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Illinois Fighting Illini

Title: AP Top 25: Michigan Rises, USC Enters Poll

by Emma Walker – News Editor December 2, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Michigan Soars to No. 3 ⁣in AP Men’s Basketball Poll, USC Enters Top 25

New York – Michigan jumped to No. 3 in the latest associated press Men’s Basketball Top 25 poll, released Monday, following a strong week of play. USC made its season debut in the poll at No. 21.

The top five remain⁤ largely⁢ unchanged, wiht Purdue holding steady at No. 1,followed by Marquette at No. 2. Connecticut rounds out the top five at No. ‍5.

Here’s a look at the Top 10:

Purdue
Marquette
Michigan
Houston
Connecticut
Arizona
Creighton
Gonzaga
Baylor
Tennessee

Iowa State experienced a meaningful rise in ⁣rankings after performing well at⁣ the ⁣Players Era Festival, though they remain unranked in the AP poll. Others receiving ⁤votes include Iowa ‌(99 votes), UCLA ‍(59), Nebraska (52), TCU (35), Missouri‌ (28), Utah St. (16), Saint Mary’s (15), Baylor (13), Oklahoma St. (12), SMU (12), Clemson (10), LSU ‍(7), Seton Hall (6), Wisconsin‍ (6), NC State (5), ⁣Wake Forest (3), California (2), Colorado (1),‍ George Mason (1), and Buffalo (1).

Iowa entered ⁣the poll ⁣at No. 16, propelled by a ‍win over⁣ Ole Miss and currently ranking 11th nationally in offensive efficiency. Coach Ben McCollum’s team boasts a 38-4 record in‍ two years at the Division⁣ I level, ‍including a 6-1 ⁢mark⁢ against high-major opponents.

Gonzaga, despite a recent 40-point loss to Michigan, remains at no.8, supported by⁣ strong analytical rankings – fifth ⁣at KenPom, fifth in the NCAA’s NET ratings, ninth at⁣ Bart Torvik, and 10th at⁤ Evan Miya.

December 2, 2025 0 comments

News

AP Top 25: Texas, Penn State drop out of poll as Ohio State, Miami lead rankings

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 6, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

AP Top 25: Ohio State‌ Holds No. 1, Texas and Penn State Fall From Rankings

NEW YORK – ⁢ Ohio State remains the nation’s top-ranked⁢ team⁤ in the latest ⁤Associated Press ‌Top 25 poll, released Sunday, while preseason favorites Texas and Penn State both‍ dropped out following recent‍ losses. The ⁤Buckeyes’ continued dominance, highlighted by their impressive roster, solidified their position at No.⁣ 1, narrowly edging out ⁣Miami for the top spot despite the inherent difficulty of ranking teams without degrees of separation.

The shakeup sees Texas A&M climb to No. 3,jumping Oregon,whose best win is currently a road victory at Penn state.⁤ The Aggies’ own signature win came at notre Dame. While acknowledging oregon’s potential, the voter noted the Ducks “definitely look the part” despite the shift.

Both Texas and penn State, previously ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively on the preseason ballot, are now unranked. The voter indicated both programs ⁢have‍ the potential to return‌ to the rankings, citing Penn State’s recent loss to UCLA as a⁢ setback, not a definitive fall from contention. However,⁣ both teams “need to show me something” to earn their way back into ‌the poll.

Memphis enters the Top 25 at No. 23, becoming the first bowl-eligible team in the country with a 6-0 record. They finished last ‌season‍ ranked No. 24. The addition ‍of Memphis, alongside a ranked Vanderbilt despite a loss to Alabama, gives‌ the state of Tennessee three teams in the AP Top 25 – joining no.⁤ 12 Tennessee – for the first time,⁢ according to the College Poll Archive. USF returns to the rankings at No. 24, largely due to⁢ a prior win‍ against⁣ Florida.

