Month: January 2025

Iowa State transfer defensive lineman officially signs with Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s newest transfer portal addition has officially signed with the Aggies

Texas A&M’s latest transfer portal addition was a big one, as the Aggies landed a commitment from former Iowa State defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim, who brings a wealth of experience and a borderline elite run-stopping skillset.

What has become a trend to solidify every new commitment, On3’s Pete Nakos announced that Onyedim has officially signed with the Aggies, as the Richmond, Texas native will reunite with his high school teammate, incoming senior offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree.

After committing on Thursday, the name to watch is former Washington State defensive lineman David Gusta, who arrived for his weekend visit on Friday. The Aggies are one or two linemen away from solidifying the defensive trenches for the 2025 season.

Onyedim has started his last two seasons at defensive end in the Cyclones’ 3-3-5 system. During the previous four seasons, he produced 90 tackles, three sacks, and 12 tackles for loss. I expect Onyedim to play a similar role as Nic Scourton, the outgoing defensive end, within Elko’s defensive scheme.

A notable athlete, Onyedim finished the 2024 season with an impressive 72.4 run defensive grade and 62.7 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

NFL playoff picture: Clinching scenarios for AFC’s Wild Card contenders

Here’s everything to know about the AFC Playoff clinching scenarios entering Week 18.

Going into the final week of the 2024 NFL season, three teams are competing for the final and seventh seed in the AFC playoff race.

Three more teams are competing for the fifth overall seed. And if that’s not enough, two more are competing for the AFC North division title, with the loser potentially dropping to the No. 6 spot.

So, what does this mean for the Houston Texans? Honestly, not much. Even in a loss against the Tennessee Titans, Houston would remain locked in as the No. 4 seed.

The Denver Broncos (9-7) currently hold the No. 7 seed. Should they lose to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, either the Miami Dolphins (8-8) or Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) could overtake Bo Nix and company for the final wild-card spot.

The Broncos will host the Chiefs and the Dolphins will face the New York Jets on Sunday. The Bengals will travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

Here are the playoff-clinching scenarios for all three teams going into Week 18.

NFL playoff picture: AFC Wild Card

  • If the Broncos beat (or tie) the Chiefs, Denver would clinch a playoff berth.
  • If the Broncos lose to the Chiefs and the Dolphins beat the Jets, Miami would clinch a playoff berth.
  • If the Broncos lose to KC and the Dolphins lose to NY and the Bengals beat the Steelers, Cincinnati would clinch a playoff berth.
  • If the Dolphins and Bengals both lose, Denver would clinch a playoff berth even if the Broncos lose to the Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are battling for the AFC North division. And the Los Angeles Chargers, who currently own the No. 6 seed, could improve their stock with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Here are the wild-card clinching scenarios for all three teams going into Week 18.

NFL playoff picture: AFC Wild Card

  • If the Ravens beat (or tie) the Browns, Baltimore would clinch the AFC North.
  • If the Steelers beat (or tie) the Bengals and the Ravens lose to the Browns, Pittsburgh would clinch the AFC North.
  • If the Ravens lose to (or tie) the Browns and Steelers lose to(or tie) the Bengals, Baltimore would clinch the AFC North.
  • If the Ravens beat (or tie) the Browns and Steelers beat (or tie) the Bengals, Baltimore would clinch the AFC North.
  • If the Ravens lose to (or tie) the Browns and Steelers lose to (or tie) the Bengals, Baltimore would clinch the AFC North.
  • If the Chargers win over the Raiders and the Steelers lose to (or tie) the Bengals, Los Angeles would clinch the No. 5 seed.

The Texans would face either the Ravens, Steelers or Chargers based on Saturday and Sunday’s results.

Updated fantasy football rankings (PPR scoring) and cheat sheets: Week 18

Set your fantasy football lineup with fantasy football PPR rankings from The Huddle for Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season.

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We have flipped the calendar to 2025, and the time has come to the final week of the NFL regular season. Whether you’re in a title game or finishing your season-long grind, we have the fantasy football rankings to bring home the W.

