No. 10 Miami Outlasts No. 6 Ole Miss 31–27 in Fiesta Bowl Thriller to Reach CFP Title Game

One of college football's most iconic rivalries remains on pause, and USC head coach Lincoln Riley continues to believe the series could have continued if negotiations had unfolded differently. Speaking during Big Ten Media Days , Riley reiterated that he wants the annual matchup between USC and Notre Dame to remain on the schedule. However, he also suggested the Fighting Irish bear responsibility for the current hiatus after the two schools failed to reach an agreement on extending the series beyond its previous contract. The rivalry, which has been played nearly every year for almost a century, will not be contested this season for just the fifth time since World War II, ending one of the longest continuous traditions in college football. Lincoln Riley Says USC Wanted to Keep Playing Riley made it clear that USC's desire to continue the rivalry has not changed. When asked about the status of future games, the Trojans coach said his position remains the same and expressed hope that the two programs can eventually return the matchup to the college football calendar. According to Riley, the game would still be taking place had previous discussions resulted in the agreement USC expected. "Nothing's changed from my vantage point," Riley said. "We want to play the game. I want to play the game." While Riley stopped short of directly criticizing Notre Dame by name, his comments reinforced USC's longstanding position regarding the stalled negotiations. Why the Rivalry Was Paused The disagreement centered largely on scheduling. USC reportedly wanted to move the annual rivalry from its traditional late-season date to Week 0 , believing an early-season matchup would reduce the potential impact a late loss could have on the Trojans' College Football Playoff hopes. Notre Dame declined that proposal. Head coach Marcus Freeman previously explained that while he is willing to play USC "anytime, anywhere," moving a game that had historically been scheduled near the end of the regular season to the opening week was not in the best interest of the Irish program. Without an agreement on scheduling, the rivalry was placed on hold. A Rivalry Unlike Almost Any Other Few games in college football carry the historical significance of Notre Dame versus USC. The programs have met: 96 times entering the hiatus 78 of the last 79 seasons Every year except the COVID-affected 2020 season during that stretch Before the 2020 interruption, the only extended pause came during World War II , when the rivalry was not played for three consecutive seasons. The annual matchup has featured numerous Hall of Fame players, Heisman Trophy winners, national championship teams, and unforgettable finishes that helped shape college football's national popularity. Why Scheduling Became More Complicated The changing landscape of college football has made scheduling marquee nonconference games increasingly difficult. USC now competes in the Big Ten , where annual conference schedules already include several nationally ranked opponents. Combined with expanded College Football Playoff discussions, many programs are carefully evaluating how difficult nonconference schedules could affect postseason opportunities. Some observers believe that concern influenced USC's request to move the rivalry earlier in the season, allowing the Trojans additional opportunities to recover from a loss before playoff selections are made. Notre Dame, meanwhile, maintained that preserving the rivalry's traditional place on the calendar remained important. Notre Dame Quickly Filled the Opening Following the breakdown in negotiations, Notre Dame moved quickly to adjust its future schedule. The Irish announced a home-and-home series with BYU , a decision USC supporters have pointed to as evidence that Notre Dame was prepared to move on from the rivalry rather than continue negotiations. Notre Dame officials have not publicly blamed USC for the hiatus, instead emphasizing that scheduling decisions must reflect what is best for the football program as a whole. Freeman has consistently stated that he understands USC must also make decisions based on its own competitive priorities. Could the Rivalry Return? Despite the current break, neither school appears ready to end the rivalry permanently. Reports referenced in the source material indicate both programs remain interested in renewing the series, with 2030 viewed as the earliest realistic opportunity for games to resume. Several factors could make future negotiations easier. Among them are: Potential expansion of the College Football Playoff Changes to conference scheduling models Greater flexibility in nonconference scheduling Long-term television agreements that accommodate marquee rivalry games If those developments occur, both schools may find it easier to restore one of college football's premier annual matchups. Fans Continue Hoping for a Resolution The pause has disappointed fans on both sides. For generations, Notre Dame and USC have represented one of the sport's defining intersectional rivalries, regularly matching national powers from opposite coasts in games that often carried championship implications. The series has also produced some of college football's most memorable moments while featuring legendary coaches and countless future NFL stars. Its absence leaves a noticeable gap on the national schedule. The Tradition Isn't Gone—Just Waiting While Lincoln Riley continues to suggest Notre Dame deserves much of the blame for the current hiatus, both programs have consistently expressed a desire to eventually bring the rivalry back. Whether that happens in 2030 or later remains uncertain, but there appears to be mutual recognition that college football is better when Notre Dame and USC share the field. Until an agreement is reached, one of the sport's greatest traditions will remain on hold, with fans left hoping the rivalry returns before another generation misses the opportunity to experience one of college football's most celebrated annual games.