Hokies Make It Two in a Row: Another Huge Recruiting Win Over ACC Foes

It’s been a rollercoaster week on the recruiting front for Virginia Tech football and head coach Brent Pry. The Hokies are hosting another key weekend of campus visits, and despite a few setbacks, the last 48 hours have brought a wave of momentum.

The week got off to a rough start on Thursday when wide receiver Carnell Warren, who had committed back in January, announced that he was reopening his recruitment. He became the second Class of 2026 decommitment for Virginia Tech, joining four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone, who backed off his pledge last November after originally committing in June.

But just when it seemed like the Hokies were losing ground, they bounced back in a big way.

On Friday, Virginia Tech landed a significant commitment from Class of 2026 edge rusher Kamren Johnson out of Green Run High School. Johnson chose the Hokies over offers from in-state rival Virginia and fellow ACC competitor Pittsburgh—a key win for Pry and his staff.

Then on Saturday, the recruiting momentum continued as defensive lineman Kamdon Gillespie announced his commitment to Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound standout from Mooresville, North Carolina, chose the Hokies over Georgia Tech, another ACC foe. Gillespie had originally planned to visit South Florida later in the month, but instead decided to move up his decision and lock in with Virginia Tech.

Gillespie brings serious talent to the table. Coming off a dominant junior season, he recorded 61 tackles, including 25 for loss, along with 10 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, and three fumble recoveries. His explosive play style and ability to disrupt offenses make him a huge get for the Hokies’ defensive front.

He’s now the fourth commitment in Virginia Tech’s 2025 (rising senior) class. While the program still lags behind the rest of the ACC in total commits—just ahead of Wake Forest, who currently has six—this two-day stretch signals a positive trend and renewed energy on the recruiting trail.

With more official visits lined up and recruiting heating up, Brent Pry and his staff appear to be turning the tide—one key commitment at a time.

You Won’t Believe These 5 Weird Moves by Astros’ Power Players

Houston sports fans are in a rare golden era, with the Texans, Rockets, and Astros all showing real promise. But of the three, it’s the Astros who have delivered the biggest thrills—and actual championships—in recent years. Still, even the best can be a little weird sometimes.

Take the case of Forrest Whitley. Drafted in the first round back in 2016, Whitley was once seen as a future ace. Fast-forward nine years, and the Astros just quietly shipped him off to Tampa Bay… for cash. He threw just over 10 innings at the major league level. Yet, the team’s social media posted a heartfelt “thank you” message, which felt more like satire than sincerity. It’s a reminder: even top-tier organizations can make baffling decisions.

Then there was the “Hollywood moment” for Cam Smith. After making the Opening Day roster, the Astros staged an over-the-top celebration—complete with family members appearing like it was a game show reveal. While the sentiment was sweet, the execution came off a little too dramatic, and even some teammates looked confused.

Let’s not forget Jose Altuve. He’s easily one of the greatest Astros of all time—maybe the greatest—but his base running? A comedy of errors. Despite all his accolades, Altuve has a strange habit of making little league-level mistakes on the basepaths, a quirk that has left fans shaking their heads more than once.

One of the more impactful weird moments? The winter of 2023, when the Astros had no general manager. Owner Jim Crane, usually spot-on with decisions, allowed a strange leadership vacuum filled by… himself, Jeff Bagwell, and Reggie Jackson. The result? Massive contracts for Jose Abreu and Rafael Montero—deals that already look like major misfires.

Finally, broadcasters Todd Kalas and Geoff Blum deserve praise for their chemistry and game insight—but even they have their quirks. Chief among them is their obsession with the flawed “catch probability” stat. When a single play’s probability can swing 30% overnight, it’s probably not worth five minutes of analysis mid-game.

At the end of the day, the Astros are elite—but even greatness comes with its odd moments.

Surprise Move: Celtics Add Elite College Standout with Draft Doubts

The Boston Celtics recently hosted Auburn standout Johni Broome for a pre-draft workout, according to HoopsHype’s NBA Draft tracker. A former All-American and SEC Player of the Year, Broome brings an impressive college resume into the 2024 NBA Draft conversation — though scouts remain divided on where he’ll land.

The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game in his super-senior season, leading Auburn to its second-ever Final Four. Despite his dominant college production, draft projections place Broome in the mid-to-late 30s. Fortunately for Boston, that falls right in the range of their two picks at Nos. 28 and 32. With President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens always open to trading around the board, Broome could become a strategic option.

Broome’s story is one of steady rise and relentless effort. He began his collegiate career at Morehead State, where he earned OVC Defensive Player of the Year honors before transferring to Auburn. At Auburn, he continued to excel — earning All-SEC honors multiple seasons and showing he could hang with top-tier talent.

