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Category: Wvu mountaineer sports

  • WVU Welcomes Left‑Handed Pitcher Bryson Thacker from Tennessee via Transfer Portal

     

     

     

    West Virginia University baseball has made a strategic addition to its pitching corps by securing the transfer of left‑handed pitcher Bryson Thacker from the University of Tennessee. Thacker, a redshirt freshman, enters Morgantown with three years of eligibility remaining, bringing collegiate and high school success that promise to bolster the Mountaineers’ pitching depth .

     

    Born May 27, 2005, Thacker hails from Rome, Georgia, where he starred at Rome High School. His high school career was exceptional: he accumulated 343 strikeouts over 170 innings and maintained a 1.2 ERA. He was a four-time Georgia High School Association All-State selection, pitched a perfect game, and even went 4‑for‑4 at the plate as a freshman. These accomplishments earned him recognition as a top‑left‑handed pitching prospect nationally—ranked No. 52 overall and No. 6 in Georgia by Perfect Game—alongside two preseason All‑American honors .

     

    Thacker’s two-year tenure at Tennessee began promisingly. After redshirting his first year, he saw action in 2025, appearing in five games and tallying 4⅓ innings pitched. During that stretch, he allowed only one hit and one earned run while striking out seven batters—an impressive per‑inning strikeout rate. His standout day came against Tennessee Tech on April 1, when he struck out three batters in one inning, matching his career high and demonstrating his swing-and-miss potential . Prior to that, on March 25 versus Queens, he sat down all three batters on just six pitches . Though his appearance total was limited, those flashes contributed to his appeal in the portal—and caught the attention of WVU’s coaching staff .

     

    WVU’s announcement notes that Thacker is the second southpaw acquired on that Thursday, following the addition of Joshua Surigao. Robbing depth and enacting competition within the bullpen were clear goals; Thacker is WVU’s 11th overall transfer commitment, signaling a concerted effort to build a more robust rotation . His three years of eligibility allow WVU flexibility in integrating him into the pitching plan—whether as a late-inning reliever, situational lefty, or potential starter down the road .

     

    For WVU’s pitching coach, layering in a pitcher with Thacker’s résumé offers both short‑term reliability and long‑term upside. His high strikeout ability, composure under pressure, and pedigree as a top high‑school talent position him well to make an impact. Even if he doesn’t fill the rotation immediately, he offers valuable bullpen depth and matchup versatility—especially against left‑handed hitters. His mental maturity and resilience, illustrated by thriving in limited outings, further strengthen WVU’s pitching stability.

     

    For Thacker, the move presents a fresh start and opportunity. At Tennessee, he wasn’t getting consistent innings—5 appearances for just over four innings. In Morgantown, he steps into a program eager for pitching improvements, with likely more opportunity to both contribute and develop. WVU’s coaching staff will undoubtedly work to harness his strike‑out arsenal, refine his secondary offerings, and expand his pitch repertoire and stamina.

     

    Looking forward, WVU fans have good reason for optimism. Thacker’s arrival is not just a numbers play—it’s a calculated recruitment of a pitcher with a track record of success at multiple levels. If he continues on an upward trajectory, he could emerge as a significant contributor to West Virginia’s pitching staff for the 2026 season and beyond.

     

    This transfer is a win‑win: WVU strengthens its left‑handed options while Thacker finds a new stage to showcase his talent. It will be exciting to watch how he evolves with t

    he Mountaineers.

     

  • West Virginia adds experience at key specialist spots

     

    West Virginia hit the transfer portal hard to address basically every single position on the football roster and that includes kicker.

     

    The Mountaineers added not only one, but two specialists out of the transfer portal first with Tulane kicker Ethan Head in December and then Coastal Carolina kicker Kade Hensley after spring ball wrapped up.

     

    The two are expected to play a significant role in the specialist room, complementing returning starting punter Oliver Straw.

     

    Head spent the spring in Morgantown after just one season with the Green Wave where he attempted 77 kickoffs for 4,873 yards and 50 touchbacks. That’s an average of 63.3 per attempt and the 65-percent touchback percentage is strong as well.

     

    The Illinois native also kicked some field goals at Tulane hitting 4-5 with a long of 38-yards, while also connecting on 18-21 point after touchdowns.