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will have to carefully manage her emotions for the remainder of the regular season after the WNBA denied the team's appeal to rescind her seventh technical foul. The league's decision leaves Clark just one technical foul away from an automatic one-game suspension , creating an added storyline as the Fever continue one of the WNBA's hottest stretches heading toward the playoffs. While Clark remains one of the league's top performers, another technical foul would not only trigger a suspension but also carry an additional financial penalty under league rules. The ruling comes as Indiana has won four consecutive games and continues climbing the standings behind Clark's outstanding play. Why Clark Received the Technical Foul Clark's latest technical foul occurred during Indiana's 123-88 victory over the Connecticut Sun before the WNBA All-Star break. The Fever guard became involved in a verbal exchange with Connecticut rookie Saniya Rivers during the third quarter. Officials assessed technical fouls to both players after the confrontation. Following the game, Clark explained that Rivers had told her she was "locking her up." Clark responded by pointing to the scoreboard, noting Indiana held a commanding 95-67 lead at the time of the exchange. Although many observers viewed the interaction as routine competitive trash talk, the officials determined both players deserved technical fouls. Fever Appeal Is Unsuccessful Believing the technical foul was unwarranted, the Fever submitted an appeal to the WNBA. Indiana argued that the exchange did not rise to the level of conduct typically resulting in a technical foul, especially given that similar on-court conversations occur throughout the league. However, league officials upheld the original ruling, meaning Clark's seventh technical foul remains on her record. The decision leaves the Fever without further avenues to challenge the call. WNBA Technical Foul Rules Clark now finds herself in dangerous territory under the WNBA's disciplinary system. Current WNBA Technical Foul Penalties First through third technical fouls: $500 fine each Fourth through seventh technical fouls: $1,000 fine each Eighth technical foul: Automatic one-game suspension and $1,500 fine Every two additional technical fouls (10th, 12th, 14th, etc.): Additional one-game suspension With seven technical fouls already assessed this season, Clark must avoid another infraction if she hopes to remain available for every remaining regular-season game. Clark Continues Playing at an MVP Level Despite the disciplinary concern, Clark's production has remained among the league's best. During the game against Connecticut that resulted in her seventh technical foul, she finished with: 27 points 11 assists Five three-pointers She followed that performance with another spectacular outing Tuesday night against the Seattle Storm. Clark vs. Seattle 32 points 7 assists 4 rebounds 9-for-14 shooting Four three-pointers Her recent performances have helped Indiana continue one of its strongest stretches of the season. Fever Building Momentum Indiana has become one of the WNBA's hottest teams entering the final months of the regular season. After opening the year with a 5-5 record , the Fever have found another gear, winning four straight games to improve to 18-10 . The team's balanced offense has played a major role in that turnaround. Alongside Clark, veterans Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston have consistently delivered strong performances, giving Indiana one of the league's most productive offensive trios. With the playoffs approaching, every remaining regular-season game carries increased importance for postseason positioning. Stephanie White Faces New Challenge The league's decision may also influence how head coach Stephanie White manages Clark moving forward. Clark has always played with visible emotion and competitive intensity, traits that have become part of her identity since entering the WNBA. While that passion fuels many of her performances, White and the coaching staff will likely emphasize avoiding unnecessary confrontations that could result in another technical foul. Maintaining Clark's availability will be essential if Indiana hopes to continue its climb in the standings. Next Test Comes Against Portland The Fever return to action Friday with a road game against the Portland Fire . Indiana will attempt to extend its winning streak while Clark enters the contest knowing every interaction with officials and opposing players could carry additional significance. Although the focus remains on winning basketball games, the suspension watch will now accompany Clark throughout every remaining contest until either the regular season concludes or she reaches the technical foul threshold. Balancing Passion With Discipline Clark's competitive fire has become one of the defining characteristics of her game. That emotion has helped establish her as one of the WNBA's biggest stars and a driving force behind Indiana's resurgence. At the same time, it now places her in a delicate position. With the WNBA declining to overturn her seventh technical foul, Clark must strike a careful balance between playing with the intensity that has made her successful and avoiding the next technical that would automatically sideline her for a game. For a Fever team with championship aspirations, keeping its franchise player on the court may be just as important as extending its current winning streak.