What makes Broome intriguing for the Celtics isn’t just his numbers, but how he got there. He’s a hard-nosed, blue-collar big who plays with heart and hustle — qualities Celtics fans often embrace. He’s not an elite athlete, but his basketball IQ, timing, and instincts allow him to protect the rim and dominate the boards. Last season, he led the SEC in rebounding and averaged over two blocks per game — a consistent mark throughout his time with the Tigers.

Offensively, Broome thrives in the paint with smart post moves and a reliable touch around the basket. He also shows signs of passing savvy, capable of finding cutters and shooters from the high or low post. While his perimeter shot needs work — he hit just 27.8% from three — he has the foundation of a smart, unselfish big.

In today’s NBA, his lack of switchability and limited range may hold him back early on. But if Broome can improve his outside shot, he could carve out a role as a valuable rotation piece for Boston — especially as the team prepares for life without Jayson Tatum during his Achilles recovery.

Recruiting Win! World Class Kamren Johnson Picks Virginia Tech, Boosting Hokies’ Defense

Virginia Tech has made a key addition to its 2026 recruiting class with the official commitment of three-star edge rusher Kamren Johnson. The announcement came on Friday, marking the Hokies’ third commitment in what promises to be a pivotal recruiting cycle.

Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Johnson boasts excellent size and length—attributes that are highly coveted in a defensive edge rusher. He currently plays for Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, a program that has become a strong pipeline to Virginia Tech in recent years. Several notable Hokies, including Keylen “Brodie” Adams, Jayden Anderson, Knahlij Harrell, and Zeke Chinwike, have also come from Green Run, showing the school’s consistent contribution to the team’s talent pool.

Johnson fits the ideal profile for an edge rusher: he is not only tall and athletic but also has a frame that offers the potential to add significant muscle without losing his agility. Before his commitment, the University of Virginia was seen as the frontrunner to land Johnson. However, the Hokies worked hard to bring him to Blacksburg, and Johnson’s official visit to Virginia Tech helped him accelerate his decision timeline.

According to 247Sports, Kamren Johnson ranks as the No. 33 overall prospect in Virginia for the class of 2026. So far, Virginia Tech has secured only one other in-state recruit, linebacker Joshua Pittman from Suffolk, who holds the No. 20 spot in the state rankings.

Johnson’s commitment adds much-needed depth and talent to the Hokies’ recruiting class, especially after the recent loss of wide receiver Carnell Warren, who decommitted from Virginia Tech just a day before Johnson’s announcement. Along with Johnson, the 2026 class currently includes kicker Will Love from Spartanburg, South Carolina, and linebacker Joshua Pittman from Suffolk, Virginia.

This trio forms the early foundation for Virginia Tech’s incoming talent, with hopes that more commitments will follow as the recruiting season progresses. Johnson’s decision is a significant win for the Hokies and provides a promising boost to their defensive front in the years ahead.

Diamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick Faces Big Decision: Trade Deadline Buyer or Seller?

Diamondbacks owner and managing partner Ken Kendrick remains undecided on whether the team will be buyers or sellers at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. With the season’s rollercoaster performance so far, Kendrick said he wants to wait and see how competitive Arizona is over the next month before making any major decisions.

The Diamondbacks endured a rough stretch in May, losing nine of 10 games, which dropped them four games below .500. However, June has brought renewed hope, with the team starting the month 9-4. Currently, Arizona holds a 36-35 record, sitting just 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot while trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 6.5 games in the division.

Given the season’s unpredictability, Kendrick emphasized that how the team performs leading up to July 31 will largely influence their strategy at the trade deadline. “But will we invest in this team? If the facts and circumstances suggest investing gives us a legitimate chance to be in the postseason, then we’re going to do that,” Kendrick told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo.

The Diamondbacks entered the season with a record-high payroll of nearly $195.5 million, ranking in the top 10 across Major League Baseball. This hefty spending included signing Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes to a massive six-year, $210 million deal. Unfortunately, injuries to Burnes and Justin Martinez have complicated the team’s outlook, limiting their on-field contributions.

Despite these setbacks, Kendrick remains optimistic about the team’s talent. He believes that, even with injuries, the current roster has as much potential on paper as the group that made it to the World Series last year. “Some may argue with me. That was a band of brothers who did it. This band of brothers may be also able to do it. So I think we just have to let the next month play out,” Kendrick said.

Regarding recent trade activity, Kendrick called Sunday’s acquisition of Rafael Devers an “unusual” event and said there are no imminent deals on the horizon for the Diamondbacks. “We wouldn’t be likely doing an event of significance, I wouldn’t think in the next month. Then within the last two weeks of July, it’s where all the teams get more and more serious.”

As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Arizona to see whether Kendrick decides to bolster the roster or look toward future seasons.

