Ex-Virginia Tech Star Re-Enters the Transfer Portal – What’s Next?

Rodney Rice Re-Enter’s Transfer Portal: What’s Next for the Former Hokies Guard?

For the second time in less than a year, former Virginia Tech guard Rodney Rice is heading back into the transfer portal.

Before the start of the 2023-24 Virginia Tech men’s basketball season, the Hokies and head coach Mike Young suffered an unexpected blow when Rice decided to leave the program in mid-October. Once the transfer portal opened, Rice made his move and ended up at Maryland, joining coach Kevin Willard’s Terrapins.

At Maryland, Rice played a crucial role for the team, which had a strong run in the Big Ten. The Terrapins advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament before falling in a heartbreaker to Michigan. Maryland’s NCAA Tournament journey also saw success, as they won their first two games before being eliminated in the Sweet 16 by Florida.

However, after the loss to Florida, a shake-up occurred when Willard left Maryland to become the head coach at Villanova. The coaching change didn’t sit well with Rice, and it didn’t take long for him to decide to enter the transfer portal once again.

Rice’s decision to re-enter the portal has raised plenty of questions. The Maryland native, who averaged 13.8 points per game and shot 43% from the field this season, is once again one of the most sought-after guards on the market. In the NCAA Tournament, Rice made his presence known with 9 points in a win over Grand Canyon, 16 points in a second-round victory over Colorado State, and 12 points in the loss to Florida.

Before transferring to Maryland, Rice played 8 games for Virginia Tech during the 2022-23 season, averaging 7.4 points per game and nearly 20 minutes of action. His departure left a major hole in the Hokies’ backcourt, putting extra pressure on Sean Pedulla to handle the point guard duties.

Now, as Rice looks for his next destination, speculation is swirling that he could follow Willard to Villanova. Whether that’s the case or not, it’s clear that Rice will have no shortage of suitors, with many programs eager to add his scoring ability and playmaking skills to their roster. The next chapter of Rice’s career promises to be an exciting one.

Wide Defending World Champion Masanosuke Ono Chooses Penn State Wrestling!

World Champion Masanosuke Ono Joins Penn State Wrestling in a Shocking Move

Just days after Penn State Wrestling dominated the NCAA tournament and etched its name into the record books, the program has landed one of the most surprising and impressive commitments in recent memory.

Masanosuke Ono, the 20-year-old reigning world champion from Japan, is officially joining the Nittany Lions. Ono’s explosive performance at the Senior Freestyle World Championships last October turned heads worldwide. His path to the 61kg title included stunning victories over Olympic champion Zavur Uguev and defending world champ, Team USA’s Vito Arujau, showcasing his elite athleticism and razor-sharp technique.

Following his triumph, Ono hinted at his future plans in an interview, stating in broken English that he intended to train at Penn State. What initially seemed like a short-term training stint with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC) has now turned into something much bigger. After months of speculation, Ono confirmed on FloWrestling Radio Live and later on Instagram that he will be competing for Penn State’s Folkstyle team.

What Does This Mean for Penn State?

Ono’s decision is unprecedented. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented freestyle wrestlers of his age group—and now, he is stepping into the world of collegiate Folkstyle wrestling for the first time. His commitment raises plenty of questions.

  • How long will he stay? Even Ono himself isn’t entirely sure.
  • What weight will he compete at? He joked that he could wrestle anywhere from 125 to 157 pounds, though 133 or 141 seems most likely.
  • How will he adapt? The transition from Freestyle to Folkstyle is significant. While Ono’s par terre dominance is undeniable, the ability to escape from bottom position—a crucial skill in Folkstyle—remains a major unknown.

Despite these uncertainties, there’s no denying that Ono’s arrival makes an already dominant Penn State program even more dangerous. Head coach Cael Sanderson and his staff now have an elite international talent stepping into their finely tuned system, adding yet another weapon to their arsenal.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Ono’s development and how he fits into Penn State’s loaded lineup. One thing is for sure—this move shakes up the college wrestling landscape in a way few could have predicted.

Virginia Tech Hokies Make Power Moves: Top Basketball Targets Visit & Baseball Dominates Wake Forest!

Virginia Tech Making Big Moves: Key Basketball Transfers Visit & Baseball Stuns Wake Forest

As the transfer portal frenzy heats up, Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team is wasting no time in rebuilding its roster. With three players entering the portal and starters Rose Micheaux and Matilda Ekh out of eligibility, new head coach Megan Duffy faces the challenge of replacing three key pieces ahead of next season.

