Caitlin Clark vs Jacy Sheldon at the WNBA Level Get Scrappy

On June 17, 2025, Gainbridge Fieldhouse was buzzing as the Indiana Fever met the Connecticut Sun in a crucial WNBA Commissioner’s Cup contest. The crowd was electric, eager to see Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s star guard, return after nearly three weeks sidelined by an injury. On the other side, Jacy Sheldon, the Sun’s plucky rookie and Clark’s former foe from their Ohio State-Iowa days, was ready to revisit their college saga. They had a history—four years of fierce Big Ten clashes filled with heart and grind. On this charged-up evening, with an Indianapolis crowd hungry for action, their rivalry was about to ignite again.

Tensions Simmer Early

From the tip-off, the game had an edge, with both teams playing hard and fast. Clark, in her No. 22 jersey, was in her zone, weaving around defenders and firing long-range shots. Sheldon shadowed her every move, playing tight defense and giving her no room to breathe. In the second quarter, things got chippy. Clark drove hard to the basket, and Sheldon came in close, their shoulders bumping. A few words were exchanged—too quiet for the crowd but heavy with their past. Clark pushed Sheldon to get some space; an angry flash crossed Sheldon’s eyes, but the refs let it slide. The crowd sensed the tension, their cheers growing louder.

 

A Third-Quarter Clash

By the third quarter, the Fever led 55-45, and the game’s intensity hit a new high. Clark, working the ball up top, faked one way and spun another, trying to shake Sheldon’s relentless defense. Sheldon swiped for the ball but caught Clark’s face instead, her fingers poking her eye. Clark stumbled back, wincing and holding her face, clearly frustrated. The ref’s whistle cut through the noise—a foul on Sheldon—but the moment sparked a fire. Clark, her competitive spirit blazing, stepped up to Sheldon, giving her a small shove, as if to say, Not tonight. Sheldon didn’t back down, pushing back just enough, their faces close, words sharp and heated.

The Court Erupts

Things spiraled quickly. Sun guard Marina Mabrey rushed over to back Sheldon, giving Clark a hard shove that sent her crashing to the floor. The crowd gasped, then booed, their voices shaking the arena. Fever players, led by Clark’s teammate and friend Aliyah Boston, ran to help her up. Sun veteran Tina Charles jumped into the mix, and suddenly, players from both sides were in a huddle, voices loud and tempers high. The refs, trying to calm things down, reviewed the play. After a few tense minutes, they issued a Flagrant 1 to Sheldon for the eye poke and technicals to Clark, Mabrey, and Charles for stirring things up. No one was ejected, though Fever fans were convinced Mabrey’s push deserved more.

Clark’s Answer

Clark, cool as ever, stepped to the free-throw line, the crowd chanting her name. She drained all three shots—two for the flagrant, one for the technical—pushing the Fever’s lead to 58-45. Her focus was locked in, her fire undeniable. Later, she got the last word on Sheldon’s defense, sinking a deep three-pointer from way out and giving the Sun bench a quick glance as the ball swished through. That was Caitlin—bold, confident, and back in full force.

One Last Flare-Up

The drama didn’t stop there. In the final minute, with the Fever up 87-70, things heated up again. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, maybe still riled from earlier, grabbed Sheldon around the neck on a fastbreak, pulling her down hard. Sheldon bounced up, furious, and the two went nose-to-nose, teammates rushing to pull them apart. The refs had had enough: Cunningham, Sheldon, and Sun guard Lindsay Allen were all sent to the locker room, the crowd booing both the call and the Sun.

A Win and a Rivalry That Endures

When the final buzzer sounded, the Fever emerged 88-71 victors, earning a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup final. Clark tallied 20 points, six assists, and four triples, showing she was back and better than ever. Postgame, she sidestepped questions about the scuffle, her eyes sharp but her voice steady. “You came for basketball, let’s talk about that,” she said, focusing on the Fever’s big moment. Her coach, Stephanie White, wasn’t as reserved, pointing a finger at the refs for letting the game go sideways. “If you don’t take control early, this is what you get,” she said, with Clark nodding beside her.