     

    Head picked the Mountaineers over fellow finalist Arkansas and is likely to slot in as the kickoff specialist after handling that role with the Green Wave.

     

    And while Head is likely going to be a factor on kickoffs, Hensley should be the same when it comes to place kicking for the Mountaineers.

     

    As a field goal kicker, Hensley connected on 34-43 attempts overall in his career with the Chanticleers and was 10-15 from 30-39 yards and 10-13 on attempts from 40-49 yards. He only attempted one unsuccessful field goal over 50 yards in his career.

     

    Hensley saved his best for last, making 16-19 attempts in 2024. Also strong in the PAT department, Hensley only misfired on one of his 117 attempts and gives plenty of experience for West Virginia

     

    That consistency is something that was appealing to the coaching staff during the recruiting process.

     

    “That’s been my trademark through my career is just being a steady hand,” he said. “That’s really what they are bringing me in for is to provide that and be one of the leaders and help make us better.”

     

    The pair is competing with a group that includes Nate Flower and RJ Kocan and only Flower has seen game action with a kickoff for 63

     

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  • Mountaineers Finish Nationally Ranked in Consecutive Years

    Mountaineers Finish Nationally Ranked in Consecutive Years

     

     

    For the second year in a row, the Mountaineers have secured a spot in the national rankings, solidifying their place among the country’s elite collegiate athletic programs. The achievement is a testament to the team’s consistency, resilience, and growing national reputation.

     

    Following a remarkable 2024 season, the Mountaineers returned this year with renewed determination. They faced a challenging schedule filled with top-ranked opponents and overcame adversity with a combination of experienced leadership and emerging young talent. Finishing the season with an impressive record, the team landed in the top 25 of the national polls once again, drawing praise from analysts and fans alike.

     

    A key factor in the Mountaineers’ back-to-back nationally ranked seasons has been the strong culture established by head coach [Coach’s Name], who took the helm [insert number] years ago. Under his guidance, the program has undergone a transformation, emphasizing discipline, work ethic, and player development. “It’s about building a program that can sustain success,” said the coach. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re just getting started.”

     

    The 2025 season featured several standout performances. Senior quarterback [Player Name] delivered clutch play after clutch play, finishing with [insert stats], while defensive captain [Defensive Player Name] anchored a unit that ranked among the best in the conference. Emerging stars like freshman [Young Player Name] also gave fans a glimpse of the future, proving that the team’s depth and recruiting pipeline remain strong.

     

    In addition to their on-field achievements, the Mountaineers have gained recognition for academic excellence and community involvement, making their back-to-back national rankings even more meaningful. With multiple players earning Academic All-American honors and the team participating in numerous outreach programs, the Mountaineers have exemplified the true spirit of student-athletes.

     

    The consecutive nationally ranked finishes also boost the program’s profile in recruiting. “When you’re on the national stage, top talent takes notice,” said recruiting coordinator [Coordinator’s Name]. “Recruits want to be part of a winning culture, and we’ve proven we can compete with the best.”

     

    The energy surrounding the program is palpable. Home game attendance has risen, merchandise sales have increased, and alumni engagement is at an all-time high. From local supporters to national broadcasters, the Mountaineers are earning respect across the board.

     

    Looking ahead, expectations are high, but the team is focused on staying grounded. Offseason training and incoming recruits are already generating buzz, and with most of the core roster returning, a third consecutive nationally ranked finish seems within reach.

     

    Ultimately, back-to-back appearances in the national rankings represent more than just wins and losses—they reflect the Mountaineers’ growth, character, and aspirations. As the team continues to rise, one thing is clear: the Mountaineers are no longer just chasing success—they’re building a legacy.

  • WVU Lands in Top Two of CBS Sports’ Roster Grades for First-Year Coaches

    WVU Lands in Top Two of CBS Sports’ Roster Grades for First-Year Coaches

     

    Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

     

    Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Jahiem White (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

     

    All offseason long, the national media have brutally graded West Virginia’s roster and set expectations extremely low for Rich Rodriguez in his first year back at the helm, and rightfully so. Over 70 newcomers will be on the roster this season, which means chemistry is almost non-existent heading into August.

     

    The top-line talent WVU has should be good enough to compete in the Big 12, but the depth appears to be the coaching staff’s biggest concern. If the starting units can stay healthy and gel early in the season, they should be in a good position to reach a bowl game.

