Texas
Baylor Nelson Wins Three Events As Texas A&M Sweeps SMU
#10/#17 Texas A&M vs. #22/– SMU
- February 2, 2024
- College Station, Texas
- Results
- Final Scores:
- Women: Texas A&M – 176, SMU – 111
- Men: Texas A&M – 190, SMU – 109
Texas A&M hosted SMU on Friday for the Aggies’ Senior Day celebration. Texas A&M came out on top on both sides of the meet, out-scoring the Mustangs by 65-points on the women’s side and 81-points on the men’s.
With their victory, the Texas A&M men moved to 9-0 in dual meets, marking their first undefeated season since 1955-56. On the women’s side, this dual meet marked the final with long-time head coach Steve Bultman, who announced that he will be retiring following the conclusion of the season.
Men’s Recap
Leading the Aggies to victory with three individual wins was Baylor Nelson. The sophomore kicked things off with a dominant performance in the 200 freestyle, clocking a 1:34.07 to come within a tenth of his personal best time in the event. He then led a 1-3 Aggie finish in both the 200 backstroke (1:42.44) and 400 IM (3:45.40).
Also contributing multiple wins for Texas A&M was Alex Sanchez, who posted the top time in both breaststroke events. Sanchez, a senior, logged a 53.34 in the 100 to beat his teammate Logan Brown by about half a second (53.89). In the 200, Sanchez recorded a 1:55.02 to win the event by nearly two seconds.
Despite falling short to the Aggies, the Mustangs saw some promising performances from their grad transfers. One of which was Danny Kovac, who set season best times en route to winning both butterfly events. Kovac, a transfer from Missouri, clocked a 1:42.98 in the 200 fly to improve on his season best from January by about five seconds. He also clocked a 46.04 in the 100 fly, which is a second off what he swam at NCAAs in 2022. Both of his swims rank 2nd all-time in SMU program history.
Jack Hoagland, also a Notre Dame transfer, had a fantastic showing in the 1650. Hoagland took down two program records on his way to winning the event, as he split an 8:53.80 at the 1000 on his way to a final time of 14:44.08. Hoagland’s time currently ranks 6th in the NCAA so far this season.
Jack Forrest, who previously held the school record in the 1650, delivered a victory for the Mustangs in the 500. He stopped the clock at 4:23.53, marking his fastest dual meet time of the season in the event.
Other Event Winners:
- Texas A&M’s ‘A’ team (Shomper, Sanchez, Foote, Reno) clocked a 1:25.35 to beat their ‘B’ team by (1:26.16) in the 200 medley relay.
- Thomas Shomper won the 100 back in 46.87, putting him within a second of his personal best.
- Connor Foote was the only athlete in the field to crack 20-seconds in the 50 freestyle with a winning time of 19.93.
- Collin Fuchs clocked a season best time of 43.50 to win the 100 freestyle.
- Texas A&M’s ‘A’ team (Foote, C. Nelson, Fuchs, B. Nelson) closed the meet with a win in the 200 freestyle relay (1:18.70).
- Victor Povzner swept the diving events for Texas A&M with wins on 1-meter (396.98) and 3-meter (443.78).
Women’s Recap
The Aggies won all but two events on their way to beating the Mustangs by a 65-point margin. Senior Abby Grottle kicked off the individual events with back-to-back victories in the 1000 and 200 free. In the 1000, she knocked over five seconds off her previous best time to post a 9:40.14. She then touched 1st in the 200 free at 1:46.75, which also takes her under her previous personal best in the event.
Freshman Miranda Grana was another key piece to Texas A&M’s victory, as she contributed to the team’s 200 medley relay win in addition to her two individual titles. She delivered a 24.88 backstroke split on the 200 medley relay (1:39.77), then swam a 52.95 in the 100 back to win the event by about half a second. Grana then notched a personal best on her way to winning the 100 fly (53.60).
Grana was joined by Bobbi Kennett, Olivia Theall, and Chloe Stepanek on the 200 medley relay (1:39.77). All three also secured individual wins of their own, with Kennett taking the 100 breast (1:01.5), Theall winning the 200 IM (2:00.60), and Stepanek hitting a 1:56.13 to win the 200 back.