This weekend, the Hokies hosted three high-profile transfers in Blacksburg, according to Trilly Donovan’s X account, Skim Milkey. Purdue’s Sophie Swanson, Bucknell’s Ashley Sofilkanich, and Wake Forest’s Demeara Hinds all made visits, signaling Virginia Tech’s aggressive push to reload for the upcoming season.

Hinds, a versatile forward who averaged 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists for a struggling Wake Forest team, has a strong connection to the Hokies—she was originally recruited to Winston-Salem by current Virginia Tech assistant Jen Hoover. That relationship could give the Hokies a serious edge in landing her.

Meanwhile, Sofilkanich, a high-scoring guard, put up impressive numbers at Bucknell, averaging 19.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor would be a major asset to Virginia Tech.

With these visits, it’s clear Duffy and her staff are making aggressive moves to ensure the Hokies remain competitive next season.

Virginia Tech Baseball Pulls Off Stunning Sweep Against Wake Forest

Over on the baseball diamond, Virginia Tech made a massive statement by sweeping No. 16 Wake Forest over the weekend. After securing wins in the first two games of the series, the Hokies capped it off with a thrilling 6-5 comeback victory on Sunday.

Trailing 5-2 heading into the ninth inning, Virginia Tech erupted for four runs to complete the sweep, improving to 20-8 overall and 7-5 in ACC play. Wake Forest, once considered a top contender, fell to 20-9 and 7-5 in the conference.

Ben Watson delivered a clutch solo homer, keeping the Hokies within striking distance. In the seventh, they had a prime opportunity to take control with the bases loaded and one out, but Wake’s ace Blake Morningstar shut them down with back-to-back strikeouts. The Demon Deacons capitalized in the bottom of the inning, extending their lead with an RBI triple and single.

However, Virginia Tech refused to back down, delivering a dramatic ninth-inning rally to seal the sweep.

With major moves happening in both basketball and baseball, it’s clear the Hokies are making waves across multiple sports.

Hugh Freeze Sounds the Alarm on Auburn’s Wide Receiver Room – Big Concerns Ahead?

Hugh Freeze Puts Pressure on Auburn’s WRs: “They Better Make Plays”

Auburn football fans are eager to see the Tigers’ wide receivers take a big leap this season. With standout KeAndre Lambert-Smith moving on to the next level, the focus now shifts to the returning “Freeze Four”—Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson, and Bryce Cain—along with two key transfer additions, Eric Singleton Jr. and Horatio Fields.

While Singleton’s blazing speed has already set him apart, wide receivers coach Marcus Davis believes Fields’ experience and leadership mentality will help fill the void left by Lambert-Smith. Meanwhile, Coleman and Simmons are coming into their own after a full season of experience, adding depth and playmaking ability to the unit.

With so much talent in the WR room, one might expect confidence from head coach Hugh Freeze—but instead, he issued a statement that raised eyebrows.

“They better make plays,” Freeze said, per Auburn Undercover. “If that room doesn’t have success, we won’t have success. It’s one of the more talented rooms I’ve ever been associated with.”

He even compared them to some of the biggest names he’s coached in the past, including DK Metcalf, AJ Brown, Van Jefferson, and Evan Engram. However, he stopped short of declaring them at that level just yet.

“It’s a bit early for me to put all of that on them, but it rivals it. It’s close,” Freeze admitted.

He also noted that the young players are finally settling into the system.

“Even Malcolm and Perry, just a second year in the same system, with the same terminology, doing the same things, you see them now catching on,” he explained. “There were times last year where Payton was ready for Malcolm or Perry to do something, and it didn’t always happen. But now you see them executing at a better level. We are very much dependent on that room having success.”

That’s a lot of pressure for one position group, but with Freeze entering his third season at Auburn, the stakes couldn’t be higher. After back-to-back losing seasons, the Tigers need wins—and if the wide receivers don’t deliver, Freeze could find himself on the hot seat.

Hugh Freeze Breaks Down Auburn’s First Spring Scrimmage – Key Takeaways

Hugh Freeze Reacts to Auburn’s First Spring Scrimmage: What’s Standing Out?

After a delayed start due to Auburn’s official spring break, the Tigers are now three weeks into their spring training, with an intense quarterback battle unfolding and new arrivals adjusting to life on the Plains. On Saturday, the team hit a major milestone with their first scrimmage, and head coach Hugh Freeze liked what he saw.

“I was really encouraged by the competitiveness of both sides,” Freeze told Auburn Rivals. “It went back and forth, and the competitiveness was really good to see. We’ll do it again this Saturday and hopefully see some improvement in every area.”