The Indiana Fever extended their winning streak Tuesday night, but the celebration was tempered by an injury scare involving one of the franchise's biggest stars. All-Star center Aliyah Boston exited Indiana's 105-95 victory over the Seattle Storm after suffering an apparent right leg injury during the second quarter. While Boston did not return to the game, the Fever expressed optimism afterward, with head coach Stephanie White indicating the decision to hold her out for the remainder of the contest was largely precautionary. The injury comes at a critical point in the season as Indiana continues climbing the WNBA standings and positioning itself for a playoff push. Boston Injured During Second Quarter The injury occurred midway through the second quarter at Climate Pledge Arena. Boston set a screen before rolling toward the basket to receive a pass from Caitlin Clark . As she attempted to move into the lane, she became tangled with Seattle's Flau'jae Johnson , causing her to fall awkwardly to the court. Boston landed directly on her right knee and immediately grabbed her leg in visible pain. Medical personnel quickly rushed onto the floor while players from both teams gathered around the Fever star. After remaining down for several moments, Boston was helped to her feet and slowly made her way to the locker room with assistance from the training staff. The images from the arena immediately raised concerns for one of the WNBA's premier frontcourt players. Fever Take a Conservative Approach Indiana later announced that Boston was questionable to return because of a right lower leg injury . Although she returned to the bench to watch the second half, Boston never re-entered the game. Coach Stephanie White explained afterward that the Fever chose not to risk making the injury worse. "We just want to be very conservative and make sure that she's good to go," White said following the victory. White did not provide a timetable for Boston's return, and the team has not yet released additional details regarding the severity of the injury. Boston Was Off to Another Strong Performance Before leaving the game, Boston continued the productive season that has helped make Indiana one of the WNBA's top teams. She finished with: 11 points 2 rebounds 1 assist 1 steal 10 minutes, 38 seconds played Entering Tuesday night's contest, Boston was averaging: 17.3 points per game 8.5 rebounds per game Her consistent production has earned another All-Star selection and remains one of the biggest reasons for Indiana's success this season. Caitlin Clark Takes Over After Boston exited, Caitlin Clark delivered another standout performance to help secure the victory. Clark scored 32 points while adding seven assists , including an explosive third quarter in which she accounted for 16 of Indiana's 18 points . She finished 9-for-14 from the field , leading the Fever to their fourth consecutive victory. The win also marked another milestone for Indiana's offense. The Fever have now scored 100 or more points in 12 games this season , establishing a new WNBA single-season record. Teammates Step Up in Boston's Absence Indiana's supporting cast helped absorb Boston's absence during the second half. Several players made important contributions, including: Monique Billings: 14 points, 11 rebounds Makayla Timpson: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block Myisha Hines-Allen: 5 points, 4 rebounds White praised the team's response after Boston went down, saying the players rallied around one another and remained focused despite the emotional moment. "Our communication in huddles has been really, really good," White said. "Everybody has to do a little bit more, and our team did that." Sophie Cunningham Expresses Confidence During a halftime interview, teammate Sophie Cunningham spoke about Boston's importance to the team. Cunningham described Boston as a unique player whose value extends beyond statistics, calling her an All-Star and future Hall of Famer while expressing confidence that both Boston and the Fever would be okay. Her comments reflected the confidence teammates have in Boston's recovery while acknowledging the challenge of replacing one of the league's best centers. Fans Find Encouragement After the Game Although Boston never returned to action, postgame scenes gave many Fever supporters reason for optimism. Video shared after the game showed Boston walking without noticeable assistance while celebrating with teammates. She even performed her signature "Bow, Bow, Bow" celebration, prompting encouraging reactions from fans across social media. Many supporters pointed to her ability to walk comfortably as a positive sign, though the Fever have not yet announced whether she will be available for Friday's matchup against the Portland Fire . Fever Continue Climbing the Standings Indiana's victory improved the team's record to 18-10 , extending its winning streak to four games and moving the Fever within striking distance of the upper half of the WNBA standings. The team's balanced offense and improved depth have fueled one of the league's strongest stretches, but Boston's health could become a significant storyline as the regular season enters its final months. For now, the Fever appear encouraged that the injury may not be as serious as initially feared. Still, until additional evaluations are completed, Indiana—and its fans—will be closely monitoring one of the team's most valuable players ahead of another important stretch in the playoff race.

