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.
Iowa Wesleyan, the Birthplace of the Air Raid Offense in College Football, Closes its Doors
After 181 years, the small NAIA school that created the Air Raid offense that revolutionized college football has closed its doors for good due to ongoing financial issues.
When Iowa Wesleyan hired Texas high school coach Hal Mumme to lead its football program in 1989, it was a decision that has continued to change college football – and football as a whole, really – 34 years later. Mumme proceeded to add Mike Leach as his offensive line coach and Dana Holgorsen as his wide receivers coach. That coaching staff changed football forever.
With so much success in the new-found pass offense from 1989-91, Mumme then went to Division II Valdosta State (1992-96) and then was hired by Kentucky in 1997. The late, great Leach led plenty of the top offenses as a head coach as has Holgorsen.
Iowa and Iowa State Student-Athletes and Members of the Athletic Department Being Investigated for Gambling
In a country where sports betting has become much more prominent and legal (33 of 50 states, so far), more and more people will get into the industry sooner than later.
Iowa and Iowa State have seemed to find that out the hard way, as student-athletes and members of the athletic department at both universities are suspected of wagering on sports in violation of NCAA rules.
For the Hawkeyes, 26 athletes (baseball, football, men's basketball, men's track and field and wrestling) and one full-time employee in the athletic department are under investigation. For the Cyclones, 15 athletes (football, wrestling and track and field) are being investigated.
NCAA rules prohibit athletes, coaches and staff from betting on amateur, collegiate *and* professional sports in which the NCAA conducts a championship.
This likely won't be the last time we hear about this and it will likely involve a lot more athletic departments and programs across the country. Keep in mind, this investigation began days after Alabama fired baseball coach Brad Bohannon due to suspicious betting activity.
Five-Star Power Forward Mackenzie Mgbako Commits to Indiana
For a state with plenty of storied history and greatness involving its love for the game of basketball, the Hoosiers have always been one of the most prominent programs in college basketball, even if Indiana has struggled at times.
After a handful of mediocre years, Indiana seems to be among the best teams in the Big Ten once again with Mike Woodson at the helm. Even with the Hoosiers' greatness on the court over the years, Indiana has only received commitments from four players ranked amongst the top 10 players in their respective class since 2000.
One of those players is power forward Mackenzie Mgbako, the No. 2-ranked power forward (No. 8 overall) in the 2023 class, who committed to the Hoosiers on Friday. His .9970 composite rating makes him the second-highest-rated player to ever commit to Indiana in the modern recruiting era, behind only Romeo Langford (No. 2 overall in 2018).
With Ohio State looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament next season, it seems as though Indiana will be one of the teams atop the Big Ten that the Buckeyes will have to compete with in order to potentially win the conference.
ICYMI
C.J. Stroud Felt “Disrespected” When Ohio State Added Quinn Ewers Ahead of 2021, Used Addition As Motivation
In an interview with Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera of The Shop, C.J. Stroud said he felt “disrespected” when Ohio State added Quinn Ewers ahead of the 2021 season.
How Ohio State’s Projected 2023 Depth Chart Stacks Up After Post-Spring Transfer Movement
Dan Hope updates our depth chart projection, looks at where the Buckeyes’ post-spring transfers could fit in and how Ohio State could fill the spots vacated by outgoing transfers.
Avery Henry Announces His Cancer is in Remission
Ohio State offensive lineman Avery Henry, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December, announced Thursday that his cancer is in remission.
What's Next?
- Men's Golf: NCAA Regional, all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- Men's Tennis: NCAA Quarterfinals in Orlando, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m Thursday
- Baseball: vs. Michigan, 6 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday (BTN+)
- Men's and Women's Track and Field: NCAA Preliminary Round in Jacksonville, Florida, all day Saturday and Sunday
- 111 Days: Until Ohio State football kicks off the 2023 season against Indiana in Bloomington
- 132 Days: Until Ohio State football travels to Notre Dame Stadium to play the Fighting Irish
- 195 Days: Until Ohio State football gets revenge against Michigan in Michigan Stadium
