Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
Quinn Ewers is back on the field in burnt orange
The once-future phenom at Ohio State is letting his hair rage harder than ever.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers: Im just excited to be in the home state. #hookem pic.twitter.com/O6wvtntd9G
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) April 14, 2022
Ewers made his debut for Texas in the Longhorns' spring game last night, though head coach Steve Sarkisian neutered the keeping of score or stats between the personnel groups due to line depth concerns.
The former Buckeye completed only one of his first five attempts, but eventually uncorked a 60+ yard touchdown that quickly sent shockwaves across the Lone Star State.
Quinn Ewers first TD as a Longhorn? A 60+ yard bomb. pic.twitter.com/RI1KIXGEfZ
— Robby Espin (@RobbyEspinCFB) April 24, 2022
Ewers' debut was not without error, however, as he did end up tossing a bit of a sloppy interception over the middle.
Heres Ewers int. Looks like he didnt see number 11 pic.twitter.com/6S4Hu3eFVy
— Brodie (@StroudHEISMAN) April 24, 2022
Only time will tell how comfortably the mullet settles in at home.
Lincoln Riley's relationship with Oklahoma fans just took a poetically bizarre turn
Oklahoma fans do not like Lincoln Riley. This is understandable given how the Sooners' former coach abruptly left the program behind for USC shortly after the end of the Big 12 regular season — and calling it abrupt might be an understatement.
For first time in 25 yrs of taping OU head coach show on Sundays, was told At showtime Lincoln Riley would be 3-4 hrs late. Now, complete no-show, confirming hes SC bound. #Sooners have been askew from early in Baylor week. Disastrous - Recruiting. Commits. SEC. #Sooners @news9 pic.twitter.com/zAq4KURMU6
— Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) November 28, 2021
Riley's flight to Los Angeles has ignited an offseason-long storm of rage across the Oklahoma fanbase. The Sooner faithful even showed up in Dan Hope's quote tweets this week to poke fun at what they perceive to be the City of Angels' complete lack of interest in the Trojans' pending return to the national conversation.
The saltiness of OU fans in the quote tweets even these many months later Lmfao my goodness https://t.co/BnZviNdv3J
— Andrew G. Haubner (@A_G_Haubner) April 20, 2022
The next day, Riley published an open letter to Oklahoma football via The Players' Tribune.
There are countless memories, both on and off the field, from my time at Oklahoma that will stay with me forever.
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) April 20, 2022
To @OU_Football, from @LincolnRiley.https://t.co/oTghzAs26H
It is difficult to describe the purpose of this writing. It is not an apology to the Sooners — more of an explanation of the steps and thought process behind what led to Riley's whirlwind decision to leave Norman. Essentially, the former head coach at Oklahoma was left starstruck after receiving a call from some agents in sunny California.
As much as my family and I loved Norman and cherished the success we were having on the field, sometimes life throws you curveballs at the most unexpected times. Honestly, I always figured I would end my coaching career at OU. But when my agent called me to pass along interest from USC, I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities. — Lincoln Riley via The Players' Tribune
Unfortunately for the Sooners, sometimes life throws curveballs that pay for $17+ million oceanfront real estate.
John Daly II is now an NIL ambassador for an "iconic brand"
"I have seen my father’s great relationship with Hooters over the years, and I am proud to continue my family’s association with this iconic brand.” — John Daly II
Hooters has signed its first father-son NIL duo:
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 19, 2022
John Daly and his son, Arkansas freshman John Daly II pic.twitter.com/OzCTIrm8qq
Some weekends, the stories write themselves.
ICYMI
C.J. Stroud Opens as Preseason Heisman Trophy Favorite
In what make come as a surprise to some, C.J. Stroud opened as the betting favorite to win the upcoming college football season's Heisman Trophy ahead of reigning recipient Bryce Young. Stroud opened with +200 odds compared to Young's +400.
Ryan Day Believes Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau Can "Be a Force in the Fall"
Though Zach Harrison and Javontae Jean-Baptiste started the spring game, the optimism surrounding the standouts behind them is stronger than ever. Griffin Strom recaps Ryan Day's thoughts on the early showings from Sawyer and Tuimoloau in wake of the spring game.
Spring Game Snap Counts
Nearly every healthy Buckeye available played in last weekend's offense vs. defense scrimmage at Ohio Stadium — 84 in total. Those curious about the run of different names and position groups can find a nice recap here from Dan Hope.
What's Next
- Men's Lacrosse: vs. Michigan, Today at 7 p.m. ET
- Women's Tennis: Big Ten Tournament, Wednesday @ Iowa City, IA
- Men's Tennis: Big Ten Tournament, Friday @ Madison, WI
- Men's Golf: Big Ten Championship, Friday @ French Lick, IN
