Seattle Mariners Shake Things Up by Recalling Former A’s Reliever!

In an unexpected yet intriguing move, the Seattle Mariners have brought former Oakland A’s reliever Will Klein back into the fold, signaling their belief that the hard-throwing righty could still unlock his potential. Klein’s journey to this point has been a mix of highs and lows, but the Mariners’ track record of developing pitching talent could be just what he needs to turn the corner.

Klein’s story began with a midseason trade last year, when the Athletics dealt Lucas Erceg to the Kansas City Royals for a package that included right-handed starter Mason Barnett, reliever Will Klein, and outfielder Jared Dickey. Klein made his big-league debut with the Royals on April 28 before being shipped to Oakland, where his first two outings were promising. He logged 1.1 innings with a walk and a strikeout, showing the kind of raw stuff that intrigued scouts.

However, things went south in his third appearance, when he gave up five earned runs in just one-third of an inning against the New York Mets. The A’s quickly sent him down to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he struggled with a 5.06 ERA over 5.1 innings. Though his performance was underwhelming, Klein’s raw talent—particularly his fastball—was never in question. The real issue was control.

In January, the Mariners acquired Klein for cash considerations, a move that immediately turned heads. Given Seattle’s remarkable ability to develop pitchers into reliable late-inning options, many wondered if they could tap into Klein’s upside. While he didn’t make the Mariners’ Opening Day roster, the team has now recalled him to the 26-man roster, opting to send right-hander Gregory Santos down. Santos had posted a 5.14 ERA and a concerning 2.29 WHIP across seven innings.

Klein’s minor league numbers this season haven’t been pretty. He’s posted a troubling 12.79 ERA and has walked 19.4% of batters faced in just 6.1 innings. But his FIP of 3.37 suggests that his performance is better than his numbers imply. Klein’s strikeout rate of 36.1% is the highest it’s been since 2021, and his stuff is showing signs of improvement. In his most recent outing on April 15, his four-seam fastball touched 98.6 mph, and his slider velocity jumped to 87.6 mph, showing noticeable gains from last season.

How Lee Corso’s Headgear Picks Reflect the Fall of Virginia Tech Football

For college football fans, few moments rival the excitement of the College GameDay finale when Lee Corso dons a team’s mascot headgear to make his pick. This iconic moment has become a weekly tradition for fans across the country. But for Virginia Tech supporters, Corso’s history with the Hokies’ headgear picks serves as a painful reminder of how far the program has fallen.

Back in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Virginia Tech football was a powerhouse in the ACC, with perennial appearances in major bowl games and consistent top-25 rankings. The Hokies were a fixture on GameDay, and when Corso picked their headgear, it often signaled a sense of pride and expectation. It wasn’t just about the game—it was about the significance of the Hokies as a top-tier program.

However, as the years have passed, the once-proud Virginia Tech program has seen a gradual but unmistakable decline. In recent seasons, Corso’s headgear picks have become increasingly infrequent, and when they do appear, they often highlight the gulf between Virginia Tech and the college football elite.

During the peak years of the program, Corso often picked Virginia Tech, signaling their relevance in college football’s national landscape. But now, with the Hokies struggling to reclaim their former glory, their appearances on GameDay are fewer, and Corso’s headgear has largely been absent from the broadcast, underscoring how far the program has fallen from its former heights.

The Hokies’ decline isn’t just reflected in their loss of national prominence; it’s also evident in their recruiting, bowl game appearances, and overall performance. The program, once led by legendary coach Frank Beamer, has struggled to find consistency and success in the post-Beamer era, and GameDay’s changing attitude toward Virginia Tech’s headgear picks is a microcosm of that larger shift.

For Hokies fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow—what was once a regular symbol of national relevance now serves as a reminder of what has been lost. While Virginia Tech may still have moments of brilliance, the days when they could be counted on for big GameDay moments and Corso’s headgear picks feel like a distant memory.

If the Hokies want to turn the tide, they’ll need to rebuild their program to reclaim the relevance that once made their headgear pick a staple of college football Saturdays.

