Virginia Tech Lands Game-Changing Wing from UNLV in Transfer Portal Steal!

Virginia Tech Snags Versatile Scorer Jailen Bedford from UNLV to Bolster Backcourt Depth

Mike Young and the Virginia Tech men’s basketball program are on a mission this offseason—rebuild, reload, and return to contention. After several key departures to the transfer portal, the Hokies have been actively piecing together a new-look roster, and their latest addition brings experience, versatility, and untapped potential.

On Tuesday morning, Virginia Tech secured a commitment from UNLV graduate transfer Jailen Bedford, a 6-foot-4 wing who brings both size and scoring to the table. Bedford, who averaged 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game last season, primarily came off the bench but started eight games for the Rebels. While his 38% shooting from the field leaves room for improvement, his aggressive playstyle and ability to get downhill and finish at the rim offer plenty of upside.

Bedford has taken an unconventional journey to the ACC, having previously played at the JUCO level and Oral Roberts before his time at UNLV. That path has molded him into a gritty, seasoned competitor with a strong work ethic—something the Hokies will need as they fill out the roster for 2025-26. Bedford isn’t just a depth piece; he’ll arrive in Blacksburg ready to compete for serious minutes and push younger players while offering leadership and physicality on the perimeter.

The commitment comes on the heels of a busy few weeks for Coach Young, who has already added Amani Hansberry (West Virginia), Izaiah Pasha (Delaware), and German big man Antonio Dorn. Returning players Jaden Schutt, Tyler Johnson, and Ben Hammond offer a foundation, and if Tobi Lawal withdraws from the NBA Draft as expected, Virginia Tech could have a formidable core.

There are still four open scholarships, and more moves could be on the way, but the momentum is building. With Bedford now in the mix, the Hokies are adding much-needed scoring depth, defensive versatility, and veteran poise.

His shooting efficiency will need to rise, but if Bedford clicks in the system, he could be one of the sleeper impact transfers in the ACC this season.

Keep an eye on this name—Jailen Bedford might just be a game-changer in maroon and orange.

The Panthers Just Made a Sneaky-Good Signing — And No One’s Noticing It!

The Panthers May Have Found a Hidden Gem in This Overlooked Undrafted Free Agent

While the spotlight faded after the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan wasn’t ready to call it a day. He and his team dove headfirst into the undrafted free agent pool, looking for hidden talent — and they may have struck gold with a name few are talking about: Bam Martin-Scott.

The former South Carolina linebacker isn’t the flashiest player on the field, nor does he boast eye-popping athletic metrics. But what he does bring is consistency, energy, and a nose for the football — the kind of qualities that quietly win roster battles and earn coaches’ trust.

Martin-Scott put up an impressive 67 tackles and nine tackles for loss in his final collegiate season, showcasing a newfound prowess in run defense. He’s a smart, high-motor defender who quickly diagnoses plays and relentlessly pursues ball carriers. He’s not perfect — refining his gap discipline and improving consistency in pass coverage will be essential — but the tools are there.

What makes Martin-Scott even more intriguing is his versatility. In man coverage, he moves well enough to stick with running backs and tight ends. As a blitzer, he brings flashes of explosiveness that could make him a situational weapon and a special teams contributor early in his NFL career.

With Shaq Thompson gone and a fairly thin linebacker group featuring Christian Rozeboom, Josey Jewell, and rookie Trevin Wallace, there’s a real opportunity for someone like Martin-Scott to carve out a role. The Panthers didn’t just bring him in to fill a training camp spot — he’s got a chance to make some noise.

And if there’s anyone who can recognize linebacker potential, it’s Dan Morgan. As a former Pro Bowl linebacker himself, Morgan knows what it takes to succeed at the next level. His belief in Martin-Scott should turn a few heads.

Make no mistake — Martin-Scott is going to show up in camp ready to prove himself. He’s the type of underdog that fans rally behind and coaches love: tough, smart, and relentless. If he can translate that energy into impact plays, don’t be surprised if he earns a spot on the 53-man roster.

