#notre_dame

UConn's Geno Auriemma Questions NCAA Tournament Setup, Prep FORT WORTH, Texas — UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma once again criticized the NCAA for its decisions surrounding the women’s basketball tournament, expressing frustration over the organization’s approach to the event. Speaking at a news conference the day before his team’s Elite Eight matchup against Notre Dame, Auriemma reiterated his concerns about the tournament’s two-site regional format, calling the decisions “a goddamn game” that needs to be better understood. Auriemma, a 12-time national champion and the sport’s winningest coach, has long voiced dissatisfaction with the NCAA’s shift from a four-site regional format to a two-site model, which debuted in 2023. The NCAA has confirmed the two-site setup will remain for at least five more seasons. Auriemma argued that the current system creates logistical challenges for teams, including reduced practice time and inconsistent shootaround schedules. For example, the Huskies’ Friday shootaround was not held at Dickies Arena, the primary venue for the regional, while Notre Dame’s practice time was scheduled for the evening of the game. Auriemma noted that his team’s practice time was set for 6:30 p.m. that evening, highlighting the lack of flexibility in the schedule. The coach also criticized the NCAA for bringing in new equipment, such as basketballs and baskets, for the regional games, which he claimed disrupts the normal flow of play. Auriemma pointed to the poor shooting performances of teams in the Sweet 16, including UConn’s 4-for-20 three-point shooting, as evidence of the issue. “How many arenas are we going to sell out with that bulls---?” he asked, expressing skepticism about the NCAA’s focus on attendance over player performance. Other coaches echoed Auriemma’s concerns.#ncaa #notre_dame #uconn #geno_auriemma #david_benedict

First look at women’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight: What to know about every game The NCAA Women’s Tournament Elite Eight is set, with four top-seeded teams vying for a spot in the Final Four. The matchups include No. 1 seeds UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina, each facing formidable opponents in the second weekend of the tournament. Live coverage of the games will be provided by The Athletic, with expert analysis from Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Grace Raynor, and Cameron Teague Robinson. The outcomes of these games will determine which teams advance to the Final Four, with predictions varying among the analysts. The first game of the day features No. 1 UConn against No. 6 Notre Dame. The Huskies, led by coach Geno Auriemma, enter the matchup with a 53-game winning streak and a dominant postseason record. Their only loss this season came in a January matchup against Notre Dame, where they won 85-47. Despite a slower offensive start in the Sweet 16, UConn has yet to allow an opponent to score more than 20 points in the tournament. Notre Dame, however, has shown renewed confidence since the return of senior guard KK Bransford, who missed several games earlier in the season. The Irish have gone 11-2 since her return and have improved their team chemistry after integrating nine new players. Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey acknowledged UConn’s ability to dominate early, but emphasized the need for her team to maintain composure for 40 minutes. Analysts Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Cameron Teague Robinson all predict UConn will advance. The second game of the day pits No. 1 UCLA against No. 3 Duke.#notre_dame #uconn #ncaa_womens_tournament #chantel_jennings #sabreena_merchant

Vanderbilt's Shea Ralph and Mikayla Blakes Build Chemistry for Sweet 16 Run Shea Ralph and her star point guard Mikayla Blakes have become central figures in Vanderbilt’s historic season, guiding the Commodores to their first Sweet 16 appearance under Ralph’s coaching. Their dynamic relationship, both on and off the court, has been a key factor in the team’s success, with Blakes earning recognition as one of the nation’s top freshmen and a Naismith Award finalist. The pair’s partnership has drawn attention, particularly from Breanna Stewart, a former UConn star and New York Liberty forward, who shared insights into their bond. Stewart, who played alongside Ralph during her time at UConn, highlighted how Ralph’s coaching style mirrors her own competitive spirit. “Shea is a super competitive person, and she puts in the work as a coach to get the best out of her players,” Stewart explained. Ralph’s ability to challenge her teams to excel, Stewart noted, resonates deeply with players who have experienced championship success. “Coming from her being a former player who’s won a National Championship, it hits a little bit differently when you’ve been through it all.” Ralph’s tenure at UConn, spanning 13 seasons from 2008 to 2021, coincided with Geno Auriemma’s dominance, including four consecutive titles from 2012 to 2016. Her history of working with elite athletes is evident in her current role at Vanderbilt. Blakes, who joined the Commodores ahead of the 2024-25 season, has quickly become a standout player. She was named SEC Freshman of the Year, earned the USBWA Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year award, and was a first-team All-American. Her sophomore season saw her secure SEC Player of the Year honors and a consensus All-American selection.#notre_dame #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes #shea_ralph #breanna_stewart