We consulted with our friends at TheHuddle.com, who have been helping fantasy players just like you win their leagues for over 2 decades. Check out TheHuddle.com’s top players in point-per-reception (PPR) fantasy football scoring for the upcoming weekend:

Fantasy football rankings – Week 18

Quarterback rankings

  1. Jayden Daniels, WAS vs. DAL – 34.5 projected points
  2. Jared Goff, DET vs. MIN – 33.0
  3. Sam Darnold, MIN vs. DET – 29.5
  4. Tyler Huntley, MIA vs. NYJ – 27.5
  5. Joe Burrow, CIN vs. PIT – 27.0
  6. Kyler Murray, ARI vs. SF – 26.0
  7. Joshua Dobbs, SF vs. ARI – 24.5
  8. Joe Flacco, IND vs. JAC – 23.5
  9. Bo Nix, DEN vs. KC – 23.0
  10. Lamar Jackson, BAL vs. CLE – 22.0
  11. Geno Smith, SEA vs. LAR – 21.5
  12. Baker Mayfield, TB vs. NO – 21.5

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Running back rankings

  1. Bijan Robinson, ATL vs. CAR – 26.0 projected points
  2. Jonathan Taylor, IND vs. JAC – 24.0
  3. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET vs. MIN – 22.0
  4. Josh Jacobs, GB vs. CHI – 20.0
  5. Zach Charbonnet, SEA vs. LAR – 20.0
  6. Bucky Irving, TB vs. NO – 19.0
  7. Blake Corum, LAR vs. SEA – 19.0
  8. Rico Dowdle, DAL vs. WAS – 18.0
  9. Michael Carter, ARI vs. SF – 18.0
  10. Derrick Henry, BAL vs. CLE – 17.0
  11. J.K. Dobbins, LAC vs. LVR – 16.0
  12. Tony Pollard, TEN vs. HOU – 15.0
  13. De’Von Achane, MIA vs. NYJ – 15.0
  14. Ray Davis, BUF vs. NE – 15.0
  15. Tank Bigsby, JAC vs. IND – 14.0
  16. Aaron Jones, MIN vs. DET – 13.0
  17. Kenneth Gainwell, PHI vs. NYG – 13.0
  18. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG vs. PHI – 13.0
  19. Isaac Guerendo, SF vs. ARI – 12.0
  20. Travis Etienne, JAC vs. IND – 11.0
  21. D’Andre Swift, CHI vs. GB – 10.0
  22. Najee Harris, PIT vs. CIN – 10.0
  23. Breece Hall, NYJ vs. MIA – 10.0
  24. Jaylen Warren, PIT vs. CIN – 10.0

Wide receiver rankings

  1. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET vs. MIN  – 34.0 projected points
  2. Justin Jefferson, MIN vs. DET – 32.0
  3. Terry McLaurin, WAS vs. DAL – 29.0
  4. Ladd McConkey, LAC vs. LVR – 27.0
  5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA vs. LAR – 24.0
  6. Brian Thomas Jr., JAC vs. IND – 24.0
  7. Davante Adams, NYJ vs. MIA – 23.0
  8. Michael Pittman Jr., IND vs. JAC – 23.0
  9. Ja’Marr Chase, CIN vs. PIT – 22.0
  10. Calvin Ridley, TEN vs. HOU – 21.0
  11. Courtland Sutton, DEN vs. KC – 21.0
  12. Drake London, ATL vs. CAR – 21.0
  13. Jordan Addison, MIN vs. DET – 21.0
  14. Jakobi Meyers, LVR vs. LAC – 20.0
  15. Alec Pierce, IND vs. JAC – 20.0
  16. Zay Flowers, BAL vs. CLE – 20.0
  17. Mike Evans, TB vs. NO – 19.0
  18. DJ Moore, CHI vs. GB – 19.0
  19. Ricky Pearsall, SF vs. ARI – 19.0
  20. Jalen McMillan, TB vs. NO – 19.0
  21. Demarcus Robinson, LAR vs. SEA – 18.0
  22. Tee Higgins, CIN vs. PIT – 18.0
  23. Garrett Wilson, NYJ vs. MIA – 18.0
  24. Jameson Williams, DET vs. MIN – 18.0

Tight end rankings

  1. Pat Freiermuth, PIT vs. CIN – 17.0 projected points
  2. Brock Bowers, LVR vs. LAC – 16.0
  3. Foster Moreau, NO vs. TB – 15.0
  4. Mark Andrews, BAL vs. CLE – 14.0
  5. Mike Gesicki, CIN vs. PIT – 14.0
  6. Noah Gray, KC vs. DEN – 14.0
  7. Trey McBride, ARI vs. SF – 14.0
  8. Sam LaPorta, DET vs. MIN – 13.0
  9. Jonnu Smith, MIA vs. NYJ – 12.0
  10. Zach Ertz, WAS vs. DAL – 11.0
  11. George Kittle, SF vs. ARI – 10.0
  12. T.J. Hockenson, MIN vs. DET – 10.0

