Chris Vannini
@chrisvannini.com
• Senior reporter, The Athletic
• College football, dogs and pro wrestling... skeets?
• Co-host, Bunch Formation and Getting Over podcasts
• DM, [email protected], Signal: ChrisVannini.01
• linktr.ee/chrisvannini
• College football, dogs and pro wrestling... skeets?
• Co-host, Bunch Formation and Getting Over podcasts
• DM, [email protected], Signal: ChrisVannini.01
• linktr.ee/chrisvannini
Pinned
Chris Vannini
@chrisvannini.com
· Mar 10
If you're looking for people to follow here, some lists:
The Athletic writers: bsky.app/starter-pack...
CFB folks: bsky.app/starter-pack...
The Athletic writers: bsky.app/starter-pack...
CFB folks: bsky.app/starter-pack...
A loaded episode of Bunch Formation will be in your feeds tomorrow morning. @davidubben.bsky.social and I dig into all the coaching changes + all the Rivalry Week games and the fallout.
Follow the show here: linktr.ee/bunchformation
Follow the show here: linktr.ee/bunchformation
Bunch Formation Podcast | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree
View BunchFormation’s Linktree to discover and stream music from top platforms like YouTube, Spotify here. Your next favorite track is just a click away!
linktr.ee
December 1, 2025 at 3:32 AM
A loaded episode of Bunch Formation will be in your feeds tomorrow morning. @davidubben.bsky.social and I dig into all the coaching changes + all the Rivalry Week games and the fallout.
Follow the show here: linktr.ee/bunchformation
Follow the show here: linktr.ee/bunchformation
Story with @brucefeldmancfb.bsky.social on Kentucky firing Mark Stoops: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Kentucky firing Mark Stoops, winningest coach in school history: Source
The Wildcats had a great run under a portion of Stoops' tenure but have looked dreadful recently.
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Story with @brucefeldmancfb.bsky.social on Kentucky firing Mark Stoops: www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
SOURCE: Michigan State is now finalizing the deal to hire Pat Fitzgerald as its new head coach, @theathletic.com has learned.
The Detroit Free Press first reported the expected hire.
The Detroit Free Press first reported the expected hire.
December 1, 2025 at 12:30 AM
SOURCE: Michigan State is now finalizing the deal to hire Pat Fitzgerald as its new head coach, @theathletic.com has learned.
The Detroit Free Press first reported the expected hire.
The Detroit Free Press first reported the expected hire.
Reposted by Chris Vannini
ole miss immediately yanked the blue checks from lane kiffin and his dog
December 1, 2025 at 12:14 AM
ole miss immediately yanked the blue checks from lane kiffin and his dog
SOURCE: New Mexico and head coach Jason Eck have agreed to a new five-year deal with a raise to an average salary of $1.75 million.
Lobos are 9-3 this year and could get their first 10-win season since 1982. One of the best stories in CFB this year:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
Lobos are 9-3 this year and could get their first 10-win season since 1982. One of the best stories in CFB this year:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
New Mexico’s revenue sports had one good year. Then almost everyone left town
Heavy football roster turnover is common in college sports’ free transfer era, but New Mexico faced a rare double-dip this year.
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:16 AM
SOURCE: New Mexico and head coach Jason Eck have agreed to a new five-year deal with a raise to an average salary of $1.75 million.
Lobos are 9-3 this year and could get their first 10-win season since 1982. One of the best stories in CFB this year:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
Lobos are 9-3 this year and could get their first 10-win season since 1982. One of the best stories in CFB this year:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
Reposted by Chris Vannini
ole miss becomes radicalized against private aviation and its environmental impact
November 30, 2025 at 10:23 PM
ole miss becomes radicalized against private aviation and its environmental impact
News: Georgia Southern has fired defensive coordinator Brandon Bailey and linebackers coach Alex Garwig.
November 30, 2025 at 10:33 PM
News: Georgia Southern has fired defensive coordinator Brandon Bailey and linebackers coach Alex Garwig.
Reposted by Chris Vannini
Who is Pete Golding, the new Ole Miss head coach who will lead the Rebels into the Playoff?
“I walked on at Delta State for 500 bucks.” He became a 4-year starter and left as the school’s third all-time leading tackler and also competing on the golf team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/818...
“I walked on at Delta State for 500 bucks.” He became a 4-year starter and left as the school’s third all-time leading tackler and also competing on the golf team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/818...