     

    David Cobb of CBS Sports recently graded each year one roster of each Power Four program with a new coach. He has WVU second with a B, checking in right behind North Carolina, and ahead of Wake Forest, UCF, Purdue, and Stanford.

     

    “Rodriguez’s revamped roster features several productive defensive additions from the portal, including 2024 AAC Defensive Player of the Year Jimmori Robinson at defensive end. Robinson led the AAC with 10.5 sacks last season at UTSA and is one of several transfer-up pieces who will determine the ceiling of a unit led by ex-Oklahoma defensive coordinator Zac Alley.

    Where the talent — or perhaps money — appears to run out is along the offensive line. If the Mountaineers can figure that group out, don’t doubt Rodriguez’s ability to produce a good offense. But the skill position groups aren’t talented enough to overcome poor line play. However, top QB candidates Nicco Marchiol and Jaylen Henderson are both mobile, which should come in handy if and when things break down.”

     

    I will disagree on one thing here…the skill groups aren’t as bad as Cobb believes. The backfield is in pretty good shape with Jahiem White returning and Jaylan Knighton (SMU transfer) and Tye Edwards (Northern Iowa transfer) now in the mix.

     

    At wide receiver, Cam Vaughn is a star in the making, and they have some veterans who have performed well at the lower levels, including Jeff Weimer, Logan Ramper, Justin Smith-Brown, etc., and also have Jaden Bray back and healthy. The receiver group is a pretty big question mark, but they have enough capable bodies in that room to find a few answers. As far as the offensive line goes, yeah, that might be a struggle.

  • WVU Planning Major Upgrade to Premium Seating at Milan Puskar Stadium

    WVU Planning Major Upgrade to Premium Seating at Milan Puskar Stadium

     

    Wren Baker gets the green light from the Board of Governors to search for funding for expanded premium seating.

     

     

    Changes are coming to Milan Puskar Stadium, at least that’s the plan.

     

    For quite a while now, West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker has talked about the desire and, really, the importance of additional premium seating. WVU ranks toward the bottom of the Big 12 Conference in available premium seating across its athletic programs, and that’s one quick, easy way to drive more revenue. Of course, it takes a big investment for it to happen, but the wheels are in motion.

     

    Baker revealed that there is a plan in place during a recent appearance on 3 Guys Before the Game.

     

    “We have a very detailed kind of press box side renovation/expansion of our premium seating space that architects dove deep into that not just the architects that do the renderings, but also a company called Legends, which is a combination that’s co-owned by the (Dallas) Cowboys and the (New York) Yankees.

    They’ve done a survey and they surveyed if we build x number of new suites, x number of new club seats, new loges – what’s the appetite to sell those? What premium areas in other parts of the stadium are you vacating? And then they look at the backfill of those. You don’t want to build a proforma that’s built on not doing the dominoes that’ll fall on down the line.

    And so, the Board (of Governors) has seen the results of both the architectural renderings, the cost estimates, but also an ROI, and we’ve been given the green light to talk to some donors, and really, that’ll be what drives how quick the project goes. Do you get a couple of those big gifts? It’s like a pyramid. You’re looking for one monster gift, two big gifts, and then you start to build out, build down the pyramid from there.”

     

    Baker said that he would consider things to be entering the “silent phase,” where they’re searching/securing funding.

  • West Virginia adds outfielder Brock Wills out of the transfer portal

     

     

     

    West Virginia added Brock Wills, an outfielder from UNCW, he announced on Wednesday.

     

    Wills, an experienced left-handed bat, who played mostly outfield, batted .351 this season with six home runs and 22 RBIs. He was a Second Team All-CAA Selection, while he played in only 36 games on the year.

     

    Wills primarily batted leadoff, as UNCW was 18-7 in games when he hit at the top of the order.

     

    In addition to that, he had a .450 on-base percentage, while he had a .545 slugging percentage, which was the best on his team. Out of his 47 total hits, 13 of them went for extra bases.

     

    He spent three seasons at UNCW and will have one year of eligibility remaining. Wills is originally from Holly Springs, North Carolina.

     

    Wills is the sixth addition out of the transfer portal for the Mountaineers thus far. He is the third to come to WVU from the Division I ranks.