Notre Dame added another major piece to its already impressive recruiting pipeline Monday as five-star edge rusher Darieon Prescott announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish, choosing Marcus Freeman's program over fellow finalists Oregon and Texas A&M . The highly coveted defensive standout from Bolingbrook High School in Illinois revealed his decision after an extensive recruiting process that included visits to each of his finalists. His commitment gives Notre Dame one of the nation's premier defensive prospects in the 2028 recruiting class and continues the program's momentum on the recruiting trail. Prescott becomes just the third commitment in Notre Dame's 2028 class, but his decision immediately elevates the group's profile while reinforcing Freeman's reputation as one of college football's top recruiters. Notre Dame Wins Another High-Profile Recruiting Battle Landing Prescott required beating several national powers. The Fighting Irish emerged victorious over Oregon and Texas A&M, while Prescott also held scholarship offers from programs including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Indiana, and many others throughout the country. Recruiting analysts viewed Oregon and Texas A&M as serious contenders throughout the process, but Notre Dame's consistent recruiting efforts and strong relationships ultimately proved decisive. His announcement represents another recruiting victory for Freeman, whose staff has continued attracting elite talent on both sides of the football. One of the Nation's Top Defensive Prospects Prescott enters the 2028 recruiting class with impressive national rankings across multiple recruiting services. Darieon Prescott Recruiting Rankings No. 18 overall prospect (247Sports Composite) No. 5 EDGE prospect nationally (247Sports Composite) No. 1 player in Illinois (247Sports Composite) No. 36 overall prospect (ESPN Junior 300) No. 7 EDGE prospect (ESPN) No. 18 overall recruit (Rivals Industry Ranking) No. 5 EDGE nationally (Rivals Industry Ranking) Top-ranked player in Illinois (Rivals Industry Ranking) Standing between 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-5 and weighing approximately 255 to 260 pounds , Prescott already possesses the physical frame college coaches seek in an elite pass rusher. Sophomore Season Showed Why Recruiters Took Notice Prescott's breakout sophomore campaign helped establish him as one of the country's most sought-after defenders. 2025 Season Statistics 65 total tackles 14 tackles for loss Five sacks 26 quarterback pressures Eight pass breakups Three forced fumbles Two fumble recoveries Two blocked kicks Those numbers only tell part of the story. Recruiting analysts consistently praise Prescott's explosive first step, closing speed, athletic versatility, and relentless motor. He has demonstrated the ability to line up in multiple defensive alignments while remaining effective against both the run and the pass. Athleticism Extends Beyond Football Prescott's upside isn't limited to what he has already accomplished on the football field. A standout multi-sport athlete, he has also competed in track and field, recording impressive sprint times that showcase the athleticism necessary to become an elite edge defender at the college level. Scouting evaluations describe him as a player still developing technically, suggesting his greatest football may still be ahead of him. Among the strengths highlighted by recruiting analysts are: Explosive first-step quickness Outstanding closing speed Ability to rush from multiple alignments Strong pursuit against the run High football motor Physical frame capable of adding more strength without sacrificing athleticism Those traits have made Prescott one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the country. Charlie Partridge Continues Building Notre Dame's Defensive Line Prescott's commitment also represents another recruiting victory for first-year defensive line coach Charlie Partridge . Originally recruited by former Notre Dame assistant Al Washington, Prescott developed a strong relationship with Partridge after the coaching transition. That connection helped solidify Notre Dame's position throughout the recruiting process. The addition further strengthens what is quickly becoming one of the nation's deepest collections of defensive line talent. Notre Dame's 2027 recruiting class already features multiple highly regarded defensive linemen, and Prescott gives the Irish another cornerstone piece for the future. Notre Dame's 2028 Recruiting Class Continues Growing Prescott joins a small but talented 2028 recruiting class that now includes: Darieon Prescott — EDGE (Illinois) Andre Jones — Safety (Florida) Owen Davies — Kicker (Tennessee) Although the class remains in its early stages, Notre Dame has already secured commitments from players viewed as leaders at their respective positions. Recruiting analysts expect the class to continue climbing the national rankings as additional commitments are announced over the coming months. Momentum Builds Under Marcus Freeman Freeman has made recruiting one of the defining strengths of his tenure. Notre Dame's 2027 recruiting class currently ranks among the nation's best, and the early success in the 2028 cycle suggests that momentum is continuing. Landing prospects like Prescott demonstrates the program's ability