One position group that’s catching Freeze’s attention? The wide receivers. Auburn retained its core group—dubbed the “Freeze Four”—which includes Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, Bryce Cain, and Malcolm Simmons. Now in their second year under Freeze’s system, they’re showing notable improvement.

“Even Malcolm and Perry, just having a second year in the same system, with the same terminology, you see them now catching on,” Freeze said via Auburn Undercover. “Last year, there were times when Payton expected them to do something a certain way, and it didn’t always happen. But now, you see them executing at a better level. We are very much dependent on that room having success.”

The Tigers have also added fresh talent, and some newcomers are already turning heads. While Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr. is a big-name addition, Freeze was quick to highlight the playmaking abilities of incoming freshman Sam Turner and Wake Forest transfer Horatio Fields.

Earlier this spring, Freeze called Auburn’s receiving corps one of the most talented groups he’s ever worked with. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, the success of this unit could be a game-changer.

With another scrimmage on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Auburn continues to sharpen its skills and define its roster in the weeks ahead.

Dawn Just Blew Up the WNBA, Cathy —And You Won’t Believe Why!

Dawn Montgomery’s Fiery Rant Sparks Controversy Over WNBA Priorities

In a bold and unapologetic tweet, Dawn Montgomery didn’t hold back her frustration with the WNBA and its leadership. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Montgomery voiced her displeasure over what she sees as an unfair distribution of resources, calling out the league for investing heavily in a player she believes hasn’t earned the hype—aside from, in her words, “being white.”

“This makes absolutely no sense,” she wrote. “I swear they’re putting all this money into that girl who ain’t done shit but be white. I’m sick of this and Cathy. I don’t care if I don’t ever get invited to WNBA-related events or games anymore. Enough is damn enough.”

Her fiery comments didn’t just call out the player in question but also took direct aim at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, seemingly accusing the league of favoritism. Montgomery’s remarks immediately ignited a storm of reactions across social media. Supporters praised her for speaking out against perceived injustices in the league, while critics accused her of being divisive and unprofessional.

While Montgomery has never been one to shy away from controversy, this latest outburst raises bigger questions about how marketing, endorsements, and investment are handled within women’s basketball. Is there an underlying bias in how players are promoted? Are certain athletes given advantages based on factors outside of their performance on the court?

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, one thing is clear: Montgomery’s tweet wasn’t just a passing complaint—it was a direct challenge to the WNBA’s leadership and its decision-making. Whether the league responds or chooses to ignore the backlash remains to be seen, but the conversation Montgomery sparked isn’t dying down anytime soon.

Big Rule in College Baseball: Does It Exist?

Does College Baseball Have a Mercy Rule? Here’s What You Need to Know

As college baseball reaches the midpoint of the season, games are heating up, and so are the scores. Some matchups turn into intense nail-biters, while others spiral into lopsided blowouts. When a team builds an overwhelming lead, one question often arises: Is there a mercy rule in college baseball?

The short answer? Yes. College baseball does have a run rule, commonly referred to as the “mercy rule.” The rule states that if a team leads by 10 or more runs after seven innings, the game is called, and the leading team is declared the winner. This rule helps prevent unnecessary exhaustion and potential injuries, especially in a sport where managing pitching depth is crucial.

For example, Virginia Tech has already experienced the run rule this season—both benefiting from it and falling victim to it. In a recent series against Wake Forest, the Hokies secured a 13-2 victory after jumping to a nine-run lead in the first inning. Since the lead extended past 10 runs by the seventh inning, the game was ended early.

Though some fans may not love the idea of an early finish, many coaches welcome it. The mercy rule allows teams to conserve pitching arms for upcoming games and prevents unnecessary wear and tear on players. While some teams can agree to waive the rule and continue playing, most conferences enforce it to protect their athletes.

Ultimately, while college baseball doesn’t always see runaway games, the mercy rule exists as a safeguard to keep competition fair and sustainable. So, the next time you see a team dominating on the scoreboard, you’ll know—if they hit that 10-run mark after seven innings, the game might just be over early.

3 Players the Las Vegas Raiders Should Seriously Steer Clear of in the 2025 NFL Draft

3 Players the Las Vegas Raiders Must Avoid in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders have a crucial draft ahead, and with a new regime led by Pete Carroll, Tom Brady, and John Spytek, every pick will be under intense scrutiny. The Silver and Black need cornerstone players, but not every high-profile prospect is the right fit.

