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Behind closed doors, Florida State football beefed up as the Seminoles put on the pads for the first time in spring after being in helmets the last two days. Take this with a grain of salt, but multiple players put on weight and look more physical from seeing them walk in, including DL Darrell Jackson Jr., RB Kam Davis, and DB Earl Little Jr. Head coach Mike Norvell confirmed how vital seeing physicality is, calling it “one of the most important elements” and something the staff “wants to instill in all positions.”
“We had some explosive plays on both sides, defense was able to punch a couple of balls outs, which I like to see. Offensively, I thought we did a good job, some big runs, some vertical shots. I thought it was back-and-forth.”
Norvell also mentioned this weekend being Legacy Weekend at Florida State, a massive recruiting moment for the staff but a chance to honor those who left their mark in Tallahassee. Alex Mastromanno and Ryan Fitzgerald will receive their All-American bricks this afternoon, and Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, and Jordan Travis, among others, are in town.
“I was really pleased with this being our legacy weekend, we had 12 NFL guys back this weekend. It was great to see them, be present, and have them back...I’m just grateful for that example and how they represent Florida State.”
The quarterbacks also spoke to the press for the first time this spring, with Tommy Castellanos and Brock Glenn. The signal callers touched on how vital spring football is and the bonds created on and off the field. Castellanos and Glenn are taking the opportunity to lead a team devoid of them from a season ago but are pushing each other through the first few days of spring. Just by hearing their interviews, they understand the maturity needed for the quarterback position, saying all the right things.
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Fresh off a win at Alabama over the Crimson Tide, the Florida State softball team travels to Duke for an early big series in the race for the ACC championship.
In this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin look ahead to the contests with Duke as well as NC State while looking back at the last two weeks of softball, dating back to the games in Jacksonville. That includes the matchups with Jacksonville, North Florida, Oregon State, Oregon, Portland State, Pitt and Alabama.
Gwyn took the trip to Eugene and Portland, spending time with the team through their travels to Nike and beyond. We’ll recap the games and discuss her time around the team over that long weekend.
Plus, the Noles earned a much-needed big win over a ranked opponent on the road as they rallied to come from behind and knock off Alabama in Tuscaloosa — a win that can give FSU a confidence boost they can use.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Florida State continued its spring camp journey on Thursday, hitting the field for the second of 15 practices aimed at laying the foundation for this year’s edition of FSU football.
It was another helmets-only day for the Seminoles as acclimation to on-field action continued, offering an opportunity for the squad to refine the finer details ahead of the first padded practice of the spring on Saturday.
“[It was a] great opportunity to clean up on some of the finer details of what we put in yesterday. You had a little bit of new installation, but really with a lot of new faces, also some new terminology, new alignments, different things that we’re looking at on both sides of the ball,” head coach Mike Norvell said Thursday evening.
“Day one, it’s about: ‘Can you get communication? Can you get aligned?’ You go back and watch the film, the communication was good, but we’re off on some of the alignments. You want to see guys be able to take the coaching, be able to apply it, and be better today, and I thought that was the case.”
Defensive linemen Darrell Jackson Jr. and James Williams, who also spoke with the media following practice, earned praise from Norvell for the way they’ve carried themselves through the early days of spring.
“You feel their ownership. ... Those are two guys that you challenge in the room because they both do have experience and high ceilings. [Jackson Jr.] made the choice to come back and I told him, ‘You better not even think about coming back unless you plan on being a top 10 pick,’ that’s the expectation now.”
Norvell also complimented receivers Jalen Brown and Hykeem Williams, saying they have risen to the occasion after being challenged this offseason.
“[They’re] two guys that made the choice that they want to fight for it. And I’m grateful for that and I’m trying to push them on a play-to-play basis for them to continue to elevate to what I believe that they can be. I’ve seen both of them in the first two days make plays that get me excited.”
Defensively, Norvell discussed what he’s seen early from Earl Little, Ashlynd Barker, Max Redmond and the unit as a whole, saying, “Obviously not a whole lot of contact ... but you felt the burst, you felt the guys taking better angles to the ball. Excited about Saturday being the first padded day to start to showcase some of the physicality that these guys have been working to develop.”
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Florida State football returned to the practice field for the first time in 2025 on Wednesday, kicking off spring camp and the process of acclimating the team — which includes 32 newcomers — to a new offensive and defensive scheme.
“I thought the guys really did a nice job of understanding the structure of what we want practice to look like,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “Great speed, energy, being able to move around from place to place.
“I thought the coaches did a good job preparing the players and what to expect. And obviously new installation. We’ve tried to maximize the walk-through time, the meeting time that we’ve had leading up to this. And I thought the guys did a good job for that to translate out to the field.”