to compete head-to-head with traditional recruiting powers for elite talent, particularly in the Midwest, where Notre Dame has historically built its foundation. Keeping top Illinois prospects close to South Bend has long been a priority for the Fighting Irish, and Prescott's commitment reinforces that strategy. Why This Commitment Matters Elite edge rushers remain among the most valuable players in modern college football. Defensive linemen capable of consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks are increasingly difficult to find, making Prescott one of the most important additions Notre Dame could make this early in the recruiting cycle. His combination of size, athleticism, production, and developmental potential gives the Fighting Irish another player who could eventually become a difference-maker at the collegiate level. While there is still plenty of time before the 2028 signing period, Notre Dame has already secured one of the cycle's premier defensive prospects. If Marcus Freeman and his staff can continue building around commitments like Prescott, the Fighting Irish appear well-positioned to remain among college football's recruiting elite for years to come.

The University of North Carolina football program is facing increased scrutiny after reports revealed the College Sports Commission (CSC) has opened an investigation into the Tar Heels' football operations. The development comes on the same day that general manager Michael Lombardi was placed on paid administrative leave, creating another major challenge for a program entering its second season under head coach Bill Belichick . While university officials have not publicly connected the two matters, the timing has intensified speculation as North Carolina prepares for the upcoming college football season. At this stage, neither the university nor the CSC has disclosed the specific allegations that prompted the investigation. What Is the College Sports Commission Investigating? According to multiple reports, the College Sports Commission is reviewing matters related to college athletics' modern financial structure rather than on-field competition. The CSC oversees compliance involving: Institutional revenue sharing Third-party NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) agreements Sport-specific roster limits Enforcement of NCAA-related financial regulations Exactly which area prompted the investigation into North Carolina has not been disclosed. The commission also reviews NIL agreements valued at $600 or more to determine whether they represent legitimate business arrangements and whether compensation falls within what regulators consider a reasonable range. Michael Lombardi Placed on Administrative Leave Earlier in the day, North Carolina announced that football general manager Michael Lombardi had been placed on paid administrative leave. University officials did not explain the reason for the decision, stating only that personnel matters are handled confidentially. Reports cited in the source material indicate Lombardi's leave is related to a human resources complaint, although UNC has not publicly confirmed those reports. Additional reporting suggests Lombardi's actions may also be of interest in the CSC investigation, but no formal connection has been established by the university or the commission. Bill Belichick's NFL Approach Drew National Attention North Carolina made national headlines when it hired Bill Belichick in December 2024 following his legendary NFL coaching career. Belichick immediately brought familiar personnel with him, including Lombardi, a longtime NFL executive who previously served as general manager of the Cleveland Browns and worked alongside Belichick for years. The goal was ambitious: transform North Carolina into a program operating more like a professional franchise. Earlier in Belichick's tenure, Lombardi famously described UNC as "the 33rd NFL team," emphasizing the staff's professional football background and organizational philosophy. That NFL-style approach generated excitement throughout college football, but recent developments have shifted attention away from the field. Investigation Comes During Changing NIL Landscape The College Sports Commission was created as college athletics entered a new era of revenue sharing and expanded NIL opportunities. Among its responsibilities are monitoring whether NIL agreements serve legitimate business purposes and ensuring schools comply with evolving financial regulations governing student-athletes. Earlier this year, the CSC successfully challenged NIL agreements involving Nebraska athletes, a case viewed by many observers as establishing an important precedent for future enforcement actions. Although no similar findings have been announced involving North Carolina, the investigation demonstrates the commission's willingness to actively examine compliance issues across major college football programs. Questions Remain Unanswered At this point, many of the most important details remain unknown. Among the unanswered questions are: What specific issues prompted the CSC investigation? Is the investigation connected to Michael Lombardi's administrative leave? Are any coaches, staff members, or student-athletes accused of violating NIL regulations? Has North Carolina received formal allegations from the commission? Could the