Jaire Alexander Drama Heats Up—Analyst’s Take Sends Panthers Fans Into Frenzy

It didn’t take long for Carolina Panthers fans to get excited after former Green Bay Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander hit the free-agent market. While nothing has been confirmed, whispers of a potential homecoming have quickly spread, especially given Alexander’s deep Charlotte roots and his history as a standout at Rocky River High School.

For a Panthers team looking to bounce back from a historically poor defensive season, the idea of adding a two-time Pro Bowler is understandably appealing. Alexander, originally a first-round pick out of Louisville, has proven elite when healthy. But that’s the catch — his recent injury history makes him a risky investment.

Still, the upside is hard to ignore.

NFL analyst Anand Sharma from Total Pro Sports recently added fuel to the speculation, suggesting that Carolina could be the perfect fit for Alexander — both for the team and the player. Sharma emphasized the need for a shutdown corner to pair with Jaycee Horn and said Alexander has the skills to bring Pro Bowl-level play back to Carolina’s secondary if he can stay healthy.

“Despite missing time over the past two seasons, Jaire Alexander still has the ability to lock down top receivers and change games,” Sharma noted. “With Carolina needing stability and playmaking in the secondary, this could be the environment where he regains form.”

From a talent perspective, Alexander would immediately elevate Carolina’s cornerback room. Outside of Horn, there isn’t much proven depth at the position. However, whether the Panthers are willing to take on the injury risk — and what kind of contract Alexander would accept — remain open questions. A deal heavy on incentives might be the only way forward, but would Alexander agree?

Complicating matters further is the growing list of interested teams. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that six franchises have already reached out to Alexander’s camp, with the Pittsburgh Steelers among the rumored suitors. If the bidding heats up, Carolina could find itself outpaced financially.

There’s still time before training camps begin, so the Panthers don’t need to rush. Head coach Dave Canales hasn’t ruled anything out, but financial flexibility and health concerns will be key hurdles.

Still, the idea of bringing Jaire Alexander home is a tantalizing one — and Panthers fans are watching closely.

Double Crystal Ball Surprise! Hokies Trending for Key Recruiting Target

Virginia Tech is starting to heat up on the recruiting trail as the Class of 2026 cycle gains momentum. After a busy weekend filled with campus visits from key prospects, the Hokies have emerged as frontrunners for one of their top targets — three-star defensive lineman Kamdon Gillespie.

Gillespie, a highly sought-after prospect, spent the past weekend in Blacksburg as part of his recruiting tour. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, he’s drawn serious interest from nearly two dozen Power 4 programs across the country. His recent stops have included Georgia Tech, while other offers have rolled in from Boston College in the ACC, SEC schools like Kentucky and Vanderbilt, and Big 12 contender West Virginia. He’s also scheduled to visit South Florida on June 20, but that trip might not happen — depending on how things unfold in the coming days.

Virginia Tech received a major recruiting boost when two Crystal Ball predictions from 247Sports analysts pegged the Hokies as the likely destination for Gillespie. That’s a strong sign of confidence from insiders that the defensive lineman could soon be calling Blacksburg home.

Gillespie’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths. Comfortable playing across various positions on the defensive front, he would fit perfectly into the aggressive, adaptable system being built under head coach Brent Pry and new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes. In fact, should Gillespie commit, he would represent Siefkes’ first major recruiting win since joining the Hokies’ staff — a big milestone as the team builds its defensive identity.

So far, Virginia Tech has just three commitments in its 2026 class: a wide receiver, a linebacker, and a kicker. Gillespie would be a massive addition, both in terms of talent and momentum, as the program looks to make a strong push over the final weekends of this recruiting phase.

The big question now: will Gillespie follow through with his South Florida visit, or could a decision come sooner than expected?

Either way, the Hokies are clearly in a strong position — and fans have good reason to be optimistic about what’s shaping up to be a very promising addition to the future of their defense.

Vikings’ Former 1st-Round Pick Back in the Spotlight After Important Update

Vikings Receive Crucial Update on Former 1st-Round Pick Jordan Addison Amid Legal Battle

As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2025 NFL season, wide receiver Jordan Addison remains a key figure to watch. The former first-round pick — selected 23rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft — has shown flashes of elite potential in his first two seasons and is poised for a breakout year. But while the team is hopeful about his performance on the field, off-field issues continue to cast a shadow.

Addison is currently dealing with legal troubles stemming from an incident in July 2024, when he was arrested near Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of driving under the influence. Since then, his legal case has been moving slowly through the court system.

Originally, reports indicated that a jury trial was scheduled for June 16, 2025. However, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert later clarified that the hearing on that date was to set the official trial date, not begin the trial itself. On June 16, it was confirmed that Addison’s trial will begin on July 15, 2025.

Despite the legal cloud hanging over him, Addison remains focused on football. During training camp last summer, he addressed the situation briefly, acknowledging the public interest and his own responsibility.

