Samwise College Football Newsletter
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Big Ten Opens Spring Meetings Pushing for 24-Team CFP Amid Conference Stalemate
The Big Ten opened its annual spring meetings Monday in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, with the future of college sports on the agenda. The conference, which holds the current football, men’s, and women’s basketball national titles, is pushing for a 24-team College Football Playoff — a position now backed by the ACC, Big 12, and the American Football Coaches Association. The SEC remains the lone Power Four holdout under commissioner Greg Sankey, who prefers 16 teams. The meeting also addressed the SCORE Act stalled in Congress, a proposed five-year player eligibility window, and the College Sports Commission’s enforcement authority. The SEC holds its own spring meetings next week.
Sources: Associated Press
Pac-12 and Mountain West Settle Poaching and Exit-Fee Lawsuits, Clearing Path for Realignment
The Pac-12 and Mountain West agreed in principle Monday to resolve lawsuits over membership poaching and exit fees, issuing a joint statement with five departing schools to stay the cases while final terms are negotiated. The dispute stemmed from a 2024 scheduling agreement that imposed exit fees starting at $10 million per school leaving the Mountain West, rising to a $55 million cap. Boise State, Utah State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Fresno State are all set to join the Pac-12 this fall. The Mountain West is adding UTEP, Hawaii, and Northern Illinois. A discovery hearing in the California case had been set for Tuesday.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Sues NCAA to Restore Eligibility After Gambling Disclosure
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby was declared ineligible Monday after acknowledging he placed more than 10,000 wagers over four years, and filed a lawsuit in Lubbock County seeking a court injunction to restore his eligibility. Sorsby entered residential treatment for a clinically diagnosed gambling disorder three weeks ago and had signed a multimillion-dollar NIL deal to transfer to the Red Raiders from Cincinnati. The lawsuit, led by attorney Jeffrey Kessler, argues the NCAA profits from gambling partnerships while permanently banning a player for a recognized addiction. Texas Tech says it will initiate the reinstatement process while supporting Sorsby’s well-being. This is Sorsby’s final year of college eligibility.
Sources: CBS Sports
Clemson Lands Four-Star Safety Jarrell Chandler Over Tennessee in Knoxville Recruiting Win
Clemson scored a major recruiting victory Monday when four-star safety Jarrell Chandler from Halls High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, committed to the Tigers over home-state Tennessee. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defensive back is ranked No. 91 overall in Rivals’ 2027 class rankings. Chandler had long been viewed as a heavy Tennessee lean, but Clemson’s late push ultimately prevailed, with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles playing a significant role. The commitment strengthens a Clemson 2027 class that currently ranks 31st nationally — which would be the Tigers’ lowest class ranking under Dabo Swinney since 2009. Swinney’s program is working to recapture its recruiting dominance in the NIL era.
Sources: Rocky Top Insider
Four-Star OT Jake Hildebrand Announces College Decision Tuesday from Arizona
Four-star offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand of Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona, is set to announce his college commitment Tuesday afternoon, choosing from Arizona State, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Utah. The 6-foot-5, 273-pound lineman is ranked No. 92 nationally in the 2027 class and has been among Arizona’s most coveted prospects since his freshman year. Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham has made a strong late push, emphasizing NFL offensive line development and proximity to home. Oregon, Texas A&M, and Utah have each made competitive cases throughout his recruitment, making this one of the day’s most-watched decisions.
Sources: On3
Final 2025 AP Top 10
Off-Season — Preseason Poll Releases in August
1. Indiana (16-0) — National Champions
2. Miami (14-2)
3. Ole Miss (13-3)
4. Oregon (13-1)
5. Ohio State (12-2)
6. Georgia (11-2)
7. Texas Tech (12-2)
8. Texas A&M (11-2)
9. Alabama (10-3)
10. Notre Dame (11-2)
2026 Season Preview Leaders
Post-Spring Power Rankings
1. Ohio State — Julian Sayin + Jeremiah Smith
2. Texas — Most complete Sarkisian roster yet
3. Oregon — Ducks return most of CFP core
4. Notre Dame — C.J. Carr leads offense
5. Georgia — Gunner Stockton takes the reins
6. Indiana — Defending champions, Hoover at QB
7. Miami — Darian Mensah joins from Duke
8. Penn State — Campbell’s first full season
Source: CBS Sports 138 (Post-Spring)
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