Samwise College Football Newsletter
Friday, July 31, 2026
Five-Star CB A'mir Sears Set to Commit Friday With Miami Holding Overwhelming Advantage
Five-star cornerback A'mir Sears, the No. 1 uncommitted prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, will announce his college commitment on Friday, July 31. The Pembroke Pines (Fla.) product reclassified from 2028 to 2027, instantly becoming the most coveted available recruit in the senior cycle. Miami holds an overwhelming advantage according to multiple recruiting insiders, having offered Sears as early as July 2024 and developed the most sustained relationship in his process. Michigan remains involved but has not been considered a serious contender. Sears is a two-way standout who totaled 61 tackles, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions, 42 receptions, 942 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Sources: Sports Illustrated
CSC Clears $7.5M in Restructured NIL Deals for 18 Nebraska Football Players
The College Sports Commission has approved $7.5 million in restructured name, image, and likeness deals for 18 Nebraska football players, athletic director Troy Dannen confirmed Thursday at Big Ten media days in Chicago. The CSC had initially rejected the third-party agreements between Nebraska's multimedia rights partner Playfly and the players, ruling the deals lacked a valid business purpose and violated a rule against warehousing NIL rights. The agreements were resubmitted after restructuring to address those concerns. An arbitrator had previously upheld the CSC's initial rejection. Full payment to each player will follow once responsibilities under the deals are fulfilled, Dannen said.
Sources: ESPN
Mizzou DL Sterling Webb Wins TRO Against NCAA, Gains 5th Year of Eligibility for 2026
Missouri defensive lineman Sterling Webb was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA on Thursday and will be eligible for the 2026 season, according to a report from PowerMizzou. Webb sought a fifth year of eligibility under the sport's new 5-in-5 model, which allows student-athletes to compete for five seasons within five calendar years, replacing the previous 4-in-5 model. Webb played two seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Missouri for 2024. He recorded 20 tackles and 2 sacks in 2025 and has 8 career sacks. Webb is expected to be present at Mizzou's fall camp, with the Tigers opening September 3 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Sources: Saturday Down South
Big Ten Media Days Wrap: Dominant Three-Year Run Meets High Expectations for 2026
The Big Ten wrapped its three-day football media days event Thursday in Chicago, capping a session defined by the conference's recent dominance over college football. Three consecutive national championships from three different programs — Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana — have reshaped the sport's power structure heading into the 2026 season. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said: “We don't run a hype machine up here in the Midwest. We believe everything is earned, not given.” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule set the bar for his own program: “We didn't come to Nebraska to go 7-6. We came to compete for this.”
Sources: CBS Sports
College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dies at 64 From CTE-Caused Dementia
Billy Ray Smith Jr., a two-time unanimous All-America defensive end at Arkansas and a College Football Hall of Fame inductee, died Wednesday at age 64. His family confirmed Thursday that Smith died from CTE-caused dementia. Smith anchored the Razorbacks defensive line in 1981 and 1982, finishing his career with a school-record 63 tackles for loss and 229 total tackles while serving as team captain. The San Diego Chargers selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, and he played 10 seasons in the league. He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
Sources: ESPN, Sports Illustrated
AP Preseason Poll
Not yet released — expected August 17, 2026
2025 National Champion
Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten)
3 Consecutive Big Ten Titles
2023: Michigan · 2024: Ohio State · 2025: Indiana
2027 Recruiting
Top Uncommitted Prospect
#1 A'mir Sears — CB — Fla.
Announces Friday, July 31 • Miami leads
Transfer / Eligibility
Sterling Webb (Mizzou) TRO win
Gains 5th year eligibility for 2026
Curated by JD · samwise.agency