Niele Ivey: Hannah Hidalgo is "One of the Best Guards I've Ever Coached" After Notre Dame's 79-60 victory over Fairfield, head coach Niele Ivey, Hannah Hidalgo, and Cassandre Prosper addressed the media following the game. Ivey opened the press conference by highlighting the defensive effort behind the win, citing the team's 19 forced turnovers as a key factor. She emphasized her satisfaction with the team's trust and resilience throughout the season. Fairfield entered the matchup averaging 30.8 three-point attempts per game and shooting 11.4 three-pointers per contest. Hidalgo acknowledged the challenge of facing such a potent shooting team but noted the Irish's strategy to pressure Fairfield into contested shots. "We knew they were going to make threes," Hidalgo said, "but we were intentional about driving them off the line and limiting the damage." Prosper spoke about the team's mindset for the next round, stating the Irish aimed to "punch them in the face first" to disrupt the opponent's confidence through aggressive defense. The Irish's approach aligns with their overall style, as Ohio State, their next opponent, is known for its aggressive playstyle focused on forcing turnovers. Hidalgo added that the team's experience with ups and downs this season has prepared them for such challenges, stressing the importance of playing within themselves to secure victories. When asked about Hidalgo's role on the team, Ivey praised her as one of the best two-way players she has ever coached. She highlighted Hidalgo's leadership, which proved crucial during the season as the team adapted to new dynamics. Ivey's comments underscored the impact of Hidalgo's contributions both offensively and defensively, reinforcing her value as a key player in the program's success.#hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #cassandre_prosper #niele_ivey #fairfield

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Advances to Sweet 16 in NCAA Tournament Notre Dame women’s basketball has reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, set to face No. 2 seed Vanderbilt in a Sweet 16 matchup. The Irish will aim to extend their tournament success after defeating Ohio State 83-73 in the second round, a game that effectively served as a home contest for the Buckeyes. This matchup presents a significant challenge for Notre Dame, as Vanderbilt is a formidable opponent. The game carries high stakes for the Irish, who seek to reaffirm their status as one of the nation’s top programs. The game began with a tightly contested first quarter, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Notre Dame and Vanderbilt combined for just three field goals in the first 4:29, with neither team able to establish a clear advantage. Notre Dame finally broke the scoreless tie with a layup from Hannah Hidalgo, but the pace of scoring remained slow. Vanderbilt’s Galvana ended the first quarter’s scoring drought with a basket, while Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo continued to dominate the ball, recording two steals. The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 6-6, highlighting the early struggles of both squads. As the game progressed into the second quarter, Notre Dame began to assert control. The Irish capitalized on Vanderbilt’s turnovers, which totaled 11 by halftime, to create scoring opportunities. A key moment came when Cowles converted a layup under the rim, breaking a scoreless stretch for Notre Dame. Despite Vanderbilt’s efforts to respond, the Irish maintained their composure, with M. Blakes adding to the scoring with two free throws. By the end of the second quarter, Notre Dame led 15-11, showcasing their ability to convert turnovers into points.#hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #ncaa_tournament #vanderbilt #m_blakes