Colin Cowherd Slams Caitlin Clark’s Snub from Time 100 List

Colin Cowherd Blasts Time Magazine Over Caitlin Clark Snub: “The List is Nonsense”

Caitlin Clark has become the face of a new era in women’s basketball, electrifying the WNBA and bringing unprecedented attention to the league. But despite her historic rookie season, she was nowhere to be found on Time Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People—and sports commentator Colin Cowherd is not having it.

The Indiana Fever star had a rookie campaign for the ages in 2024. Not only did Clark unanimously win WNBA Rookie of the Year, but she also led the Fever to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. Her presence sparked an undeniable surge in viewership, fan engagement, and cultural conversation around women’s basketball. For many, her omission from Time’s influential list isn’t just surprising—it’s infuriating.

One of the most vocal critics of the snub was FS1’s Colin Cowherd, who didn’t hold back on his show.

“How is Caitlin Clark not in this?” Cowherd asked, visibly frustrated. “Caitlin Clark goes to the WNBA and they set all-time ratings records. If she’s not on this list, the list is nonsense.”

Cowherd’s argument isn’t just rooted in emotion—it’s backed by numbers. According to The Wall Street Journal’s Rachel Bachman, the WNBA saw double-digit growth across every major demographic in 2024, with the most notable spikes coming from young viewers, male viewers, and white audiences. That kind of demographic shift is rare and signals a cultural breakthrough that few athletes achieve—especially in their rookie season.

Cowherd went a step further by comparing Clark’s impact to other generational icons in sports history, such as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. Like them, he argued, Clark didn’t just excel on the court—she changed the game itself. By drawing in new audiences and raising the league’s visibility, she elevated women’s basketball in a way that transcends typical rookie accomplishments.

“The Time list is about influence, not just popularity,” Cowherd emphasized. “And Clark is the most influential athlete in her sport right now.”

While Clark hasn’t commented publicly on the snub, the debate has ignited a larger conversation about how we define influence in sports—and whether groundbreaking female athletes are being given their due recognition.

One thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s impact is impossible to ignore, even if Time chose to overlook it.

Hokies Hit with Transfer News: Freshman QB Among Three Departing Virginia Tech

Spring Shake-Up: Three Hokies Hit the Transfer Portal, Including Promising Freshman QB

Just when fans were settling into the calm of the offseason, the spring transfer portal has stirred the waters again—this time in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech saw three players enter the portal as the NCAA’s brief second window opened on April 16, with freshman quarterback Davi Belfort headlining the group.

Belfort, a 5-foot-11 signal-caller out of South Florida, redshirted during the 2024 season and leaves Blacksburg with four years of eligibility still in hand. While he didn’t take a snap for the Hokies, his departure is still significant—he was once seen as a rising talent within the program. However, with Kyron Drones and Pop Watson firmly entrenched as the top two quarterbacks heading into 2025, and two new freshman QBs, Kelden Ryan and A.J. Brand, already on the roster, Belfort’s path to playing time appeared increasingly narrow.

Joining him in the portal are redshirt freshman offensive tackle Web Davidson from Macon, Georgia, and redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Caleb Nitta of Leesburg, Virginia. Davidson also didn’t see the field during his time in Blacksburg and retains four years of eligibility. Nitta, on the other hand, appeared in three games and earned his first career start at center in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, showing flashes of potential.

With the recent arrival of new offensive line coach Matt Moore—who brought three former West Virginia linemen with him—it’s no surprise that some roster turnover is happening up front. Moore’s influence is likely to result in continued restructuring along the line, and these early departures may just be the beginning.

This spring transfer window is only open for 10 days, from April 16 to April 25, but it can have a major impact on rosters. Unlike the winter window, which follows the regular season and feels more celebratory with fresh starts and new arrivals, the spring period tends to bring tougher realizations. After spring practices, players have a clearer picture of where they stand on the depth chart. At the same time, top programs with big NIL budgets know what they need—and often aren’t shy about recruiting directly from other rosters.