With practice closed to the media, the program has opted to share clips from the day with the media:
2025 FSU football spring notes
- Florida State enters spring practice with 32 newcomers, including 19 transfers and 13 true freshmen.- Of the 19 transfers, 16 come from Division I programs.- Included in the transfer group is quarterback Tommy Castellanos, wide receivers Duce Robinson and Squirrel White, and linebackers Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson, and Caleb LaVallee.- Four transfer offensive linemen — Gunnar Hansen from Vanderbilt, Adrian Medley from UCF, Luke Petitbon from Wake Forest, and Micah Pettus from Ole Miss — have combined to play in 131 career games with 105 starts.- In total, FSU added 15 newcomers on the offensive and defensive lines.- Florida State’s 16 Division I transfers have appeared in 489 games with 244 starts prior to their time at FSU, bringing:— 297 completions for 3,689 yards and 33 passing touchdowns— 1,438 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns— 249 receptions for 3,361 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns— 573 tackles, 69.5 tackles for loss for 345 yards— 39.0 sacks for 269 yards— 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, nine forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries— 11 punt returns for 155 yards to Tallahassee- FSU’s transfer class was ranked 5th nationally and 1st in the ACC by 247Sports.- 247Sports ranked Florida State’s overall class (signees and transfers) 2nd in the conference.- Florida State hired six new assistant coaches this offseason, including offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White, along with new position coaches: OL coach Herb Hand, passing game coordinator and WR coach Tim Harris Jr., DL coach Terrance Knighton, and safeties coach Evan Cooper.- Malzahn (head coach) and Hand (OL) were both at UCF from 2021-24 and produced a top-10 rushing offense and top-20 total offense each of their last three years together; UCF had the nation’s 3rd-highest cumulative rushing total from 2021-24 behind only Air Force and Army.- Malzahn’s offenses have averaged 447.7 yards per game in his 19 seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach.- White has produced a top-25 defense each of the last four seasons at two different programs (Syracuse and Nebraska); in the last two seasons (24 games), his defense held opponents to 20 points or fewer 15 times.- His 2024 defense was the first in the country since 2021 to not allow a rushing touchdown at home.- At Tulsa in 2007 — the first year Mike Norvell, Malzahn, and Hand were on the same coaching staff — they produced the only season in NCAA history with a 5,000-yard passer, three 1,000-yard receivers, and a 1,000-yard rusher.- Norvell has coached 114 all-conference players and 14 All-Americans and ranks 4th among active head coaches with four conference championship game appearances.- Castellanos, who spent his freshman season at UCF under Malzahn, comes to Florida State after accounting for 4,921 yards of total offense in 21 games played during the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Boston College.
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Two days out from the first Florida State football practice of the spring, head coach Mike Norvell took to the podium to offer some initial insight into this year’s team.
The biggest news came in the form of confirmation that the Seminoles would be without three defenders this spring — defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins as well as safeties Conrad Hussey and Shyheim Brown. Jenkins, who confirmed his unavailability earlier this month, is expected to miss the entirety of camp while Brown and Hussey have a “chance” to participate in the final practices of spring.
“[Outside of them] we have some guys that might be limited just probably that first week,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes. Guys coming off-season, maybe off-season injuries, or working themselves back in will have some of them limited, but I’m excited about where we are from a health standpoint and the work guys have put in preparing for what’s ahead for spring ball.”
The team has spent the early part of 2025 participating in Florida State’s offseason conditioning program, Tour of Duty, as it lays the building blocks for the season.
“Really, the on-the-field aspect of it with our Tour of Duty was something I was proud of. It was a challenging workload that we put in front of our guys. I thought they really took a lot of ownership in the work that was being done, but also just the accountability that was necessary to try to hit the standard of what we’re looking to see on a daily basis.
I think it’s a group that is filled with great personalities: guys that are outgoing, engaging, supportive, and challenging. I’ve seen players taking some ownership in that realm. It’s just something that is an absolute necessity, something that you need to see within a team.
It’s something that I’ve been encouraged with through these first two months. I mean, you can talk about a lot of things, but you actually have to go do it. As we get ready for spring practice, we’ve got 15 days to really continue to forge and develop the identity of what this team’s going to be.”
Norvell also spoke on what he’s seen from new quarterback Tommy Castellanos, how new coaches have fit into what FSU is looking to put together, approaches to recruiting and more.
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For the final time in his Florida State career, Leonard Hamilton is set to take the court in the Donald L. Tucker Center as the head coach of the Seminoles.
As he prepares to coach his final home game this Saturday at 4 p.m. against SMU, Matt Minnick and Michael Rogner take the time on the latest episode of Gospel of Ham to look back and appropriately commemorate the legendary coach’s transformative tenure.
From iconic moments like the 2012 ACC Tournament to crafting their all-time “finishing five” lineups while spotlighting underappreciated, the duo reflect on what Hamilton built at Florida State.
It’s not all just nostalgia, as the second half of the episode takes a look ahead to the future as well. Discussion includes what the recent settlement between FSU and the ACC could mean for Florida State basketball, debating coaching candidates like Luke Loucks and Sam Cassell and more.
