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Jimbo Fisher Joins the ACC Network as Analyst
Two years after leaving the coaching ranks, former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher is joining the ACC Network as an analyst.
Welcome to the ACC Network family, Jimbo Fisher pic.twitter.com/5pTndPckSU
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) July 22, 2025
"I'm looking forward to joining ACC Network and the Huddle team this season," Fisher said in a statement. "I've always had tremendous respect for this conference, and I'm looking forward to breaking down the action each week with such a talented group."
Fisher will appear weekly on the "ACC Huddle" on Saturdays, which will travel to an ACC football game every weekend of the season and air from 10 a.m. to noon during the season.
The 59-year-old led Florida State to a national championship as the Seminoles' head coach in 2013.
American Athletic Conference Rebrands as the American Conference
As part of a comprehensive rebrand ahead of the 2025 college football season, the American Athletic Conference will adopt a new name and eliminate its acronym. The new-look American Conference will add its first mascot, "Soar," the eagle, going forward.
"A brand is more than a name," American commissioner Tim Pernetti said in a statement.
"Over the past year, we stepped back, listened and involved our community. That's how real, lasting identity is built. We're not slick, we're strong. This brand defines who we are, service and mission-driven institutions of higher learning with highly competitive athletics and deeply committed leaders."
Soar will be the first live and animated mascot for a collegiate conference. The American Conference, which has its roots in the original Big East Conference, consists of 15 teams and was one of five conferences, along with the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC, to have three times with 10-plus wins last college football season.
Virginia Tech Investigating Tampering Claim by NC Central Football Coach Trei Oliver
While talking to the media on Friday, NC Central football coach Trei Oliver was asked about significant moments he has faced in his career, a question that led to much more. Oliver said that a Virginia Tech assistant was on the sidelines for one of his games last season, visiting (and tampering) with then-Eagles' star running back J'Mari Taylor, during a game on November 15.
"Virginia Tech was actually on my sideline recruiting our running back," Oliver told reporters, according to WRAL News. "That was pretty bold. I couldn't believe it."
Taylor was a first-team all-conference selection and Walter Payton Award finalist following a 2024 season in which he totaled 1,146 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 196 carries, becoming NC Central's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2005.
Following these comments, Virginia Tech released a statement:
“We were made aware Friday afternoon of a public comment suggesting a potential NCAA rules concern involving a member of our coaching staff. This is the first time the issue has been brought to our attention, and no concern has previously been shared with us through any formal channel," the school said in a statement.
“Virginia Tech takes all NCAA rules seriously and is committed to conducting our program with integrity. We are reviewing the matter internally and will address any findings appropriately.”
Even with the tampering last season, Taylor transferred to Virginia over Virginia Tech, and Oliver hopes the Cavaliers dominate the Hokies in the regular-season finale on Nov. 29.
"Thank God he went to UVA," Oliver said, "and UVA is going to beat the smoke out of them other folks."
ICYMI
2025 Big Ten Media Days Central: Ryan Day, Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles Represent Ohio State in Las Vegas
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles represent the Buckeyes at Big Ten Media Days.
Michigan Defensive End Derrick Moore Sees Blemish on Ohio State’s National Title: “It's Not a Real Win If Y'all Ain't Beat Us”
Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore says Ohio State's national championship is “not a real win if y'all ain't beat us.”
Ryan Day, Curt Cignetti Believe Big Ten's Nine-Game Conference Schedule Creates Different Playing Field Than SEC's Eight: “It's Just Not the Same”
Big Ten teams playing nine-game conference schedules while the SEC plays eight creates an uneven playing field in the eyes of Ryan Day and Curt Cignetti: “It's just not the same.”
What's Next
- 34 Days: Ohio State football season-opener vs. Texas
- 97 Days: Jim Knowles returns to Columbus
- 125 Days: The Game