     

     

    • Talk about it with West Virginia fans on The Blue Lot.

     

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  • Film Breakdown: What Robert Stith Brings to West Virginia’s 2026 WR Room

     

    Originally posted on West Virginia Mountaineers on SI

     

    Class of 2026 wide receiver Robert Stith (6’2″, 185 lbs) of Niceville, Florida, was one of several recruits who committed to West Virginia on Sunday.

     

    Stith picked the Mountaineers over opportunities at Arkansas State, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Liberty, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Toledo, Troy, Tulane, UAB, UConn, UNLV, and USF.

     

    This morning, we take a closer look at what WVU is getting in Stith, who caught 45 passes for 870 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior.

     

    Evaluation

    Smooth runner. Doesn’t have blazing speed, but can definitely get separation and get behind the defense on deep balls.

    A lot of underneath catch-and-go stuff on his tape, combined with a fair amount of go balls. Interested to see how well he can work the middle of the field on intermediate stuff since there’s just not much of it on film. Wouldn’t expect him to contribute in year one, but could work his way into the rotation by year two, but certainly by year three once he spends a bunch of time with Mike Joseph in the weight room.

     

     

     

    Seahawks sign Australian rookie offensive lineman

    General Sports

    Tyreek Hill Race with Noah Lyles CANCELED Over Mysterious Personal Reasons

    If you were waiting with anticipation for the race between Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill and Olympian Noah Lyles, I have some bad news for you. The race will not be taking place. In fact, per Lyles, the race was supposed to happen this past weekend in New York City’s Times Square. Per a NY Post article, the race is off per Lyles.

    Lyes said, “We were very deep into creating the event. In fact, it was supposed to happen this weekend,” Lyles said. “Unfortunately there were some things, complications, personal reasons that it just didn’t come to pass, but we were full on. “We were gonna have a big event, we were going to shut down New York Times Square and everything, we were gonna have all the billboards for the event, it was going to be a lot of fun.” Lyes went on to say “A lot of people didn’t believe it to be true. They thought it was just, ‘Oh, this is just them talking online,’” Lyles said.

    “We had to bring it to fruition.” Lyles said both the general public and potential corporate sponsors “didn’t believe it was real,” but that he took charge in an effort to make it happen. “It’s like, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this. I know what to do. And it’s not going to look to the point where it’s staged. It’s going to look right on the money, trust me,’” It is unclear if the personal reasons were those of Lyle or Tyreek.

    Hill has a long list of off-the-field issues, is currently going through a divorce, and has an open court case for later this year. There is no word on whether plans are in place to reschedule the race for a later time, but it appears unlikely at this time, and the race will most likely not happen.

     

    Former Milwaukee Brewers Infielder DFA’d by New York Yankees

    NHL

    Maple Leafs’ John Tavares connected with surprising West team

    The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to see major changes occur this offseason. With the team having multiple key players entering free agency, Toronto’s roster could look very different come next season. Star forward Mitch Marner is expected to leave the team, and Toronto would then need to replace his production.

    But star John Tavares is also a free agent this summer. Many are expecting Tavares to return to the Maple Leafs, but anytime a player hits free agency, anything can happen. Despite having a down season, there will surely be other teams looking to bring Tavares into the picture. One of those could be the Minnesota Wild, who need a boost after another early playoff exit.

    NHL insider Joe Smith of The Athletic linked the Wild with the Maple Leafs star, writing that Tavares could be a good target for Minnesota to consider. “The Wild’s main need is up the middle, and now they’re on Plan B after target Nelson re-signed with the Avalanche.

    Tavares’ priority has been to stay in Toronto, but if he gets to market, he’d give Minnesota the experienced, two-way center who could take some pressure off Joel Eriksson Ek. The Wild need to get Tavares, Duchene or Jonathan Toews to address the position, especially after missing out on Nelson,” Smith wrote. Tavares isn’t the same player that he once was, but he could still be productive for the Wild.

    Last season, he scored 38 goals and 36 assists for the Maple Leafs. But in the playoffs, it became apparent that Tavares couldn’t keep up with other speedy players. Minnesota could be an interesting landing spot for the All-Star, and he could provide some quality experience to the team.