2024-2025 Reflection, Final Game Preview [01:42 - 06:58]
Leonard Hamilton’s FSU Legacy [06:58 - 29:56]
Florida State Basketball’s All-Time Finishing Five [07:48 - 13:52]
Memorable FSU Basketball Teams & Moments [13:52 - 21:16]
Underrated Seminoles Basketball Players [21:16 - 29:56]
Post-Hamilton Era [30:20 - 51:36]
ACC Settlement Discussion, Revenue Implications [30:20 - 33:12]
Potential New Coaches and Recruiting Challenges [36:45 - 51:36]
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The Florida State Seminoles softball team has largely been taking care of business when they step inside the lines this season. Four weeks into the year, the Noles are 16-3 with 12 run-rule victories — 10 in their last 14 games.
In that stretch, many of those run rules have come against mid-major competition, but that does include dominant performances against Missouri and Ohio State. Sandwiched in the middle is a pair of losses to Texas A&M in a doubleheader to close out the JoAnne Graf Classic.
So what do we know about Team 42 as we start March?
On this episode of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast, Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin break down the year to this point, what’s worked, who’s impressed and what areas are still unknowns. Plus, we look ahead to the weekend in Oregon against the Ducks, Beavers and Portland State plus the start of conference play and why Gwyn believes there should be a three-way tie for the No. 1 spot in the polls.
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The Florida State softball team was back in action this weekend as Team 42 traveled to Mexico for the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.
FSU’s opening slate featured five games, highlighted by two highly anticipated matchups against top-five Oklahoma State—billed as the biggest showdown in college softball over the weekend. When the dust settled, the Seminoles finished with a strong 4-1 record, sweeping Northern Colorado and LA Tech while splitting their series with the Cowboys.
So, what did we learn from the first five games of 2025? Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin break it all down, including:
Puerto Vallarta takeaways – key highlights and lingering concerns
Work in progress – areas where FSU still needs to improve
Offensive standouts – who made an impact at the plate and how that could shape the lineup moving forward
Pitching depth – how the staff powered through the final four games
Defensive question marks – what adjustments could help solidify FSU’s fielding
Plus, we look ahead to Clearwater, FSU’s first home weekend in Tallahassee, and other notable news from around college softball.
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The 2025 Florida State softball season is nearly here, and with the return to the field comes the return of the Seminole Softball Wrap podcast. Gwyn Rhodes and Brian Pellerin will get you ready for the year ahead, taking you to and through Team 42’s postseason run.
In our first episode of the new year, Brian and Gwyn focus on the Florida State roster. What are the strengths? What are the questions that need to be answered? And how can the incoming freshman and transfer class make an impact for a team looking to get back to OKC?
The podcast discusses:
The best left side of the infield in college softball - Jaysoni Beachum & Isa Torres
What to expect from Amaya Ross as full-time first base
Who takes the mantle at second base?
How can Michaela Edenfield cap off an outstanding FSU career?
Can anyone push the incumbents for starts in the outfield?
What does FSU need from their new faces to get consistency in the circle for 2025?
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The first-ever 12-team college football playoff is here -- and Sharpen the Point is here to break down the matchups like nobody else, including tips and picks for putting together a DFS lineup for the action.
First round (Dec. 20-21)
Friday, Dec. 20: No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State | 12 p.m. | TNT/MAX
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas | 4 p.m. | TNT/MAX
Saturday, Dec. 21: No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN
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The transfer portal giveth, the transfer portal taketh away.
With the winter window opening last week, we’ve seen a flurry of movement for Florida State football in the transfer portal. At the moment, it’s mainly been departures — including a major surprise in quarterback Luke Kromenhoek — but the Seminoles also hit the portal for the second straight year to bring in a passer, this time former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
In this episode of the Florida State of Recruiting, Tomahawk Nation’s Three Stars (Tim Alumbaugh, Josh Pick and NoleThruandThru) break down FSU’s quarterback changes as well as who Florida State needs to be targeting in the trenches and across the board in order to fulfill Mike Norvell’s promise of an immediate turnaround.
Offensive player additions
Thomas Castellanos (Boston College Eagles)
Markeston Douglas (Arizona State Sun Devils)
Offensive player subtractions
QB Luke Kromenhoek
WR Deuce Spann
WR Destyn Hill
WR Darion Willliamson
OL Julian Armella
TE Brian Courtney
TE Jackson West
TE Jerrale Powers
Defensive player additions
Defensive player subtractions
DL Grady Kelly
DE Dante Anderson
DE Byron Turner
DE Lamont Green Jr.
DE Marvin Jones Jr.
DL Tomiwa Durojaiye
LB DeMarco Ward
DB Omarion Cooper
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As a nightmare season unfolded for Florida State, the Seminoles saw their top 10 recruiting class fall apart.
Heading into the start of the Early Signing Period with the 53rd-ranked class in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, FSU rallied for a strong finish that featured several major flips to move to No. 20.
While it doesn’t make up fully for the season that just went down in Tallahassee nor the players lost throughout it, it was an unprecedented finish that felt like the first breath of positivity for the program in months.
Fuzzy feelings aside, just how impactful was the finish for Mike Norvell and his staff as they look to right the ship in Tallahassee? What is there to make of the players that made up #Tribe25? The Three Stars — Tim Alumbaugh, Josh Pick and NoleThruandThru — break it down in the latest episode of the Florida State of Recruiting podcast.
