Strong Connections Bring Transfer DL Jay Hardy to Auburn for Key Visit ‘They Called Me First’

Jay Hardy is back where it all started—and it just might become home again. The former Auburn defensive lineman made a weekend visit to The Plains, eyeing a potential return to the Tigers after entering the transfer portal following his departure from Liberty.

Hardy, who originally signed with Auburn as part of the 2020 recruiting class, played just one season on the Plains before transferring to Liberty to play under then-head coach Hugh Freeze. Now, with one final year of eligibility remaining and Freeze back at Auburn, the fit feels natural.

Despite the time away, Hardy’s visit felt like a homecoming. The facilities may be upgraded, and the town may have grown, but the energy and familiarity were unmistakable. “Auburn was my first call,” Hardy shared, underscoring how strong his connection still is with the program. With many familiar faces still around the campus and inside the football facility, the transition back wouldn’t be a leap—it’d be a return.

At Liberty, Hardy evolved into a more complete and experienced defensive lineman, gaining valuable reps and contributing to a strong defense. Now, as he searches for a new program to finish out his college career, Auburn seems to check all the boxes. Not only is he reconnecting with a familiar coaching staff, but he’s also eyeing a spot where he could make an immediate impact in the SEC trenches.

The visit stretched across Saturday and Sunday, giving Hardy ample time to reconnect with old teammates, chat with the coaching staff, and envision a final season filled with opportunity. Auburn’s defense, still looking to add depth and experience up front, would benefit from a battle-tested player like Hardy who already understands the program’s culture and expectations.

While no commitment has been made yet, Auburn has emerged as a strong contender—perhaps even the frontrunner—in Hardy’s transfer journey. As he weighs his options, it’s clear the Tigers hold a sentimental edge that few other programs can offer.

Could Jay Hardy’s college football journey come full circle? If his words—and his visit—are any indication, Auburn fans have every reason to keep a close eye on what happens next.

Two Pitches, Three Ejections: Virginia Tech Baseball Spirals into Bat Flip Chaos

Bat Flips, Ejections, and Mayhem: Virginia Tech vs. UNC Spirals into Late-Game Chaos

What started as a dominant performance on the diamond quickly turned into a scene of pure baseball chaos in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech’s baseball squad erupted early and held on for a fiery 10-6 victory over ACC rival North Carolina on Saturday—but the win was almost overshadowed by an explosion of tempers, bat flips, and multiple ejections that left fans stunned.

The Hokies came out swinging, blasting three home runs in the very first inning. Henry Cooke kicked things off with a two-run shot, followed by Sam Tackett launching a towering 461-foot bomb just two batters later. His emphatic bat flip wasn’t well received—especially by Tar Heels catcher Luke Stevenson, who immediately stepped out to confront Tackett at the plate. That tense moment would light the fuse for a game packed with drama.

As the game progressed, North Carolina clawed back, cutting the Hokies’ early 5-0 lead to 8-6 in the eighth inning. But Virginia Tech responded in kind, with pinch hitter Jared Davis delivering a clutch two-run homer to put the game out of reach. His celebration? A fierce bat spike into the dirt—an act that got him immediately tossed from the game.

The very next pitch escalated things even further. North Carolina’s pitcher appeared to send a message, throwing behind Anderson French, the next Hokie up. French flailed to avoid the ball, but made contact with it unintentionally. Clearly unhappy, he exchanged words with the pitcher as he walked back to the dugout—and was promptly ejected himself.

Two pitches, two players gone.

But the chaos wasn’t done yet.

Virginia Tech head coach John Szefc had seen enough. He stormed out to confront UNC manager Scott Forbes in a heated exchange after the inning, which led to both coaches being ejected as well.

In total, two players and two coaches were thrown out in a matter of moments—adding serious fuel to an already fiery rivalry.

The win evened the weekend series at 1-1, but Virginia Tech will now have to regroup without key players heading into Sunday’s rubber match. Tensions are high, emotions are raw, and all eyes will be on how Game 3 unfolds in what has turned into one of the most dramatic series of the season.

Insider Scoop: Ian Rapoport Dissects Broncos’ Offseason and What’s Coming in the Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, all eyes are on how the Denver Broncos plan to build on a whirlwind offseason—and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has some thoughts. Catching up with team reporter Elisa Hernandez at the NFL’s Annual Meeting, Rapoport gave fans an inside look at the team’s strategy, surprises, and what might be brewing on draft night.

According to Rapoport, Denver’s offseason has been “quietly aggressive,” featuring several under-the-radar moves that could pay dividends. “They’ve clearly been intentional about setting the foundation,” he noted, pointing to the team’s moves to shore up key positions without making flashy headlines.

