Samwise College Football Newsletter
Monday, July 13, 2026
Michigan AD Warde Manuel’s Future in Jeopardy as Regents Prepare to Meet
Michigan’s Board of Regents is expected to meet Thursday to discuss findings of an independent investigation into the athletic department, with a decision on the future of Athletic Director Warde Manuel anticipated soon, sources told ESPN. Chicago law firm Jenner and Block has spent over $11 million on the probe, commissioned after Michigan fired football coach Sherrone Moore in December for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore later confronted the staffer at her home and was arrested, agreeing to a misdemeanor plea deal. The review also covers an illegal in-person scouting scheme and federal charges against a former offensive coordinator. Manuel has held the job since 2016.
Ohio State Tops ESPN’s Preseason FPI; Defending Champion Indiana Opens at No. 6
ESPN released its preseason Football Power Index rankings Thursday, with Ohio State leading all 138 FBS teams entering the 2026 college football season. The Buckeyes, who return Heisman voters’ favorites Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith after both finished in the Heisman Trophy top 10 last season, hold an FPI score of 28.7. Texas ranks second, followed by Notre Dame, Oregon and Georgia rounding out the top five. Defending national champion Indiana opens at No. 6, raising questions about whether the Hoosiers can sustain their breakthrough in a loaded Big Ten. The FPI projects win probabilities based on returning production, recruiting quality and schedule strength before the August 29 season opener.
Sources: Saturday Down South Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Big 12 Media Days Dominated by Sorsby Saga and Monster Energy Sponsorship Deal
The Big 12 wrapped up its 2026 Football Media Days on Wednesday in Frisco, Texas, with the Brendan Sorsby saga casting the longest shadow. The former Texas Tech quarterback left the program amid an NCAA legal battle over gambling, applied for the NFL supplemental draft, but was rejected after the league chose not to hold one. Commissioner Brett Yormark unveiled a multiyear Monster Energy entitlement deal, adding jersey patches and field branding across football and basketball. Four coaches made their Big 12 debut: Collin Klein at Kansas State, Jimmy Rogers at Iowa State, Eric Morris at Oklahoma State and Morgan Scalley at Utah.
Sources: Deseret News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard to Retire After 22 Years as Power Four’s Longest-Tenured AD
Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard announced Friday he will retire effective June 30, 2027, or once a successor is hired, ending a 22-year tenure as the longest-serving active athletic director in the Power Four. Pollard, hired in 2005, oversaw Iowa State’s most successful athletic era, including hiring football coach Matt Campbell in 2016, who produced the school’s first-ever 11-win season in 2024 before departing for Penn State. Men’s basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger also thrived under Pollard, making three Sweet 16 appearances. Iowa State’s annual athletics fundraising rose from just over $9 million to $53 million, with more than $400 million in facility construction completed during his tenure.
Michigan State Names Jon Palumbo Interim AD as J Batt Departs for Kentucky
Michigan State University named Jon Palumbo interim athletic director on Thursday, effective immediately, following J Batt’s departure to Kentucky, where Batt will take the same role. Palumbo, who joined Michigan State in July 2025 after serving as executive deputy athletic director at Georgia Tech, currently holds the titles of executive deputy AD, chief operating officer and CEO of Spartan Ventures. University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz made the appointment, and a national search for a permanent athletic director will follow. The move comes as both Michigan State and Michigan simultaneously navigate major athletic director transitions, reflecting a summer of significant leadership change across the Big Ten.
ESPN Preseason FPI — Top 6
Off-season projection released July 10, 2026
1. Ohio State (FPI 28.7)
2. Texas
3. Notre Dame
4. Oregon
5. Georgia
6. Indiana 🏆 (defending champion)
2026 Media Days Schedule
Complete
Big 12 — July 7–8, Frisco TX
Upcoming
ACC — July 15–17, Charlotte NC
SEC — July 20–23, Tampa FL
Big Ten — TBD
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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