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FRIDAY: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+3.5) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks, 7 p.m. ET, CBSSN
I’m just guessing here.
Brian’s Pick: Jacksonville State -3.5
Jordan’s Pick: JSU -3.5
FRIDAY: No. 20 UNLV Rebels (+4.5) at No. 10 Boise State Broncos, 8 p.m. ET, FOX
Boise seems to be slowing down. Ashton Jeanty is Heisman-worthy but banged up. UNLV could steal this CFP bid with a win.
Brian’s Pick: UNLV +4.5
Jordan’s Pick: BSU -4.5
FRIDAY: Tulane Green Wave (-4.5) at No. 24 Army Black Knights, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Tulane blew their CFP chances last week but should rebound here as their defense limits Army’s ground game.
Brian’s Pick: Tulane -4.5
Jordan’s Pick: Tulane -4.5
No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones (+2.5) vs. No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils (Arlington, TX), Noon ET, ABC
Iowa State is set to circle back into CFP contention. Arizona State missing Jordyn Tyson strengthens ISU’s chances.
Brian’s Pick: Iowa State +2.5
Jordan’s Pick: ASU -2.5
Ohio Bobcats (+3.5) vs. Miami (OH) Redhawks (Detroit, MI), Noon ET, ESPN
Guessing again.
Brian’s Pick: Ohio +3.5
Jordan’s Pick: Miami (OH) -3.5
No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (+2.5) vs. No. 2 Texas Longhorns (Atlanta, GA), 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Texas has improved their run game and trenches, but it’s hard to doubt Georgia in Atlanta.
Brian’s Pick: Georgia +2.5
Jordan’s Pick: Texas -2.5
Marshall Thundering Herd (+5.5) at Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Louisiana should win at home despite coaching distractions.
Brian’s Pick: Louisiana -5.5
Jordan’s Pick: UL -5.5
No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (+3.5) at No. 1 Oregon Ducks (Indianapolis, IN), 8:00 p.m. ET, CBS
Oregon is the best team but could be vulnerable. I’m taking Penn State for the upset.
Brian’s Pick: Penn State +3.5
Jordan’s Pick: Oregon -3.5
No. 17 Clemson Tigers (+2.5) at No. 8 SMU Mustangs (Charlotte, NC), 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Clemson could pull off an upset after gaining experience from last week’s matchup.
Brian’s Pick: Clemson +2.5
Jordan’s Pick: SMU -2.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 24 Wins 28 Ties 31 Losses
QuarterbackCade Klubnik, Clemson ($9,000) – Klubnik’s dual-threat ability makes him a strong play against SMU’s defense, which has struggled against top-tier QBs like Shough and Hoover.
Rocco Becht, Iowa State ($7,600) – Becht is reliable as Iowa State continues to rely on the pass. Pair him with Jayden Higgins or Jaylin Noel for upside.
Running BackBill Davis, ULL ($4,900) – The freshman has been productive, finding the end zone consistently. He’s a great value against Marshall’s porous run defense.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State ($10,300) – Skattebo’s workload and versatility make him a must-play, especially with Tyson out. Iowa State’s run defense struggles against explosive runners.
Wide ReceiverGunnar Helm, Texas ($4,000) – Helm has delivered in big games, posting solid lines against top opponents. He’s a steal at this price.
Bryant Wesco Jr, Clemson ($3,400) – Wesco’s role is growing, and he’s primed for a breakout. His downfield ability and SMU’s pass defense set him up for a strong outing.
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FRIDAY: Oregon State Beavers (+19.5) at No. 11 Boise State Broncos, Noon ET, FOX
Oregon State impressed me last week—not great, but better than expected. Boise relies on Ashton Jeanty, and this is his Heisman moment. The Broncos have slowed, and the Beavers need this for bowl eligibility.
Pick: Oregon State +19.5
FRIDAY: Oklahoma State Cowboys (+16.5) at No. 25 Colorado Buffaloes, Noon ET, ABC
Travis Hunter’s Heisman case feels secure unless disaster strikes. Oklahoma State’s defense is porous, and Hunter should dominate.
Pick: Colorado -16.5
FRIDAY: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+19.5) at No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Georgia Tech’s keepaway approach could give them life, especially if Carson Beck commits an early mistake.
Pick: Georgia Tech +19.5
No. 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (+2.5) at No. 12 Clemson Tigers, Noon ET, ESPN
South Carolina is playoff-worthy. Their defensive line and offense are formidable enough to secure a road win.
Pick: South Carolina +2.5
Michigan Wolverines (+20.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX
Ohio State’s offensive line issues could finally catch up, and Michigan’s defensive front may exploit them.
Pick: Michigan +20.5
No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers (-11.5) at Vanderbilt Commodores, Noon ET, ABC
Nico’s success has come against weak teams. Vanderbilt won’t win but should keep it closer than expected.
Pick: Vanderbilt +11.5
No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-7.5) at USC Trojans, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Notre Dame’s offense is clicking, and their defense will overwhelm USC. The Irish are CFP-ready.