As college football continues to evolve, so too do the challenges for teams and players alike. Best of luck to Davi, Web, and Caleb in their next chapters. And rest assured—Virginia Tech will be active in filling the gaps.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Hokies navigate the portal frenzy.

Auburn Football Faces Special Teams Shakeup as Kicker Transfers Out

Breakout Auburn Kicker Ian Vachon Enters Transfer Portal After Memorable Season

In a surprising turn of events, Auburn football’s standout kicker Ian Vachon has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling the end of a brief but memorable stint on the Plains. Vachon, who quickly became a fan favorite after his clutch performance in Auburn’s shocking upset over Texas A&M last season, made the announcement Wednesday via social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Vachon’s journey to Auburn was anything but traditional. Originally a student-athlete at Birmingham-Southern College, he found himself searching for a new home after the small liberal arts school shut its doors. Auburn welcomed him as a walk-on, and while he initially joined the team buried deep on the depth chart, circumstances soon opened the door for his rise.

Entering the 2023 season, Vachon wasn’t expected to see the field, but fate had other plans. With projected starter Alex McPherson sidelined by a persistent gastrointestinal illness and backup Towns McGough struggling with inconsistency, Vachon seized the moment when his number was called. Despite limited reps in practice and little time to adjust to the SEC’s intensity, he stepped up in a major way.

His defining moment came under the bright lights against Texas A&M, when his poise and precision helped secure a dramatic upset win. In that instant, the former walk-on etched his name into recent Auburn football lore, proving he could thrive on the biggest stage. Fans and teammates alike rallied around his underdog story, which quickly became one of the most heartwarming narratives of the Tigers’ season.

Now, after just one year with the team, Vachon is looking for a new opportunity to continue his football journey. While his departure leaves a gap in Auburn’s special teams unit, it also opens a new chapter for a player who’s already shown he can rise from obscurity to stardom.

Wherever he lands, Vachon will carry with him the grit, resilience, and calm under pressure that defined his time at Auburn. One thing’s for sure: his next team won’t just be getting a solid kicker—they’ll be gaining a proven competitor with a story that’s only just beginning.

Evaluating the Trade: Raiders Acquire Top CB, Give Up Young WR Talent

Trade Talk Heats Up: Should the Raiders Deal Promising WR for Star CB Jalen Ramsey?

The Las Vegas Raiders could be on the brink of a blockbuster trade—and Bleacher Report has laid out a bold proposal that’s turning heads. With the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the Raiders face a glaring need in their secondary, and a potential solution may be sitting in Miami’s backyard.

Despite being known in recent years for their defensive resilience, the Raiders have experienced a significant shake-up this offseason. New general manager John Spytek allowed several key defenders to walk in free agency, including standout cornerback Nate Hobbs. If that wasn’t enough, Spytek followed up by releasing Jack Jones, another starting corner, leaving the team dangerously thin at one of the league’s most vital positions.

Enter Jalen Ramsey.

The Miami Dolphins are reportedly shopping the three-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback, and the Raiders are among the teams most frequently linked to him. Ramsey, still a top-tier talent despite a rocky 2024 season, could instantly upgrade Las Vegas’ secondary and provide the veteran leadership new head coach Pete Carroll craves.

But elite talent comes at a price.

Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton floated a trade idea: the Raiders would receive Ramsey, while the Dolphins get a 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 108 overall) and rising wide receiver Tre Tucker in return. On paper, it’s a move that addresses both teams’ needs—Las Vegas fills its defensive void, and Miami adds draft capital along with an explosive young pass-catcher.

Still, this isn’t an easy call for the Raiders. Tucker has shown flashes of game-breaking potential, especially with his speed and agility. Under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, his role could expand dramatically in a revamped, up-tempo offense. Giving him up now could mean losing a future star just as he’s about to take off.

There’s also the draft pick to consider. While a fourth-rounder might not seem monumental, those mid-round picks can be gold for building depth—something the Raiders need across the board.

So, how do you grade this trade? If the goal is to win now and shore up a crumbling secondary, Jalen Ramsey is the kind of impact player who could change the course of a season. But with long-term pieces like Tucker on the rise, it’s a high-stakes gamble that could either propel the Raiders into contention—or cost them down the road.

