in federal lawsuit
In a new filing in the federal lawsuit against LSU, the SEC called expulsion of the school a “very real threat,” according to court records. The league also argued the case should not be dismissed. The latest filing came Tuesday, more than two weeks after LSU filed a motion to dismiss the suit. Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger also reported talks between the SEC and the university about a mutual resolution to end the legal battle. This story will be updated.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs executive order to grant Class of 2022 athletes 5th year of eligibility
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order that would grant athletes in the state another year of eligibility if they’ve exhausted their NCAA eligibility. The order would also prohibit Ohio colleges from enforcing eligibility restrictions in place by the NCAA. Under terms of the order, athletes from the class of 2022 would be able to participate during the 2026-27 academic year.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs executive order to grant Class of 2022 athletes 5th year of eligibility
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs executive order to grant Class of 2022 athletes 5th year of eligibility USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed an executive order that would grant athletes in the state another year of eligibility if they've exhausted their NCAA eligibility. The order would also prohibit Ohio colleges from enforcing eligibility restrictions in place by the NCAA.
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