Pick: Notre Dame -7.5
No. 6 Miami Hurricanes (-10.5) at Syracuse Orange, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
This feels like a trap game for Miami. Syracuse has enough firepower to pull off the upset in a shootout.
Pick: Syracuse +10.5
Auburn Tigers (+11.5) at No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Auburn’s reliance on Cam Coleman and Jarquez Hunter is clicking. They can exploit Alabama’s vulnerabilities.
Pick: Auburn +11.5
No. 16 Arizona State (-9.5) at Arizona Wildcats, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Arizona State has been dominant, but Arizona can challenge them in this rivalry.
Pick: Arizona +9.5
Florida Gators (-15.5) at Florida State Seminoles, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Florida has been the team of the moment and should carry their momentum to cover here.
Pick: Florida -15.5
Washington Huskies (+18.5) at No. 1 Oregon Ducks, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Oregon is better in every aspect and should win comfortably at home.
Pick: Oregon -18.5
No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-5.5) at No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
This rivalry means everything. A&M’s defense and home field give them an edge in a low-scoring battle.
Pick: Texas A&M +5.5
No. 24 Kansas State Wildcats (+2.5) at No. 18 Iowa State Cyclones, 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Iowa State seems destined to sneak into the Big 12 title. They should handle Kansas State at home.
Pick: Iowa State -2.5
Nevada Wolf Pack (+17.5) at No. 22 UNLV Rebels, 8:00 p.m. ET, CBSSN
Nevada has no chance against UNLV’s dominant offense at home.
Pick: UNLV -17.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 21 Wins 28 Ties 28 Losses
QuarterbackKevin Jennings, SMU ($7,000) – Jennings has been consistent, with near-300-yard games and multiple TDs. SMU will lean on him against Cal’s defense.
Brady Cook, Missouri ($4,900) – Cook’s low price is a steal on senior day. Expect fireworks with Luther Burden’s final home game.
Running BackCam Skattebo, Arizona State ($10,100) – Skattebo’s workload and versatility make him a must-play against Arizona’s weak defense.
Jahiem White, West Virginia ($4,300) – White offers consistent production and should excel against Texas Tech’s struggling run defense.
Wide ReceiverOronde Gadsden II, Syracuse ($5,200) – In a potential shootout with Miami, Gadsden is Syracuse’s best chance to stay competitive.
Ashtyn Hawkins, Baylor ($3,600) – Hawkins offers value against Kansas’s poor slot coverage in a high-scoring game.
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No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers (+12.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX
I’m doing a 180 on Indiana. I’ve doubted them before, but their perfect season has me more nervous about how they’ll perform as favorites rather than underdogs. Still, they have enough fight to stay within a dozen points.
Pick: Indiana +12.5
No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels (-10.5) at Florida Gators, Noon ET, ABC
The Gators capitalized on LSU mistakes last week, but DJ Lagway’s health and decision-making remain questionable. Ole Miss, with their consistent execution, should handle Florida comfortably.
Pick: Ole Miss -10.5
No. 13 SMU Mustangs (-9.5) at Virginia Cavaliers, Noon ET, ESPN2
Virginia’s push for bowl eligibility adds intrigue, but SMU has consistently won by multiple scores this season. They’re a playoff dark horse and should continue their dominance here.
Pick: SMU -9.5
No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (-12.5) at Minnesota Golden Gophers, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Penn State is solid but not spectacular, and this matchup feels low-scoring. Minnesota’s defense should help them cover this sizable spread.
Pick: Minnesota +12.5
No. 14 BYU Cougars (+3.5) at No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
BYU’s luck ran out last week, while Arizona State controls its Big 12 fate. With home-field advantage and a rising trajectory, the Sun Devils should prevail.
Pick: Arizona State -3.5
No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes (-3.5) at Kansas Jayhawks, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Kansas delivered last week, and with a healthy Jalon Daniels, they can score with anyone. Expect another upset bid against Colorado.
Pick: Kansas +3.5
No. 19 Army Black Knights (+14.5) vs. No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Yankee Stadium), 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC
Notre Dame has been dominant, but Army’s top-ranked scoring defense should make this a low-scoring, closer-than-expected contest.
Pick: Army +14.5
No. 12 Boise State Broncos (-23.5) at Wyoming Cowboys, 7:00 p.m. ET, CBSSN
Boise State is rolling, led by Jeanty’s dominance. Wyoming isn’t built to keep up with a top-tier team like this.
Pick: Boise State -23.5
No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (-14.5) at Oklahoma Sooners, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Oklahoma’s postseason hopes depend on an upset. However, Alabama and Jalen Milroe present too much firepower for the Sooners to handle this week.
Pick: Alabama -14.5
No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5) at Auburn Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
This line is puzzling, but Auburn at home in a potential lookahead spot for Texas A&M makes them worth the pick.
Pick: Auburn +2.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 25 Ties 21 Losses
Quarterback
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame ($9,500) – Leonard is a dual-threat QB with a high floor and ceiling against Virginia’s porous pass defense. He’s a great anchor for lineups with rushing TD upside.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson ($8,600) – Klubnik has rebounded nicely, with three TDs against Virginia Tech. Facing Pitt’s struggling secondary, he’s a safe pick with rushing upside.
