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.
New Mexico Promotes 32-year-old Ryan Berryman to full-time Athletic Director
After serving as the interim AD for two months, the Lobos named Berryman its vice president and director of athletics on Wednesday, removing the interim tag he had held since the start of the calendar year.
— New Mexico Lobos (@UNMLOBOS) March 4, 2026
"This search confirmed what Lobo Athletics has in Ryan Berryman," said President Stokes in a statement. "He was evaluated against an outstanding field of candidates, and he stood above them. His vision for this department, his proven ability to execute, and the trust he has already built here made this decision clear. We are fortunate that the right person for this job is already a Lobo."
At only 32 years old, Berryman becomes the second-youngest athletic director in the FBS.
A three-time graduate of UNM, Berryman's New Mexico roots run deep. He was a student manager for the men's basketball program in 2012 and slowly began to work his way up through the athletic department. He served as the University of Washington's CFO and senior associate athletic director before returning to the Lobos.
"I have watched this department grow through some hard years and some remarkable ones, and I believe with everything I have that the best days are ahead,” Berryman said. “We are going to build something here that this entire state is proud of — in competition, in the classroom, and in this community. I can’t wait to get back to work!”
Local kid turned student manager turned UNM's new Vice President for Athletics, @RyanDBerryman. pic.twitter.com/aVzLcFkorY
— Geoff Grammer (@GeoffGrammer) March 5, 2026
Berryman becomes the first New Mexico alum to lead the department in the modern era.
Arkansas Reaches Deal with Tyson Foods for the Razorbacks' Jersey Patches
With jersey patches debuting in college sports beginning with the 2026-27 athletic season, Arkansas became one of the first universities to unveil its sponsorship for the Razorbacks' jersey patches, agreeing to a deal with Tyson Foods for an expanded partnership.
“Tyson Foods has been proud to support the Arkansas Razorbacks for generations—investing in champions today and leaders for tomorrow in the state we’ve called home for more than 90 years,” said John Tyson, Chairman of the Board at Tyson Foods. “Together, we support young people to compete and succeed—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.”
Along with the jersey patches, Tyson Foods will also be integrated into other parts of Arkansas athletics throughout the multi-year agreement:
- Official Protein of the Arkansas Razorbacks
- Jersey patch placement across all 19 varsity teams (men’s and women’s)
- Logo placement on fields and courts across sports venues
- Media backdrops at press conferences and broadcast facilities
- Brand Ambassador programs engaging Arkansas student-athletes
Akron Football Bowl Eligible for 2026
The Zips received a waiver from the NCAA on Wednesday that will immediately eliminate their postseason ban and remove practice restrictions that were in place for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
"We are very proud of our academic progress and excited about the opportunity to compete in the postseason this fall," Akron Head Football Coach Joe Moorhead stated.
Akron's bowl ban and restrictions were due to the 2021-22 academic year, when a coaching change and roster adjustments caused the football team's APR to fall below the required four-year average. The Zips, who finished the season 5-7 (4-4 in the MAC), their best record since the 2017 season, were not only ineligible for the postseason, but also forced to decrease their full practice hours from 20 hours to 16 hours each week throughout the season.
Akron is now eligible for the MAC football championship and a bowl game if it gets to at least six wins.
The Zips last played in a bowl game in 2017.
ICYMI
Bruce Thornton Breaks Ohio State’s All-Time Scoring Record
Thornton becomes Ohio State's all-time scoring leader, breaking Dennis Hopson's record of 2,096 points on Senior Night against Indiana.
Ohio State Hires Will Pantages As Next Football Communications Director
OSU hired Wake Forest's Will Pantages to replace Jerry Emig as the Buckeyes’ next football communications director.
Four Reasons Why
"How did Ohio State lose twice with these guys on the roster?" Just say you didn't watch the games. It's more dignified.
What's Next
- Men's Basketball: Big Ten Tournament, Thursday-Sunday
- Women's Basketball: NCAA Tournament
- 181 Days: Ohio State football opens season vs. Ball State
- 223 Days: The Buckeyes face Indiana in Bloomington
- 265 Days: The Game
