NCAAF

Tulane promotes Will Hall to head coach

Tulane has become a pretty good job. The Green Wave struggled mightily for the first 15 years of this century, but Willie Fritz eventually got the program on the right track. He then left for Houston, making Jon Sumrall Tulane’s next head coach. In two seasons, Sumrall — set to coach Florida next season — has gone 20-7, with a matchup at Ole Miss in the CFP awaiting. Sumrall will coach the Green Wave for that game — and longer, should they win — then Hall will inherit the reigns after.

Promoting Hall is the safe decision. The Green Wave are rolling, and naming the Hall the next head coach is a vote for continuity. The continuation of good times is no sure thing, however. Hall went just 14-30 at Southern Miss from 2022-2024, and Tulane is a level up from the Golden Eagles in terms of competition.

This move will be applauded across college football, but it’s uninspiring. I have real doubts that Tulane will remain atop the American with Hall in charge.

Grade: B+

MLB

Diamondbacks sign Michael Soroka to one-year, $7.5 million contract

Injuries can destroy careers, particularly for pitchers. Soroka has dealt with his fair share of them, and to his credit, he’s still going. Just 28 years old, the right-hander is receiving his second free-agent contract.

For the Diamondbacks, it’s a decent deal. Soroka was off to a promising start to his career before the aforementioned maladies derailed his impact. The veteran’s success with the White Sox, Nationals and Cubs was sporadic, for various reasons, but he’ll likely be granted a runway to succeed with Arizona.

The Diamondbacks, due to a reduced budget and Corbin Burnes’ UCL tear, should have an opening for Soroka in the rotation. If he flames out there — a realistic possibility — the bullpen is a fallback option. He thrived in that role with the White Sox in 2024. Either way, Soroka should be an intriguing option on Arizona’s staff next season.

Grade: B+