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.
Thad bests Holtmann in battle of former Ohio State basketball coaches
Sure, other fanbases might have viewed Saturday's game as a contest between DePaul and Butler, but to Ohio State hoops fans, it was a battle between two former Ohio State coaches: Thad Matta and Chris Holtmann.
In the end, Matta's squad outlasted Holtmann's, with Butler winning 84-72. DePaul had a lead with less than six minutes remaining in the contest, so the matchup was competitive for most of the night.
In his third season at Butler (in his second stint), Matta is 13-14 this year. Holtmann is 11-17 in his first season with DePaul, which is actually already an eight-win improvement from last season when the Blue Demons won just three games.
Big Ten, SEC discussing changes to conference championship weekend
Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported earlier in the week the Big Ten and the SEC are leading a charge to potentially expand the College Football Playoff to either 14 or 16 teams starting in 2026, with a 14-team bracket being the most likely model.
Both of the SEC and Big Ten would have four autobids each in the 14-team model, with the ACC and Big 12 each getting two, the Group of Five getting one and one at-large reserved for Notre Dame if it finishes in the top 14 and another team if it does not.
But the most interesting part of the proposal is what the SEC and Big Ten might do with its conference championship weekend. Discussions are ongoing at the conference level about potential play-in games. The Big Ten is considering having the No. 1 and No. 2 teams play each other for the conference title and a first-round bye in the 14-team model, with each guaranteed to make the postseason. Two other games would be held as play-in games to the CFP, with the No. 3 team in the conference facing the No. 6 squad and the No. 4 team clashing with No. 5.
The SEC is weighing a conference championship weekend that looks identical to the Big Ten's, but is also considering having four straight up play-in games, with No. 1 facing No. 8, No. 2 facing No. 7 and so on. College Football Playoff officials are set to meet this week to discuss format changes, so we might have some clarity on the future of the CFP soon.
Dusty May agrees to contract extension with Michigan
You can cross Dusty May off the Indiana head coach wishlist. Michigan announced earlier this week it has reached a multi-year extension with head coach Dusty May, seemingly to ensure he stays in Ann Arbor.
May has turned around Michigan's program, going from a dismal 8-24 campaign in its last year under Juwan Howard to a 20-6 start to the 2024-25 season.
ICYMI
Avery Henry, Ohio State inspired each other in Buckeyes' run to national championship
At the national championship, Avery Henry reflected on the brotherhood of the Ohio State family and how he overcame his osteosarcoma diagnosis.
Aaron Scott and Bryce West Still Relishing Playing Alongside Each Other As Both Prepare for Crucial Year Two
Aaron Scott and Bryce West still have the same enthusiasm playing alongside each other as they did in their recruitment and hope to build on each of their first season's at Ohio State.
Julian Sayin Will Look to Continue History of Five-Star Ohio State Quarterbacks Becoming Second-Year Stars
When Ohio State starts second-year five-star quarterbacks, good things happen.
What's Next
- Women's Basketball: vs. Michigan State, Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network+; at Maryland, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. FS1
- Men's Basketball: at UCLA, Sunday, 3:45 p.m. on CBS; at USC, Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. on BTN
- 48 Days: Ohio State Football Spring Showcase
- 188 Days: Ohio State Football season opener vs. Texas
- 251 Days: Jim Knowles returns to Columbus
- 279 Days: The Game
