NCAAF

Wake Forest hires Jake Dickert as head coach

Dave Clawson stepping down was a relatively large blow to Wake Forest, but this is a decent response from the school’s administration. Washington State, no longer a power-conference program, is a difficult job in many ways, and Dickert still found success in Pullman. The Demon Deacons’ newest head coach is young (41) and has the experience necessary at an afterthought program to fit in at Wake Forest. Dickert’s goal, of course, is to put Wake Forest — still an afterthought in the college football world — at the forefront.

Grade: B

Ohio hires Brian Smith as head coach

I’m still confused as to why Tim Albin left Ohio for Charlotte. Sure, the AAC is a sizeable step up from the MAC, but Albin had something good going in Athens. There’s no guarantee he’ll find the same success with the 49ers.

Anyway, returning to the topic at hand, Ohio is smartly keeping this hire in the family. Smith started with the Bobcats in 2022 as the program’s pass game coordinator, before being promoted to offensive coordinator. That wasn’t his first time directing an offense, however, as he held the same role at both Hawaii and Washington State. Smith has been a fairly hot name for a while, and now he’ll rightfully get his chance to run a team.

Grade: B+

Washington State transfer QB John Mateer commits to Oklahoma

After a strong season as a first-year starter with the Cougars, Mateer went looking for greener pastures, and it’s hard to find a better team-player fit than Oklahoma for the signal-caller. Mateer threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, guiding Washington State to an 8-4 mark. The incoming junior should be a lock to start for the Sooners next year.

MLB

White Sox sign RP Bryse Wilson to one-year, $1.05 million contract

After finishing 41-121 last season, Chicago needs to make transactions to increase its competitiveness for 2025. The franchise obviously shouldn’t aim for immediate contention — an unattainable goal — or surrender future assets, but more butts needs to be in seats at the newly named Rate Field.

This signing aligns with that mission. Wilson is a capable reliever, but the White Sox ought to — and will — give the righty a chance to start, as he’s just 26 with room to get better. Wilson recorded a 4.04 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP last year.

Grade: B-