Daily News 19

Tag: Texas Longhorns

  • Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph Share Rare Public Outing at Texas-Tennessee Game

    Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph Share Rare Public Outing at Texas-Tennessee Game

    Key Highlights

    • Actor Glen Powell and girlfriend Michelle Randolph attended the highly anticipated Texas-Tennessee football game as a public date night.
    • Photographs obtained by TMZ show Powell wearing an orange University of Texas hat while the couple appeared to be enjoying themselves.
    • The outing marks a rare high-profile public appearance for the couple at a major collegiate sporting event.

    Powell and Randolph Turn Texas-Tennessee Showdown into Date Night

    Hollywood actor Glen Powell and his girlfriend, model Michelle Randolph, transformed the marquee matchup between the University of Texas and the University of Tennessee into a personal outing over the weekend. The couple was photographed in the stands during the highly anticipated non-conference clash, offering a glimpse into their private life away from film sets and fashion campaigns. The images, obtained exclusively by TMZ, capture the pair engaged in conversation and reacting to the on-field action, confirming their status as one of the entertainment industry’s more low-key yet closely watched couples.

    A Longhorns Loyalist in the Stands

    True to his Texas roots, Powell was spotted sporting an orange University of Texas hat, signaling his allegiance to the Longhorns during their home contest against the Volunteers. The Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You star, who was born and raised in Austin, has frequently spoken about his deep connection to his home state and its flagship university. His choice of headwear underscored a personal investment in the game’s outcome that went beyond celebrity spectating. Randolph, for her part, complemented the game-day atmosphere, with the couple appearing relaxed and animated throughout the afternoon.

    Why This Matters

    The appearance underscores the increasing intersection of Hollywood celebrity culture and major college athletics, particularly as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and media rights elevate the profile of programs like Texas. For Powell, a rising leading man with deep Austin ties, the outing reinforces his authentic connection to the Longhorns brand—a valuable alignment as the university navigates its move to the Southeastern Conference. For Randolph, a successful model and influencer, the joint appearance signals a continued merging of their public personas. While neither has used the relationship for overt promotional campaigns, their presence at a nationally televised SEC game generates organic engagement across entertainment and sports media ecosystems.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Glen Powell’s girlfriend?
    Glen Powell is dating Michelle Randolph, a model and actress known for her work in fashion and her role in the series “1923.”
    What game did they attend?
    The couple attended the college football game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
    Where was the game played?
    The game took place at the University of Texas’s home stadium in Austin, Texas.
  • Arch Manning Responds to Backlash Over Laughing at AI-Generated Reporter Video

    Arch Manning Responds to Backlash Over Laughing at AI-Generated Reporter Video

    Arch Manning Issues Public Apology to ESPN Reporter Holly Rowe Over AI Video Incident

    Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has taken public accountability after laughing at an AI-generated video depicting ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. The college football star offered a direct apology to Rowe during an on-air exchange with the veteran journalist.

    Incident Sparks Conversation About AI Media Ethics

    The situation unfolded when Manning was shown an artificial intelligence-created video featuring Rowe. His visible reaction — laughter at the AI depiction — drew immediate attention across sports media and social platforms, prompting the quarterback to address the matter directly.

    Manning Demonstrates Accountability in On-Air Exchange

    During a subsequent interaction with Rowe, Manning acknowledged the incident and expressed regret for his response to the AI-generated content. The apology represents a notable moment of accountability from one of college football’s most high-profile players, particularly given the growing prevalence of AI-generated media in sports coverage.

    Rowe, a respected veteran broadcaster with decades of experience covering major sporting events for ESPN, accepted the apology during their televised conversation.

    Broader Implications for Athlete-Media Relations

    This incident highlights the evolving challenges at the intersection of sports media, artificial intelligence, and athlete conduct. As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated and widespread, public figures — including student-athletes — face new scrutiny regarding their engagement with synthetic media depictions of journalists and other professionals.

    The Manning-Rowe exchange serves as a case study in how traditional media relationships are being tested by emerging technologies, and how accountability plays out in real time across broadcast platforms.

  • Steve Sarkisian Echoes Nick Saban, Urges CFP Committee Not to Overreact to Texas Longhorns’ Big Win

    Steve Sarkisian Echoes Nick Saban, Urges CFP Committee Not to Overreact to Texas Longhorns’ Big Win

    Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is urging the College Football Playoff selection committee to avoid penalizing Ohio State following the Buckeyes’ narrow 24-23 road loss to his No. 4 team in Austin last Saturday. The dramatic comeback victory, engineered by quarterback Arch Manning, vaulted Texas to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll while Ohio State tumbled five places to No. 6.