This may just be the best under-the-radar signing Carolina made all offseason.

Softball Snub? Virginia Tech Gets Major Disrespect in Latest Bracketology Update

As the ACC softball regular season hurtles toward its final weekend, the stakes couldn’t be higher — especially for Virginia Tech. The Hokies are eyeing not just a strong finish in the conference, but also fighting for national respect after a surprising slight in the latest NCAA Tournament projections.

This weekend’s home series against Florida State in Blacksburg has turned into a high-stakes showdown. Virginia Tech trails the Seminoles by just two games in the loss column and sits narrowly ahead of Clemson for the No. 2 spot in the ACC standings. With next week’s ACC Tournament hosted by Boston College looming, seeding is on the line — but the real pressure is national.

According to Softball America’s latest NCAA bracketology update, Virginia Tech has shockingly dropped from a projected No. 1 seed and regional host to a No. 2 seed forced to hit the road. That’s a major blow for a team that has put together a resume many feel is worthy of home-field advantage.

To make matters more frustrating, the Hokies now find themselves projected to travel across the country to Oregon for regional play — a location that would favor their opponents and add significant travel strain. While Stanford and Oklahoma State also dropped in the latest forecast, Virginia Tech’s fall has sparked the most debate.

Much of the downgrade seems tied to the Hokies’ recent series loss at Pittsburgh, a result that seemingly erased the impact of their strong performance last weekend in California, where they took two of three. Still, many argue their overall body of work merits hosting rights — and now, it’s up to the Hokies to prove it on the field.

A series win over Florida State would send a loud message to the selection committee and could vault Virginia Tech back into the coveted Top 16. Simply put, this series is more about NCAA Tournament seeding than ACC Tournament implications. Winning two out of three is essential if the Hokies hope to start their postseason journey in front of their home fans in Blacksburg.

The regular season ends this weekend — but for Virginia Tech, the fight for respect is just heating up.

SUPER PLAYER COUSIN IN THE MUD: Vikings’ Bold Move to Ditch Kirk Cousins May Have Sparked a Championship Run

When the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with Kirk Cousins after six seasons, it felt like the end of an era — and a gamble. Cousins had been a steady hand, throwing for over 23,000 yards and 171 touchdowns in Minnesota while maintaining a winning record. But after years of playoff disappointments and roster limitations due to his hefty contract, the Vikings’ leadership decided it was time for a bold reset.

Fast forward to 2025, and that gamble is paying off.

By letting Cousins walk, the Vikings cleared major cap space — despite a lingering $28.5 million hit in 2024 — and have since transformed their roster. Free agency became a weapon, not a limitation. With Cousins off the books, Minnesota went all-in, signing major defensive pieces like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to overhaul a long-criticized interior defense. They also solidified the offensive line by adding Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, giving their new quarterback much-needed protection.

And the spending didn’t stop there. They retained key contributors like Aaron Jones and Byron Murphy Jr., and even added more playmakers like cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and running back Jordan Mason. The result? A deep, balanced roster that blends veteran leadership with young, explosive talent.

Minnesota’s smart spending extended into the NFL Draft. With flexibility and depth already in place, they drafted standout Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson and speedy wide receiver Tai Felton. Both rookies are expected to start — a testament to both their talent and the team’s clear development strategy. Most importantly, this solid foundation gives rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy every opportunity to succeed, free from the burden of carrying a flawed team.

Cousins’ tenure in Minnesota wasn’t a failure, but it exposed a truth: the Vikings could only go so far with him at the helm. His big numbers masked inconsistent results, and everything around him had to be perfect for success. Now, the team is built to win even if the quarterback isn’t perfect.

The Vikings took a huge risk moving on from Cousins. But in doing so, they’ve unlocked a new identity — one that’s younger, tougher, and built to contend at the highest level. If McCarthy lives up to expectations, Minnesota won’t just be good. They’ll be dangerous.