“I know everyone has questions — I would too if I were in your position,” Addison said in July 2024. “But my attorney and agent advised me not to say much about it. I’m just grateful to be here and continue working.”

He added, “I don’t know what kind of discipline might come my way, but I’m ready to face it. I’ll take full responsibility, deal with it head-on, and bounce back stronger.”

So far, no disciplinary action from the league has been announced, though that could change once the legal process concludes. The Vikings have remained relatively quiet on the matter, likely awaiting the outcome before making any decisions.

For now, Addison is expected to remain a key part of Minnesota’s offense heading into his third year, with fans and coaches alike hoping his focus and talent can shine through while the legal situation plays out.

Stay tuned — July 15 could be a pivotal date for both Addison and the Vikings’ 2025 season outlook.

Battle Won: New Recruit Brings Victory Home! Virginia Tech Secures In-State Star Over ACC Competition

After a tough recruiting loss earlier in the week, Virginia Tech football bounced back in a big way, landing a valuable in-state commitment for its 2026 class. Just a day after losing South Carolina prospect Carnell Warren, who had previously committed in January, the Hokies secured a new defensive addition — a move that’s helping steady the waters in what’s been a shaky recruiting cycle so far.

The Hokies, led by head coach Brent Pry, announced the commitment of Kamren Johnson, a three-star edge rusher out of Green Run High School in Virginia Beach. Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound standout, chose Virginia Tech over fellow ACC programs Virginia and Pittsburgh, making this a crucial win both within the state and the conference.

According to 247Sports, Johnson ranks as the 31st overall player in Virginia, and his recruitment was spearheaded by Hokies staff members J.C. Price and Shawn Quinn. His decision strengthens the growing connection between Green Run High and Virginia Tech, where several of Johnson’s former teammates — including wide receiver Keylen Adams, cornerback Knahlij Harrell, and defensive lineman Zeke Chinwike — are already part of the Hokies roster. Johnson’s recent visit to Blacksburg played a key role in sealing the deal.

The commitment comes at a critical moment. Before Johnson’s pledge, the Hokies had just two recruits committed in the 2026 class — linebacker Joshua Pittman and kicker Will Love — the fewest in the ACC. For comparison, Wake Forest, which ranks second-to-last in commitments, currently has six.

Johnson’s decision injects some much-needed momentum into Virginia Tech’s recruiting efforts and comes ahead of another potentially big announcement. On Saturday, three-star defensive lineman Kamdon Gillespie of Mooresville, North Carolina, is set to reveal his college decision, with Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech as the finalists.

While the Hokies’ recruiting scene has faced its share of turbulence recently, Johnson’s commitment could mark the beginning of a turnaround. Virginia Tech fans can breathe a bit easier knowing that the team is still making strong moves — especially when it comes to keeping top in-state talent home.

Stay tuned, as the weekend could bring even more good news for Hokie Nation.

Power Move! PWHL Vancouver Adds Hannah Miller to the Roster

Hannah Miller Signs with PWHL Vancouver in Exciting Free Agency Move

PWHL Vancouver kicked off the league’s free agency period with a major signing, bringing in skilled forward Hannah Miller on Monday. The former Toronto Sceptres player is returning to her roots, joining the league’s expansion team as they build toward their inaugural season.

Miller, 29, spent the past two seasons with Toronto, where she made a significant impact. In the most recent campaign, she tallied 10 goals and 14 assists across 29 games, showcasing her offensive talents and consistent playmaking ability. Before her time in Toronto, Miller played five seasons overseas with the KRS Vanke Rays in China, gaining international experience and further developing her game.

The North Vancouver native expressed her excitement about joining the new team in her home province. “I’m truly honored and very excited to be joining the team in Vancouver,” said Miller. “It means so much to me to represent the city where I first fell in love with the game. It’s a real full-circle moment, and I can’t wait to meet all the fans and get started!”

Miller’s international career includes a standout moment at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she played for Team China and scored the host nation’s first goal of the tournament. Earlier this year, she was named to Team Canada’s roster for the IIHF Women’s World Championship, but was later deemed ineligible due to international transfer rules.

Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey spoke highly of the team’s newest addition. “Hannah is an elite forward who can put up points and wear down opponents,” Morey said. “We are excited to bring her home to Vancouver to be part of our foundation.”

This signing marks a significant step for PWHL Vancouver as they assemble their first-ever roster. The team is expected to add more key players during the upcoming 2025 PWHL Draft on June 24, where they hold six selections, including the seventh overall pick.

With Miller on board, Vancouver gains not only a proven scorer but also a hometown hero whose passion for the game began in the very city she now represents. Fans can look forward to seeing her bring energy, experience, and leadership to the ice this coming season.