Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
RIP Dwayne Haskins: 05/03/1997-04/09/2022
One year ago today, the Ohio State football community lost one of the greatest leaders of its offense that Columbus has ever seen.
Thinking of Dwayne Haskins today. pic.twitter.com/kZqUTqbHoM
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) April 9, 2023
Haskins' passing sent shockwaves throughout the football world at large, particularly for his Pittsburgh Steelers coaches and teammates, some of whom he had been training with in South Florida during the offseason. The Steelers had not yet drafted Kenny Pickett, and with Ben Roethlisberger's recent retirement, Haskins seemed poised for a prime opportunity to earn back a starting NFL job.
Instead, a series of bad decisions led to the loss of his life on Interstate 595 about a half hour north of Miami. However, the circumstances of his death do not mitigate the contributions he made to Ohio State football, nor the impact he had on its current and future programs with his love for the Buckeyes he demonstrated throughout his entire life.
Im going to college here.
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) April 9, 2022
Rest in peace, Dwayne Haskins pic.twitter.com/OyBfIpLINE
Whether or not Easter is on your mind today, spare a prayer for the Haskins family at the end of their first year without Simba. RIP Dwyane Haskins.
Women's Hoops Title Draws Record Audience
For a game that ended in a 17-point blowout, the NCAA Tournament Final for women's college basketball provided no shortage of entertainment from start to finish. Viewership would seem to reflect that.
. Record-breaking #NationalChampionship thriller between @LSUwbkb & @IowaWBB makes TV history:
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) April 3, 2023
Most-viewed #NCAAWBB game on record
Up 103% YOY
Peaked at 12.6M
Most-viewed college event ever on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/UZLVNuP3Sf
In a more dynamic sports media market than ever — and one the Big Ten remains a thoroughly commanding presence in — those numbers could mean a lot more women's college hoops available for television and streaming audiences heading into next season.
One thing to note heading forward:
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 4, 2023
The upcoming Big Ten contract between Fox, CBS, NBC/Peacock/Big Ten Net means a lot of national television windows for Caitlin Clark next year.
Fox Sports is well aware of this. Money talks. They'll push those games. https://t.co/6HjbnmALRZ
Money can be quite a motivating factor in sports. It may even get Kim Mulkey to work the Raising Caine's drive thru in a feather suit.
LSU's Angel Reese, Flau'jae Johnson and Alex Morris have inked NIL deals with Raising Cane's.
— On3 NIL (@On3NIL) April 4, 2023
Along with head coach Kim Mulkey, the trio will be working the drive-through window at a Baton Rouge Raising Cane's on Wednesday.
Story from @AndyWittry: https://t.co/OJYacpmdFQ pic.twitter.com/xtmGP1DWJa
Hear From Former Buckeyes Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint
This week on The Pivot podcast, two former Ohio State football players gave detailed perspective on their experience of facing criminal accusations that saw them removed from the Buckeye football team. Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint faced a three-year long legal process that ultimately acquitted them of all charges, but did lingering damage to their reputations and dreams of pursing professional football.
The discussion lasts for just under an hour. While Buckeye fans are encouraged to listen and draw their own conclusions, some of its highlights include:
- Details from Riep and Wint on what their football lives were like at Ohio State prior to battling criminal charges together, including the incredible final team huddle and break they led after lifts just hours before turning themselves in.
- Ryan Clark unceremoniously refers to the Buckeye color scheme as "garnet and gray," but he redeems himself shortly afterwards with a deep and profound expansion on the concept of forgiveness.
- Channing Crowder tells a phenomenal story about a man named "Big Butch" and what to do with your lunch if you end up in a general holding cell.
ICYMI
Hartline Hints at NFL Desires
On an episode of Barstool Sports' "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast this week, Brian Hartline said he would eventually like to coach in the NFL, though he does not have a specific timeline. Chase Brown listened and transcribed all the details for you.
TreVeyon Henderson Says He's "Back to Myself"
Griffin Strom has had plenty to relay from Ohio State practice of late, including TreVeyon Henderson back at full speed and cutting angles during spring practice individual workouts: "I feel like I'm 100 percent."
Ohio State Takes a Triple-Digit Lead in Directors' Cup Standings
Following a flurry of appearances and quality showings in postseasons across winter sports, the Buckeyes are suddenly boasting a massive lead over the likes of Texas and Stanford in the quest to claim the country's top athletic department.
What's Next
- Softball: @ Penn State, Tuesday at 4 & 6 p.m. ET
- Baseball: vs. Akron, Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET
- Women's Gymnastics NCAA Semifinal: Thursday at 3 p.m. — Fort Worth, TX
- Men's Gymnastics NCAA Qualifiers: Friday at 7 p.m. — State College, PA
- Football Season Opener: @ Indiana, Sept. 2nd
