Samwise College Football Newsletter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
SEC and Big Ten Oppose Protect College Sports Act Ahead of Senate Hearing
The Big Ten and SEC released a joint statement Tuesday opposing the Protect College Sports Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell. The conferences cited critical issues with the bill, arguing it fails to meaningfully preempt state laws, shifts rulemaking to Congress, and likely expands litigation rather than reducing it. The statement came ahead of a Wednesday Senate hearing at which former Alabama coach Nick Saban and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua are scheduled to testify. The Big 12 and ACC have supported the bill, but without Big Ten and SEC backing, its path forward remains uncertain.
Sources: On3
CFP Releases 2026-27 Schedule; Fans Slam Month-Long Timeline Between Rounds
The College Football Playoff and its broadcast partners announced the full schedule for the 2026-27 season, and fan reaction was overwhelmingly negative. The 12-team Playoff begins with on-campus first-round games on December 18 and 19, with quarterfinals at the Fiesta, Peach, Cotton, and Rose bowls on December 30 and January 1. Semifinals are set for the Orange Bowl on January 14 and the Sugar Bowl on January 15, with the national championship at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on January 25. Critics objected to the extended timeline, with 24 days separating the quarterfinals from the championship. Games will air across ESPN, ABC, TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.
Sources: Saturday Down South
Nick Saban Set to Testify at Wednesday Senate Hearing on College Sports Reform
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban is among witnesses scheduled to testify Wednesday at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the Protect College Sports Act. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould, and former Ohio State president Gordon Gee are also expected to appear. The hearing, called by committee chairman Ted Cruz, examines a bill that would establish eligibility standards, regulate NIL deals, and restrict coaching movement mid-season. Saban has publicly warned that programs with the largest collective budgets hold unfair competitive advantages, and is expected to advocate for structural reform of the college athletics system.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
USC AD Sets Championship Bar for Lincoln Riley Entering Year 5 with Trojans
USC athletics director Jen Cohen set clear expectations for Lincoln Riley entering his fifth season with the Trojans, telling the Los Angeles Times she anticipates a championship run in 2026. Riley carries a 35-18 record at USC but has not reached double-digit wins since his first season in 2022. The Trojans went 9-4 last year, dropping the Alamo Bowl to TCU. Cohen pointed to USC's top-ranked 2026 recruiting class, returning quarterback Jayden Maiava, and all five starting offensive linemen as reasons for optimism. She also credited general manager Chad Bowden for reducing the administrative load on Riley, allowing the coaching staff to focus fully on football preparation and player development.
Sources: On3
South Carolina to Induct Steve Spurrier into Athletics Hall of Fame This Fall
The University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class Tuesday, headlined by former head football coach Steve Spurrier. The Head Ball Coach will be inducted during homecoming weekend, with the ceremony set for November 5. Spurrier coached South Carolina for 11 seasons, compiling 86 wins, an SEC East championship in 2010, and three consecutive 11-win campaigns from 2011 through 2013. He is the only coach in program history to defeat Clemson six times. Spurrier guided the Gamecocks to 69 consecutive AP poll appearances. Former players Kenny McKinley, Marcus Lattimore, and Melvin Ingram were previously inducted into the hall.
Sources: On3
Final AP Top 10 — 2025-26 Season
National Champions: Indiana (16-0)
1. Indiana (16-0)
2. Miami
3. Ole Miss
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Texas Tech
8. Texas A&M
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
Off-Season Focus
Transfer Portal
Spring portal window closed — 3,663 players moved in 2026 cycle
2027 Recruiting
June official visit season underway — ~60% of top 300 already committed
Season Kickoff
100 days to Week 1 — 2026 season opens early September
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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