Samwise College Football Newsletter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Big 12 Media Days Open in Frisco as Eight Programs Kick Off Fall Buildup
The 2026 college football calendar opened Tuesday as eight Big 12 programs kicked off the conference’s annual Media Days in Frisco, Texas at Ford Center at The Star. Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, UCF, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech sent coaches and players to address the media on Day One, with the remaining eight programs slated for Wednesday. Live coverage of both days airs across ESPNU, ESPN2 and Big 12 Studios. The two-day event marks the traditional unofficial start to college football’s fall buildup, with the sport’s media spotlight beginning to intensify ahead of August training camps.
BYU’s LJ Martin, Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes Jr. Lead 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Team
The Big 12 Conference announced its 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team on Monday, with BYU running back LJ Martin taking Offensive Player of the Year honors and Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes Jr. earning the Defensive Player of the Year award. Martin, coming off a Big 12 Player of the Year campaign, leads a BYU contingent with six total selections — second only to Texas Tech, which claimed the most spots with seven. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita and West Virginia’s Cam Cook join Martin as the preseason backfield selections. Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker earned Preseason Newcomer of the Year honors.
Sources: Big 12 Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Nebraska Lands Top-100 WR Khalil Taylor, Pushes Into Top-20 in 2027 Class Rankings
Nebraska landed a significant recruiting commitment Monday when four-star wide receiver Khalil Taylor announced he’s joining Matt Rhule’s 2027 class. Taylor, ranked No. 90 overall in the Rivals Industry composite, chose the Huskers over Penn State, Colorado and Alabama. The commitment gives Nebraska four Top-100 prospects in the 2027 cycle and pushes the Huskers to No. 20 nationally in team recruiting rankings. Taylor is from Pine-Richland, Pennsylvania, and his addition to the class adds an elite-level pass catcher to a Nebraska program Rhule has worked to rebuild. The Huskers’ recruiting momentum has continued to build through the summer.
Sources: Rivals/On3 Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Alabama and Auburn Jointly Oppose Protect College Sports Act in Rare Bipartisan Statement
Alabama and Auburn set aside their rivalry Monday to jointly oppose the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan Senate bill co-sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell. In a letter co-signed by university system and campus presidents from both institutions, the schools argued the legislation in its current form falls short and leaves key questions unresolved. The PCSA would establish a one-transfer rule, a five-year eligibility clock and restrictions on professional athletes competing at the collegiate level. The joint statement follows a similar letter from Texas and Texas A&M, as SEC institutions increasingly align against the bill.
EA Sports College Football 26 Early Access Begins Today for Deluxe Edition Holders
EA Sports College Football 26 began early access Tuesday for Deluxe Edition holders, giving college football fans their first look at the latest installment of the franchise. Early access runs until the standard edition launches worldwide on July 10. The Deluxe Edition is priced at $99.99, while the MVP Bundle runs $149.99. EA Play subscribers also receive a 10-hour free trial during the early access period. For college football fans, the game’s arrival doubles as an unofficial seasonal kickoff — a chance to simulate fall Saturdays before preseason camps even open in August.
Tennessee Unveils First Look at New Orange Uniforms Under 10-Year Adidas Partnership
Tennessee offered the first public look at its new orange uniforms Monday, one week after officially returning to Adidas for the first time since 2014. The Vols’ transition away from Nike launches a new 10-year deal with the Three Stripes. New merchandise will be available starting July 10. Tennessee soccer is first to debut the uniforms, in an Aug. 5 exhibition against Clemson, with football following on Sept. 5 when the Vols host Furman. “Relaunching our partnership with Tennessee is incredibly energizing for our team at adidas,” said adidas Vice President of Sports Marketing Chris McGuire in a statement issued Monday.
Sources: Saturday Down South Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Final 2025–26 AP Top 10
Indiana won national title 27–21 over Miami
1. Indiana (16–0) ★
2. Miami (13–3)
3. Ole Miss (13–2)
4. Oregon (13–2)
5. Ohio State (12–2)
6. Georgia (12–2)
7. Texas Tech (12–2)
8. Texas A&M (11–2)
9. Alabama (11–4)
10. Notre Dame (10–2)
Off-Season Snapshot
Conference Media Days
Big 12: July 7–8 (today)
SEC: July 14–16
2026 Heisman Favorites
Arch Manning (Texas) +750
CJ Carr (Notre Dame) +750
2027 Recruiting Season
Early signing period: Dec. 17–19, 2026
National signing day: Feb. 4, 2027
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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