Breakout Stars in the Making? These Virginia Tech Underclassmen Could Explode in 2025-26

Virginia Tech Basketball’s Young Guns Ready to Explode in 2025-26

With another offseason of roster reshuffling underway, Virginia Tech men’s basketball head coach Mike Young is navigating the transfer portal once again. Yet, unlike the chaos of last year, this cycle has brought some stability — and more importantly, hope. Several underclassmen who showed flashes of brilliance last season are staying put in Blacksburg, ready to build on their momentum and potentially become the new faces of the Hokies in 2025-26.

Among those who’ve returned are three young players who could take massive strides forward next season: Ben Hammond, Jaden Schutt, and Tyler Johnson.

Ben Hammond: The Quiet Floor General Ready to Roar

Hammond arrived at Virginia Tech last spring after de-committing from Rhode Island, and while his freshman numbers may not have grabbed headlines, his impact was undeniable. Initially behind Brandon Rechsteiner on the depth chart, Hammond seized the starting point guard role by January and never looked back. His composure, defensive tenacity, and improved shooting made him a steady presence on the court, especially in high-pressure ACC matchups. With a full offseason to develop and stay healthy, Hammond could emerge as one of the ACC’s most reliable floor generals next year.

Jaden Schutt: The Sharpshooter with Something to Prove

A former Duke Blue Devil, Schutt came to Virginia Tech with a reputation as a knockdown shooter. Injuries derailed his stint at Duke, and they continued to hamper his progress in Blacksburg. But even through slumps, Schutt showed glimpses of why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. With his first full college season now under his belt, Schutt’s confidence and rhythm should rise significantly. A healthy offseason could be the key to unlocking his lethal shooting and making him one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the ACC.

Tyler Johnson: The Gritty Freshman Turning into a Two-Way Force

Johnson forced his way into the Hokies’ starting lineup as a freshman, showcasing toughness, rebounding, and defensive intensity. He wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work down low, and his offensive game started to blossom late in the season. With another summer to refine his scoring and physicality, Johnson could evolve into an all-around force for Virginia Tech.

If these three underclassmen stay healthy and continue their upward trajectories, Virginia Tech might not just survive another portal season — they could thrive in 2025-26.

Diamondbacks Hit with Major Blow as Justin Martinez Lands on IL — ‘Something’s Clearly Not Right’

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen took a major hit this week as flame-throwing reliever Justin Martinez was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. The move follows a string of uncharacteristically shaky outings and a noticeable drop in velocity—sparking concern across the organization.

Martinez’s latest appearance raised more than just eyebrows. Entering the ninth inning with a 4-1 lead against the New York Mets on Wednesday, he struggled mightily. He threw just 14 pitches—only five for strikes—failing to display the dominant control or power fans have come to expect. Most notably, his signature sinker, which averaged over 100 mph last season, barely touched 96.6 mph. He didn’t throw a single four-seam fastball and served up a home run to Tyrone Taylor on a 95.6 mph pitch that lacked its usual firepower. After walking two more batters, Martinez was pulled in favor of Ryan Thompson, who secured the win.

The drop in velocity wasn’t a one-time fluke. Martinez’s recent outings have shown a consistent downward trend. After two strong appearances in Miami in mid-April, he didn’t pitch again until April 23. The team initially labeled it as fatigue—later clarifying it as shoulder fatigue. On Saturday against Atlanta, his sinker registered at 97.9 mph, and by Sunday, his pitches dipped even further. Wednesday’s performance confirmed something was clearly wrong.

“Obviously, there’s something wrong, right?” said Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall in a Thursday interview with Arizona Sports. “We’ve now seen that sample three times… it’s probably time to dig even deeper.”

Alongside Martinez, the D-backs also moved fellow reliever A.J. Puk to the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation. To fill the roster gap, they called up left-hander Jose Castillo from Triple-A Reno.