No. 6 Notre Dame Draws No. 2 Vanderbilt For Sweet 16 FORT WORTH, Texas — For the fifth consecutive season, Notre Dame is in the Sweet 16. The sixth-seeded Irish will face No. 2 Vanderbilt (29-4) on Friday, March 27, in a matchup that could determine their path to the Elite Eight. The game will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, with coverage provided by the Notre Dame Radio Network. Tiffany Greene, Carolyn Peck, and Angel Gray will call the action from the venue. Notre Dame’s journey to the Sweet 16 included a 83-73 victory over third-seeded Ohio State in Columbus. The Irish showcased a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures. Senior forward Hidalgo led the team with 26 points, 13 rebounds, eight steals, and two assists. Her performance marked her as the second women’s player in NCAA history to record 8+ steals in two tournament games. Hidalgo also surpassed Arike Ogunbowale’s single-season scoring record, reaching 856 points this season. Vanessa de Jesus contributed 15 points in her first double-figure outing of the NCAA Tournament, while Cassandre Prosper and Iyana Moore each added 13 points. KK Bransford provided a spark off the bench, scoring 10 points in 21 minutes. The Irish’s success in the tournament has positioned them among three programs nationally to reach the Sweet 16 in five consecutive years, joining UConn and South Carolina. The Irish’s history against Vanderbilt adds intrigue to the matchup. Notre Dame holds a 4-1 all-time record against the Commodores, with their most recent meeting in the 2001 NCAA Regional Final, a game that featured current head coach Niele Ivey. This year’s contest will test Notre Dame’s ability to maintain their momentum against a top-tier opponent. The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27.#notre_dame #vanderbilt #dickies_arena #hidalgo #nielle_ivey

Hannah Hidalgo calls Mikayla Blakes 'Caitlin-type of level' scorer FORT WORTH, Texas — Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo described Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes as a scorer operating at a level comparable to Caitlin Clark, highlighting Blakes’ ability to score from all areas of the court. Ahead of their matchup in the Fort Worth 1 Regional semifinal, Hidalgo emphasized Blakes’ versatility during a pregame news conference. “The way she’s able to put the ball in the hoop, it’s like Caitlin-type of level,” Hidalgo said. “She can score on all three levels, whether that’s getting all the way to the basket, her midrange, or her three. Of course, that’s always tough to guard.” Blakes, who leads the nation in scoring with an average of 27 points per game, is on track for SEC Player of the Year honors. Hidalgo, ranked third nationally in scoring at 25.2 points per game, is a dual threat for Notre Dame, leading the nation in steals and earning ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year accolades. Both players have faced each other before, with Blakes recalling their high school rivalry in New Jersey, where Hidalgo’s team emerged victorious. “It was a show. Two dynamic guards. I had to guard her the whole game,” Hidalgo said. “I think just her ability to do what she does, the things that she brings to her team is so different.” The matchup between Blakes and Hidalgo is significant, as it marks their first college encounter. Despite media focus on their individual skills, both players downplayed the personal aspect. “It’s not about me versus Mikayla,” Hidalgo said. “It’s about Notre Dame versus Vanderbilt. It’s really just the way that we’re going to win the game tomorrow is by playing together like we’ve been doing the past couple of months.#hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #caitlin_clark #mikayla_blakes #fort_worth_1_regional

Sweet 16 regulars UConn and Notre Dame join UNC and Vanderbilt in women's regional semifinals UConn and Notre Dame, perennial fixtures in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament, have joined North Carolina and Vanderbilt in the Fort Worth Regional semifinals. These four teams, among just 15 that have reached the second weekend of the tournament 15 times, will face off in Friday’s matchups. The defending national champion Huskies, led by coach Geno Auriemma, will take on No. 4 seed North Carolina, while No. 2 seed Vanderbilt will square off against No. 6 seed Notre Dame. The games will feature two of the nation’s top scorers, with Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes leading the country at 27 points per game and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo ranking second at 25.8 points per game. UConn, with a 36-0 record, enters the semifinals on a 52-game winning streak, marking its 32nd consecutive Sweet 16 appearance and 33rd overall. The Huskies’ AP All-America players Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, the latter a native of North Carolina, will look to extend their dominance. North Carolina, meanwhile, is making its 20th Sweet 16 appearance but had only reached the tournament once in nine seasons prior to last year. Third-year guard Indya Nivar emphasized the team’s growth, stating, “We want to keep growing it.” Vanderbilt, in its 15th Sweet 16 but first since 2009, faces a new challenge with graduate transfer guard Iyana Moore now starting for Notre Dame. Moore, who averaged 13.1 points for the Commodores over three seasons, will now compete against her former team. “She was a big part of our rebuild at Vanderbilt,” said Commodores senior Sacha Washington, Moore’s former roommate and close friend. “I’m excited to play against her and see what she’s learned.#north_carolina #notre_dame #uconn #geno_auriemma #vanderbilt

