Samwise College Football Newsletter
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Michigan Board of Regents to Meet Thursday on AD Warde Manuel’s Job Status
Michigan’s Board of Regents will convene Thursday to review findings of an investigation involving athletic director Warde Manuel, per CBS Sports. The Jenner & Block law firm led the inquiry, which reportedly cost more than $11 million, following football coach Sherrone Moore’s firing over an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Manuel issued a public statement saying he has “no plans” to leave. He holds a contract extension through June 2030 at approximately $2.4 million per year with a 36-month buyout clause. Michigan has also faced sweeping NCAA penalties, including a show-cause order against former coach Jim Harbaugh.
Sources: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Florida State Adds Tom Herman to Coaching Staff as Norvell Reclaims Play-Calling
Florida State is adding Tom Herman to Mike Norvell’s coaching staff for the 2026 season, ESPN reported. Herman, 51, most recently coached at Florida Atlantic in 2023–24 before being let go after a 6–16 record. He previously compiled a 54–20 mark across stints at Houston and Texas, winning the Sugar Bowl with the Longhorns, and earned the 2014 Broyles Award as a top assistant at Ohio State. The Seminoles have gone 7–17 over the past two seasons. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn retired in February; Tim Harris Jr. was promoted to the role, with Norvell reclaiming play-calling responsibility.
Eleven Athletes Sue NCAA Over Five-Year Eligibility Rule in Federal Class Action
Eleven Division I athletes filed a federal class action lawsuit in Colorado challenging the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule, ESPN reported. The plaintiffs—including basketball players Cade Tyson and Brock Wisne—argue the rule unfairly excludes athletes who exhausted their eligibility during the 2025–26 season. Under the NCAA’s new standard, players have five years to compete, with the clock starting at enrollment or the semester after turning 19. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could open a new transfer window for football players weeks before the season begins. An Ohio judge separately granted an injunction last week covering 24 basketball players. The NCAA responded it does “not intend to change course.”
Cam Coleman Rises to No. 1 After Brendan Sorsby Removed from ESPN’s Transfer Portal Top 100
ESPN updated its college football transfer portal top 100 ranking on July 13 after removing former No. 1 Brendan Sorsby. The Texas Tech quarterback applied for the NFL supplemental draft on June 15 following an investigation that found he placed thousands of bets totaling $90,000, including wagers on Indiana games while a member of the Hoosiers roster. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman—who totaled 93 catches, 1,306 yards, and 13 touchdowns over two seasons—takes over at No. 1 heading to Texas. LSU claims three of the top five spots, landing quarterback Sam Leavitt, offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
Gary Patterson Named ACC Supervisor of Officials, Replacing Al Riveron
The ACC has named Gary Patterson as its new supervisor of officials, ESPN reported, replacing Al Riveron, who stepped down less than a week ago. Patterson brings more than 30 years of officiating experience, including 23 seasons working ACC games. He resigned from officiating last season following a disputed replay review but returns to the conference in an administrative role. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips praised Patterson as having earned “trust and respect” from coaches across the league. Patterson will oversee ACC football officiating, with officials gaining enhanced access to instant replay during select television broadcasts.
Transfer Portal Top 5
ESPN Rankings — Updated July 13
1. Cam Coleman, WR — Auburn → Texas
2. Sam Leavitt, QB — Arizona State → LSU
3. Jordan Seaton, OT — Colorado → LSU
4. Darian Mensah, QB — Duke → Miami
5. Princewill Umanmielen, Edge — Ole Miss → LSU
AP Rankings
Off-Season — 2026 Preseason Poll Expected Mid-August
No current AP poll — season begins August 28.
Transfer portal updated July 13: Brendan Sorsby removed after NFL supplemental draft entry following gambling investigation.
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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