investigation affect the upcoming football season? Neither UNC nor the College Sports Commission has publicly answered those questions. Public Reaction Has Been Swift News of the investigation quickly spread throughout the college football world. Much of the online discussion has focused on Belichick's high-profile arrival in Chapel Hill and whether increased expectations have placed additional attention on the program's operations. Social media commentary has ranged from criticism of the program to speculation about potential consequences, though none of those reactions constitute official findings in the investigation. The reports also renewed discussion about how quickly NIL enforcement continues to evolve as governing bodies establish new compliance standards for schools nationwide. Season Preparation Continues Despite the off-field distractions, North Carolina continues preparing for the upcoming season. Belichick enters his second year leading the Tar Heels after an opening campaign that fell short of the expectations surrounding his arrival. With preseason practices approaching, the coaching staff must now balance football preparation while university officials address questions surrounding the investigation and Lombardi's status. Investigation Still in Its Early Stages For now, the CSC investigation remains exactly that—an investigation. No findings have been announced, no violations have been confirmed, and no disciplinary action has been issued against North Carolina or its football program. The university has provided limited public comment while the review continues, leaving many questions unanswered. As college athletics continues adapting to an evolving NIL and revenue-sharing landscape, North Carolina has become one of the latest high-profile programs facing regulatory scrutiny. Whether the investigation ultimately results in violations or concludes without sanctions will depend on what the College Sports Commission uncovers in the weeks and months ahead.

Professional sports event photography turns a single sporting event into a library of reusable marketing assets. Here's what that coverage involves, how to plan for it, and why it matters for every stakeholder in the space. What Sports Event Photography Actually Covers (And Why It Matters) Sports event photography is full-coverage media production for a live competition-not simply a person in the stands with a phone. It spans four pillars: action coverage of athletes in play, atmosphere shots of the crowd and venue, branded moments featuring sponsor signage, and deliverables built specifically for teams, organizers, and potential sponsors. Notable photographers throughout the industry historically worked for publications like Life or Sports Illustrated, but today the same caliber of work fuels social clips, galleries, Instagram content creation, and traditional media from one full set of images. A professional sports event photographer brings consistency that parents on the bleachers simply cannot: timing, sideline access, and planned media delivery. Consider the difference in coverage styles-a weekend basketball tournament needs fast indoor lighting adaptation in a gym, while a summer soccer showcase demands long lens outdoor work and golden-hour light. A CrossFit throwdown combines dynamic movement with branded zones and athlete portraits between each session. Effective sports photography includes capturing the atmosphere and context of the event, and candid shots capture emotions and tell a broader story. Sports photographers often provide candid images of athletes and fans, giving organizers content that makes the audience cheer. Each stakeholder walks away with something different. Event organizers get photos that promote future registration and increase attendance. Teams produce recruiting materials and highlight reels. Sponsors receive visible logo placement and measurable value for their investment, which supports growth across seasons. Discuss Sports Event Media Coverage → Planning a Sporting Event for Successful Photography Coverage Before the first whistle, organizers and the photographer need to agree on fundamentals: event date, every location (courts, fields, arenas), lighting conditions-natural versus artificial, day versus evening games-and a detailed schedule of all games or heats. Build a coverage map. Identify which fields matter most for sponsors, which divisions need guaranteed key shots, and where branded signage will be best showcased. Photographers should plan for key shots during events, and scouting the venue before shooting helps identify the best spots and assess lighting conditions. Anticipating action involves learning the sport's rules to predict player movement, and learning those rules helps photographers understand where key moments will happen on the field or court. Secure access and credentials. Confirm sideline and bench access, define safe movement paths, and distribute photographer IDs. Coordinate with announcers and tournament directors so the photographer knows exact times for national anthems, walkouts, and trophy presentations. A basic run sheet-or a shared document in a collaborative spreadsheet-should list every critical moment with times and assigned roles. This is the default approach that keeps the shoot organized and ensures nothing essential is missed in the chaos of event day.