From Gridiron to Rock Stage: Virginia Tech’s Wild Field Makeover for Metallica Show

Virginia Tech Transforms Lane Stadium for Metallica with Bold Turf Overhaul

Virginia Tech Uses Eye-Catching Turf Technique Ahead of Metallica’s Arrival

Lane Stadium is no stranger to roaring crowds and high-voltage entrances, especially when Virginia Tech’s football team storms the field to the pulse-pounding sounds of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” But come May 7, the legendary band behind the anthem will take center stage themselves—right on the same field they’ve unknowingly helped electrify for decades.

As part of their M72 World Tour, Metallica will rock Lane Stadium in what will be only the second major concert ever held inside the iconic venue. The last time the stadium hosted a performance of this magnitude was in 2007, in the wake of the Virginia Tech shooting, when a star-studded lineup that included Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer came together for a healing show. While various artists like NLE Choppa have performed outside the stadium, Metallica’s upcoming show marks a new level of musical history being made in Blacksburg.

To prepare for this high-profile transformation from gridiron to rock arena, Virginia Tech’s grounds crew is pulling off a meticulous field renovation—and it’s far from a simple stage setup. Step one in the makeover? Removing the sprinkler heads. But that’s just the beginning.

The real magic lies in a specialized turf preparation method called “fraise mowing.” Using a precision mower, the crew removes the top layer of grass—anywhere from a quarter to over an inch deep. This process, while extreme, is strategic. It strips away thatch (a dense layer of organic debris), improves soil exposure, and creates optimal conditions for aeration and future overseeding.

In this case, the fraise mow is preemptive. With heavy equipment and thousands of fans set to cover the field, the grass underneath is bound to take a beating. By removing it in advance, the grounds team ensures that once the lights go down and the amps go quiet, they can quickly reseed and rejuvenate the field for football season.

This turf transformation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about smart, long-term planning. And when Metallica hits the 50-yard line to play in the round, they won’t just be rocking out in Lane Stadium—they’ll be making history on a perfectly prepped field designed to rise again, just in time for fall Saturdays in Blacksburg.

Report: Colts Connect with Hokies WR Da’Quan Felton in Pre-Draft Meeting

 

Colts Show Interest in Virginia Tech’s Da’Quan Felton, a Sleeper WR Prospect with Big-Play Potential

As the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Indianapolis Colts are doing their homework—and their latest pre-draft meeting has them eyeing a potential late-round gem. According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Colts recently held a virtual meeting with Virginia Tech wide receiver Da’Quan Felton, a name that might not be on every fan’s radar but one that definitely carries intriguing upside.

Felton checks the boxes physically. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 213 pounds with 32 1/4-inch arms, he’s a prototypical “height-speed” receiver who could stretch the field and provide a red-zone presence—two areas the Colts could use more firepower in. During the 2024 college season, Felton started all 12 games for the Hokies, recording 32 catches for 360 yards (11.3 yards per reception) and two touchdowns. While those numbers won’t turn heads at first glance, they don’t tell the full story.

Scouting reports, including his NFL.com draft profile, suggest that Felton’s modest production was more a result of scheme limitations and inconsistent quarterback play than a lack of ability. He’s a vertical threat who thrives on deep routes—posts, fades, and go routes—where he can use his long stride and speed to gain separation. His route running and hands are still a work in progress, and he’s not known for his yards-after-catch ability, but teams could view him as a developmental deep threat who can grow into a more polished role.

Projected as a Day 3 selection, likely in the sixth or seventh round, Felton may not be a player who contributes immediately in a starting role—but that doesn’t mean he won’t make an impact. His size and speed make him a candidate to contribute on special teams from Day 1, and with some coaching, he could evolve into a situational vertical weapon who forces defenses to stay honest.

For a Colts team that’s still building around quarterback Anthony Richardson and looking to add more playmakers to the mix, especially those who can stretch the field vertically, Felton could be an intriguing late-round flyer. The virtual meeting is a sign that Indianapolis sees something worth exploring—and in the late rounds, that kind of raw athletic upside can be a steal.

