Samwise College Football Newsletter
Friday, July 17, 2026
Bill Belichick Praises UNC’s Resources at His First ACC Media Days Appearance
Bill Belichick made his first appearance at ACC Media Days as UNC head coach Thursday in Charlotte, sidestepping questions about off-field drama while praising the program’s growth. The six-time Super Bowl champion was upbeat about the university’s support structure: “There’s so much opportunity down here—the students, the school, the campus, the alumni, the administration. It’s honestly more than I expected. It’s been fantastic,” Belichick told reporters. He also emphasized a near-term mindset ahead of UNC’s TCU opener. Attending with Belichick in Charlotte: DL Melkart Abou Jaoude, OL Christo Kelly, and WR Jordan Shipp.
Source: CBS Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Brent Key at ACC Kickoff: ‘The Adults in the Room Sometimes End Up Being the Bigger Problem’
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key drew attention at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte on Wednesday for directing blame at adults—not players—when discussing college football’s problems. “People say, oh, you know, kids are different now. Well, so are the adults,” Key said. “The adults in the room sometimes end up being the bigger problem.” Key argued that coaches criticizing player behavior are often the same ones jumping to new programs every two years. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a breakout 2025 season: a 9-4 record, an 8-0 start that marked the program’s best since 1966, a 6-2 ACC record, and quarterback Haynes King winning ACC Player of the Year.
Source: FootballScoop Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Senators in ‘Deal Mode’ With SEC and Big Ten to Pass Protect College Sports Act
Congress appears to be closing in on college football legislation. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are in “deal mode” with Big Ten and SEC leadership to pass the Protect College Sports Act before the August recess, according to On3’s Ross Dellenger. The bill could reach the Senate floor as early as next week. The latest revision imposes a $700 million revenue expansion cap—blocking conferences above that threshold from adding members—along with a provision requiring additional transfers to sit out one full year, a ban on coaches departing mid-season, and a framework for pooling television rights. Both the Big Ten and SEC reported revenues exceeding $1 billion in 2025.
James Franklin Explains Why He Brought 12 Penn State Transfers to Virginia Tech
New Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin explained his transfer portal philosophy at ACC Kickoff this week: bring people he trusts. Franklin, who left Penn State after the 2025 season, recruited 12 former Nittany Lions to Blacksburg, including TE Luke Reynolds (On3 No. 83 transfer) and QB Ethan Grunkemeyer (No. 101). “I want to build this with people that I trust and know and love,” Franklin said. Virginia Tech’s transfer class ranked No. 7 nationally per On3. The Hokies, coming off a 3-9 campaign in 2025, also return the fourth-most production among FBS programs per ESPN—providing Franklin a firm foundation for Year 1.
Nike Signs Eight College Football Stars to NIL Deals
Nike announced NIL agreements with eight elite college football players on Wednesday, spanning the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. The group: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy, Texas WR Cam Coleman, Texas EDGE Colin Simmons, LSU TE Trey’Dez Green, Oregon QB Dante Moore, Vanderbilt QB Jared Curtis, and Ohio State WR Chris Henry Jr. Nike also signed 11 elite prep prospects. Nike VP Ann Miller called the deals a reflection of the company’s commitment to serving football talent at every level with the support and partnership players need to reach their full potential on and off the field.
Source: Saturday Down South Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman Signs 10-Year, $31 Million Contract Extension
Illinois locked up athletic director Josh Whitman with a 10-year contract extension through 2036 worth more than $31 million, the board of trustees approved this week. Whitman will earn $2.15 million in 2026–27—a more than 40 percent increase—with $100,000 annual raises and a final-year salary of $3.15 million. He also receives a $500,000 retention bonus each June 30, plus up to three automatic one-year extensions through 2039 tied to football and basketball benchmarks. Whitman hired Bret Bielema in December 2020. Bielema went 9-4 in 2025, won the Music City Bowl 30-28 over Tennessee, and has compiled 37 wins and 23 Big Ten victories in five seasons.
Source: FootballScoop Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Final 2025–26 AP Top 10
Off-season — Post-CFP Championship
1. Indiana (16-0) — CFP Champion
2. Miami
3. Ole Miss
4. Oregon
5. Ohio State
6. Georgia
7. Texas Tech
8. Texas A&M
9. Alabama
10. Notre Dame
2026 Transfer Portal Highlights
Top-Ranked Transfer Classes (On3)
#7 — Virginia Tech (James Franklin)
Notable: 12 Penn State transfers to VT
Portal Windows
Spring window closed April 25
Next window: December 9, 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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