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Place kicker rankings

  1. Jake Bates, DET vs. MIN  – 13.0 projected points
  2. Brandon McManus, GB vs. CHI – 12.0
  3. Chase McLaughlin, TB vs. NO – 12.0
  4. Will Reichard, MIN vs. DET – 12.0
  5. Wil Lutz, DEN vs. KC – 11.0
  6. Jake Elliott, PHI vs. NYG – 11.0
  7. Jason Sanders, MIA vs. NYJ – 11.0
  8. Tyler Bass, BUF vs. NE – 11.0
  9. Harrison Butker, KC vs. DEN – 10.0
  10. Daniel Carlson, LVR vs. LAC – 10.0
  11. Matt Gay, IND vs. JAC – 10.0
  12. Brandon Aubrey, DAL vs. WAS – 10.0

Defensive team rankings

  1. Ravens vs. CLE – 17.0 projected points
  2. Buccaneers vs. NO – 11.0
  3. Falcons vs. CAR – 8.0
  4. Packers vs. CHI – 8.0
  5. Lions vs. MIN – 8.0
  6. Titans vs. HOU – 8.0
  7. Dolphins vs. NYJ – 8.0
  8. Colts vs. JAC – 8.0
  9. 49ers vs. ARI – 7.0
  10. Eagles vs. NYG – 7.0
  11. Cowboys vs. WAS – 7.0
  12. Chargers vs. LVR – 7.0

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A top 2025 recruit had some interesting comments about Kentucky basketball

Top ten 2025 recruit Nate Ament had some interesting things to say about Kentucky basketball.

Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope has already put together a very good recruiting class for 2025, and has the makings of a strong roster for next season. There are also a few top recruits out there that the Wildcats would love to still get in Nate Ament and Caleb Wilson.

The Cats have been favored to land Wilson, but Ament is projected to go to Duke. Both are top ten forwards in the 2025 class.

Recently, Ament spoke to On3’s Jamie Shaw, and had a few comments that Big Blue Nation might find interesting.

Related: Kentucky a three-seed in latest Bracketology

First, he was complementary of Kentucky’s offense and their ability to score points. Then he was asked about playing alongside Caleb Wilson, and had this to say:

That guy is a winner. He’s won at every level he’s been at. I feel like with me playing with someone like Caleb Wilson, would benefit us both, growing together as freshmen.

It’s believed that landing one would end pursuit of the other, but that may not be the case. It’s likely still a longshot, but it’s a very nice idea to think about.

Both Wilson and Ament are set to make their decisions over the next few months. Kentucky fans will be watching closely.

Bengals have their own WR drama ahead of Week 18 matchup vs Steelers

The Steelers face a Bengals team in Week 18 dealing with rookie WR Jermaine Burton’s latest drama, as he won’t travel with the team.

Fans of the Black and Gold have grown accustomed to wide receiver drama plaguing their beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

From Antonio Brown to JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and now George Pickens, the Steel City just can’t catch a break when it comes to elite wide receivers squandering their talent with bad attitudes. However, it seems their Week 18 opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, are dealing with some WR drama of their own.

Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton, drafted with the 80th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, entered the league with several character concerns.

Burton was previously made inactive for disciplinary reasons against the Las Vegas Raiders back in November, but it appears the rookie has yet to learn his lesson. On Friday, it was reported that he would not be traveling with the Bengals to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a “coach’s decision.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have caught a break, as the dangerous Cincinnati Bengals offense could now have a distraction plaguing the team heading into Week 18.

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Where is Texas A&M basketball predicted to finish in the SEC?

On the eve of the start SEC, we take a peak back on where the media picked A&M to finish in the conference

The time is here, and once the Texas A&M basketball team starts conference play, many questions will be answered.

Before the start of the season, the media gave their thoughts on the SEC and where they predicted each team to finish. With the SEC being such a talented conference, there was some discussion, especially in the top five, with minor differences depending on who was asked.

To get the overall average, go to the official SEC website to see where the Aggies are picked to finish at the end of conference play.  Below is the preseason prediction on where each team will finish once it’s done.

  1. Alabama
  2. Auburn
  3. Tennessee
  4. Arkansas
  5. Texas A&M
  6. Florida
  7. Texas Longhorns
  8. Kentucky
  9. Ole Miss
  10. Mississippi State
  11. South Carolina
  12. Georgia
  13. Missouri
  14. LSU
  15. Oklahoma
  16. Vanderbilt

It will be a fascinating second half of the regular season with a Top 25 game and almost everything they take on the court. We look forward to watching the Aggies navigate through the storm to election day for the NCAA tournament.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

Here’s how much Jimmy Butler’s suspension will cost Heat star

Jimmy Butler faces a seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Jimmy Butler’s time with the Miami Heat is seemingly nearing an end, but in the short term, he’s not going to be on the court for the team.

The six-time NBA All-Star has been suspended for the next seven games by the Heat due to “conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.”

The decision to suspend Butler came just one day after a bizarre moment during a press conference in which he all but said he wanted to play elsewhere.