(Published 2019)
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Who is Pete Golding, the new Ole Miss head coach who will lead the Rebels into the Playoff?
“I walked on at Delta State for 500 bucks.” He became a 4-year starter and left as the school’s third all-time leading tackler and also competing on the golf team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/818...
“I walked on at Delta State for 500 bucks.” He became a 4-year starter and left as the school’s third all-time leading tackler and also competing on the golf team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/818...
Lane Kiffin announces he's going to LSU, says the Ole Miss team wanted him to coach in the playoff but it was denied.
November 30, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Lane Kiffin announces he's going to LSU, says the Ole Miss team wanted him to coach in the playoff but it was denied.
SOURCE: Ole Miss players were told defensive coordinator Pete Golding will be the head coach in place of Lane Kiffin for at least the playoff run, @theathletic.com has learned.
November 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM
SOURCE: Ole Miss players were told defensive coordinator Pete Golding will be the head coach in place of Lane Kiffin for at least the playoff run, @theathletic.com has learned.
SOURCES: Michigan State is firing head coach Jonathan Smith, @theathletic.com has learned.
He went 9-15 in two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year. (ESPN first reported).
MSU players meeting called for 2:45. Smith has a $33 million buyout (with offset).
He went 9-15 in two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year. (ESPN first reported).
MSU players meeting called for 2:45. Smith has a $33 million buyout (with offset).
November 30, 2025 at 7:28 PM
SOURCES: Michigan State is firing head coach Jonathan Smith, @theathletic.com has learned.
He went 9-15 in two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year. (ESPN first reported).
MSU players meeting called for 2:45. Smith has a $33 million buyout (with offset).
He went 9-15 in two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year. (ESPN first reported).
MSU players meeting called for 2:45. Smith has a $33 million buyout (with offset).
New Florida coach Jon Sumrall will finish the season with Tulane, through the American championship game and potentially the College Football Playoff.
So Tulane vs. North Texas for a CFP bid, with two head coaches who have taken other jobs.
So Tulane vs. North Texas for a CFP bid, with two head coaches who have taken other jobs.
November 30, 2025 at 7:12 PM
New Florida coach Jon Sumrall will finish the season with Tulane, through the American championship game and potentially the College Football Playoff.
So Tulane vs. North Texas for a CFP bid, with two head coaches who have taken other jobs.
So Tulane vs. North Texas for a CFP bid, with two head coaches who have taken other jobs.
Arguably the three best Group of 5 jobs are all open.
USF
Tulane
Memphis
They lead the pack in G5 roster spending. Plus North Texas is open with great location and facilities.
USF
Tulane
Memphis
They lead the pack in G5 roster spending. Plus North Texas is open with great location and facilities.
November 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Arguably the three best Group of 5 jobs are all open.
USF
Tulane
Memphis
They lead the pack in G5 roster spending. Plus North Texas is open with great location and facilities.
USF
Tulane
Memphis
They lead the pack in G5 roster spending. Plus North Texas is open with great location and facilities.
Florida fans, get to know your new coach Jon Sumrall, in this story from my visit with him this season.
Former SEC linebacker, furiously honest and blunt, logistics obsessive, a fascinating mind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Former SEC linebacker, furiously honest and blunt, logistics obsessive, a fascinating mind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall: Former linebacker, current program logistics wiz, future SEC coach?
With a .791 winning percentage in three-plus seasons as a head coach, Sumrall has many assuming he'll be running a big-time program soon.
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Florida fans, get to know your new coach Jon Sumrall, in this story from my visit with him this season.
Former SEC linebacker, furiously honest and blunt, logistics obsessive, a fascinating mind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Former SEC linebacker, furiously honest and blunt, logistics obsessive, a fascinating mind.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Reposted by Chris Vannini
SOURCE: Florida is set to hire Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as UF’s new coach. He did an amazing job at Tulane and Troy and knows the SEC well.
November 30, 2025 at 4:15 PM
SOURCE: Florida is set to hire Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as UF’s new coach. He did an amazing job at Tulane and Troy and knows the SEC well.
SOURCE: Auburn is hiring USF head coach Alex Golesh, @theathletic.com has learned.
Golesh's USF team is 9-3 this year. He's a former Tennessee OC.
Golesh's USF team is 9-3 this year. He's a former Tennessee OC.