    Sarkisian Advocates for “Quality Loss” Consideration

    During his Monday press conference, Sarkisian made a forceful case that the CFP committee should evaluate Ohio State’s performance in context rather than simply reacting to the result. The Longhorns coach emphasized the difficulty of winning in the hostile, late-summer environment at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

    “I hope Ohio State doesn’t get punished for playing that game Saturday night. They played a heck of a game. It’s 24-23. They lose with us scoring with 25 seconds left to go in the game. I hope, if they end up being a 9-3 team, that the committee can appreciate that they came to Austin, Texas, in September when it was 100 degrees and played us in that environment and played a heck of a game. They should not be punished… Quite frankly, Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this type of game against us”

    Historical Context Shapes Coach’s Perspective

    Sarkisian’s stance is informed by recent history. He referenced Texas’s season-opening visit to Ohio State in 2023, a game the Longhorns lost narrowly on the road. Sarkisian felt that competitive loss was not adequately valued by the CFP committee last season, contributing to Texas’s exclusion from the playoff. He is now advocating for a consistent standard that rewards teams for scheduling and competing in high-stakes non-conference matchups.

    Alignment with Broader Coaching Sentiment

    The Longhorns coach’s argument mirrors comments made by former Alabama head coach Nick Saban during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast last weekend. Saban emphasized that “quality losses” — competitive defeats against elite opposition — deserve greater weight in the committee’s evaluation process. Sarkisian’s public support for this framework signals a growing consensus among top-tier programs that the current selection methodology may undervalue strength of schedule and game competitiveness.

    With the expanded 12-team playoff format debuting this season, the definition of a “quality loss” and its impact on at-large bids will be a central storyline throughout the campaign. Sarkisian’s early advocacy sets the tone for how Texas — and potentially other programs — will frame their resumes come selection Sunday.

  • Sarkisian: Ohio State Should Be Rewarded for Playing Texas

    Sarkisian: Ohio State Should Be Rewarded for Playing Texas

    Steve Sarkisian Urges CFP Committee to Reward Ohio State for Nonconference Road Test

    AUSTIN, Texas — Following a dramatic 24-23 comeback victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that the Buckeyes should be rewarded for scheduling a marquee nonconference matchup.

    “I hope Ohio State does not get punished for that game Saturday night. They played a heck of a game. I mean, it’s 24-23, they lose to us scoring with 25 seconds to go in the game,” Sarkisian said. “I hope if they end up being a 9-3 team, the committee can appreciate the fact that they came to Austin, Texas, in September when it was 100 degrees and played us in that environment and played a heck of a game.”

    Sarkisian referenced last season, when a College Football Playoff spot hinged on Texas’ early 14-7 loss to Ohio State in Columbus.

    “Ohio State should be rewarded for playing in this game against us,” Sarkisian said Monday. “Time will tell. And this isn’t crying over spilled milk. I don’t think we got rewarded for going to Columbus last year in Week 1. Hopefully, this year they reward Ohio State for coming and playing in this game with us.”

    Ohio State fell to No. 6 in The Associated Press Top 25 after the loss. Sarkisian acknowledged the conversation becomes moot if the Buckeyes finish 11-1, but emphasized his program actively seeks high-stakes games. He noted the Texas brand attracts national television interest and that his roster is built for these moments.

    “That’s why you come to Texas, to play in these big games,” Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning said Monday. “I think it helps our team, builds confidence that we can win in any way. We can be down, we can be not playing well, but we can find ways to win. I think that’s what builds confidence in those big games.”

    After Texas scored 21 points in the final quarter to secure the win, Manning sprinted across the field in celebration as the clock expired.

    “That was the most fun ending to a game I’ve ever had,” he said. “I did not know what to do. I was just running around.”

    Sarkisian: Heavyweight Matchups Must Be Valued, Not Penalized

    Sarkisian framed the broader issue: marquee nonconference games should strengthen a team’s resume rather than damage it.

    “Everybody loves those matchups,” Sarkisian said. “Well, if we want to continue with those matchups, we’ve got to reward the teams for playing in those games … because if they don’t reward them for playing in the game, then all of us start playing FCS, [Group of] 6, and then I don’t think that’s the product that we want in college football.”