Martinez was expected to be a key figure in the back end of Arizona’s bullpen this season. Coming off a strong start—seven shutout innings and 10 strikeouts—he looked poised to fulfill those expectations. The D-backs even locked him into a five-year, $18 million extension with club options, a clear vote of confidence in his future.

Now, that future feels uncertain. The D-backs are left hoping that deeper testing can uncover the root of Martinez’s issues and get him back to full strength—before their bullpen takes on more stress.

Virginia Tech Gears Up for Season-Defining Showdown at Pittsburgh This Weekend

The Virginia Tech baseball team is approaching a crossroads—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a promising midseason surge that included series wins over Louisville and Notre Dame and a dominant sweep of then-ranked Wake Forest on the road, the Hokies looked like a near-lock for the NCAA Tournament. They cracked the national Top 25 rankings and had momentum on their side. But that familiar late-season slide seems to be creeping back once again.

Since the series win over the Irish, the Hokies have stumbled. They were swept at home by Florida State and dropped consecutive series to both Duke and North Carolina. To make matters worse, they were embarrassed Tuesday night by Liberty in a 13-4 home blowout. That defeat only magnified the growing list of questions surrounding John Szefc’s squad as they head into what could be a make-or-break weekend.

Virginia Tech now travels north for a pivotal three-game road series against ACC cellar-dweller Pittsburgh. At first glance, it looks like a series the Hokies should handle easily—Pitt sits at 6-15 in conference play and 20-21 overall. Meanwhile, the Hokies are 27-17 overall and 11-13 in ACC competition. But recent performances suggest this won’t be a walk in the park.

This matchup, once an afterthought on the schedule, has now become a must-win series. Just two weeks ago, Virginia Tech’s softball team suffered a costly series loss to Pitt. The baseball team can’t afford a similar stumble if they want to stay in the NCAA Tournament picture.

All eyes will be on starting pitcher Brent Renfrow Friday night as he takes the mound in what may be the most important start of his season. A strong outing to open the weekend could be the momentum boost the Hokies desperately need.

Simply put, this series is no longer about Pitt’s record—it’s about Virginia Tech proving they can stop the bleeding. A loss this weekend would not only hurt their postseason résumé, it could signal a complete unraveling of a season that once looked so promising.

Will the Hokies rise to the occasion—or will history repeat itself? The answer starts Friday in Pittsburgh.

Auburn’s Newest Star Makes Bold Decision — Withdraws From 2025 NBA Draft!

Auburn basketball just got a major boost for the 2025–26 season — and it comes in the form of a powerful, game-changing decision by incoming transfer Keyshawn Hall.

On Tuesday, it became official: Hall, who transferred to Auburn from UCF earlier this offseason, has withdrawn from the 2025 NBA Draft. His name was absent from the NBA’s final list of early entry candidates, confirming he’ll suit up for the Tigers under head coach Bruce Pearl next season.

This news firmly locks in a key piece of Auburn’s roster puzzle and provides clarity for fans eager to see what this team can become. Hall had initially entered the NBA Draft on March 25 and jumped into the transfer portal just days later. That decision ultimately landed him on the Plains, making him the first portal commitment for Pearl and his staff during this recruiting cycle.

Hall arrives in Auburn after a dominant season in the Big 12, where he led UCF in scoring with 18.8 points per game while also grabbing 7.1 rebounds. At 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds, he brings a unique blend of size, strength, and scoring versatility. Able to play multiple positions, Hall is expected to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams — exactly what Pearl is counting on.

“He is just a matchup nightmare for the opponent,” Pearl said. “I thought the biggest factor in his decision was his desire to finish out his college career on top and win a championship.”

That championship mindset is something Auburn fans will welcome with open arms. Hall’s return to college basketball — rather than jumping into the pros — suggests a focused mission: to compete at the highest level, lead a deep postseason run, and enhance his NBA stock even further next year.

In a college basketball landscape shaped by constant movement and draft uncertainty, Hall’s decision brings stability and a serious dose of talent to a team with high expectations. Auburn now has a proven scorer and experienced leader who’s hungry to win — and that could make all the difference in what promises to be an exciting season on the hardwood.