Less than two weeks after announcing his retirement from professional football, Will Grier is already beginning the next chapter of his NFL career. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is returning to the organization as an offensive assistant coach , reuniting with head coach Brian Schottenheimer and an offense that ranked among the league's best last season. The move allows Grier to remain in the game while transitioning from playing to coaching at just 31 years old. Although Grier's NFL playing career never unfolded as many projected after his standout collegiate career, his familiarity with Dallas' offensive system and coaching staff made him a natural fit for an immediate move into coaching. A Quick Transition From Player to Coach Grier's move from the field to the sidelines happened remarkably fast. Earlier this offseason, he briefly returned to the Carolina Panthers , the team that originally selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, after deciding to retire from playing earlier this month, Grier accepted the opportunity to join Schottenheimer's coaching staff in Dallas. The transition means Grier will report to training camp in Oxnard, California, not as a quarterback competing for a roster spot, but as one of the coaches helping prepare Dallas' offense for the upcoming season. Familiar Faces Await in Dallas The Cowboys organization is hardly unfamiliar territory for Grier. He spent two separate stints with Dallas, first between 2021 and 2023 before returning to the club in 2024 , primarily serving as a backup or practice squad quarterback. During that time, he developed strong relationships with both Schottenheimer and franchise quarterback Dak Prescott , relationships that ultimately helped pave the way for his coaching opportunity. Now, instead of learning the offense himself, Grier will help teach it. NFL Career Spanned Multiple Teams While Grier is best known for his time with the Cowboys, his professional journey included several organizations. During his NFL career, Grier spent time with: Carolina Panthers Dallas Cowboys Cincinnati Bengals New England Patriots Los Angeles Chargers Philadelphia Eagles He appeared in two regular-season games during his rookie season with Carolina before spending much of the remainder of his career as a reserve quarterback, practice squad player, or developmental option. Although opportunities during the regular season were limited, Grier continued earning chances throughout the league because of his football intelligence, work ethic, and familiarity with multiple offensive systems. College Star Before Reaching the NFL Long before entering the NFL, Grier established himself as one of college football's most productive quarterbacks. After beginning his collegiate career at Florida, he transferred to West Virginia , where he emerged as one of the nation's premier passers. His strong performances eventually led Carolina to select him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While his professional career did not mirror his collegiate success, his experience learning different offensive systems now provides valuable knowledge he can pass along as a coach. Helping Guide One of the NFL's Top Offenses Grier joins a Dallas offense coming off an impressive season. The Cowboys finished second in the NFL in total offense during the 2025 campaign while ranking among the league's highest-scoring teams. As an offensive assistant, Grier will work alongside Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams while supporting an offense led by Dak Prescott and featuring playmakers including CeeDee Lamb , George Pickens , and Javonte Williams . His firsthand understanding of the Cowboys' offensive philosophy should allow him to contribute immediately despite beginning his coaching career. Coaching Opportunity Almost Happened Earlier Interestingly, this transition nearly occurred months ago. According to reports referenced in the source material, Grier strongly considered accepting a coaching position with Dallas immediately following last season. Instead, he chose to continue pursuing one final opportunity as a player by signing with Carolina before ultimately deciding retirement was the right decision. That decision delayed—but did not prevent—his move into coaching. Training Camp Will Begin a New Chapter Grier's first assignment as an NFL coach begins when the Cowboys open training camp later this month. Dallas will prepare for preseason contests against the: Seattle Seahawks Arizona Cardinals New Orleans Saints The Cowboys will also hold joint practices with the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints , giving Grier valuable early coaching experience against multiple NFL opponents. Training camp will provide his first opportunity to transition from preparing game plans as a quarterback to helping build them as a member of the coaching staff. A Career in Football Continues Although Will Grier's playing career has officially come to an end, his future in football appears to be just beginning. Quarterbacks often make successful transitions into coaching because of their understanding of offensive schemes, leadership responsibilities, and film study. Grier's years spent learning from multiple coaching staffs around the NFL give him a strong foundation as he begins this new role. For the Cowboys, adding someone already familiar with the organization offers continuity as Dallas looks to build on one of the league's most productive offenses. For Grier, the opportunity represents a chance to remain part of the NFL while beginning what could become a long coaching career on the same sidelines where he once competed as a player.