    He contrasted college football’s subjective selection process with the NFL’s objective criteria.

    “We’re not the NFL where it’s all based on, ‘What’s your record? Who did you beat?’” he said. “You make the playoffs based off of opinions of others, essentially, unless you win your conference.”

    Texas Reaches No. 1 in AP Poll; Sarkisian Preaches Focus

    The victory propelled the Longhorns to No. 1 in this week’s AP poll, marking the third consecutive season Texas has held the top spot. Sarkisian downplayed the ranking two games into the season.

    “A week ago, the narrative was we can’t win the big game,” Sarkisian said. “How are we going to beat Ohio State? What are we going to do? Now we’re the best team in the country allegedly and everybody’s patting us on the back. Two polar opposites of where we are. We need to stay right here, and we need to stay enamored with what we need to do.”

  • Steve Sarkisian Abruptly Walks Away From ESPN Interview After Texas Stuns Ohio State

    Steve Sarkisian Abruptly Walks Away From ESPN Interview After Texas Stuns Ohio State

    Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was visibly elated after his team’s stunning comeback victory over No. 1 Ohio State, but his brief interaction with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe quickly became a talking point of its own.

    Sarkisian Walks Away from Postgame Interview

    Moments after the Longhorns erased a 23-3 deficit with 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points to secure a 24-23 win, Rowe approached Sarkisian on the field for a standard postgame interview. The coach offered only a few words before abruptly walking away to join the on-field celebration, leaving Rowe standing alone as he disappeared into the scrum of players and staff.

    Social Media Reacts to Awkward Exchange

    The exchange immediately drew attention online, with viewers noting Rowe’s surprised reaction. The moment sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with many questioning the coach’s decision to bypass the network interview amid the jubilation.

    Historic Comeback Fuels Emotion

    Texas’ rally from a 20-point hole marked one of the most dramatic victories of the college football season. While Sarkisian’s excitement was understandable given the magnitude of the upset, the optics of the interrupted interview dominated postgame discourse alongside the team’s historic performance.

  • Matthew McConaughey Helps Arch Manning Navigate Rising Fame at Texas

    Matthew McConaughey Helps Arch Manning Navigate Rising Fame at Texas

    Arch Manning’s second season as the Texas Longhorns’ starting quarterback is off to a strong start. In his opening game, he threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, though an interception prevented a flawless stat line. The schedule now ramps up significantly with a matchup against the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a contest that likely represents the toughest test of the year for the young signal-caller. A victory would cement his status as a campus legend, elevating him from a notable figure to a true Longhorns superstar—an honor he appears indifferent to chasing.

    Manning’s Reluctance Toward the Spotlight

    In a recent feature by ESPN’s Chuck Culpepper, Manning comes across as a player uncomfortable with fame. As his grandfather, Archie Manning, puts it, “he likes low-key”. That preference is difficult to maintain for the face of one of college football’s most visible programs. To help navigate the unavoidable attention, Manning has turned to an unexpected mentor: Matthew McConaughey.

    McConaughey’s Counsel on Handling Fame

    The Oscar-winning actor and notable Longhorns supporter has played a pivotal role in helping Manning manage his rising profile. Manning detailed their conversations in the Culpepper interview.

    > “But you know, I’ve grown to accept what it is, accept who I am, and make the most out of it, and just kind of expect everything. I had a good talk with Matthew McConaughey, and he’s kind of helped me navigate that area of my life, and he said, ‘You know, don’t be surprised by anything. Take everything with a grain of salt. Accept everything. There’s no escaping it. It’s only gonna get worse, the better you play. So, accept everything.’”

    If Manning develops into the elite quarterback many project, the scrutiny will only intensify. Whether he welcomes it or not, he must reconcile with that reality. Based on his recent comments, it appears he is internalizing McConaughey’s advice and learning to embrace the inevitable glare of the spotlight.

  • ‘College GameDay’ Live in Texas for No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas Week 2 Showdown

    ‘College GameDay’ Live in Texas for No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Texas Week 2 Showdown

    College GameDay Heads to Austin for Week 2 of 40th Season

    ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot travels to Austin, Texas, for Week 2 of its 40th season, broadcasting live from the lawn of the LBJ Presidential Library at The University of Texas. The show airs Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon ET on ESPN, ESPNU, Disney+, and the ESPN App, ahead of a high-stakes primetime matchup as No. 4 Texas hosts No. 1 Ohio State at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

    Celebrity Guest Picker Glen Powell Returns

    Actor Glen Powell, currently completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and set to graduate this spring, returns as celebrity guest picker. His appearance comes one week after Season 2 of Chad Powers debuted on Hulu on Disney+. Powell previously served as celebrity guest picker during Week 2 of the 2022 season, also a Texas home game against No. 1 Alabama, going 7-5 with his picks that week.