Running Back
Isaac Brown, Louisville ($6,700) – Brown is mispriced for his role, averaging 24+ fantasy points. He thrives in Louisville’s run-heavy scheme and is a must-play against Stanford’s poor run defense.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State ($4,900) – If Nick Singleton sits, Allen becomes a lock for volume against Purdue. If Singleton plays, Allen still offers value but with limited exposure.
Wide Receiver
Will Sheppard, Colorado ($3,600) – Sheppard benefits from Colorado’s pass-heavy attack and has emerged as a value option with consistent targets and scoring potential.
TJ Moore, Clemson ($3,200) – Moore’s consistency and low price make him an ideal salary saver. He’s shown increased involvement and could be due for a breakout game.
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No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-12.5) at Arkansas Razorbacks, Noon ET, ABC
Texas hasn’t had a dominant win yet, though their schedule hasn’t challenged them much. Arkansas, coming off a bye, has been struggling but won’t roll over at home. They could keep it close or even pull off an upset.
Pick: Arkansas +12.5
No. 20 Clemson Tigers (-11.5) at Pitt Panthers, Noon ET, ESPN
Pitt has struggled recently, but Clemson hasn’t been flawless either. While logic points to Clemson, Pitt’s home advantage and potential to rebound make them worth the points.
Pick: Pitt +11.5
Utah Utes (+11.5) at No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes, Noon ET, FOX
Colorado has improved on both sides of the ball, but Utah’s gritty, close-game style could challenge them. Kyle Whittingham may have something up his sleeve for this one.
Pick: Utah +11.5
Virginia Cavaliers (+23.5) at No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Notre Dame has been dominant recently and is one of the best ATS teams under Marcus Freeman. Still, taking Virginia feels like a gamble worth trying.
Pick: Virginia +23.5
Boston College Eagles (+19.5) at No. 14 SMU Mustangs, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SMU’s path to an ACC title has opened up, and with Thomas Castellanos out for Boston College, SMU should roll.
Pick: SMU -19.5
No. 23 Missouri Tigers (+14.5) at No. 21 South Carolina Gamecocks, 4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network
South Carolina’s defense at home should handle a Missouri team that has struggled to replicate last year’s success.
Pick: South Carolina -14.5
No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-13.5) at Wisconsin Badgers, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC
Oregon faces a tough road test in Madison. The Badgers, fresh off a blowout loss to Iowa, could make this closer than expected. November challenges like this can define champions.
Pick: Wisconsin +13.5
No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (+9.5) at No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Georgia has the edge, but Tennessee’s uncertainty, especially with Nico’s post-concussion play, makes this a tricky pick. Still, Georgia seems better positioned to cover.
Pick: Georgia -9.5
UAB Blazers (+15.5) at Memphis Tigers, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Memphis has been inconsistent, while UAB can score. This could be closer than expected and is a more entertaining watch than the Georgia game.
Pick: UAB +15.5
Kansas Jayhawks (+2.5) at No. 6 BYU Cougars, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
BYU has lived on the edge this season, but Kansas feels primed for an upset. The line suggests this could be their week.
Pick: Kansas +2.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 25 Ties 21 Losses
Quarterback
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame ($9,500) – Leonard checks every box this week: mobile QB, home favorite, and facing a weak Virginia pass defense. With 13 rushing touchdowns this season and a 35+ point team total, Leonard has slate-breaking potential.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson ($8,600) – Klubnik has been consistent, with three or more TDs in six of nine games. Facing Pitt’s struggling secondary, he’s a reliable play, bolstered by Clemson’s emerging young receivers.
Running Back
Isaac Brown, Louisville ($6,700) – Brown is a lock, averaging 24+ fantasy points per game since taking over six weeks ago. Louisville’s run-heavy offense and a favorable matchup make him a must-play.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State ($4,900) – With Nick Singleton possibly limited or out, Allen becomes a high-volume play. If Singleton sits, Allen is a lock for 20+ carries at a great value.
Wide Receiver
Will Sheppard, Colorado ($3,600) – Sheppard has stepped up in Colorado’s pass-heavy offense, especially after Jimmy Horn’s injury. With touchdowns in four of five games, he’s the best value option.
TJ Moore, Clemson ($3,200) – Moore has emerged as a consistent target in Clemson’s offense, with two touchdowns and strong yardage in recent games. His low price and upside make him an excellent salary saver.
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No. 4 Miami Hurricanes (-10.5) at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Noon ET, ESPN
Miami often starts slow, then flips a switch to dominate. Georgia Tech, coming off a bye, hopes to be the team to finally take down Miami. They bring physicality and home-field advantage, but Miami’s offensive firepower is hard to overlook.
Pick: Miami -10.5
Florida Gators (+21.5) at No. 5 Texas Longhorns, Noon ET, ABC
The Gators surprised against Georgia, even after losing freshman QB DJ Lagway. With Texas on the rise, it’s hard to see Florida staying within three scores.
