NCAAF

Ball State hires Mike Uremovich as head coach

It’s not always easy to peg whether a head coaching hire will work out or not — both Tom Herman to Texas and Scott Frost to Nebraska were considered no-brainer decisions — but I like Ball State’s process here. Uremovich has found success at both St. Francis and Butler, demonstrating his ability to build a program. That matters, especially for struggling Ball State. Additionally, Uremovich has ties to the region, which should help in recruiting. It’ll take some time for the Cardinals to reach the level of Miami (OH), Toledo and Ohio in the MAC, but this move is a step in the right direction.

Grade: B+

Massachusetts hires Joe Harasymiak as head coach

You’d be hard pressed to find a more dormant FBS program than Massachusetts, and I doubt there’s any realistic hire that can immediately change that. Regardless, Harasymiak has regional ties and youth on his side, two factors that can help him guide the Minutemen.

Grade: C

2025 five-star CB Na’eem Offord commits to Oregon

Is there a program with more overall momentum than Oregon right now? I don’t think so — both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Offord, 2025’s No. 11 prospect, was previously committed to Ohio State, so this is a big deal for the Ducks to flip the coveted defensive back from a conference rival. Good times in Eugene.

2025 five-star DT Jahkeem Stewart commits to USC

With limited high-school playing experience, Stewart is as raw as recruits come. The appeal, though, of the five-star defensive tackle is his size and upside, traits good enough to garner Stewart the No. 16 ranking of the 2025 class. Despite improvements on defense this season, USC needs as many talented players on that side of the ball as it can get.