    Texas Hosts Ohio State in Primetime Showdown

    Texas will host College GameDay for the 11th time, carrying a 5-5 record in previous hosting appearances — including a Week 2 matchup in 2006 against No. 1 Ohio State, a game the Buckeyes won 24-7. Saturday’s show marks Texas’ 29th all-time appearance on the program. Ohio State extends its own record with its 69th College GameDay appearance.

    GameDay Cast and Record-Setting Start

    Host Rece Davis is at the helm for his 12th season, joined at the desk by GameDay analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, and legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban. College football insider Pete Thamel, college football analyst “Stanford Steve” Coughlin, and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims round out the GameDay cast for the 2026 college football season.

    Coming off its most-watched season ever, College GameDay is off to another record-setting start. Last week’s episode delivered the show’s second-highest season debut on record and ranks among its top three regular-season episodes all time.

    Show Highlights & Guests

    • Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian joins College GameDay live on set ahead of the No. 4 Longhorns’ home game against No. 1 Ohio State (7:30 p.m. on ABC).
    • Oregon head coach Dan Lanning joins College GameDay live from Stillwater ahead of the Ducks’ showdown against Oklahoma State.
    • The GameDay Film Room with Nick Saban, the seven-time national champion and legendary college football head coach, returns. This week, Saban breaks down how Oklahoma’s defense shut down Michigan’s offense in last year’s meeting ahead of Saturday’s rematch.

    Feature Segments

    “The Man in the Red Bandanna”

    Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player and volunteer firefighter, was working at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, when two hijacked airplanes struck the twin towers. Twenty-five years later, his heroism and legacy endure through one of the most powerful traditions in sports: Boston College football’s Red Bandanna Game.

    “Arch Manning”

    Since birth, Arch Manning has been enrolled in a masterclass on the hardest position in sports, taught by the family who knows it better than anyone else — his own. As Arch begins his junior campaign under center for the Texas Longhorns, the world is watching to see if he can carry the Manning family mantle and accomplish what none in his lineage have: win a national championship. Pete Thamel reports.

    “Boise State’s Blue Turf”

    Forty years ago, a decision made in a small corner of the country sent shockwaves across college football, changing the identity of a school forever and creating one of the most iconic symbols in the sport. Jen Lada takes viewers inside the bold choice to play ball at Boise State University on what has become known as “The Blue.” Jen Lada reports.

    “Points Means Pushups”

    Starting the season in mid-season form is no easy task — a reality that applies as much to mascots and cheer squads as it does to players, particularly those asked to perform push-ups and more for every point their program scores. Jess Sims puts her Peloton expertise to work helping some of those struggling out of the gates. Jess Sims reports.

    Pat McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” Contest Returns

    Pat McAfee’s “Kicking Is Easy” Contest, a fan-favorite segment, returns to College GameDay for its fourth season, with The Home Depot coming on as the Presenting Sponsor. Fans who arrive early will have a chance to be selected from the onsite pit and attempt a 33-yard field goal. Throughout his time on the show, McAfee has awarded more than $6 million of his own money through contest prizes and charitable donations. Full details, including official rules, can be found here.

    Extra Yard for Teachers Week Kicks Off

    The College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers and ESPN’s Take Back Sports will kick off Extra Yard for Teachers Week, with celebrations running from Saturday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Sept. 19. As in years past, ESPN will celebrate educators across its programming with on-air and social content, encouraging viewers to nominate outstanding teachers at CFP-Foundation.org. ESPN commentators will also distribute DonorsChoose gift cards to deserving educators, and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will spotlight teachers during its Week 3 show at Ole Miss. Together, the College Football Playoff Foundation and ESPN have invested more than $4 million since 2014 to support teachers and coaches.

    ESPN College GameDay Scavenger Hunt Comes to Austin

    The ESPN College GameDay Scavenger Hunt continues in Austin, giving fans an interactive way to engage with the show throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s live broadcast. The contest opened Wednesday, Sept. 9, via a dedicated digital microsite. Fans can complete one challenge per day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with tasks ranging from snapping photos at campus landmarks to answering trivia about past editions of College GameDay.

