The First Whistle: SEC Coach Fights Player?!

The NCAA’s five-year eligibility rule is facing a major challenge as the Sixth and Third Circuit Courts review antitrust cases brought by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Rutgers defensive back Jett Elad, who argue the rule unlawfully limits junior college players’ Division I opportunities and NIL earning potential. Both athletes claim the policy is commercial in nature because it determines not only who can play but who can profit, especially after the NCAA’s $2.8 billion antitrust settlement allowed revenue sharing. While Pavia and Elad have temporary waivers to compete this season, they seek broader reform for other juco athletes. The NCAA defends the rule as essential for maintaining competitive balance and preserving the distinction between college and professional sports, but mixed lower court rulings have left the issue unsettled. The circuit court decisions could significantly reshape the NCAA’s control over eligibility and influence future cases in the evolving NIL landscape.

📄 Read full Bloomberg Law article here

The University of Connecticut Division of Athletics has launched a new State Tax Credit Program to boost support for its athletic programs while offering substantial tax benefits to Connecticut taxpayers. The program provides a 50% state tax credit on qualifying payments—up to $500,000 per taxpayer annually—within a $5 million statewide cap, with a 15-year carry-forward for unused credits. Eligible payments include donations of $5,000 or more to the Storrs Strong Fund, licensing or endorsement agreements of $5,000+, and sponsorship agreements of $25,000+. UConn says the initiative creates a “win-win” by encouraging fans, businesses, and partners to invest in its nationally competitive athletics while reducing their tax burden.

📈 Read full UConn Huskies article here

Virginia Tech and UCLA have fired head coaches Brent Pry and DeShaun Foster just weeks into the season, subsequently opening 30-day transfer portal windows for both programs. Virginia Tech’s decision followed losses to South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Old Dominion, while UCLA parted ways with Foster after a 35-10 home loss to New Mexico. Under NCAA rules, players can enter the portal starting Monday and still preserve redshirt eligibility since neither team has played more than four games. Roster retention now becomes a priority alongside finding new head coaches. Virginia Tech, already hit hard by offseason transfers, could see key players like Kemari Copeland and Ayden Greene leave, while UCLA faces the possibility of losing quarterback Nico Iamaleava and cornerback Rodrick Pleasant.

❌ Read full On3 article here

Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock announced plans for a new structure in the athletic department following the firing of head football coach Brent Pry, including a possible NFL-style model with a general manager role. Pry, hired in 2021 to replace Justin Fuente, went 16-24 in his time there and was dismissed after a 45-26 loss to Old Dominion. Virginia Tech will owe Pry $6 million, paid in quarterly installments through 2027. Babcock’s comments suggest a significant shift in how the program will be run as the Hokies search for a new head coach, with names like Virginia Tech legend Michael Vick emerging as potential candidates.

🏈 Read full On3 article here

The women’s 3-on-3 basketball league, Unrivaled, has seen its valuation soar to $340 million following a Series B funding round led by Bessemer Venture Partners and joined by Serena Williams’ Serena Ventures, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures. The investment marks a significant jump from the league’s $95 million valuation a year ago and reflects the rapid growth of women’s sports. Founded in 2023, Unrivaled offers players the highest average salary in women’s sports history along with equity — a benefit not offered in the WNBA — while allowing athletes to compete during the WNBA offseason. The new funding will go toward improving league facilities, player development, and expanding awareness as Unrivaled enters its second season.

🎾 Read full CNBC article here

⬆️ NFL Highest Paid Players. Patrick Mahomes is the NFL’s highest-paid player in 2025, earning $80 million from salary and endorsements. The league’s top 20 players are projected to make a combined $1 billion this year, with off-field income accounting for 17% of the total. - Kurt Badenhausen 

⬆️ UConn. UConn made history this year as Paige Bueckers and Stephon Castle became the first alumni from the same school to win WNBA and NBA Rookie of the Year honors in the same year. – Madison Williams 

⬇️ Jabbar Juluke. Florida associate head coach and running backs coach Jabbar Juluke has been suspended for three games due to his role in a pregame altercation before the Gators’ loss to LSU. - Cameron Salerno

⬇️ Notre Dame. Notre Dame football remains winless after losing to Miami and Texas A&M, starting the season 0-2 and making their path to the College Football Playoff a difficult one. - Michael Chen