Among those moves: restructuring contracts, clearing cap space, and adding depth through free agency—all while staying tight-lipped about their next quarterback move. Rapoport hinted that the Broncos’ front office may still have a trick up its sleeve before the draft rolls around.

But the draft itself is where things get especially interesting.

Rapoport believes the Broncos are keeping a close eye on the quarterback market and could be in play for a trade-up if the right signal-caller is within reach. “They’re doing their homework. If there’s a guy they love, they’re not afraid to make a bold move,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged Denver’s need to continue rebuilding both sides of the ball, particularly in the trenches and at wide receiver.

The team’s draft flexibility gives them a number of pathways. While fans might be hoping for a first-round QB, Rapoport emphasized that Denver’s leadership wants to stay disciplined—striking a balance between long-term development and immediate impact.

And it’s not just about the draft. Rapoport hinted that Denver is playing the long game under its current regime, focusing on a complete culture shift and smart roster building. “This team is trying to build something sustainable,” he added, praising the organization’s patience and strategic vision.

As Broncos Country looks ahead, Rapoport’s insights offer a reassuring message: while the team may not be making splashy headlines yet, the groundwork is being laid for a competitive—and possibly exciting—season ahead.

Las Vegas Raiders Rumor: Deal Sealed On O’Connell as Quarterback Shake-Up Looms

With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly weighing a bold move—shopping quarterback Aidan O’Connell as part of their evolving quarterback strategy. The 2023 fourth-round pick has started 17 games over the past two seasons and shown flashes of reliability under center. But it seems the Raiders’ new regime might have different plans.

Now under the guidance of General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Pete Carroll, Las Vegas is poised for a reshuffling at the game’s most important position. After bringing in veteran signal-caller Geno Smith earlier this offseason, it’s clear the Raiders are leaning toward experience while also setting their sights on a developmental prospect in the draft.

That shift leaves O’Connell in a murky spot. Once seen as a potential bridge starter or solid backup, he now finds himself potentially on the trading block. According to insiders, Las Vegas is “open” to dealing the 25-year-old QB for a Day 3 draft pick—a move that could free up resources and roster flexibility.

O’Connell’s value isn’t insignificant. During his time in Vegas, he’s proven capable of managing the offense and making smart decisions under pressure. His poise and preparation earned him 17 starts, and in a league constantly searching for dependable quarterback depth, he’s likely to draw interest.

Teams like the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, both with questions at the backup QB spot, have been floated as possible landing spots. For organizations that want a capable reserve who can step in without derailing the offense, O’Connell fits the bill.

Still, the Raiders’ decision will likely come down to how the draft unfolds. If the right quarterback prospect falls into their lap—perhaps someone they see as the long-term answer—O’Connell’s exit could be imminent. If not, keeping him around as insurance behind Geno Smith wouldn’t be the worst scenario.

One thing is clear: the Raiders are a team in transition, and Aidan O’Connell’s future in silver and black is anything but guaranteed.

As Vegas plots its next move, all eyes will be on whether the second-year quarterback becomes part of a draft-day shake-up that could redefine the team’s identity moving forward.

Virginia Tech Misses Out as Star Transfer Picks SEC Power Over Hokies

The college football transfer portal is barely a week old this spring, and already the chaos is in full swing. In what’s quickly becoming a fierce, fast-paced recruiting sprint, Virginia Tech has taken an early blow—and it came from the SEC.

The Hokies were lining up a visit from one of the portal’s most coveted offensive linemen, Maryland’s Terez Davis. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound freshman entered the portal and immediately drew national interest. Virginia Tech moved quickly to schedule a visit for Monday, hoping to get in front of the rising star before he made a final decision. Unfortunately, they were just a step too late.

On Saturday—just two days before his planned trip to Blacksburg—Davis visited Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss and committed on the spot. The Rebels didn’t wait around, and Davis didn’t either. Just like that, Virginia Tech lost out on a major addition to its offensive line.

Given Davis’ résumé, it’s easy to see why he became such a hot commodity. In his freshman year with the Terrapins, he appeared in 10 games, logging 300 snaps while surrendering just one sack and two pressures. That kind of poise and production made him a prime target for teams looking to strengthen their trenches.

For the Hokies, it’s a disappointing miss. Head coach Brent Pry noted after the team’s spring game that he was impressed with the offensive line and secondary, but there’s no denying that more depth—and long-term potential—is needed. New offensive line coach Matt Moore is in the early stages of building a front that can compete in the ACC not just this season, but beyond. Davis would’ve been a cornerstone piece.

Still, all is not lost. Virginia Tech has several more transfer targets lined up for visits in the coming days. The challenge now is clear: get these players on campus before another powerhouse program swoops in.

In the high-stakes world of the transfer portal, timing is everything—and this time, the Hokies came up just short.