Women's March Madness Bold Predictions: Michigan and Notre Dame Poised for Big Upsets The first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament has begun, marking the third time in history—and the first since 2013—that all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the previous year’s Final Four. While UConn and UCLA are widely expected to meet in the championship, the tournament’s unpredictability ensures that upsets remain a possibility. CBS Sports analysts have shared bold predictions for the upcoming tournament, highlighting potential surprises and key matchups. UCLA is expected to face significant challenges despite its strong resume. Analyst Isabel Gonzalez predicts the Bruins will not reach the championship game, citing the brutal bracket they must navigate. Teams like Ole Miss, Duke, and LSU have already demonstrated their ability to pull off upsets, and UCLA’s path includes a potential clash with Michigan, a team that has already tested the Bruins this season. Gonzalez also notes Texas as a stronger contender, pointing to the Longhorns’ improved offense and recent victories over UCLA and South Carolina. Michigan, meanwhile, is positioned to make a statement. Erica Ayala believes the Wolverines will defeat Texas and secure a spot in the Final Four. Michigan’s ability to challenge elite teams has been evident this season, with the team pushing both UCLA and UConn to the brink. Ayala highlights the trio of Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson, whose shooting prowess could disrupt Texas’s defense and create chaos in the tournament. The possibility of all four No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four is another bold prediction. Jack Maloney argues that this scenario is statistically plausible, noting that only four times in the tournament’s history have all four No. 1 seeds reached the Final Four. The current No.#ucla #michigan #texas #notre_dame #uconn

Paul Mainieri has been dismissed as head coach of the South Carolina baseball team after just over a year in the role, ending his second season with the program. The decision came amid a challenging stretch for the Gamecocks, who suffered their sixth consecutive loss following a 22-6 defeat to Arkansas on Friday. The team’s record stands at 12-12 overall and 0-5 in the Southeastern Conference. Mainieri, 68, had previously led LSU to a College World Series title in 2009 and was lured out of retirement in 2023 to revive South Carolina’s program. Mainieri’s tenure at South Carolina has been marked by a 40-40 record, falling short of the success he achieved at LSU. His departure followed a statement in which he acknowledged responsibility for the team’s performance, stating that his goals to restore the program to national prominence had not been met in the time he had. “I did not get the job done at a level that I expected, or the university deserves,” he said. The decision was reached after a conversation between Mainieri and athletic director Jeremiah Donati, who emphasized that new leadership would better serve the program. The Gamecocks’ struggles have been evident this season, with a 12-5 record after a three-game sweep of Princeton earlier in the year but no wins since. Mainieri’s career record of 1,545-817-8 places him sixth in NCAA history for total wins. His coaching career includes stints at St. Thomas, Air Force, Notre Dame, and LSU, where he guided teams to multiple College World Series appearances, including a national championship in 2009 and runner-up finishes in 2017. Donati praised Mainieri’s contributions, calling him a “Hall of Fame coach” and expressing gratitude for his dedication to student-athletes.#notre_dame #paul_mainieri #south_carolina_baseball #jeremiah_donati #college_world_series