Pick: Texas -21.5
Purdue Boilermakers (+38.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX
The Spoilermakers get another shot against a top team. They’re struggling, but Ohio State hasn’t looked like a definitive No. 2. I’ll take Purdue to keep it within 35.
Pick: Purdue +38.5
No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5) at No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Georgia still wins big but not as dominantly as in past seasons. Ole Miss could upset, but history favors Georgia in big games.
Pick: Georgia -2.5
Michigan Wolverines (+14.5) at No. 8 Indiana Hoosiers, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Michigan’s defense holds opponents to the mid-20s, but this high-powered Indiana offense will be a challenge. I’ll take Michigan to cover the 14.5.
Pick: Michigan +14.5
No. 23 Clemson Tigers (-6.5) at Virginia Tech Hokies, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Clemson’s bubble burst recently, and with uncertainties about VT’s key players, this one depends on health.
Pick: Virginia Tech +6.5
No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes (-3.5) at Texas Tech Red Raiders, 4:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Texas Tech delivered last week, and I’ll stick with them in what promises to be a high-scoring “Fantasy Carnival.”
Pick: Texas Tech +3.5
Florida State Seminoles (+26.5) at No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC
No need to overthink this one.
Pick: Notre Dame +26.5
No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (-2.5) at No. 15 LSU Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
As an LSU grad, I’ve been torn. Jalen Milroe’s playmaking favors Alabama, but LSU’s night home-field magic pulls me the other way. I’ll hedge emotionally.
Pick: LSU +2.5
No. 9 BYU Cougars (-4.5) at Utah Utes, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
Utah’s season hasn’t gone well, but this rivalry game in Salt Lake City gives them the edge.
Pick: Utah +4.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 22 Ties 18 Losses
Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado ($8,900) – Texas Tech’s porous pass defense (280+ yards allowed per game) offers a great setup for Sanders, who should easily hit 300 yards and 3 TDs. Stack him with his pass catchers for high upside.
Thomas Castellanos, Boston College ($6,600) – With his rushing attempts increasing, Castellanos brings upside. Syracuse’s defense struggles, making Castellanos a solid dual-threat pick.
Running Back
Quintrevion Wisner, Texas ($5,000) – Wisner’s workload in Texas’s high-scoring offense is undervalued. Florida’s banged-up defense should give him opportunities to score.
Kanye Udoh, Army ($5,900) – Udoh’s performance hinges on QB Daily’s status. If Daily sits, Udoh becomes a must-play against North Texas’s weak run defense.
Wide Receiver
LaJohntay Wester, Colorado ($5,200) – Wester is consistently undervalued and has a strong role in Colorado’s offense. His red-zone presence makes him a high-floor play.
Tony Johnson, Cincinnati ($3,600) – Johnson’s recent performances make him a value option against a pass-funnel West Virginia defense, with consistent targets from Sorsby.
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No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (-3.5) at No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, Noon ET, FOXOhio State being favored here is surprising; I expected it closer to a pick-em. Both teams are contenders but feel one step from disappointment. In a close matchup like this, taking the home team with points seems smart.Pick: Penn State +3.5Duke Blue Devils (+20.5) at No. 5 Miami Hurricanes, Noon ET, ABCA big spread, but Duke is still Duke. Coach Manny Diaz is motivated to win, but Miami’s talent gap is clear. I’ll take Duke plus 20 points.Pick: Duke +20.5No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-15.5) at Michigan Wolverines, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBSMichigan’s struggles are evident, and Oregon looks title-bound. While Michigan’s defense is solid, Oregon’s firepower on both sides likely proves too much.Pick: Oregon -15.5Florida Gators (+16.5) vs. No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABCFlorida has turned things around after a rough start and could still reach bowl eligibility. Freshman QB DJ Lagway offers high potential, but Georgia’s strength will likely overpower them.Pick: Georgia -16.5Texas Tech Red Raiders (+14.5) at No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNCould this be the year Matt Campbell makes a CFP push? Despite Iowa State’s Big 12 co-favorite status, I’m skeptical of their Cinderella story and will take Texas Tech with the points.Pick: Texas Tech +14.5No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers (-7.5) at Michigan State Spartans, 3:30 p.m. ET, PeacockIndiana is optimistic about QB Kurtis Rourke’s return and will try to keep their momentum going. I think they’ll pull off a win over Michigan State.Pick: Michigan State +7.5North Carolina Tar Heels (-2.5) at Florida State Seminoles, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACCNHere’s the game for those still following.Pick: Florida State +2.5No. 10 Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABCTexas A&M’s playoff path looks clear, but South Carolina’s unpredictability could pose a challenge. After a rough start, A&M rallied, but South Carolina’s home advantage may keep it close.Pick: South Carolina +2.5Louisville Cardinals (+10.5) at No. 11 Clemson Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNClemson feels vulnerable, and while