What Astros Fans Are Saying: Latest Survey Results Revealed, Is The Club Going Down Or What?

If Astros fans had been surveyed after Cam Smith’s explosive two-homer performance, the approval ratings for his promotion to the majors might have skyrocketed.

Smith, the breakout rookie, has been turning heads since his call-up—but now he’s officially making noise. After his recent multi-homer game, he’s now tied with Jose Altuve in slugging percentage at .449, leads the team in home runs with three, and ranks second in OPS at .745. For a player who just a few months ago was fighting for a roster spot, Smith’s rise has been nothing short of electric.

What’s even more impressive? He’s doing all of this while learning a brand-new position.

Smith had never played outfield before Spring Training, yet you’d never guess it watching him patrol right field. He’s shown off excellent range, a cannon of an arm, and natural instincts that suggest he’s not just surviving out there—he’s thriving. If his development continues at this pace, don’t be surprised if the rookie evolves into a future Gold Glove contender.

Fan sentiment is shifting rapidly. Early responses to our latest Astros Fan Reacts survey hinted at some skepticism about Smith’s promotion, especially given its potential impact on other players’ development. But as he continues to deliver at the plate and shine in the field, that skepticism is giving way to enthusiasm.

Still, not everyone is sold on the long-term implications. Some fans remain concerned about how Smith’s presence affects other key names—namely Zack Dezenzo and Chas McCormick. Dezenzo, a promising infield prospect, is now blocked at the MLB level, while McCormick’s hopes for a comeback season may be sidelined with Smith soaking up everyday reps in the outfield.

It’s a classic case of good problems to have—too many talented players and not enough spots to go around. For now, though, Cam Smith has earned his place and the fans’ growing support. Whether he’s the spark the Astros need to make a deep postseason run remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Houston is watching, and they like what they see.

Stay tuned—this story is just getting started.

Virginia Tech Football Loses Big in Transfer Portal Battle to SEC Powerhouse

The spring transfer portal window has only been open for a few days, but college football is already buzzing with fast-moving decisions and surprise commitments—and Virginia Tech just felt the sting of it.

One of the Hokies’ top targets, offensive lineman Terez Davis from Maryland, was scheduled to visit Blacksburg this Monday. But that plan evaporated quickly. Before even stepping foot on campus, Davis was swept away by an SEC juggernaut—Ole Miss.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 305 pounds, Davis became a hot commodity the moment he entered the portal. After a solid freshman season with the Terrapins—logging 300 snaps while allowing just one sack and two pressures—his stock soared. Virginia Tech acted fast and secured a visit. But Lane Kiffin and the Rebels acted faster.

Davis took a trip to Oxford and was sold. By Saturday, just two days before he was set to arrive in Blacksburg, he announced his commitment to Ole Miss, giving Brent Pry and his staff a tough pill to swallow.

In the big picture, Davis choosing a high-profile SEC program over Virginia Tech isn’t shocking—but it still stings. The Hokies had high hopes for bolstering their offensive line, especially after an encouraging spring showing. Coach Brent Pry mentioned after the spring game that the offensive line and secondary were two units that impressed throughout camp. But there’s no denying the line still needs reinforcements—not just for this fall, but for the long-term foundation.

Davis would’ve been a key piece for new offensive line coach Matt Moore, who’s working to reshape the unit. Instead, he’ll be suiting up in the SEC.

There’s still hope, though. Other transfer prospects are slated to visit Blacksburg in the coming days. The pressure is now on Pry and his staff to get those players on campus before other programs swoop in with offers too tempting to resist.

In the high-speed chaos of the transfer portal era, time is everything—and for Virginia Tech, this round went to the SEC.

NFL Draft Shake-Up? Panthers Reportedly Open to Big First-Round Move

The Carolina Panthers are sitting in a pivotal spot with the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—and all signs point to something big brewing in Charlotte.

After an offseason that brought defensive reinforcements like safety Tre’von Moerig and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, Carolina still finds itself with several pressing needs—most notably a true No. 1 wide receiver and a dominant pass rusher. With limited top-tier weapons added and only one pick in the top 50, the Panthers are reportedly considering an unexpected approach: trading down.

According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, Carolina is “open” to moving back in the first round if the draft board falls a certain way. This strategy could be a game-changer. With glaring holes on both sides of the ball and only three picks in the top 100, trading down could give the Panthers the extra draft capital they desperately need to address multiple positions.

It’s a delicate balancing act. The 2025 receiver class isn’t stacked like previous years, but Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan—considered the draft’s only clear-cut No. 1 wideout—could still be available at No. 8. Adding a dynamic weapon for second-year quarterback Bryce Young would be a tempting option. On the flip side, Carolina’s defense was one of the league’s worst in 2024, and building a legitimate pass rush is essential if the team wants to compete in a stacked NFC South.