November 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
SOURCE: Auburn is hiring USF head coach Alex Golesh, @theathletic.com has learned.
Golesh's USF team is 9-3 this year. He's a former Tennessee OC.
Golesh's USF team is 9-3 this year. He's a former Tennessee OC.
SOURCES: Arkansas is hiring Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield, @theathletic.com has learned.
Silverfield was 29-9 over the last three years with several Power 4 wins. (On3 first reported)
Silverfield was 29-9 over the last three years with several Power 4 wins. (On3 first reported)
November 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
SOURCES: Arkansas is hiring Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield, @theathletic.com has learned.
Silverfield was 29-9 over the last three years with several Power 4 wins. (On3 first reported)
Silverfield was 29-9 over the last three years with several Power 4 wins. (On3 first reported)
Sunday Thoughts: Tulane has gone to four straight American Conference championship games, across two different head coaches and all kinds of roster turnover. That's super impressive.
November 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Sunday Thoughts: Tulane has gone to four straight American Conference championship games, across two different head coaches and all kinds of roster turnover. That's super impressive.
Don't worry, he moved the meeting back a few hours right before it started. That's better.
nobody wants to show up to a 9 am meeting on a sunday for their boss to tell them they’re taking another job, he’s always been so bad at this
November 30, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Don't worry, he moved the meeting back a few hours right before it started. That's better.
Reposted by Chris Vannini
Conference Championship Games:
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
November 30, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Conference Championship Games:
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
Conference Championship Games:
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
November 30, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Conference Championship Games:
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
ACC: Virginia vs. Duke
B1G: Ohio State vs. Indiana
B12: Texas Tech vs. BYU
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama
American: Tulane vs. North Texas
CUSA: Jax State vs. Kennesaw St
MAC: WMU vs. Miami (Ohio)
Sun Belt: JMU vs. Troy
MW: TBD (computer rankings tmrw)
Among the top six teams in the ACC, five had a win against another from the group.
Except for Duke, which went 0-2 against the group but will play for the ACC championship.
Except for Duke, which went 0-2 against the group but will play for the ACC championship.
November 30, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Among the top six teams in the ACC, five had a win against another from the group.
Except for Duke, which went 0-2 against the group but will play for the ACC championship.
Except for Duke, which went 0-2 against the group but will play for the ACC championship.
Let the record show I wrote my "Texas has a case" column before we got chalk today and that case changed.
Still, they should already be ahead of Vandy, and Notre Dame's resume really is not great, with a loss to an A&M team that Texas beat.
It won't happen, but it should be acknowledged.
Still, they should already be ahead of Vandy, and Notre Dame's resume really is not great, with a loss to an A&M team that Texas beat.
It won't happen, but it should be acknowledged.
Done trying to post Playoff projections in one rip into the Bluesky text editor. Too messy, can't avoid typos.
But one conclusion I think we can make now: There's not gonna be room for Texas. They'd have a good case in a lot of years but the committee won't be able to justify that
But one conclusion I think we can make now: There's not gonna be room for Texas. They'd have a good case in a lot of years but the committee won't be able to justify that
November 30, 2025 at 5:01 AM
Let the record show I wrote my "Texas has a case" column before we got chalk today and that case changed.
Still, they should already be ahead of Vandy, and Notre Dame's resume really is not great, with a loss to an A&M team that Texas beat.
It won't happen, but it should be acknowledged.
Still, they should already be ahead of Vandy, and Notre Dame's resume really is not great, with a loss to an A&M team that Texas beat.
It won't happen, but it should be acknowledged.
Cal knocks off SMU 38-35, sending 7-5 Duke to the ACC championship against Virginia and keeping the possibility of two Group of 5 teams to the Playoff.
November 30, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Cal knocks off SMU 38-35, sending 7-5 Duke to the ACC championship against Virginia and keeping the possibility of two Group of 5 teams to the Playoff.
TOUCHDOWN CAL
SMU falls behind with 42 seconds left, putting 7-5 Duke on the doorstep of the ACC championship game.
SMU falls behind with 42 seconds left, putting 7-5 Duke on the doorstep of the ACC championship game.
November 30, 2025 at 4:25 AM
TOUCHDOWN CAL
SMU falls behind with 42 seconds left, putting 7-5 Duke on the doorstep of the ACC championship game.
SMU falls behind with 42 seconds left, putting 7-5 Duke on the doorstep of the ACC championship game.