     

    New Report On Grizzlies’ Interest In Ex-Lakers, Knicks Guard For Coaching Role

    MLB

    Report: Cubs’ Jed Hoyer expected to be aggressive at trade deadline

    After winning three of their four games against the Pittsburgh Pirates this week, the Chicago Cubs sit 5.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central with a 44-28 record, the third-best record in the MLB behind the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets.

    The Cubs are expected to be aggressive before the trade deadline on July 31 to help find another starting pitcher, and Bruce Levine of 670 The Score had a positive update for the team’s chances of landing an ace on the mound.

    Trades are available for Jed Hoyer During an appearance Monday morning on the “Mully Haugh Show,” Levine said Cubs president Jed Hoyer has the ammunition to make a trade in the wake of the Boston Red Sox sending designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. “I’ve been talking to a lot of people over the last four or five days about possible trades, and everybody says it’s there for Hoyer,” Levine said. “There’s that money that they didn’t spend on (Cody) Bellinger or the Red Sox third baseman, right? Alex Bregman.

    That was another $30 million times four.” The Chicago Cubs could add more offense Levine suggested that the Cubs might do more than land a starting pitcher and could add another hitter to an already scary offensive lineup. “So, there’s money there for Hoyer to spend,” Levine said. “It’s up to him to decide how he wants to do that, and is it going to be an ace starting pitcher?… Do they need a little fortification with offense? It’s right there.

    Maybe, they can do a little of both as they start, hopefully, pushing away from the rest of the division.” The Cubs have some extra time to make a move on Monday. They have an off day before hosting a three-game series against the Brewers beginning on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. CDT.

     

    NBA superstar has ‘no desire’ to join his biggest suitor

    NBA

    New Report Doubles Down on Lakers’ Prime Center Target

    The Los Angeles Lakers have a monumental summer ahead of them.

    The NBA offseason of movement is slowly approaching, and we expect the Lakers to be at the forefront of things this summer. The Lakers will have a lot on their plate, but it is no secret that the top priority for the Lakers is adding and bolstering the center position. L.A. lacked in that department last season, and it played a massive factor in their ultimate demise in the first round of the playoffs.

    Los Angeles will look to learn from that and make a massive move this summer to bolster their roster. One player they’ve had their eye on for some time is Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capela. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Capela is viewed as a player who is likely to leave the Hawks as he enters free agency this summer.

    “Capela, meanwhile, is viewed around the league by rival talent evaluators as a candidate who could leave in free agency – a scenario first mentioned back in late March on HoopsHype – after being benched in favor of Onyeka Okongwu and dangled in trade talks before the deadline.” The Lakers are in clear need of a center upgrade, and Capela stands out as one of the more realistic and attainable options on the market.

    It’s become evident that his time with the Hawks is coming to an end, and Los Angeles has surfaced as a potential landing spot. Capela could offer the Lakers exactly what they’ve lacked — reliable rim protection and a legitimate lob threat to pair with Luka Doncic.

    While he’s no longer the elite version of himself from a few years ago, Capela remains a serviceable big who can anchor a defense and finish around the rim. He also wouldn’t break the bank. At 31, Capela might be open to a team-friendly, multi-year deal if it means joining a contending situation like L.A. Of course, the Lakers could explore the trade market as well, which might be their most viable path to landing a long-term solution.

     

    But if they can snag Capela in free agency and pair him with a younger, more dependable option through a deal, it would go a long way toward solidifying the center position for the foreseeable future.

     

    More Lakers news: Lakers Eyeing Long Time Target as Offseason Plans Take Shape Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes Named Target of Surprising Rival Austin Reaves Breaks Silence, Drops Major Update on Lakers Future For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, head on over to Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

     

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  • CB Emari Peterson Chooses West Virginia Over SEC and Big Ten Interest

    CB Emari Peterson Chooses West Virginia Over SEC and Big Ten Interest

     

    West Virginia’s momentum in the 2026 recruiting class continues to roll along as cornerback Emari Peterson (6’2″, 185 lbs) of Evans High School in Orlando, Florida, announced his commitment to the program on Monday morning.

     

    Peterson picked the Mountaineers over offers from Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Bowling Green, Charlotte, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kentucky, Liberty, LSU, Southern Miss, Texas A&M, Toledo, UMass, USF, Wake Forest, and a few others.