University of Michigan Athletics Hughes Captures B1G Hockey Player of the Year Honors ROSEMONT, Ill. -- University of Michigan ice hockey standout T.J. Hughes was named Big Ten Player of the Year, marking a significant achievement for the Wolverines as the conference announced its all-conference honorees live on the Big Ten Network. Hughes, a senior captain, was recognized with first-team All-Big Ten honors, while teammates Michael Hage, Tyler Duke, and Jack Ivankovic joined him on the second team. Ivankovic also earned All-Freshman Team accolades, and Josh Eernisse received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award. Hughes leads Michigan in scoring with 50 points in 36 games, averaging 1.39 points per contest. His 19 goals, including five power-play markers and three game-winners, and 31 assists make him a dominant force on the ice. With a +12 plus-minus rating, he has recorded points in 29 games, including a 10-game streak, and has 16 multi-point performances. As a four-time All-Big Ten selection, Hughes holds the conference’s all-time scoring record with 108 points in league play, including 64 assists and 44 goals. His performance against Big Ten opponents has been particularly impressive, with 25 points in 19 games against Penn State, 21 points each against Michigan State and Wisconsin, and 20 points against Notre Dame and Ohio State. Hughes has maintained an active 13-game point streak against Penn State, scored in five straight contests against Minnesota, and contributed in 15 of 18 career games against Michigan State. He becomes the third Michigan player to win Big Ten Player of the Year, joining Kyle Connor (2016) and Gavin Brindley (2024), and is the first senior to claim the honor.#notre_dame #big_ten #michigan_state #university_of_michigan #tj_hughes

Ohio State aims to end two years of women’s NCAA Tournament heartbreak at home COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State has struggled to capitalize on home-court advantage in its recent NCAA Tournament appearances, failing to advance past the second round in each of the past two years despite playing in the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes’ quest for a deeper run begins Saturday against No. 14 seed Howard, with the winner facing either No. 6 seed Notre Dame or 11th-seeded Fairfield on Monday in the Fort Worth 1 Regional. Coach Kevin McGuff emphasized the team’s focus on preparation and attention to detail as key factors for success. “Our attention to detail and focus on preparation have been as good as they’ve been in years. I think that’s what we’re going to have to hang our hat on this week,” he said. The Buckeyes, who finished 11th in the final Associated Press Top 25, have shown steady improvement this season after starting unranked. Ohio State’s recent tournament history includes a second-round loss to Duke in 2024 and a defeat to Tennessee in the round of 32 last year. The selection committee has not made things easier for the Buckeyes, with Notre Dame, a team with a strong tournament pedigree, set to face them in the regional. “The last home game (an 88-86 overtime loss to Maryland), we didn’t get to pull it out the way we wanted to. Hopefully, we get the next two opportunities to make it a good one and just go out and have fun,” said sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge. The regional in Columbus also features standout guards, including Cambridge and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, both AP second-team All-Americans. Hidalgo, a two-time ACC Player of the Year, leads Division I in scoring with 25.2 points per game and ranks first in steals with 173. Cambridge, seventh in scoring at 22.#notre_dame #ohio_state #columbus #schottenstein_center #fort_worth_1_regional

Notre Dame Football Coach Marcus Freeman Outlines Spring Practice Goals Notre Dame’s spring football preparations are set to begin this week, with head coach Marcus Freeman addressing the media for the first time in months. The session provided insight into the program’s priorities as it gears up for the 2026 season, which will feature a mix of returning players, new recruits, and adjustments to coaching staff. Freeman emphasized the importance of development as the primary focus during the spring, highlighting how the team will experiment with lineups and evaluate players’ progress after the previous season. Freeman stressed that the spring is a critical period for growth, noting that it allows the coaching staff to identify strengths and weaknesses while giving younger players opportunities to step into roles. He acknowledged the challenges of integrating over 30 new recruits into the program, but praised the leadership of returning captains Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler for helping guide the newcomers. Freeman also emphasized the need for intentional training, ensuring that new players are evaluated thoroughly before being fully integrated into team activities. The coaching staff’s retention of offensive coordinator Chris Ash and defensive coordinator Mike Denbrock was another key point. Freeman highlighted how having experienced coordinators in place helps players adapt more quickly to the program’s expectations, allowing for deeper development. This stability is seen as a significant advantage as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Freeman also addressed the impact of Notre Dame’s extended offseason, which included skipping a bowl game after being excluded from the College Football Playoff.#notre_dame #marcus_freeman #drayk_bowen #adon_shuler #chris_ash

