Coaches Scoop

  Photo Courtesy of the University of Oregon By Nate McCray As I continue the journey down the Name, Image, and Likeness topic, it is clear that the landscape of college football is undergoing a seismic shift with the rise of (NIL) deals. These opportunities for athletes to profit from their personal brand have revolutionized the game, creating new avenues for revenue and spotlighting athletes as both sports figures and marketable icons. However, while NIL deals open doors to financial success, they also introduce complexities and challenges that require a holistic approach to ensure athletes are equipped to navigate their newfound prominence responsibly. In this evolving era, universities and athletic programs must continue to consider several key factors to help athletes thrive beyond the field. Mental Health Support: Exploring the Pressures of NIL Responsibilities As athletes step into the spotlight, the pressure to manage personal branding, media presence, and financial gai...

  Photo Courtesy of Ohio State University Athletics By Nate McCray Know more will the horseshoe be filled with echoes of the heartbreak of recent seasons — close calls, playoff exits, and the lingering taste of “what could have been.”  Now as the 2025 season looms, there will be a determined edge in the air in Columbus. The Ohio State Buckeyes aren’t interested in simply being in the conversation anymore — they are plotting a full-force return to the National Championship game.  Without a doubt, their plan will be aggressive, strategic, and built upon core pillars of development, leadership, retention, and recruiting excellence. Data Driven Dominance: Mastering Player Skilled Development Metrics The Buckeyes know championships are won by stars — but developed through daily mastery of fundamentals. In 2025, I expect Ohio State’s coaching staff to double down on position-specific technical drills that target the tiniest margins of player performance. The quarterbacks wi...

  Photo Courtesy of Auburn University Athletics By Nate McCray As the sun rises over Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2025, a new era of Auburn football will begin to take shape. A certain type of energy will be in the air — a belief not just in a single player or coach, but in the foundation being built brick-by-brick across every inch of the program. For Auburn fans, this isn’t just hope — it’s the start of something tangible, something lasting. And they hope it is happening right now. Building the Wall of Culture & Identity The cornerstone of Auburn's continued approach should be culture. It’s not just about catching lightning in a bottle; it's about building a sustainable, accountable identity. Head Coach Hugh Freeze has made it clear: Auburn football will be tough, resilient, and unselfish. Players are now taught that being a Tiger means more than individual stats — it means embodying a "Team First" mentality. Practice should be more physical. Meetings should emp...

  Photo Courtesy of The University of Tennessee Athletics By Nate McCray In recent years, the landscape of college football has been radically transformed by the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. What began as a conversation about fairness for student athletes has evolved into an intricate network of policies, opportunities, and challenges. As NIL deals continue to reshape the dynamics of college sports, ensuring that the student-athletes involved in these agreements receive the support, NIL education, and resources they need is more important than ever. In this first part of five, my exploration of NIL’s impact on college football, I will delve into key philosophies that prioritize the athlete’s welfare and development. Athlete-Centric Approach: Prioritizing Welfare and Development The core of any successful NIL strategy must be athlete centric. This means the welfare and development of student-athletes should be the primary focus of all NIL-related activ...

  By Nate McCray There’s a buzz building in the nation’s capital—and it’s not just politics. Interim Head Coach Shannon Harris, and the DC Defenders are on a mission to turn the energy of the city into championship gold. With a strong start to the 2025 UFL season, the Defenders have their eyes set squarely on the prize: winning their first United Football League title. But talent alone won’t bring a trophy home. To reach the mountaintop, this team will need laser-focused leadership, balanced execution on both sides of the ball, and a commitment to finish the season stronger than it started. Reestablishing Identity After Change at the Top The Defenders entered this season riding the wave of a competitive but inconsistent 2024 campaign. Just as preseason camp hit full stride, the team’s head coach accepted a college head coaching offer, leaving the organization behind. But where many teams might falter, D.C. found stability from within, promoting a trusted voice from the staff to...

By Nate McCray Texas A&M University’s Shemar Turner enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a high-upside defensive lineman whose rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a disruptive force up front. At 6’4”, 300 pounds, the DeSoto, Texas gridiron baller showcases the kind of physical profile and explosive burst that allows him to thrive in multiple defensive fronts, whether anchoring the edge or collapsing the pocket from the interior.   A consistent presence in the SEC, Turner has developed into a well-rounded defender capable of excelling against the run and providing pass-rush production which makes him a highly desirable front-line defender for several NFL teams (perhaps a first round option for teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, or Cincinnati Bengals if he slides that low given the Bengals have the 17 th pick in the draft). What sets him apart is his ability to play with controlled aggression—he’s powe...