The teams left the floor without acknowledging each other. Clark and Sheldon didn’t need to glance at one another to feel their rivalry. Forged in college and now thriving in the pros, it was evident in every bump, stare, and hard-earned point. For Clark, it was a night to prove she’s still a game-changer. For Sheldon, it was a reminder that guarding a star like Clark is a tough battle. The Fever were headed to face the Minnesota Lynx in the final, but for one night in Indianapolis, the story was all about two players who bring out the best—and the fiercest—in each other.

Myles Herro Commits to Ohio State Basketball for 2025-26 Season

In a huge win for Ohio State hoops, Myles Herro, a scrappy three-star point guard from Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wisconsin, gave his verbal commitment to the Buckeyes on June 2, 2025. If the last name sounds familiar, it’s because Myles is the younger brother of NBA All-Star and Miami Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro. But don’t get it twisted—Myles is ready to make his own waves in Columbus, bringing his playmaking flair and a whole lot of heart to the 2025-26 squad.

 

A Rising Star from Wisconsin

Myles, a 6-foot-3, 165-pound guard, has been turning heads at Whitnall High School, where he’s been lighting it up as a senior. Picture this: 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, all while shooting a smooth 49% from the field. Those numbers earned him First-Team All-Conference and All-Area honors, and he didn’t stop there. Myles led his Whitnall Falcons deep into the WIAA Boys Basketball State Championships, proving he’s got the clutch gene. On the Nike EYBL circuit, playing for Team Herro (coached by his dad, Chris), he was dishing out 5.3 assists and snagging 1.2 steals per game, showing he’s just as comfortable setting up teammates as he is locking down opponents.

“I’m a pass-first guy, but I can score when the team needs it,” Myles told On3. “I love playing both ends of the court and bringing energy every single game. That’s just who I am.”

Why Ohio State?

Myles had options—Cal Poly, Southern Illinois, and Western Illinois were all in the mix—but Ohio State felt like home. “It just clicked,” he told On3. “The vibe with Coach Diebler and the staff was real from day one. I could see myself growing as a player and a person there, plus competing in the Big Ten? That’s a dream.” The Buckeyes’ staff, including assistant coach Joel Justus (who coached Myles’ brother Tyler at Kentucky), built a strong connection with the Herro family. Myles and his dad, Chris, hashed it out over a few heart-to-heart talks before deciding Ohio State was the move. “Once they called, we knew it was special,” Myles shared with 247Sports. “It’s the kind of place where I can shine.”

Stepping Up for the Buckeyes

Myles’ commitment couldn’t have come at a better time. Ohio State recently lost four-star guard Dorian Jones from their 2025 class after he hit a snag with academic eligibility. (Jones plans to take a year at a prep school or junior college to get back on track.) Myles steps right in to fill the gap, joining a backcourt with studs like Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr., plus reserves Gabe Cupps and Taison Chatman. He’s not just a roster filler, though—his smarts and versatility make him a perfect fit for a team looking to make noise.

Ohio State’s 2025-26 squad is shaping up to be a fun mix of young talent and seasoned transfers. Myles teams up with four-star power forward A’mare Bynum, plus newcomers like Christoph Tilly (from Santa Clara), Brandon Noel (Wright State), and Joshua Ojianwuna (Baylor). Coach Jake Diebler is clearly cooking something special, hoping to snap the Buckeyes’ NCAA Tournament drought since 2022.

His Own Herro

Let’s be real—being Tyler Herro’s little brother comes with some pressure. Tyler, a 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and 2025 All-Star, set a high bar. Add in middle brother Austin, balling at South Carolina, and Myles is the youngest of a hoops-crazy family. But their dad, Chris, keeps it 100: “Myles isn’t Tyler, and he doesn’t need to be,” he told the Lexington Herald-Leader last year. “He’s his own guy, with his own game.” Myles plays like it, too. He’s a pass-first floor general with a knack for setting up teammates, but he’s not afraid to knock down shots or dive for loose balls. Growing up with a dad who coaches and brothers who hoop has given him a basketball IQ that’s off the charts.

A Smart Move with NIL

Here’s something cool: Myles is joining Ohio State on a partial scholarship, with name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals expected to cover the rest. With the Herro name already buzzing, he’s got a head start in the NIL game, which is huge in today’s college hoops world. It’s a savvy move for a kid who’s all about making the most of every opportunity.