     

    In eleven games last season, Peterson registered 18 tackles and four pass breakups.

     

    Stayed tuned as we’ll have more in-depth analysis on this breaking story on West Virginia On SI, soon.

     

    West Virginia’s Current 2026 Commits

    QB Jyron Hughley, RB Jett Walker, WR Robert Stith, TE Sam Hamilton, OL Rhett Morris, OL Justyn Lyles, OL Cameron Goforth, EDGE Noah Tishendorf, DL Cam Mallory, LB Cameron Dwyer, LB Antoine Sharp, LB Miles Khatri, CB Emari Peterson, DB Simaj Hill, DB Jaylon Jones (JUCO), S Taj Powell, S Aaron Edwards, and S Emory Snyder.

     

     

     

    Tyreek Hill Race with Noah Lyles CANCELED Over Mysterious Personal Reasons

     

    Washington State Athletics Announces Significant Cuts To Track & Field Program

    It’s long been the fear among college sports fans that among ongoing financial changes to the national landscape, olympic sports programs at universities will be the ones to suffer. That happened at Washington State on Monday with the announcement that the Cougars will significantly scale back the track and field program.

    In a press release distributed Monday, WSU announced that the program will shift to a “distance-focused approach.” WSU is cutting all field events, such as jumps and throws, and cutting some sprints and hurdles for future seasons. “This change gives the WSU Track Field program the best opportunity to remain competitive at the conference and national levels in distance events in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field,” the press release noted.

    WSU will honor the scholarships of all current student-athletes impacted by the change, should they choose to remain at the school. The Cougs recently sent six student-athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships this spring. Rising sophomore Evans Kurui finished fifth in the 10,000-meter final to clinch First-Team All-America honors.

    Kurui was also the West Coast Conference Men’s Co-Runner of the Year and the WCC Freshman of the Year in Cross Country this past fall. Four Washington State alumni competed in track and field the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024, all of which competed in sprints, hurdles, or jumps.

     

    Desperation Growing for Red Wings to Trade Former NHL All-Star Per New Reports

     

    Maple Leafs’ John Tavares connected with surprising West team

    The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to see major changes occur this offseason. With the team having multiple key players entering free agency, Toronto’s roster could look very different come next season. Star forward Mitch Marner is expected to leave the team, and Toronto would then need to replace his production. But star John Tavares is also a free agent this summer. Many are expecting Tavares to return to the Maple Leafs, but anytime a player hits free agency, anything can happen.

    Despite having a down season, there will surely be other teams looking to bring Tavares into the picture. One of those could be the Minnesota Wild, who need a boost after another early playoff exit. NHL insider Joe Smith of The Athletic linked the Wild with the Maple Leafs star, writing that Tavares could be a good target for Minnesota to consider.

    “The Wild’s main need is up the middle, and now they’re on Plan B after target Nelson re-signed with the Avalanche. Tavares’ priority has been to stay in Toronto, but if he gets to market, he’d give Minnesota the experienced, two-way center who could take some pressure off Joel Eriksson Ek. The Wild need to get Tavares, Duchene or Jonathan Toews to address the position, especially after missing out on Nelson,” Smith wrote.

    Tavares isn’t the same player that he once was, but he could still be productive for the Wild. Last season, he scored 38 goals and 36 assists for the Maple Leafs. But in the playoffs, it became apparent that Tavares couldn’t keep up with other speedy players. Minnesota could be an interesting landing spot for the All-Star, and he could provide some quality experience to the team.

     

     

    New Report On Grizzlies’ Interest In Ex-Lakers, Knicks Guard For Coaching Role

    The Memphis Grizzlies have been making NBA headlines over the last few days, not just in trade reports, but also in terms of the coaching staff. The Grizzlies are searching for assistant coaches to join newly appointed head coach Tuomas Iisalo’s staff. After trading Desmond Bane, Memphis has been in the news regarding potential candidates to join Iisalo on the bench.

    Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the list of candidates, and one name stands out above the rest: former Grizzlies guard Wayne Ellington. “Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have also cast a wide net for potential assistant coaches on the front of their bench, including interest in Adrian Griffin, Jared Dudley, Dale Osbourne, Royal Ivey, Wayne Ellington, etc.,” Scotto wrote.

