Samwise College Football Newsletter
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Big Ten, SEC Back Protect College Sports Act as Senate Vote Looms
The Protect College Sports Act gained critical momentum Friday when the Big Ten and SEC voted to support the bill after resolving a key sticking point on associated entities language. The provision prevents schools from routing money through corporate sponsors to circumvent a proposed revenue-sharing cap. Both conferences convened calls with presidents and chancellors to endorse the legislation. White House pressure Friday morning helped trigger the final negotiations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune must now bring it to the floor before Congress breaks for recess next Friday. If passed, the bill would grant the NCAA an antitrust exemption and allow schools to share up to $49 million annually with athletes.
Sources: CBS Sports
ESPN Names Shaboozey’s ‘High Noon’ as Official 2026 Season Anthem
ESPN has selected “High Noon” by Shaboozey as its official anthem for the 2026 college football season, continuing the network’s annual tradition of pairing the sport with a signature song. Shaboozey is a Grammy Award-winning artist who recently released the album “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales,” which includes the track; rapper Gunna is also featured. ESPN director of marketing Maggie Lewin called the anthem tradition “a signal college football is back.” ESPN’s first game of the 2026 season will be North Carolina vs. TCU in Ireland on Aug. 29, with a noon ET kickoff.
Sources: Saturday Down South
Florida Picks Up Defensive Line Reclassification Ahead of Fall Camp
Florida’s 2026 roster just got a boost in the trenches. Defensive lineman Stive-Bentley Keumajou reclassified from the 2027 recruiting cycle to the current class, per a report from Gators Online’s Blake Alderman, and will join the Gators for fall camp next week. The 3-star prospect is ranked No. 44 among defensive linemen in the 2027 class by 247Sports. The move brings Florida’s 2027 class to 25 commitments. Keumajou’s addition comes with the Gators set to open the 2026 season on September 5 against FAU, giving him a direct path to compete for immediate playing time as Florida looks to add depth along the defensive front.
Sources: Saturday Down South
DeAndre Hopkins Expected to Join Georgia Tech Coaching Staff
One of the most productive wide receivers of the last decade is heading to the college sideline. DeAndre Hopkins, a three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, is expected to join Georgia Tech’s offensive coaching staff, sources told CBS Sports. The 34-year-old was around the Yellow Jackets’ facility this week and has a longstanding relationship with GT offensive coordinator George Godsey, who coached him in Houston and Baltimore. Hopkins spent the 2025 season with the Ravens, catching 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. A Clemson All-American, Hopkins tallied 13,295 career receiving yards and 85 touchdowns — both top-20 marks all-time.
Sources: CBS Sports
Preseason Polls
Polls not yet released
Coaches Poll: August 4
AP Preseason Top 25: August 17
2026 Season Calendar
Fall camp opens: Aug. 4–7 (most programs)
Week 0: Aug. 29 (North Carolina vs. TCU, Ireland)
Labor Day weekend: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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