Ready to Roll in Columbus

Myles Herro is stepping into Ohio State with big dreams and a chip on his shoulder. “I’m pumped to get better, get stronger, and go up against the best guards in the country,” he told the Columbus Dispatch. Under Coach Diebler, who went 17-15 in his first full season, the Buckeyes are building something exciting. With Myles’ skills, hustle, and family legacy, he’s got all the tools to carve out his own story in the Big Ten.

Buckeye Nation, get ready—Myles Herro is coming to Columbus, and he’s bringing the heat.

Sources

• Columbus Dispatch
• On3
• 247Sports
• Eleven Warriors
• Lexington Herald-Leader

Kaia Henderson Enters Transfer Portal

Kaia Henderson, a guard who’s been part of the Ohio State women’s basketball family, recently made the tough decision to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer, according to On3 Sports on May 28, 2025. Hailing from Utica, New York, Kaia poured her heart into the Buckeyes over three years but found it hard to carve out a bigger role, playing in 28 games across two seasons and averaging 0.9 points per game. After redshirting the 2024-25 season, she’s now looking for a new chapter, entering the portal with a “do not contact” tag—hinting she might already have her sights set on a new home, possibly an ACC school. A star at New Hartford High School with over 2,000 points, Kaia graduated early to join Ohio State in 2022 and earned her Bachelor’s in Communication. As the third Buckeye to hit the portal this offseason, her departure leaves Ohio State with 11 of 15 scholarship spots filled, and fans are wishing her the best in her next adventure.

Eli Brickhandler’s Leap to Ohio State: A Quarterback’s Heart and Hustle

When Eli Brickhandler announced he was transferring to Ohio State today, Buckeyes fans felt a surge of excitement. A quarterback with a knack for making plays with his arm and his legs, Eli’s journey from small-town fields to the bright lights of Columbus is the kind of story that makes college football so special. This redshirt junior from Stockton, California, isn’t just joining a team—he’s stepping into the heart of the defending national champions, ready to leave his mark in 2025.

 

From HBCUs to the Big Ten: Eli’s Unlikely Path

Eli’s football story doesn’t start with five-star hype or blue-blood programs. It begins at North Carolina A&T, an HBCU where he first suited up in 2021. As a true freshman, he got a taste of the game, throwing a touchdown in limited action. By his redshirt freshman year in 2022, he was making waves, completing 28 of 56 passes for 354 yards, tossing two touchdowns, and showing off his wheels with 176 yards and two scores on the ground. He wasn’t just a passer—he was a playmaker.

In 2024, Eli took his talents to Houston Christian University (HCU), where he split time with quarterback Cutter Stewart. It was here that he really started turning heads. In eight games, he threw for 557 yards and four touchdowns, but it was his legs that stole the show. One game against McNeese saw him break loose for 138 yards rushing—a glimpse of the spark he could bring. With 264 rushing yards and a touchdown on the season, Eli proved he could keep defenses guessing.

Now, with two years of eligibility left, he’s taking the biggest leap of his career: joining Ohio State, the 2024 national champs. It’s the kind of move that makes you sit up and take notice—a kid from an FCS program stepping onto one of college football’s biggest stages.

Why Ohio State? A Perfect Fit

Ohio State’s quarterback room was looking a little thin after losing star Will Howard to the NFL Draft. With young guns like Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and freshman Tavien St. Clair in the mix, Coach Ryan Day needed someone with experience to steady the ship. Enter Eli Brickhandler. When he posted “OH-IO 🌰 #OhioStateFootball” on X, Buckeyes Nation erupted. Sources like Eleven Warriors and Cleveland.com called him a “veteran depth” piece, but anyone who’s watched Eli play knows he’s more than just a backup.

At 6’2” and 195 pounds, Eli’s got the build to handle the Big Ten’s physicality. His dual-threat style—think scrambles that leave defenders grabbing air—gives Ohio State’s offense a new dimension. He’s not here to steal the spotlight from Sayin or Kienholz, who are battling for the starting job, but he’s ready to push them in practice and step up if needed. As Coach Day hinted in comments reported by SI.com, the starting role will come down to who shines this summer. Don’t count Eli out.

More Than a Player: Eli’s Heart and Grit

What makes Eli’s story so compelling isn’t just his stats—it’s his journey. Growing up in Stockton, he was a standout at Pittsburg High School, racking up nearly 2,800 passing yards and 800 rushing yards as a senior. But his path wasn’t paved with glitz and glamour. Going from an HBCU to the FCS to Ohio State? That’s not just talent—that’s grit. As HBCU Gameday pointed out, Eli’s one of the few quarterbacks to make this kind of jump, carrying the pride of his roots with him.

