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John Calipari says Arkansas players outearn assistant coaches as he defends Protect College Sports Act

The Protect College Sports Act passed the U.S. Senate 77-22, and Arkansas coach John Calipari defended the measure as a way to establish guardrails in college athletics. Calipari said nine Arkansas players earn more than his assistant coaches, while the other three earn more than his entire staff.

If the bill passes the House, it would limit how much a student-athlete can make. An amendment that would have capped some college football coaches’ salaries at $5 million failed, while Calipari’s salary is reported at more than $7.75 million; his Arkansas roster includes Jordan Smith Jr. and Billy Richmond III.

Eli Drinkwitz spikes 'narratives' after first top-10 win as Missouri coach: 'None of that matters'

Missouri’s 45-17 victory over previously unbeaten No. 8 Florida was described as a momentum-building win for coach Eli Drinkwitz. It was Drinkwitz’s first top-10 victory at Missouri after 10 losses, and Missouri piled up 560 yards of total offense.

Drinkwitz said the team should ignore outside narratives and focus on coaching and improvement after its prior loss at Mississippi State. Austin Simmons has thrown for 1,287 yards and 13 touchdowns without an interception, while Jamal Roberts has three 100-yard games and Missouri still has games against top-ranked Texas and No. 2 Georgia.

Court ruling leaves Mark Mitchell, other fifth-year college athletes in eligibility limbo

A Kentucky Court of Appeals dissolved the temporary injunction that had supported Missouri star Mark Mitchell’s eligibility for a fifth college season, along with the eligibility paths of Louisville’s Seth Trimble and LSU’s Skyy Clark. The ruling does not end the case, but the players must find another legal route while the Kentucky litigation continues.

Mitchell and other basketball players affected by the ruling are expected to file individual lawsuits in their states of residence as the season approaches. Mitchell was out of eligibility under existing NCAA rules after 2025-26, while the NCAA maintains that players who already played four seasons remain ineligible despite its June age-based model granting five years moving forward; Missouri is projected No. 39 with him and No. 54 without him.

Big East spends big amid leadership change: New commissioner, new standards ahead of new NCAA Tournament era

The league is looking to catapult back after UConn salvaged the worst regular-season in conference history

Kansas State, Jerome Tang reportedly near $12M settlement following for-cause firing, per report

Kansas State and former basketball coach Jerome Tang are nearing a reported $12 million settlement after the school fired him for cause in February, according to ESPN. Tang would have been owed more than $18 million if he had been fired without cause. The university cited a postgame rant after a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, Kansas State’s 10th loss in 11 games, but the move drew criticism from people who viewed the legal reasoning as weak.

Tang strongly disputed Kansas State’s characterization of his firing and said he had acted with integrity and fulfilled his responsibilities. His tenure included an Elite Eight appearance in 2023, followed by two NCAA Tournament absences, and he has since returned to Baylor as associate head coach. Baylor hosts Kansas State on Jan. 2, although the teams do not play at Kansas State.

Abdul-Malik Olajuwon, son of NBA legend Hakeem, commits to SMU

Abdul-Malik Olajuwon, a top-60 recruit and son of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, has committed to SMU. The 6-foot-5 guard from IMG Academy said SMU coach Andy Enfield sees him making an impact as a freshman at point guard and on defense. Olajuwon said the official visit, his relationship with Enfield and the program’s system helped seal his decision.

Olajuwon is ranked No. 57 in the SC Next 100 for the 2027 class and was a key contributor for JL3 on the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 20 games. He shot 40.7% from 3 during the final EYBL session in Las Vegas. SMU’s 2027 class currently consists of Olajuwon, its first commitment.