Looking ahead,three ranked matchups highlight next week’s schedule:

* ⁤⁢ No.⁣ 1 Ohio State at No. 17 Illinois: This will be the‍ tenth ⁢meeting between the teams while both are ranked, with Ohio State holding a 3-6‌ record in previous encounters, and ⁣having ⁤lost all four since 1964. Illinois has previously ‍defeated top-ranked ⁤Ohio State teams in 1950 and 2007.
* No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon: This is only the third meeting between⁤ Indiana and ⁤Oregon, and the first since Indiana won in Eugene in 2004, a ‌game marked‍ by seven oregon turnovers.
* ⁣ no. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Missouri: ⁤ Since Missouri joined‌ the SEC, Alabama has won both previous ranked matchups ⁢against the Tigers by a combined score of⁢ 76-13.

October 6, 2025 0 comments

Sport

College football picks: Predictions against the spread, odds, betting lines for top 25 games in Week 6

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor October 4, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

College Football Week 6: Expert‌ Picks Against the Spread,Betting‌ Lines

Breaking: As college football enters Week 6,several Top 25 matchups present compelling opportunities for bettors seeking to capitalize on point spreads and odds. Key games featuring No. 3⁤ Florida State, No. 5 LSU, ‌and No.11 Notre‌ Dame will heavily influence national championship and conference title races,making informed predictions crucial for both casual fans and serious gamblers.

This‍ week’s slate offers a blend of conference clashes⁣ and intriguing non-conference contests, with betting lines reflecting the ⁣perceived strength of each team. Analyzing thes lines, alongside team ⁣performance and ‍potential matchups, is essential for making profitable wagers. The⁢ outcomes of ⁢these games will not only impact the College Football Playoff⁤ picture but also shape the narratives surrounding individual programs and players throughout the remainder of the season.

Here’s⁢ a breakdown of picks against the spread, odds, and betting lines for select Top 25 games in ‌Week 6‌ (all times Eastern):

* No. 3‍ Florida State at Syracuse (12:00 PM ET): Florida State is favored by -6.5 points.
* No.5 LSU at⁤ Mississippi State (3:30 PM ET): LSU is favored by -8.5 points.
* No. 11 notre Dame ⁤at Louisville‌ (12:00 PM ET): Notre Dame is favored‍ by -6 points.
* Texas at Oklahoma (6:00⁤ PM ET): ‍ Texas is favored by -3 points.
* Washington ‍at Oregon (3:30 PM ET): Oregon is favored⁣ by -3 points.
* Alabama at Kentucky (3:30 PM ET): Alabama is ⁤favored by -21.5 points.
* Oklahoma State at Kansas State ⁢(3:30 PM ET): Kansas State is favored by -2.5 points.
* Iowa at Minnesota (3:30 PM ET): Iowa is favored by -3.5 points.
* USC at Colorado (12:00 PM ET): USC is favored by -20.5 points.
*‍ Nebraska at Michigan (7:30 PM ET): Michigan is favored by ⁤-24.5 points.

October 4, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Gonzaga, Tennessee or Purdue: Who is men’s college basketball’s most tortured fan base?

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor September 4, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Purdue Fans End Decades of March Madness⁤ Heartbreak ‌with National Championship Victory

WEST‍ LAFAYETTE,IN – After decades of near misses‌ and agonizing defeats,Purdue University basketball fans can finally⁣ exhale. The Boilermakers secured their first-ever NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship last night, vanquishing [Opponent] and ending a painful legacy of March Madness heartbreak that has defined‍ generations of Purdue faithful. For⁣ a ⁢fan base long considered⁤ among college basketball’s most “tortured,” the ‍victory marks a cathartic release and‍ a‍ long-awaited validation.