    Fifteen winners will be selected at random from participants who complete all three tasks. Each winner, plus one guest, receives access to a premium seating area near the front of the College GameDay broadcast within camera view and exclusive College GameDay merchandise. Additional participants will also win official ESPN College GameDay merchandise.

    ESPN collaborated with experiential agency Assembli on the interactive digital and on-site fan experience, with Flowcode connecting the initiative inside the new College Football ESPN Fan House.

    Countdown to GameDay Returns

    Harry Douglas and Harry Lyles Jr. return for their fifth season as co-hosts of ESPN’s social and digital pre-pregame show, Countdown to GameDay, with Sims joining the duo this season as a co-host, reporting live from the College GameDay site each week. The show is available weekly at 8:20 a.m. across ESPN on YouTube, Facebook, and the ESPN App.

  • Texas Softball Announces 2027 SEC Schedule

    Texas Softball Announces 2027 SEC Schedule

    Texas softball unveiled its 2025 Southeastern Conference schedule on Tuesday, setting the stage for 24 conference matchups as the Longhorns defend back-to-back Women’s College World Series championships.

    The slate features four home series at Red and Charline McCombs Field against Florida, Alabama, Missouri, and Mississippi State. Texas opens SEC play at home against the Gators before alternating road and home series through early May.

    Texas Softball 2025 SEC Schedule Highlights

    • March 12–14: vs. Florida (Home)
    • March 19–21: at Tennessee
    • March 26–28: vs. Alabama (Home)
    • April 2–4: at Arkansas
    • April 9–11: vs. Missouri (Home)
    • April 16–18: at LSU
    • April 23–25: SEC Bye Week
    • April 30 – May 2: vs. Mississippi State (Home)
    • May 6–8: at Auburn (Regular-season finale)

    From Texas Athletics: “The Longhorns open conference play at home against Florida on March 12-14 before hitting the road to Tennessee on March 19-21. Texas returns to the friendly confines of McCombs Field to host Alabama on March 26-28. The Longhorns will head to Fayetteville, Arkanasas, for its second SEC road series at Arkansas on April 2-4. Texas hosts Missouri at McCombs Field on April 9-11 and travels to Baton Rouge, La., to take on the LSU Tigers on April 16-18. Following their SEC bye week on April 23-25, Texas returns to conference action hosting the Mississippi State Bulldogs on April 30-May 2 at McCombs Field. Texas wraps up the regular season on the road at Auburn on May 6-8.”

    Texas enters the season as the two-time reigning national champion, having captured the WCWS title in both 2023 and 2024. The program’s move to the SEC adds a new layer of competition to an already dominant roster.

    Beyond the diamond, Longhorns athletics remain a focal point across Texas sports media. Coverage this week has centered on the No. 4 football team’s monumental season-opener against No. 1 Ohio State, with outlets analyzing quarterback Arch Manning’s debut, offensive line questions, and the high-stakes recruiting battles surrounding the program. Texas volleyball also dropped a match to SMU on Monday night.

  • Arch Manning Upsets Texas Teammate for a Shocking Reason

    Arch Manning Upsets Texas Teammate for a Shocking Reason

    Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Alex January did not hold back when discussing quarterback Arch Manning during a joint press conference, explaining why he considers the superstar “annoying.”

    Manning, a Heisman Trophy nominee before the start of the college football regular season, appeared to agree with January’s assessment. However, he offered an explanation for why he might come across that way.

    Arch Manning prepares for another Texas season

    The Longhorns began last season as the nation’s No. 1-ranked team. Texas will open its 2026 campaign at home against Texas State in a matchup the Longhorns are expected to win comfortably.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • FSU Running Back Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner Named to Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List

    FSU Running Back Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner Named to Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List

    Quintrevion “Tre” Wisner has been named to the watch list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, which honors the top offensive player who either graduated from a Texas high school or currently plays for a Texas-based Division I program.

    Quintrevion Wisner’s Texas career

    Wisner, a native of Mexia, Texas, recorded 1,734 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, 66 receptions, 457 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns during his career with the Texas Longhorns.

    He was selected to the 2024 All-SEC third team after rushing for 1,064 yards and five touchdowns during the season. Wisner also set a Texas running back record with 44 receptions.

    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award winner will be announced in December and honored at the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet on January 27, 2027, in Tyler, Texas.

    Source: www.tomahawknation.com