NCAA Football Preseason News

A little over a month out of the 2023 college football season, but no shortage of off-field news, Here is a look at some of the recent stories around the sport. 

Northwestern Fallout Continues

There’s no sign of the hazing scandal at Northwestern going away soon, the latest reports seem to imply it was/is a much worse situation. Coach Pat Fitzgerald was originally handed a two-week suspension by the school, eventually losing his job. 

What started out as just one instance of hazing has now grown into a much bigger story where other players have come forward as well. Some claimed hazing has been the “practice” over a number of years in Evanston, creating a toxic culture. 

Now sued by at least one former player, Fitzgerald’s suing the university regarding the manner in which he was fired. While the lawyers have at it, NU is one of four schools listed as 100-1 (+10000) rank outsiders to win the conference, according to Big 10 football odds.

As the Wildcard try to move forward with the season, all assistant coaches have been kept on the staff to this point. NU is attempting to bring in some former NFL or college coaches to help, but such a hire hasn’t been made. 

It’s not surprising a number of recruits have already decommitted out of the program. 

FAMU Pauses Football

Florida A&M University in Tallahassee announced late last week it was suspending all team activities. That’s after a rap video containing explicit lyrics was filmed in the Rattlers’ locker room and released (pictured above).

It was coach Willie Simmons that made the decision (and announcement) to shut down football. Simmons said that the video went against the “core values” of his program, wanting to investigate how the video was made.

It was rapper Real Boston Richey who released the video via his YouTube page, featuring several members of the team. Simmons didn’t give permission to use the locker room in the making of the video, and not wanting his players involved in the message it sent. 

FAMU was set to open the season Sept. 3rd, home against Jackson St. It’s unclear how long this pause will last. Simmons has been with the program since 2018. 

Pac-12’s Not Concerned

Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff addressed the status of his league, and isn’t concerned about any more teams bolting to the Big 12. Despite losing USC and UCLA at the end of the academic year to the Big 12, Kliavkoff is convinced the rest of the member schools are committed to staying.

With the Big 12 looking to expand, there are some logical options out of the Pac-12. Kliavkoff is confident that a new media rights deal is imminent, once that should entice the current members to avoid any notion of abandoning ship.

The Pac-12 could actually be going in the other direction. Kliavkoff didn’t rule out the possibility of adding new members. There’s been a ton of movement all across the conferences, despite struggles of the Pc-12 to find schools wanting to join.

Sanders on Mend

With Deion Sanders being unable to attend the Pac-12 Media Day after undergoing surgery to repair a blood clot in his leg (also two toes were operated on), defensive coordinator Charles Kelly took the place of “Coach Prime.” Colorado was picked to finish 11th. Kelly left Alabama to join Sanders in Boulder, believing a quicker turnaround than expected.

Colorado will open the season Sept. 2nd at title-game finalist TCU, with Sanders expected to be on the sidelines. TCU is a 20-point favorite in the contest, as per NCAA football odds.