The pain‌ for Purdue fans⁢ runs deep, a narrative woven with consistent regular season ⁣success and postseason frustration. While programs like Gonzaga and Tennessee‍ have experienced recent surges and subsequent disappointments, Purdue’s struggles‍ stretch back further,‍ becoming a defining characteristic of the ‌program. From 1998 to 2012,the program ⁣enjoyed a period of relative success,winning two regular-season titles,three conference tournaments,and making eight NCAA Tournament appearances. however, the 2012 Pac-12 regular season championship – a ⁤feat achieved by the Washington Huskies – serves as a cautionary‍ tale, as it infamously did⁢ not result in an NCAA Tournament ⁤bid, foreshadowing a downturn.

Indeed, the Huskies’‍ experience mirrors ‍Purdue’s own struggles with consistency. In the ⁤13 seasons following their 2012 peak, Washington qualified for only one NCAA Tournament. ⁣The‌ “magic⁢ dust” of coach Lorenzo Romar faded,and the Mike Hopkins ⁢era proved disappointing.Purdue fans, many of whom also endured the ⁣loss of the Seattle SuperSonics NBA team in 2008, could certainly empathize with the Husky ⁣faithful’s desperation for a return to winning ways.

But Purdue’s story is⁤ uniquely its‍ own. While Gonzaga has built a consistent national presence ‍in ⁣recent decades, only‌ to fall short of⁣ the ultimate prize,‌ and Tennessee has experienced⁤ frustrating exits despite consistently strong⁢ regular seasons, Purdue’s heartache feels…older.The Boilermakers have consistently been good, often⁤ excellent, but rarely able to translate that ⁣success onto the biggest‍ stage.The program’s recent history, mirroring Oklahoma State’s decline after a period of sustained success, has been marked by coaching turnover and unfulfilled potential. ⁢Like Oklahoma State, which⁢ saw‌ its NCAA Tournament appearances‌ dwindle after Eddie Sutton’s ⁢retirement in ⁣2006, Purdue has faced challenges in maintaining ‌consistent⁢ postseason success. Brad Underwood’s speedy departure⁤ from Oklahoma State to‌ illinois after just one season echoes the frustrations⁤ of programs struggling to retain key leadership.This championship, however, rewrites the narrative. The victory provides a stark contrast to the experiences of programs ⁣like Providence, who‌ yearn for a long-term, native-son coach to lead them to sustained success ⁣after cycles of promising ⁣starts ⁣and disappointing finishes. ⁣And it offers a‌ hopeful path forward for programs like Minnesota, seeking a resurgence under a new ⁣alum coach, Niko Medved, after years of academic scandal⁣ and limited NCAA Tournament appearances.

For Purdue,the wait is finally over. ‌The agony of past defeats – the bracket busters, the close calls, the heartbreaking losses – ⁤has given‍ way to⁢ unbridled joy. The championship is not⁣ just⁢ a victory for‌ the current ‍team, but for‌ every Purdue fan who has ‍ever worn the Old Gold and Black⁣ and dared to dream of⁣ a national title.

September 4, 2025 0 comments

Business

Iamaleava’s Transfer Jolts Spring QB Market

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com April 15, 2025

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

The college football transfer portal continues to reshape rosters, especially at the quarterback position. This article dives into the latest trends and impactful moves within the spring transfer portal, including a look at the headlining availability of nico Iamaleava. Discover which quarterbacks are on the move and how it could impact the upcoming season.

Spring Transfer Portal: Quarterbacks on the Move

April 15,2025

A look at quarterbacks who have found new opportunities through the spring transfer portal,and the potential impact of Nico Iamaleava’s availability.

Nico iamaleava: The Headliner

As the spring transfer portal opens, all eyes are fixed on former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. After leading the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff appearance and a 10-3 record, Iamaleava presents an enticing option for Power 4 programs seeking a quarterback upgrade.

Though, a notable hurdle exists. But his asking price — and the new financial structure in college football — complicates things. Most Power 4 programs have already committed financially to their starting quarterbacks during the winter portal window in December.

Spring Portal Trends: A Deeper Dive

Iamaleava’s availability in April is unusual for a Power 4 starting quarterback. While not unprecedented, history reveals some trends within the spring transfer portal.

