UNDATED (AP) — The NFL draft is seeing fewer longshots from small schools. The rise of NIL deals and the crowded transfer portal have concentrated talent in power conferences. The shift is impacting the draft, with fewer players from nonpower conferences being taken during the three-day event. Only 24 of 257 NFL draftees last year came from nonpower conferences. The NCAA's policy changes on name, image, and likeness, along with transfer rules, have altered scouting strategies, focusing more on traditional football powerhouses.
UNDATED (AP) — Oklahoma State’s softball team took some time to process a fatal crash involving its team bus earlier this week and will be back on the field Friday. The team had been traveling to Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday afternoon when its bus struck and killed a pedestrian who authorities said was repeatedly stepping into traffic. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it had received calls about the pedestrian walking into traffic before the bus crash. It said the person stepped into traffic again as the bus was driving and the bus driver attempted to switch lanes and avoid the person. Authorities said the pedestrian continued into the path of the bus.
UNDATED (AP) — The NIL deals that are transforming college sports are also allowing NFL teams to gain insight into how a young player will react to having money before they get a big pro contract. For many evaluators, it has become an important tool in the draft process. A prospect who stays focused despite lucrative deals is more likely to make a smoother transition to the pros. Scouts want to see if a player’s performance dips after making a lot of money or if he maintains the same work ethic and consistency. How they interact with teammates is also a key dynamic.
NEW YORK (AP) — Five Ohio State players plan to attend the first round of the NFL draft on April 23. Defensive back Caleb Downs, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate will be in the green room in Pittsburgh waiting for their name to be called. Ohio State has a chance to join Michigan State in 1967 and Notre Dame in 1946 as the only schools to have four players selected in the top 10. Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the projected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to watch the draft in Miami.
UNDATED (AP) — The Big Ten amassed nearly $70 million in revenue from NCAA distributions awarded for team appearances and performances in the 2026 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. The Big Ten swept the national championships with Michigan winning the men’s and UCLA the women’s. The Southeastern Conference totaled $56.2 million. Distributions will total $42.9 million for the Big 12, $34.2 million for the Atlantic Coast Conference and $22.2 million for the Big East. The NCAA since 1991 has rewarded conferences for having its teams appear and advance in the men’s tournament. A similar system for the women’s tournament began in 2025.
UNDATED (AP) — The Associated Press has learned an NCAA panel is scheduled to discuss potential changes to eligibility rules that would incorporate age into the process. Two people with knowledge of the situation told AP the proposal would give athletes five years of eligibility with the clock starting at the earliest of two dates: either when they turn 19 or graduate high school. The people did not want their names used because the NCAA hasn’t publicly discussed the proposal.
NEW YORK (AP) — Michigan’s 69-63 victory over Connecticut on Monday night averaged 18.3 million viewers on TBS, TNT, truTV and HBO Max, making it the most-watched men’s NCAA Tournament final since 2019. The audience for Michigan’s first title since 1989 peaked at 20.4 million for the conclusion between 11-11:15 p.m. EDT. It was a 23% increase from the 2024 final on TNT. CBS and TNT started alternating the Final Four in 2016. Overall, the tournament averaged 10.9 million across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. It is the second-most watched March Madness since 1994, which aired entirely on CBS, and a 7% increase over last year.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The transfer portal has opened in college basketball, marking a crucial phase for teams aiming for the 2027 title. More than 1,200 players have already entered the portal, with hundreds more expected. Michigan won the NCAA championship with transfers playing key roles. The Big Ten swept the football championship and both Division I basketball titles this year.