The draft board could ultimately determine Carolina’s path. If the first seven picks are heavy on quarterbacks and offensive linemen, elite edge rushers like Jalon Walker may still be in play. That scenario could let the Panthers trade down a few slots, still land a top-tier defender, and pick up additional selections in the process. But if a high-ceiling hybrid player like Walker is available at No. 8, Carolina might decide the reward isn’t worth the risk of waiting.

Either way, Panthers fans should buckle up. With an aggressive front office, a young quarterback to build around, and a ton of roster holes still to patch, Carolina appears ready to make waves when the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off.

Hokies Collapse on the Mound in Shocking Series Defeat to Struggling Pittsburgh

What was supposed to be a routine sweep turned into a weekend nightmare for Virginia Tech softball.

Riding a red-hot 17-game winning streak and sitting tied atop the ACC standings with Florida State, the 11th-ranked Hokies headed to Pittsburgh expecting business as usual. But what unfolded at Vartabedian Field was anything but.

Despite Pittsburgh entering the series at a dismal 4-14 in ACC play and on the outside of the conference tournament picture, the Panthers flipped the script. Thursday night’s opener saw the Hokies stunned in a 7-6 walk-off loss in nine innings — a warning sign that not everything was clicking.

The Hokies responded emphatically in Game 2 on Friday afternoon with a jaw-dropping 21-0 demolition, launching 11 home runs in the process. Cori McMillan belted three of them, breaking her own single-season home run record with No. 22. The offensive onslaught also featured bombs from Michelle Chatfield, Zoe Yaeger, Jordan Lynch, Kylie Aldridge, Bre Peck, Rachel Castine, Trinity Martin, and Nora Abromavage.

But as powerful as the Hokies’ bats were, their pitching — particularly ace Emma Lemley — couldn’t sustain the momentum. In the rubber match Friday evening, Virginia Tech blew a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning as Lemley faltered again. She finished with six hits, five earned runs, four walks, and seven strikeouts over 5.2 erratic innings. After her team rallied on a go-ahead three-run homer by Chatfield, Lemley gave it all back in the bottom of the frame, surrendering a decisive four-run inning.

It was a disjointed and uncharacteristic series for a Hokies team that has dominated most of the season. And now, the consequences are real.

With the loss, Virginia Tech’s chances of hosting the opening round of the NCAA Tournament are suddenly in jeopardy. The path forward is clear but demanding: win the upcoming cross-country series against California, handle Florida State in their final ACC regular season showdown, and make a statement at the ACC Tournament in Boston.

One bad weekend doesn’t define a season — but this stumble in the Steel City may prove costly if the Hokies can’t regain their footing fast.

Virginia Tech Baseball Erupts Offensively to Even the Score Against UNC

After a frustrating stretch of four straight ACC losses — including a sweep at the hands of Florida State and a tough Game 1 defeat to No. 12 North Carolina — Virginia Tech baseball came into Saturday with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove. And prove it they did.

The Hokies exploded offensively in Game 2 of the series, launching five home runs to power their way to an emphatic 11-7 win over the Tar Heels in front of the home crowd in Blacksburg. Facing UNC’s standout pitcher Aidan Haugh, who had been nearly untouchable all season, Virginia Tech wasted no time asserting dominance.

The fireworks began immediately. In the first inning alone, Tech launched three homers — a two-run shot from Henry Cooke, followed by a two-run blast from Sam Tackett, and a solo homer from David McCann. Just like that, the Hokies were up 5-0. Tensions flared early after Tackett’s emphatic bat-flip toward the Tar Heels’ dugout, sparking an exchange with UNC catcher Luke Stevenson. Umpires issued warnings to both teams, but the Hokies kept their focus where it mattered: at the plate.

North Carolina tried to mount a response with a three-run double in the top of the second, narrowing the gap to 5-3. But Tech answered right back, as Ben Watson crushed a two-run homer in the bottom half of the inning, knocking Haugh out of the game after just 1.2 innings — his shortest outing of the season. The right-hander allowed seven earned runs, six hits, and four homers before being pulled.

The back-and-forth continued, but the Hokies always had an answer. In the eighth, Jared Davis delivered the final blow with a two-run bomb to pad Tech’s lead. Jake Marciano started the game for the Hokies, going 4.2 innings with six strikeouts, while Grant Manning closed the door with a strong 4.1-inning relief performance.

With the win, Virginia Tech improved to 25-14 overall and 10-10 in ACC play, earning their seventh victory over a ranked opponent this season. The rubber match of the series is set for Sunday at 1 p.m., with momentum now clearly swinging in the Hokies’ favor.