2024 Cycle: Over 80 Division I quarterbacks entered the portal after April 1, but only a dozen started an FBS game last fall, and only five did so at Power 4 schools.
Typical Scenario: The spring window primarily features inexperienced backups seeking a fresh start,with few immediately securing starting roles.
Best QBs Move Early: It’s obvious, though, that the best quarterbacks are no longer waiting until the spring to make a move, which is why the market is usually dry this time of year.

Notable Spring Transfer Moves: A Retrospective

Examining past spring transfer portal moves provides valuable context. Hear’s a look at quarterbacks who switched schools and the outcomes they experienced:

2021

TJ finley (LSU → Auburn): Finley, now at his fifth school (Tulane), initially transferred to Auburn in May 2021. he started three games in 2021 and began the 2022 season as Auburn’s starter before transferring to Texas State in May 2023. Recently, Finley ran into some legal issues.
Joe Milton (Michigan → Tennessee): Milton joined Tennessee in April after a 2-4 season with Michigan. He initially won the starting job but was later replaced by Hendon Hooker due to injury. Milton regained the starting role in 2022 and remained the starter in 2023.
Artur Sitkowski (Rutgers → Illinois): After starting 15 games for Rutgers,Sitkowski transferred to Illinois in april 2021.He started three games in Bret Bielema’s first season (2021) and served as a backup in 2022.

2022

Gerry Bohanon (Baylor → USF): Bohanon, after leading baylor to a 12-2 record, lost his starting job and transferred to USF in April 2022. He started seven games for USF in 2022 before becoming a backup at BYU in 2023.
Billy Edwards Jr. (Wake Forest → Maryland): Edwards transferred to Maryland in April after limited opportunities at Wake Forest. He started three games in 2022 due to injury and 11 games in 2024 before transferring to wisconsin. He earned MVP honors in the 2023 bowl win over Auburn.
Emory Jones (Florida → Arizona State): Jones transferred to Arizona State after Jayden Daniels’ departure. He started seven games in 2022. He then transferred to Cincinnati, leading them to a 3-9 record in 2023.

2023

Ben Bryant (Cincinnati → Northwestern): bryant,after a accomplished stint at Eastern Michigan and Cincinnati,transferred to Northwestern in April 2023. He started and whent 6-3 in 2023.
Thomas Castellanos (UCF → Boston College): castellanos transferred to Boston College in April 2023 after limited playing time at UCF. he became the starter by Week 2, leading the Eagles to a 7-6 season. He is expected to be the starter at Florida State this fall.
Casey Thompson (Nebraska → FAU): Thompson transferred to FAU in April 2023 after a coaching change at Nebraska. He won the starting job but suffered a season-ending injury three games into the season.He spent last season as a backup at Oklahoma.
Payton Thorne (Michigan State → Auburn): thorne transferred to Auburn in April to join Hugh Freeze. he led Auburn to a 5-7 record in 2023 and improved his passing efficiency in 2024.
Hayden wolff (Old Dominion → Western Michigan): Wolff transferred to Western Michigan in the spring of 2023. He took over as the starter mid-season and led Western Michigan to a bowl game.

2024

Jacolby Criswell (Arkansas → North Carolina): Criswell returned to North Carolina after a stint at Arkansas. He started 10 games in 2024 after an injury to Max Johnson before transferring to East Tennessee State.
Nick Evers (Wisconsin → UConn): evers transferred to uconn and won the starting job in 2024, starting eight games.
Collin Schlee (UCLA → Virginia Tech): Schlee transferred to Virginia Tech in april 2024. He backed up Kyron drones before starting three games late in the year.
Christian Veilleux (Pittsburgh → Georgia State): Veilleux transferred to Georgia State in April after Pittsburgh acquired Eli Holstein. He won the starting job, throwing for 2,047 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight starts.

April 15, 2025 0 comments