The college sports landscape is buzzing with significant news across basketball and football, impacting top programs and highly-touted recruits. From a crucial return to the hardwood in Auburn to a major recruiting prediction favoring Alabama, and a candid explanation from a Power Five athletic director, the headlines are plentiful.
Tahaad Pettiford Opts for Auburn Return, Withdraws from NBA Draft
In a huge win for Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers, dynamic guard Tahaad Pettiford has officially withdrawn his name from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to the Plains for his sophomore season. The 6-foot-1 guard, who was a standout freshman and one of the top first-year players in college basketball last season, announced his decision, providing a significant boost to Auburn’s national championship aspirations.
Pettiford, who averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 assists in nearly 23 minutes per game while primarily coming off the bench, earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors and was instrumental in Auburn’s run to the Final Four. His decision comes after testing the NBA Draft waters, including participating in the NBA Draft Combine, and receiving feedback that suggested a stronger draft position could be achieved with another year of collegiate development. His return, along with a “robust” NIL package reportedly awaiting him, positions Pettiford to take on an expanded leadership role and be a primary playmaker for the Tigers.
“Fong Bomb” Strikes: Alabama Predicted to Land 5-Star LB Xavier Griffin
The recruiting world is abuzz with the latest “Fong Bomb,” as On3’s highly respected recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong has logged an expert prediction for Alabama to land five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin. Griffin, a top-tier prospect from Gainesville, Georgia, recently decommitted from USC, making him one of the most coveted uncommitted players in the 2026 class.
Griffin is set to announce his commitment on June 29, with a final four list that includes Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, and Florida State. Wiltfong’s prediction, coupled with reports of Griffin’s family ties in Tuscaloosa and a strong relationship with Alabama linebackers coach Christian Robinson, suggests the Crimson Tide are in an excellent position to secure the talented linebacker. This would be a monumental addition to Alabama’s already strong 2026 recruiting class.
Texas AD Chris Del Conte: “I’ve Got to Go to Church” – Explains Ohio State Game Decision
Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte recently offered a candid and somewhat humorous explanation for declining Ohio State’s request to move their highly anticipated 2025 season opener from a Saturday to a Sunday. The game is currently scheduled for noon ET on Saturday, August 30th.
When questioned about the decision, Del Conte stated, “Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week? I’ve got to go to church.”
While the “church” comment likely carried a degree of jest, Del Conte’s reasoning underscores two key points: the logistical challenges of a short week for his team, which would have to prepare for their next opponent with one less day of rest and practice, and a personal commitment to his Sunday routine. The Texas-Ohio State matchup is one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the 2025 season, and while a Sunday night primetime slot might have appealed to some, Del Conte’s priorities for his program and personal life ultimately prevailed.
