"That's just how I was raised. I feel like Northwood, the basketball gym felt like my home since I'm there so much, before, during and after school... I just wanted to help out. That was really it."
Rick Pitino has signed a new deal with St. John's University, extending his contract through the 2029-30 season and receiving a significant pay increase. His leadership has transformed the program, leading to a 20-13 record in his first season and a remarkable 31-5 record in 2024-25, which included winning both the regular season and Big East Tournament titles.
Indiana's magical run to a College Football Playoff championship was keyed by an exceptional season from transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Oregon Ducks, who the Hoosiers beat in the semifinals, had a transfer (Malik Benson) as their leading receiver while two freshmen running backs, Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., were core cogs in the rushing attack.
Will Muschamp is back as defensive coordinator at Texas, where he accelerated his "Coach Boom" reputation and spent 2009 and 2010 as head coach-in-waiting behind Mack Brown. Gary Patterson has not worked at USC before, but his arrival as defensive coordinator -- a role he hasn't held since 2000 -- under a coach he knows well (Lincoln Riley) qualifies as one of the splashiest moves of the winter.