Notre Dame Football: Freeman Using CFP Snub to Fuel Team Spring football practices are set to begin later this week at Notre Dame, as the Irish continue their pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth following their 2025 snub. Coach Marcus Freeman addressed how the team is channeling the disappointment of missing the playoff into motivation for the upcoming season. In an interview with WSBT, Freeman reflected on the emotional weight of the decision, emphasizing the importance of accountability. “You lose it when you blame somebody else for the situation you have,” he said. “It’s so easy to blame the CFP committee or other external factors, but when we own it and recognize that we left doubt—because we didn’t make the most of the opportunity—we can use that as fuel.” He stressed that the team must carry this mindset into daily challenges, ensuring they leave no doubt about their preparation. Freeman’s comments highlight a broader focus on self-reflection and resilience. “You can use it in motivation, you can use it in terms of everyday struggles,” he explained. The coach acknowledged the human tendency to seek external blame but urged his players to take responsibility for their performance. This approach aims to transform the setback into a driving force for improvement. The first spring practice is scheduled for Friday morning, marking the start of a critical training period. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, Freeman’s emphasis on accountability and growth underscores the program’s commitment to overcoming past shortcomings and competing at the highest level.#notre_dame #2026_season #marcus_freeman #cfp_committee #spring_practices

How the 2025 CFP Snub Helped Notre Dame Football This Offseason Nobody associated with Notre Dame football could see it or sense it in the moment, let alone rationalize how it might be of help down the road. The road the Irish currently travel. In the aftermath of the 2025 College Football Playoff snub, Notre Dame football found itself in a fog of uncertainty. The team’s season ended without a chance to compete for a national title, as the College Football Playoff committee opted to exclude them from the postseason. At the time, the decision felt like a setback, a cruel twist of fate that left the program adrift. But months later, as the winter lingered in South Bend with snow on the ground and wind howling through the stadium, the snub began to take on a different light. For fifth-year head coach Marcus Freeman, the exclusion became a catalyst. It provided a clear mandate: to leave no doubt about Notre Dame’s readiness to reclaim its place at the top of college football. Freeman’s mantra, “Leave No Doubt,” became the guiding principle for the 2026 season. The phrase was first introduced in January and later repeated during his media session to kick off spring practice. It was a call to action, a reminder that the team had to prove itself in every phase of the year—from winter conditioning to summer workouts, fall camp, and the 12 regular-season games ahead. The snub also allowed the program to refocus its priorities. Without the distraction of a playoff run, Notre Dame could concentrate on rebuilding its roster, refining its system, and addressing weaknesses. The absence of a playoff berth meant the team could take a step back, assess its strengths and gaps, and approach the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose.#notre_dame #2026_season #college_football_playoff #marcus_freeman #south_bend

Colts Sign Former Notre Dame Basketball Player as Tight End The Indianapolis Colts have made a unique addition to their roster, signing former Notre Dame basketball player Carson Towt as a tight end. According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the move involves Towt transitioning from basketball to football, with the Colts aiming to leverage his size and athleticism. Towt, who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds, played basketball for Notre Dame during the 2025 season before attending Northern Arizona. This marks his first foray into American football, as he has no prior experience in the sport, not even at the high school level. Towt’s basketball career at Notre Dame saw him average 5.9 points per game, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season. He described his basketball background as a potential advantage in football, citing the "dirty work" he performed on the court as transferable skills. The Athletic’s James Boyd highlighted Towt’s belief that his basketball experience could aid his transition to football, though the challenge of adapting to a new sport remains significant. The Colts’ decision to sign Towt is partly due to his ineligibility for the NFL draft, which is why he can enter free agency now. This move aligns with general manager Chris Ballard’s history of acquiring players with non-traditional backgrounds, such as Mo Alie-Cox, who is already part of the team’s tight end room. Ballard’s strategy appears to focus on evaluating Towt’s physical attributes and potential for development, rather than immediate contributions. The Colts’ tight end depth chart is currently under review, with Towt’s signing adding another layer to the position group. While the team has not yet finalized its plans for Towt, the move underscores their willingness to explore unconventional talent.#indianapolis_colts #notre_dame #chris_ballard #carson_towt #mo_alie_cox