“What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball and wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon,” he said. “I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”

When asked if he could regain his joy on the court with the Heat, he simply replied “probably not.”

With Butler out of the action, it will be costly in terms of lost salary, but not exactly in the grand scheme of his annual salary which sits just shy of $50 million.

He will lose $346,543 per game missed for a grand total of $2.35 million, or just 1/145 of his salary.

Butler has been a superstar during his six seasons in Miami, but that marriage is likely coming to an end, and a suspension probably won’t help him find that joy again.

Here’s why Joe Mixon is excited for new Texans WR Diontae Johnson’s debut

After watching Diontae Jonhson prove his upside as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe Mixon is ready to see what he provides as a teammate.

Joe Mixon spent seven seasons in the AFC North battling the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While he never was on the same field as him, the former Cincinnati Bengals running back got an up-close look at Diontae Johnson’s potential in the passing game.

Now, as teammates with the Houston Texans, Mixon is ready for the fans to see what Johnson can do when given space and a clear path to the end zone.

“I’m going to give y’all a treat: Diontae Johnson, he’s gonna look real good out there for us,” Mixon said Thursday. “Incorporating him into the offense, I think that was major. I’ve played against him for years. I’ve obviously respected him as a football player. For him to come in and us be able to uplift him, because he was struggling this year going from place to place and figuring out where he stands.”

Acquired off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson is the hopeful missing link to the passing attack behind Nico Collins. Houston needs a constant secondary weapon with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs sidelined with season-ending injuries.

Johnson, who will play for his fourth team in 12 months on Sunday when the Texans take on the Tennessee Titans, just wants a fresh start after an unsettling end in Baltimore.

“He came in here ready to grind, ready to work. We love that as a Texans organization, as a team,” Mixon said of the 2021 Pro Bowler. “I love that a guy will give his all and do everything the right way.

“In terms of going into the postseason, you can never take that for granted.”

The Texans (9-7) were willing to take a risk on Johnson, given their need at receiver. When in a groove, the former third-round pick has the upside of a 1,000-yard playmaker and leading receiver.

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik praised Johnson’s ability to separate and win as a route-runner. That was evident during his time in Carolina, where he averaged 11.9 yards per route and totaled 30 catches in seven games.

That’s the version Houston hopes to have on Sunday and in the postseason. Johnson knows even in a limited time with the team, he can be that same separator.

“I bring a lot of value, just my ability to get open and create space,” Johnson said. “And just my YAC ability after I catch the ball and add another weapon to the rest of the guys here, just being another weapon and making the offense that much better.”

Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

UNC basketball falls drastically in latest Bracketology

Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels are on the bubble once again for the NCAA Tournament.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have work to do for their NCAA Tournament resume as the 2025 calendar year begins. After losing to Louisville on Wednesday night, North Carolina’s NET ranking slipped four more spots with a 2-6 Quad 1 record.

And now, they are firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble.

In Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology on Friday, the Tar Heels are one of the four teams in the “Last Four In” section. That places them on the bubble with work to do.

UNC is the first team in that section, so essentially they are team 65 in Lunardi’s latest mock bracket. That’s a freefall from where they started the season and even the Bracketology that was released on Tuesday as well.

Joining UNC in that “Last Four In” section are SMU, BYU, and Drake. The Tar Heels actually play SMU on Monday night in Chapel Hill, and the loser is likely out of Lunardi’s bracket for now.

Behind the Tar Heels in the “First Four Out” are Vanderbilt, Iowa, Missouri and Arizona State. Those are teams to watch moving forward as well.

But the bottom line for UNC is that they need to win games and beat the teams they are supposed to beat. That starts with Notre Dame on Saturday and then SMU on Monday.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Georgia LB accepts Senior Bowl invitation

Georgia football senior linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. accepts 2025 Senior Bowl Invitation, likely to enter NFL draft

Georgia Bulldogs standout linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. plans to play in the 2025 Senior Bowl. Mondon Jr. is the second Georgia player to accept an invitation to the Senior Bowl, which will be played in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 1, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Mondon Jr., who is from Dallas, Georgia, began his Georgia career in 2021.  Based on his acceptance of a Senior Bowl invitation, he will likely be entering the 2025 NFL draft.

Mondon Jr. has dealt with injuries last year and missed a little time this year, but when he is on the field the impact he makes is noticeable. Mondon Jr.’s leadership has been on full display with him helping in the development of talented freshman linebacker Chris Cole.

Mondon Jr. been a starter on the Georgia defense for the past three seasons. He has only missed the College Football Playoff once and is a national champion.

The Senior Bowl is a predraft scrimmage and tons of NFL draft scouts and executives attend the event.