Caitlin Clark’s Coach Breaks Silence with Bold Statement on Her Work Ethic — Fans Are Buzzing!

Caitlin Clark Earns High Praise as Fever Coach Reveals What Truly Sets Her Apart

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to prove why she’s not just one of the WNBA’s brightest talents, but also one of the hardest-working. As training camp kicks off for the 2025 season, newly appointed Fever head coach Stephanie White offered a glowing — and revealing — assessment of Clark’s work ethic that has fans and analysts talking.

White didn’t just throw out generic praise. Instead, she delivered what many are calling a “truth bomb” about what makes Clark so different. During her comments Monday, White introduced a powerful distinction: it’s not just Clark’s work ethic, but her work style that sets her apart.

“We talk about work ethic a lot, but work style is another thing,” White explained in a video shared by James Boyd of The Athletic. “She doesn’t waste reps. She literally does embody the phrase, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything.’ She approaches everything with such discipline.”

Clark’s approach to the game isn’t just about putting in hours — it’s about maximizing every moment. Her laser-focused mentality has become a defining feature of her young professional career.

After an explosive rookie season that saw her earn Rookie of the Year, AP Female Athlete of the Year, and TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, Clark is back with a clear mission. Her inaugural WNBA campaign helped push the Fever to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade, and she’s not slowing down.

Despite playing non-stop from her final college season at Iowa straight into a grueling 42-game WNBA slate, Clark didn’t take the offseason as a break — she used it as an opportunity to regroup, refine her game, and enhance her physical conditioning. That kind of mindset isn’t common — and White knows it.

With a head coach who clearly believes in her and a roster ready to build on last season’s momentum, Clark is poised to elevate both her game and the Indiana Fever franchise in 2025. If her offseason discipline is any indication, fans should expect another electrifying year from one of basketball’s most driven rising stars.

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Transfer Drama: Virginia Tech Suffers Surprise Portal Loss—Quickly Rebounds with ACC Guard Target

Virginia Tech Battles Portal Setbacks and Targets ACC Guard to Bolster Roster

The spring transfer portal has been a mixed bag for Virginia Tech football and basketball. Head coach Brent Pry has been active, securing talent for the defensive line and secondary, but key holes still remain—especially at linebacker. One such hole got deeper this week when a promising target slipped away.

Purdue linebacker Hudson Miller, who still has two years of eligibility, was expected to visit Blacksburg as a potential answer to the linebacker depth issue following Jayden McDonald’s departure. However, according to The Tech Lunch Pail’s Tim Thomas, Virginia Tech canceled Miller’s visit last week. Just days later, Miller committed to Toledo, a Mid-American Conference (MAC) program. The unexpected decision has left Hokies fans scratching their heads, and Pry’s staff back at square one in the search for a defensive anchor.

Despite this setback, there’s still plenty of optimism—especially on the basketball side of things.

Virginia Tech men’s basketball is now firmly in the mix for a promising ACC talent. Divine Ugochukwu, a freshman guard who recently entered the transfer portal after one season at Miami, has drawn reported interest from Virginia Tech. Originally from Texas, Ugochukwu showed flashes of his potential last season, averaging 5.3 points and 2.3 assists per game. One of his standout performances came in January against the Hokies, when he notched seven points and seven rebounds in a narrow 86-85 loss sealed by a clutch three-point play from Mylyjael Poteat.

With backcourt depth a priority for head coach Mike Young, Ugochukwu could be a perfect fit. The Hokies have already made key portal additions this offseason, but adding a young, ACC-experienced guard with upside could give them a needed spark, especially as they rebuild following several offseason departures.

Both programs find themselves at a crossroads—football regrouping after a portal miss, and basketball looking to make a strategic addition. While the Hokies lost ground to a MAC team this week, the battle in the transfer portal is far from over. If Ugochukwu chooses Blacksburg, it could be a crucial win in a fiercely competitive offseason.