As the Raiders weigh their options, three first-round talents stand out as potential risks. While these players have undeniable upside, concerns in their game suggest Vegas should steer clear.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, McMillan’s stock has dipped due to questions about his speed. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound wideout boasts elite size and red-zone ability, but his inconsistent 40-yard dash times have raised eyebrows. Initially reported to run a 4.55, conflicting reports suggest he clocked a 4.48 at his Pro Day, casting doubt on his explosiveness.

For a Raiders offense looking to play fast, McMillan’s lack of game-breaking speed could be a red flag. While his size and ball skills are intriguing, Vegas might be better off targeting a more dynamic playmaker.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

A disruptive force for Michigan, Graham has been a dominant presence on the defensive line. However, despite his strength and technique, concerns about his ability to shed NFL-caliber blockers and provide consistent interior pass rush could limit his upside at the next level.

The Raiders need a game-changer in the trenches, but with their scheme demanding more explosiveness up front, Graham might not be the best fit. There are better defensive tackle options who align with Vegas’ defensive vision.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for the Raiders. With key roster holes to address, making the wrong first-round selection could set the franchise back. While McMillan, Graham, and one more top prospect have potential, the risks outweigh the rewards for Vegas.

Carroll, Brady, and Spytek must be meticulous in their decision-making—because in the NFL, one wrong pick can make all the difference.

Once a Hokie, Now a Hooky: Former Coach Bails Again as Baseball Takes Another Hit

Buzz Williams on the Move Again as Virginia Tech Baseball Takes a Hit

Former Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams is at it again—jumping ship for a new opportunity in the ever-chaotic world of college basketball coaching.

 

In a time when the transfer portal dominates headlines, the coaching carousel is proving to be just as wild. On Monday, Maryland head coach Kevin Willard officially departed for the vacant Villanova job, setting off a chain reaction that quickly confirmed a rumor swirling around the college basketball world—Buzz Williams was ready to take over in College Park.

Williams, known for his strategic mind and intense coaching style, has built a reputation for making his mark at programs before moving on within five or six years. After his time at Virginia Tech, he left for Texas A&M, and now, he’s packing his bags once again to take the reins at Maryland.

It’s a classic Williams move—revamp a program, make it competitive, then find the next challenge before settling in too long. Maryland fans will surely be hoping he sticks around long enough to bring them back to prominence, but if history is any indicator, they might want to start prepping for another search within the next half-decade.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech athletics had another rough outing as the baseball team suffered a tough loss. While Hokie fans are used to the ups and downs of college sports, losing a former coach to a conference rival stings just as much as a defeat on the field.

With Williams now leading the Terrapins and Virginia Tech baseball trying to bounce back, it’s clear that change is inevitable in college sports—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

Cristian Javier got some bad news As Astros Face Tough Roster Decision

Astros Make Tough Roster Call Following Blue Jays Trade

The Houston Astros were forced to make a difficult roster decision following a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, and it came at the expense of pitcher Cristian Javier. Nearly a year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Javier’s road to recovery remains ongoing, and now, his absence is being felt even more.

On Wednesday, the Astros officially moved Javier to the 60-day injured list to open up a roster spot, a move that signals both his delayed return and Houston’s need for immediate reinforcements. The decision paved the way for the team to acquire reliever Nick Robertson from the Blue Jays in exchange for prospect Edinson Batista, per Jake Elman of Athlon Sports.

Robertson, originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft, brings some experience but has yet to establish himself as a dominant force on the mound. With a career ERA of 5.30 across 40 games, he has recorded 40 strikeouts and has bounced between teams, including stints with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, before landing in Toronto.

Javier, on the other hand, has been a staple in Houston’s rotation since making his MLB debut in 2020. Over his career, he has posted an impressive 33-18 record with 564 strikeouts and a solid 3.59 ERA. Before his season-ending injury in 2024, he was off to a promising start, going 3-1 with a 3.89 ERA in just seven games. His absence leaves a significant void in the Astros’ pitching staff, making this roster shuffle even more significant.

Houston’s decision to place Javier on the injured list underscores the difficult balancing act the team faces as they attempt to remain competitive while dealing with key injuries. With hopes of his return before the All-Star break, the Astros will need to rely on their bullpen depth—now including Robertson—to hold things together until their star pitcher is ready to make his comeback.

While Robertson may not be the most high-profile addition, Houston is clearly in a position where every bit of pitching help matters. As they navigate the season with an eye toward October, all eyes will be on whether this trade helps stabilize their bullpen—or if Javier’s absence continues to loom large.