Off the field, Eli’s just as inspiring. He’s married to Sean Kelly Brickhandler, who’s been his biggest cheerleader. She even sent a bold message to Coach Day (shared via MotorcycleSports.net), basically saying, “You’re getting a star—don’t sleep on him!” That kind of support, paired with Eli’s work ethic, makes him the kind of guy teammates rally around.

What Eli Brings to Columbus

Ohio State’s 2025 roster is stacked, with 11 transfer portal additions, per 247Sports. But Eli’s not just another name on the list. He’s a guy who can change the tempo of a game, whether it’s a clutch third-down run or a deep ball to a streaking receiver. Fans are already buzzing about what he could do in Ryan Day’s high-octane offense. Will he start? Probably not right away. But as a depth piece with starter-level experience, he’s insurance with a capital “I.”

The Buckeyes are chasing another national title, and Eli’s arrival adds a layer of toughness to the mix. Whether he’s leading scout-team drills or stepping in during a crucial moment, his teammates know they’ve got a guy who’s been through the grind and come out stronger.

A New Chapter and a Big Dream

Eli Brickhandler’s transfer to Ohio State is more than a roster move—it’s a testament to betting on yourself. From the fields of Stockton to the FCS to the Horseshoe, he’s carried his love for the game every step of the way. As he settles into Columbus, fans can’t help but root for the underdog with a chip on his shoulder and a playbook full of possibilities.

When the Buckeyes take the field in 2025, keep an eye on No. 10 (or whatever number he picks). Eli Brickhandler’s not just here to fill a roster spot—he’s here to make memories. And if his past is any indication, he’s got a few more highlight-reel moments up his sleeve.

Sources: Eleven Warriors, Cleveland.com, College Sports Network, Buckeye Sports Bulletin, On3.com, HBCU Gameday, Posts on X

Kylee Kitts Joins the Buckeyes: A New Star for Ohio State Women’s Basketball

Buckeye Nation, get ready to cheer! Kylee Kitts, a 6-foot-4 powerhouse from Florida, just committed to Ohio State’s women’s basketball team for the 2025 season, and the excitement is electric. The news broke on April 29, 2025, via On3 Sports, and it’s the kind of announcement that has fans buzzing with hope. After redshirting her freshman year at Florida, Kylee’s ready to lace up her sneakers, hit the court in Columbus, and show the world what she’s got.

Her Own Kind of Magic

Kylee Kitts is more than a basketball player—she’s a dreamer with a story that pulls you in. Growing up in Oviedo, Florida, she’s the younger sister of South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts, a national champ who’s been lighting up the SEC. But Kylee? She’s writing her own chapter. Back in high school, she was a standout, ranked among the top 25 recruits in the 2025 class. She decided to speed things up, reclassifying to join Florida in 2024, but spent the year on the sidelines as a redshirt, soaking it all in. In her one exhibition game, she showed flashes of brilliance with nine points and three rebounds.

When Kylee entered the transfer portal on April 8, 2025, she wasn’t just looking for a new team—she was searching for a home. She checked out schools like NC State, but when she visited Ohio State on April 21-22, something clicked. Maybe it was the energy of the campus, the vibe of the team, or the chance to make her mark. Whatever it was, Kylee chose the Buckeyes, and she’s bringing four years of eligibility and a whole lot of heart with her.

A Big Answer for a Big Need

Ohio State’s been through it lately. The Buckeyes lost their entire starting frontcourt—Taylor Thierry, Ajae Petty, and Cotie McMahon, who’s now at Ole Miss—and fans were left wondering who’d step up. Enter Kylee, whose 6-foot-4 frame and endless skills are like a gift wrapped in scarlet and gray. She’s not just tall; she’s a do-everything player who can drain threes, drive to the hoop, or battle in the paint. Picture her tossing up a smooth jumper one minute and snagging a tough rebound the next—she’s that kind of special.

