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We’re ever so close to the start of Week 0 and with it, college football. Yet while games have yet to be played, that hasn’t stopped the news cycle from circulating. And with it, the CFB newsletter is here to bring that news to the forefront for college football fans. Let’s begin.
The Fall Guy
As it turns out, the drama that once surrounded Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines isn’t over. Only now, the focus has shifted to the team’s new head coach, Sherrone Moore.
Moore was listed as one of seven members of Michigan’s staff who’ve supposedly violated NCAA rules. The draft of the violation states that Moore could face a show-cause penalty, and potentially a suspension for allegedly deleting a text thread with former Michigan staffer Connor Stallions back in October 2023. It’s alleged that those actions took place on the same day that media reports revealed Stallions’ attempts to capture play-call signals from opposing teams.
If guilty, Moore would be considered a repeat offender based on admittance that he contacted recruits during a Covid-19 recruiting “dead period”.
It’ll be incredibly interesting to see how this develops.
Gator Down
According to multiple reports on Saturday, Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Johnson was injured at the start of training camp. Thankfully, his injury (and surgery) were considered minor. Johnson is expected to return in time for the Gators’ season opener on August 31.
While Johnson is out, the team will rely on JUCO transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson, sophomore Treyaun Webb, and freshman Jaden Baugh. The most interesting player to keep an eye on in this group is likely Baugh, who showed great burst and vision during the team’s spring game earlier this year.
Kentucky to Vacate Wins
On Friday, the NCAA reached an agreement with Kentucky on Level II violations that occurred within the football program. The violation stems from (at least) 11 football players receiving “impermissible” benefits from 2021 and 2022. Eight of those players would suit up and play for the Wildcats while ineligible.
As a result of the findings, Kentucky has agreed to face two years of probation as well as a fine. They also must vacate any wins in which the ineligible players participated in (which is likely from the 2021 and 2022 seasons). During that span, the Wildcats posted a 17-9 record. That included a bowl game victory and an appearance in the AP Top 25 in the 2021 season (18th).
End of the Walk-On?
While the “House vs NCAA” case has perceivably done wonders for athletes and university programs, there’s one group of players that it could affect in a negative way – walk-on players. According to a Yahoo report, the NCAA will allow an increase of scholarships, which is great news for walk-on players. However, it also stated that the rosters for football teams would be shortened from 125 to 105 players – starting in the 2025 season.
While the news is good for the 20 or so walk-on players who are now gaining scholarships, it closes the door for others who now may no longer have an option to make the team. In essence, with the type of money that’s involved, the “walk-on athlete” may become a thing of the past – and soon. It’ll be interesting to watch how this develops and affects the schools and players going forward.
Mic’d Up
There’s little things more immersive in the football world than having a player mic’d up. Whether it’s in-game, or during practice, it brings a great insight into that player, and the game surrounding them. On Saturday, the FAU football team released a mic’d up practice, featuring Kahzir “Buggs” Brown.
Mic’d w/ @kahzirbrown 🎙️#TriCountyTakeover#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/NntGGYbWv0
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) August 3, 2024
Brown is a transfer student from the University of Maine, who looks to add physicality and length to the Owls’ defense.