Colts sign undrafted free agent TE Carson Towt The Indianapolis Colts have signed undrafted free agent tight end Carson Towt, marking a significant move as the team looks to bolster its roster with a player transitioning from basketball to football. Towt, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 250 pounds, brings a unique background to the team after spending his collegiate years in basketball. Most recently, he played as a forward for Notre Dame’s basketball team in 2025. Prior to that, Towt competed at Northern Arizona from 2020 to 2024, where he made a name for himself as a dominant rebounder. During his time at Northern Arizona, he set the Big Sky Conference single-season record with 423 total rebounds in 2024, a performance that ranked him among the top rebounders in the nation. Towt also recorded 20 double-doubles during his collegiate career, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Towt did not play football at the high school or college level, making his transition to the NFL all the more notable. His signing aligns with the Colts’ strategy of adding versatile athletes with diverse backgrounds. The team has previously welcomed players with similar profiles, such as Mo Alie-Cox, who played basketball at VCU before being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Alie-Cox, now a 32-year-old veteran, recently re-signed with the Colts, becoming the second-longest tenured member of the roster. This connection highlights the Colts’ interest in athletes who can adapt to the NFL’s physical demands while leveraging their basketball experience for agility and athleticism. The Colts’ decision to sign Towt reflects their ongoing efforts to address depth at the tight end position.#indianapolis_colts #notre_dame #carson_towt #northern_arizona #mo_alie_cox

Boston College Announces Leadership Change in Men’s Basketball Program Boston College has announced that Earl Grant will not return as head coach of the men’s basketball team for the 2026-2027 season. William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Blake James confirmed the decision, stating that the university has greater expectations for the program and believes a change in leadership is necessary to alter the team’s trajectory. James praised Grant’s dedication over the past five seasons, calling him a man of high character who represented the institution with class. Grant, who led the team to an overall record of 72-92 and a 31-67 mark in conference play during his tenure, will depart after five seasons. James emphasized the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level of college basketball and providing a world-class experience for student-athletes. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with the goal of finding someone who aligns with Boston College’s vision of excellence both on and off the court. The announcement comes as the team concludes its regular season with a game against Notre Dame, where they secured a 77-69 victory on Senior Day. Despite the win, the program has faced challenges in recent years, including a 72-63 loss to Virginia Tech on the road and a 25-point performance from senior standout Boden Kapke in a previous matchup. The search for a new coach is expected to focus on candidates who can rebuild the program’s competitiveness and academic success.#notre_dame #boston_college #earl_grant #blake_james #boden_kapke

Notre Dame Faces Duke in ACC Women’s Semifinal The Notre Dame women’s basketball team is in a strong position as it prepares to face the No. 13 Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament semifinals. The Irish have won their last seven games, showcasing a resurgence after a challenging stretch earlier in the season. Their performance has positioned them as a contender for a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, with hopes of advancing to the championship game. The matchup against Duke presents a significant challenge, particularly with the Blue Devils’ forward Toby Fournier expected to test Notre Dame’s frontcourt defense. The game promises to be competitive, with both teams bringing strong energy and skill to the court. Live updates and highlights will provide ongoing coverage of the action as the Irish aim to continue their momentum. The first quarter saw Duke taking an early lead, scoring the first six points of the game. Notre Dame struggled initially, with Hannah Hidalgo missing her first two shots at the rim. Duke’s early dominance was compounded by Notre Dame’s turnovers, which reached five by the end of the first quarter. However, the Irish showed signs of improvement as they went on a 7-0 run toward the end of the first quarter, indicating a potential shift in their performance. By the end of the second quarter, Notre Dame had managed to cut into Duke’s lead, with a 15-17 scoreline. The Irish’s defensive aggression increased, leading to nine turnovers for Duke. Despite efforts to close the gap, Duke extended their lead to double digits by halftime. Key moments included Hannah Hidalgo’s layup and a defensive play by Prosper that nearly disrupted Duke’s momentum. However, Duke capitalized on their opportunities, including a three-point play that solidified their advantage.#duke_blue_devils #hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #toby_fournier #prosper