Johanna Gudmundsdottir picked up two wins for SMU across the spring freestyle races. The senior got her hand on the wall 1st in the 50 free at 22.95, making her the only swimmer to break the 23-second barrier. She then led a 1-2 Mustang finish in the 100 free, finishing in 49.50 with her teammate Tiffanie Ruan snagging 2nd in 51.04.
Other Event Winners:
- Freshman Katie Walker won the 200 fly by nearly four seconds with a time of 1:59.61.
- Hannah O’Leary, also a freshman, set a best time by almost four seconds to win the 200 breast in 2:13.19.
- Hayden Miller dominated the 500 free with a time of 4:45.90, putting her about two seconds off her season best in the event.
- Joslyn Oakley swept the springboard events with scores of 315.83 and 371.55 on 1-meter and 3-meter, respectively.
Texas
Rumors Surrounding Parker Livingstone’s Transfer Decision Gets Cleared Up
Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone remains in the transfer portal, and it seems as though fans don’t know how to feel about it.
Different rumors and hypotheticals have surfaced to explain his departure, leaving people unsure of what to believe.
However, Bobby Burton of On Texas Football has set the record straight regarding the Livingstone situation.
Livingstone reportedly not forced out of Texas
In Livingstone’s goodbye message to Longhorn fans, he said that his decision to transfer was “out of my control.” While this statement could have some truth to it, and fans looking inward will probably never get a full explanation, it doesn’t appear as though the redshirt freshman was forced out the door with no alternative.
According to Burton, he was actually offered a mid-six figure NIL/ revenue sharing deal with the Longhorns. He turned the deal down, choosing to become one of over 15 Longhorns to enter his name into the transfer portal instead.
Burton revealed these details about Livingstone’s offer in response to an article published by The Athletic, which used Livingstone as an example of players who had to enter into the portal involuntarily.
The business behind college football in the modern era is complicated. That much is undeniable.
That being said, describing his departure as involuntary when a significant amount of money existed for him at Texas seems somewhat contradictory.
Livingstone could’ve been told that his playing time would be at risk, or he could’ve come to a realization that he could probably get a better deal with a different program. There also could’ve been factors playing into his decision that no one has even thought of.
It’s hard to determine exactly what goes on behind closed doors, especially as college players become more involved in the business side of the game.
Livingstone likely couldn’t have anticipated the way in which his particular case would be used as one to critique the transfer portal at large, but that seems to be a byproduct of being a well-known and well-respected player within a program.
Right now, his main priority is probably finding a future home that suits him and what he hopes to achieve throughout the rest of his college career. The Indiana Hoosiers and Oklahoma Sooners have both emerged as schools he will take a closer look at, and more will be revealed soon about where Livingstone will set up shop for this next chapter of his football career.
Texas
Sam Leavitt leaves Kentucky without committing and is now visiting Texas Tech
Portal season is going to keep coaching staffs and program front offices up at night.
Apparently, it’s going to keep fans up at night as well. Kentucky fans are going to face that reality these next few days, maybe even a week or more, regarding quarterback Sam Leavitt, who visited Kentucky this weekend.
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Unfortunately, Leavitt left Lexington without signing with the Wildcats. He’s now set to visit Texas Tech on Sunday, per On3’s Pete Nakos
Leavitt is one of the top players to enter the transfer portal after the window opened on Friday. He currently ranks as the No. 2 overall player and top quarterback to hit the open market, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings.
Leavitt is expected to be one of the most sought-after transfer quarterbacks this cycle after spending the last two seasons at Arizona State. He helped lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024 before injuries impacted his production in 2025.
Wildcats fans are excited about the tantalizing prospect Leavitt is, but now the waiting game begins.
Texas
How to Watch Oregon Ducks vs. Texas Tech: Preview, Prediction, Betting Odds
After a big win in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the No. 5 Oregon Ducks are on to the quarterfinals. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks will take on the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
How To Watch
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, at 9 a.m. PT.
Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Radio Call: Oregon Sports Network, KUJZ-FM 95.3 (Eugene), KRSK-105.1 FM/1080 AM (Portland)
Betting Odds
The Oregon Ducks are 2.5-point favorites against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on FanDuel Sportsbook. The moneyline for Oregon is -130, and the point total is set at 52.5.