    “Ivey has also drawn interest this summer from the Spurs, while Dudley has also logged interest from the Cavaliers and Suns, league sources told HoopsHype.” Ellington spent 13 seasons in the NBA with the Grizzlies, as well as eight other teams, including the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. In Memphis, he averaged 5.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 40 regular-season games, while his career averages consist of 8.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. As a coach, the former North Carolina Tar Heel has been in a player development role with the Heat since 2023.

    He left his playing career behind after the 2021-22 season with the Lakers. Ellington could be of use for the Grizzlies as they look to navigate post-Bane trade. The team still intends to compete with the star duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

  • West Virginia Football Lands Another 2026 Commit Following Official Campus Visit

    West Virginia Football Lands Another 2026 Commit Following Official Campus Visit

    The WVU offensive line shields quarterback Nicco Marchiol during the 2024 season matchup against Arizona. If you weren’t aware, you might think WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez had some help from Swiper, the sneaky character from Dora the Explorer. That’s because the Mountaineers have pulled off a number of recruiting flips lately, including commitments from Noah Tishendorf and Antoine Sharp. Now, they’ve added another surprise: Class of 2026 offensive lineman Camden Goforth has switched his commitment to West Virginia.

    Goforth, a three-star lineman out of McMinn County High School in Tennessee, received his offer from WVU in May and described his reaction as “pure excitement.” However, just a few days later, he committed to Coastal Carolina on June 2.

    Despite that commitment, Goforth honored a previously scheduled official visit to Morgantown this past weekend, as reported by Jeff Cobb of Blue Gold News. That visit clearly made an impression, as Goforth publicly announced his flip to WVU before the end of his trip.

    “I can’t even explain how thrilled I am. This is a huge moment for me,” Goforth said in an interview with Rivals prior to the visit. “West Virginia has always been high on my list, and now it’s real. That means a lot.”

    WVU was one of just two Power 4 schools to offer Goforth, with NC State being the other. Goforth had an official visit to NC State set for June 20, though it remains to be seen whether he still plans to attend. He also made an unofficial trip to Louisville in March.

    The Mountaineers aren’t done yet, either — they’re now trying to flip Texas Tech commit Aaron as their next target.

  • Men’s Soccer Announces 2025 Schedule

    Men’s Soccer Announces 2025 Schedule

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has released the 2025 men’s soccer schedule. Following

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    their championship wins in both the Sun Belt Regular Season and Tournament, the Mountaineers are set to compete in 17 regular season games, with 10 of those taking place at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown. Additionally, WVU will participate in three exhibition matches ahead of the regular season.

    The year kicks off with a preseason road game at Georgetown on August 8. The Mountaineers will then return home to face Montgomery College on August 12 and Robert Morris on August 16.

    WVU officially begins its regular season with a pair of home games, starting against Manhattan on Thursday, August 21, followed by a matchup with LaSalle on Sunday, August 24.

    Next, the team travels to face perennial powerhouse Akron on Friday, August 29, before returning to host 2024 NCAA Tournament participant Gardner-Webb on Wednesday, September 3. The Mountaineers then head back on the road to take on reigning Atlantic 10 champion George Mason on Sunday, September 7.

    The Mountaineers will play three consecutive home matches at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, beginning with California Baptist on Friday, September 12. They’ll then open Sun Belt play against James Madison on Friday, September 19, followed by a matchup with defending Big South champion High Point on Tuesday, September 23.

    West Virginia will travel to Orlando to face UCF on Sunday, September 28, before returning to Morgantown to host Georgia Southern on Saturday, October 4. The team then hits the road again for a conference matchup at Coastal Carolina on Friday, October 10.

    Their final non-conference game is set for Tuesday, October 14, when they welcome American to town. The Mountaineers will then travel to Georgia State for a Sun Belt game on Saturday, October 18.

    Two additional Sun Belt matchups are set for Wednesday, Oct. 22, when the team hosts Old Dominion, followed by a road trip to Lexington to face Kentucky on Sunday, Oct. 26. The Mountain State Derby will take place on Friday, Oct. 31, with Marshall visiting Morgantown. The regular season wraps up on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with an away game at South Carolina. Please note that all dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Details regarding tickets for the 2025 home schedule will be released at a later time.