Samwise College Football Newsletter
Thursday, July 17, 2026
Auburn Players to Share $6 Million NIL Deal for Aflac Kickoff Game Against Baylor
Auburn football players are set to share roughly $6 million in a landmark NIL arrangement tied to the program’s appearance in the Aflac Kickoff Game against Baylor on September 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The deal marks the first time a neutral-site college football game has incorporated NIL compensation for participating players. Up to 24 Auburn student-athletes will fulfill marketing commitments that include social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, and in-game promotions. Peach Bowl, Inc. partnered with third-party entities to structure the arrangement, with players’ compensation connected to ticket sales revenue generated through their promotional efforts.
Sources: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Jenner & Block Report Finds Michigan Overlooked Warning Signs Surrounding Sherrone Moore
A report by outside law firm Jenner & Block, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, found that the University of Michigan overlooked warning signs surrounding former head coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with executive assistant Paige Shiver. Athletic Director Warde Manuel documented concerns on August 29, 2024 – two days before Moore’s first game as head coach – noting that Shiver could not accompany Moore on trips. The investigation found Michigan’s response was inadequate and accountability for handling the situation was often unclear. The university’s Board of Regents was scheduled to discuss the Jenner & Block findings on Thursday.
Sources: Inside Higher Ed Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
LSU to Retire Bert Jones’ No. 7 in November Ceremony, Honoring School’s First All-America Quarterback
LSU announced it will retire quarterback Bert Jones’ No. 7 jersey in a ceremony on November 14 when the Tigers host Texas at Tiger Stadium. Jones, nicknamed “The Ruston Rifle,” played for LSU from 1970 to 1972, compiling a 26-6-1 record and becoming the school’s first quarterback to surpass 3,000 career passing yards. The LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee voted unanimously to approve the honor. Jones was selected No. 2 overall in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. “This is at the top of the list,” Jones said. He joins four others with retired numbers in Tiger Stadium.
Swinney Explains Vizzina’s Absence at ACC Football Kickoff as QB Competition Heads Into Camp
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney arrived at the ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte on Wednesday and explained why quarterback Christopher Vizzina would not attend the annual preseason media gathering. Swinney said the decision was straightforward: Vizzina is not a senior, and Clemson’s approach has long been to send senior representatives first. The Tigers brought defensive end Will Heldt, linebacker Sammy Brown, and tight end Olsen Patt-Henry to Charlotte. Each ACC program was limited to three players this year, down from four last season. Swinney added the absence should not be viewed as any indication of Clemson’s quarterback outlook heading into camp.
Sources: Yahoo Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Season Status
Off-season — July 2026
Regular season begins late August
AP Top 25 preseason poll expected late August
Transfer Portal & Recruiting
OFF-SEASON FOCUS
Transfer portal summer window: closed
Early signing period: December 2026
Recruiting: Early commitments ongoing
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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