Injury Update
The Oregon Ducks’ wide receiver unit is getting healthy at the right time. Wide receivers Gary Bryant Jr. and Dakorien Moore were both seen at practice on Saturday ahead of the game against Texas Tech.
Running back Jordon Davison has been a player to monitor, but was also seen back at practice, another positive sign for the Ducks.
The one player who was not seen during the open portion of practice by the media was wide receiver Evan Stewart. Stewart has yet to play in a game this season, and he will continue to be a player to monitor.
Oregon’s Explosive Offense To Play Key Role
The Oregon Ducks offense has been tough to stop, with its immense depth and explosive plays. The Ducks played well throughout the season despite injuries, but with players returning, Oregon will be tough to stop.
The Ducks lead the FBS with plays going for over 20 yards and are No. 2 in yards per rush, proving the team’s explosiveness. The Ducks total 217.08 rushing yards per game and 251.8 passing yards per game.
The Oregon offense is led by quarterback Dante Moore, who is having a breakout year. Moore totals 3,046 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He threw four touchdowns against James Madison, but he will have to be careful against the Red Raiders after also throwing two interceptions. Moore also totals 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
MORE: Oregon Ducks Injury Update From Practice Highlights One Major Absence
MORE: Texas Tech Defensive Coordinator Shares Blunt Assessment of Dante Moore
MORE: Oregon Quarterback Austin Novosad’s Likely Landing Spot After Transfer Portal Entry
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Wide receiver Malik Benson has been a role player amid injuries to the offense. Benson leads the team with 645 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq leads the team with eight touchdown receptions and has 509 receiving yards.
Moore does well at spreading the ball around to his several receiving targets, making Oregon a tough team to defend against the pass.
Oregon’s talented running back room has been one of the many highlights of the offense. Running back Noah Whittington leads the team with 798 rushing yards and has six touchdowns. True freshman running back Jordon Davison leads the team with 13 rushing touchdowns and has 625 rushing yards.
While Whittington and Davison may be leading the team, running back Dierre Hill Jr. is coming off a massive game against the Dukes, with one rushing touchdown and a 40-yard reception.
The Oregon Ducks have playmakers on offense that will help lead to a win against the Red Raiders.
Ducks’ Defense Must Stay Consistent
Oregon has one of the most dominant defenses in college football, but the Ducks must play all four quarters against Texas Tech. Oregon’s defense allowed the Dukes to score four touchdowns in the second half, and that cannot happen against a tougher opponent.
Oregon has allowed 16.3 points per game this season and is No. 4 in the nation in a three-and-out rate of 31.11 percent. The defense ranks No. 1 in the FBS for passes broken up (67), and will be a tough team to throw against.
Safety Dillon Thieneman is proving to be a massive transfer portal addition and is a big reason Oregon does well defending the pass. Thieneman totals 71 tackles, one sack, five passes defended, and two interceptions.
Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher has been a difference-maker with the Ducks throughout the season. He leads the team with 113 total tackles, and has one sack, four passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Linebacker Teitum Tuioti is another role player on the team, leading the Ducks with 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Oregon has a talented unit on defense, and the Ducks will have to be on top of their game to defeat Texas Tech.
Texas Tech To Pose Challenge
The Texas Tech Red Raiders enter the matchup with a 12-1 record and as Big 12 champions. With also coming off a bye, the Red Raiders should not be counted out.
Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton has passed for 2,643 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has thrown just four interceptions this season, proving he can make smart decisions and is an accurate thrower.
Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas leads the team with 846 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The Red Raiders’ run game has been highly successful this season and will test Oregon’s defense. Running back Cameron Dickey leads the team with 1,095 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Two players on the Red Raiders’ defense who may play a critical role will be linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey. Bailey leads the team with 13.5 sacks, going against a tough Oregon offensive line. Rodriguez leads the Red Raiders with 117 tackles and has four interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Oregon vs. Texas Tech Prediction
The Oregon Ducks will defeat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 27-24.
If Oregon defeats Texas Tech, the Ducks will face the winner of No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 1 Indiana in the playoff semifinals.
- Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
- If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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