Stuck at the Top? Exploring Panthers’ Options Without a Trade-Back in 2025 NFL Draft

What If the Panthers Can’t Trade Back? A Look at Carolina’s Options with the No. 8 Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft just over a week away, the Carolina Panthers are firmly in the spotlight, holding the coveted No. 8 overall pick. Naturally, fans are buzzing with anticipation, wondering what the team’s next move will be. While there’s been plenty of chatter about Carolina trading back to accumulate more picks, a real question looms: What happens if that trade opportunity doesn’t materialize?

In this week’s Panthers Mailbag, a fan asked a timely question: “What should the Panthers do if they’re stuck at No. 8 and can’t trade back?” It’s a scenario the front office must be prepared for, especially in a draft class full of positional depth but no clear-cut consensus beyond the top handful of prospects.

The conventional wisdom is to “take the best player available,” but that phrase means more than just picking a name off the top of a draft board. Organizational philosophy and positional value play a massive role. The Panthers, for example, are not in the market for a quarterback at No. 8. That narrows the focus to premium positions like edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle.

Among those, edge rusher and wide receiver stand out as immediate needs. With a revamped defense under new leadership and an offense still searching for consistent playmakers, either of these picks could make an instant impact in 2025. Wide receiver, in particular, offers some electrifying talent near the top of the board—players who could give Bryce Young the support he’s lacked in his early development.

Meanwhile, positions like cornerback and offensive tackle are more about long-term planning. With contract decisions looming for veterans like Mike Jackson, Ikem Ekwonu, and Taylor Moton, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Carolina invest early in protecting its franchise quarterback—or strengthening a secondary that needs depth and youth.

Then there’s defensive tackle, a position Carolina has historically prioritized regardless of need. Despite some intriguing additions in free agency, the defensive front still needs help to shake off the stink of last year’s historically bad scoring defense.

So if no trade partner comes calling, expect the Panthers to stay strategic. At No. 8, they’ll have a real shot at a difference-maker—someone who can contribute now and grow into a cornerstone of this new era in Carolina.

Hokies Land Promising In-State Recruit for 2026 Football Season

Virginia Tech Lands Key In-State Linebacker in Big Recruiting Win for 2026 Class

The recruiting momentum in Blacksburg is building fast—and Virginia Tech just added a major piece to its 2026 puzzle. Head coach Brent Pry and his staff had a busy weekend, starting with the annual Spring Game and a strong wave of campus visitors. By the end of it, the Hokies had secured not one, but two new commitments. And on Monday, they struck gold with a significant in-state pickup that could set the tone for the rest of the recruiting cycle.

Joshua Pittman, a standout linebacker from Suffolk, Virginia, announced his commitment to Virginia Tech, becoming the Hokies’ first in-state pledge for the Class of 2026—and the third overall commitment in that group. Pittman’s decision is especially impressive given the competition; he chose the Hokies over offers from programs like Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Michigan State, Indiana, and others. He’s also made recent visits to Wake Forest and North Carolina, showing just how wide-ranging his recruitment had become.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Pittman brings a physical presence to the field and has the versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker. Known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks and shut down the run, he’s expected to fit well into the aggressive, hard-nosed defensive scheme Pry is building in Blacksburg.

This commitment follows two others in recent days: wide receiver Carnell Warren from South Carolina, who committed back in February, and kicker Will Love, the younger brother of current Hokie John Love, who announced his decision on Sunday. With talent being added across the board—offense, defense, and special teams—Virginia Tech’s 2026 class is starting to take shape in a promising way.

As the spring recruiting season heats up, the next few months will be crucial. Numerous high-priority targets are expected to visit campus throughout May and June, and the coaching staff will be looking to keep this positive momentum going. More commitments are likely on the horizon, especially as summer approaches and players begin narrowing down their choices.

For now, Virginia Tech fans can celebrate a strong early foundation in the 2026 class—and with an in-state playmaker like Joshua Pittman now on board, the future in Blacksburg is looking bright.