Back at Hagerty High, Kylee was a legend, dropping 24.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game while leading her team to a Florida state championship. Her old coach at Florida, Kelly Rae Finley, called her a leader with a sky-high basketball IQ, and said she was already getting stronger and sharper. Now, Ohio State’s Kevin McGuff gets to coach her up, and you can bet he’s grinning ear to ear. With Kylee joining freshman star Elsa Lemmilä in the frontcourt, the Buckeyes are building something exciting. The roster’s at 10 players now, and there’s still time to add more, but Kylee’s the spark everyone’s talking about.

Chasing Her Own Dreams

There’s a warmth to Kylee’s story that’s hard to miss. Being Chloe Kitts’ little sister means she’s grown up with a front-row seat to greatness, but Kylee’s not here to follow in anyone’s footsteps—she’s blazing her own trail. Some fans thought she might team up with Chloe at South Carolina for a sisterly championship run, but Kylee picked Ohio State, a place where she can shine as herself. It’s the kind of choice that shows her courage, her belief in her own path.

Imagine being Kylee for a second: a kid from Florida, moving to a new state, joining a team that’s counting on you to help turn things around. It’s a big leap, but if her high school days are any hint, she’s ready. She’s the player who’d stay late at the gym, perfecting her shot, or rally her teammates with a big smile. That’s the Kylee Ohio State’s getting—a competitor with a heart as big as her game.

Fans Can’t Stop Smiling

When Kylee’s commitment hit the internet, Buckeye fans went wild. On X, posts from users like

@YoungBull_Lynch

and

@mickdwalker

were bursting with joy, calling it a “BOOM!” and hyping Kylee as a top-25 talent who’s about to make waves. One fan dubbed her “the portal steal of the year,” and you can feel the hope in every tweet. After a rough offseason, Kylee’s commitment feels like a sunny day after a storm.

Even the experts are pumped, pointing to her high school dominance and untapped potential. They see her fitting right into Ohio State’s plans to compete in the Big Ten and make noise in March. For fans, it’s not just about her stats—it’s about the energy she brings, the promise of big moments in a Buckeye jersey.

Ready to Shine

As the 2025-26 season creeps closer, Kylee’s probably settling into Columbus, meeting her teammates, and maybe sneaking in a few extra shots at practice. She’s got a lot to learn—new plays, new coaches, new expectations—but if anyone’s up for it, it’s her. For Ohio State, Kylee’s more than a new player; she’s a reason to believe, a reminder that tough times don’t last forever.

Buckeye fans are already picturing her draining a clutch three, grabbing a huge rebound, or throwing down a dunk that brings the house down. Kylee Kitts is here, ready to make memories and chase dreams in Columbus. So, grab your scarlet and gray gear, because this is going to be fun. Go Bucks!

Shedeur Sanders’ Heartbreak: Left Waiting After Day One of the 2025 NFL Draft

The Green Bay, Wis., 2025 NFL Draft was a night of dreams put on hold for some, and heart-stopping disappointment for others. This was the reality for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. As the first round ran on with his name not mentioned, the surprise was genuine—not just for Sanders' family and he himself, but for fans, analysts, and anyone who had predicted him a top-10 pick. The glamour of the draft process gave way to a gritty, human moment: a young man grappling with a loss he never expected.

A Star with Big Expectations

Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, wasn’t just another draft prospect. He was a story—a kid who’d grown up in the spotlight, slinging passes with a swagger that echoed his dad’s. At Colorado, he turned heads, completing an FBS-record 71.8% of his passes and tossing 37 touchdowns in his final college season. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, he had NFL scouts buzzing with his pinpoint accuracy and cool-headedness under pressure. Mock drafts had him going as high as No. 3 to the New York Giants, with some whispering he could be the No. 1 overall pick.

But Shedeur wasn’t perfect, and the NFL scouting machine loves to poke holes. His arm strength? Decent, but not elite. His pocket presence? Questionable, with a whopping 94 sacks taken over two seasons at Colorado. Some grumbled he held the ball too long, inviting pressure. Off the field, things got messier. Whispers from anonymous scouts called him “cocky” or “entitled.” One coach even claimed his NFL Combine interview was a disaster, though Shedeur’s camp pushed back hard on that. Add in his choice to skip most pre-draft workouts, and doubts started to creep in. Was he the real deal, or just a product of hype?