Louisville may not hand them a loss, they could expose some weaknesses.Pick: Louisville +10.5No. 18 Pitt Panthers (+7.5) at SMU Mustangs, 8:00 p.m. ET, ACCNSticking with Pitt, even without recent game experience.Pick: Pitt +7.5DK Saturday Main Slate DFS PicksRecord Year to Date: 18 Wins 20 Ties 16 LossesQuarterbackRocco Becht, Iowa State ($6,500) – Becht is an under-the-radar play, leading Iowa State to a top-10 rank. Though they focus on the run, Becht’s rushing and passing skills make him a strong pick against Texas Tech’s weak defense, which allows almost 34 points per game.Bryson Daily, Army ($9,200) – Service academy QBs like Daily have high ceilings. Facing Air Force, who struggles against the run, Daily is set for a big game with potential help from Kanye Udoh.Running BackTrevor Etienne, Georgia ($6,500) – Etienne’s recent performance makes him a top pick in Georgia’s depleted backfield. With Florida’s weak run defense, Etienne should see increased carries as Georgia likely pulls away.Mario Anderson, Memphis ($7,800) – Anderson thrives in Memphis’s high-paced offense and faces a UTSA defense that’s struggled against competent run teams. There’s some risk of Memphis relying on the pass, but Anderson’s volume makes him valuable.Wide ReceiverTez Johnson, Oregon ($7,700) – Johnson’s high target count and Oregon’s offensive strength make him a strong play. Michigan’s secondary struggles, and Johnson’s consistent performances offer a solid floor and ceiling.Chris Carpenter, UTSA ($3,700) – With WR1 McCuin out, Carpenter has been heavily targeted and is a great value in this high-scoring game.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Welcome to a special DFS-only episode of Sharpen the Point with your host, Chris Tyndall. flying solo today. No betting insights this time—Chris is focusing on what he knows best: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy and player picks.
We've been scoring big tournament wins. Over the last two weeks, he's been 20-maxing tournaments on DK, with 15 and 14 entries cashing—a high yield right now. Player pools have been tight and crisp. We’re going to break down every game on the Week 9 college football main slate and highlight the best plays.
Record Year to Date: 15 Wins, 18 Ties, 15 Losses
Record is based on a player's value using points per dollar. A win is more than 4 times, a tie is 3-4 times, and a loss below 3 times. Example: Oronde Gadsden costs $3,500 and scores 26.8 points for a 7.66 value rating and a win.
Quarterback
Josh Hoover, TCU ($8,500) – With two high-scoring games in Tulane/North Texas and Texas Tech/TCU, focusing on these matchups is crucial. Each team is expected to score over thirty, setting the stage for Hoover, who leads a TCU offense struggling on the ground and therefore passing more than 60% of the time—a top-ten rate nationally. Texas Tech's pass defense remains vulnerable, giving up nearly 270 yards per game, as evidenced by last week’s 274/5 performance against Sawyer Robertson. Hoover, combined with Savion Williams and Tahj Brooks, offers a great lineup core.
Will Howard, Ohio State ($7,900) – Howard's last outing, a close road game against Oregon, showcased his playmaking. While Ohio State’s title hopes are still alive, the team’s path forward has narrowed. After the bye, an explosive performance is expected against a Nebraska team coming off a rough outing against Indiana. Ohio State may emphasize the pass here, especially if they want to minimize carries for Quinshon Judkins, who recently underwent hand surgery, and increase Trey’Veon Henderson's workload.
Running Back
Makhi Hughes, Tulane ($7,400) – Hughes was a no-brainer pick due to his role and the ideal matchup. Tulane’s run-heavy offense (about two-thirds of plays) features Hughes as the main back, a trend head coach Jon Sumrall brought over from Troy. With North Texas’s strong offense, Tulane’s best strategy is ball control, leaning on Hughes to exploit a defense that gives up 175 rushing yards per game. Hughes has hit multiple touchdowns in three straight games, and he’s a strong pick to repeat that with 100+ yards and touchdowns.
Quintrevion Wisner, Texas ($4,800) – The Texas backfield has seen turnover, with CJ Baxter initially leading before injury, followed by Jaydon Blue, who fumbled his way down the depth chart. Wisner has now taken the lead, outperforming Blue in touches by 14 over the last two games. Vanderbilt’s run defense has allowed backs to reach big numbers, with Nate Noel nearly hitting 200 yards. Texas should deliver scoring opportunities for Wisner, making him a great value in a Sarkisian-led offense.
Wide Receiver
Daniel Jackson, Minnesota ($4,500) – Wide receivers abound in this slate, making the right combo crucial for payouts. Jackson, a star last season for Minnesota with four 100+ yard games and eight touchdowns, continues to see nearly nine targets per game. Facing a Maryland defense ranked near last in passing yards allowed (288 per game), Jackson has a prime opportunity to break out and deliver a high-impact performance.
DT Sheffield, North Texas ($7,000) – Sheffield caps the slate as a consistent performer in a North Texas offense that’s among the fastest in the country, passing 60% of the time. Averaging 7 catches, 94 yards, and 1.5 touchdowns per game, Sheffield is priced attractively for his role. In cash games, Sheffield feels essential, but for tournaments, Tulane’s ability to control the clock could keep Sheffield off the field, opening leverage options like Josh Kelly, Tez Johnson, or Ohio State's playmakers.
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