The Draft Night Rollercoaster

Draft night is a pressure cooker, and Shedeur was in the thick of it, watching from a custom draft room in Texas with his family—Dad, Mom, brothers, the whole crew. The night started with a bang: Miami’s Cam Ward, the consensus top quarterback, went No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans. Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Shedeur’s teammate and friend, was scooped up at No. 2 by the Jacksonville Jaguars after a blockbuster trade. The vibes were high—Shedeur’s moment felt close.

Then it didn’t. The Giants, who’d worked him out privately, passed at No. 3, taking Penn State’s Abdul Carter. The Cleveland Browns, sitting at No. 8 after trading down, went with Michigan’s Mason Graham. The New Orleans Saints, another rumored fit at No. 9, picked Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. One by one, teams that needed a quarterback looked elsewhere. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who seemed like a perfect match at No. 21, shocked everyone by taking Oregon’s Derrick Harmon. The final gut punch? The Giants traded back into the round at No. 25 and grabbed Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart instead.

Only two quarterbacks were taken in the first round—Ward and Dart. Shedeur, the guy many thought was a lock, was left out in the cold.

A Family’s Pain, A Son’s Resolve

You could feel the weight of the moment through the screen. Shedeur, usually all smiles and confidence, sat quietly as the reality sank in. His dad, Deion, a man who’s seen every high and low in football, stayed close, offering words only a father could. In a video shared by Deion Jr., Shedeur spoke to his family, his voice steady but heavy: “We didn’t expect this, but I know God’s got a plan. This ain’t random. It’s just fuel, you know? Tomorrow’s coming, and we’re gonna be good. I’m still me.”

X lit up with reactions. Fans called it “heartbreaking” and “unreal.” One post read, “Shedeur was QB1 in January—how’s he not drafted?” Another user wondered if the “Deion circus” scared teams off, pointing to the media frenzy that follows the Sanders family. Analysts tried to make sense of it, with some arguing teams were spooked by Shedeur’s sack numbers (a 20.1% pressure-to-sack rate in 2024) or his slower release (3 seconds on average). Others pointed to the draft’s defensive tilt—nine linemen went in Round 1—as teams prioritized stopping quarterbacks over drafting them.

What Went Wrong?

So, why did Shedeur fall? It’s complicated. The 2025 quarterback class wasn’t exactly stacked, with Ward as the clear star. Teams seemed hesitant to bet on a quarterback who needed polish when they could grab a plug-and-play defender or lineman. Shedeur’s pre-draft choices didn’t help. By skipping the East-West Shrine Bowl and most combine drills, he left scouts with more questions than answers. Those anonymous jabs at his personality—fair or not—probably didn’t help either. The NFL loves to nitpick, and Shedeur’s high-profile family made him an easy target.

Then there’s the Colorado tape. Shedeur balled out, no question, but the offensive line was shaky, and he took a beating. Some scouts saw a guy who invited pressure by hesitating; others saw a quarterback making magic under duress. It’s the kind of debate that can tank a prospect’s stock in a risk-averse league.

Tomorrow’s Hope

As Day 2 looms, Shedeur’s not done. He’s still one of the best players on the board, and teams like the Cleveland Browns (No. 33), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 37), and New Orleans Saints (No. 40) could jump at the chance to grab him. The Browns, especially, feel like a fit—they need a quarterback and have the picks to take a swing. There’s talk he could be this year’s Will Levis, a guy who slipped but landed early in Round 2 and got a shot to shine.

Shedeur’s got the talent to be a starter, maybe even a star, like o Nix. But the whispers of a Kenny Pickett-like bust linger, a reminder of how thin the line is for quarterbacks in the NFL. For now, he’s a 23-year-old kid who just got humbled on the biggest stage. Yet, knowing Shedeur, that chip on his shoulder is only getting bigger.

A Story Still Unwritten

Draft night 2025 will go down as the night Shedeur Sanders didn’t get his moment. It stung—how could it not? But if there’s one thing he’s shown, it’s that he doesn’t back down. Somewhere out there, a team’s about to bet on him, and he’s ready to prove he’s more than a name or a narrative. As he told his family, “I’m still me.” And that’s exactly why this story’s far from over.

Who Will the Bengals Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? Mock Drafts Point to a Defensive Game-Changer

Hey Bengals fans, the 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the buzz is heating up about who Cincinnati will snag with their 17th overall pick. After a 2024 season that left us all frustrated with a shaky defense, it’s no surprise that mock drafts are screaming one thing: the Bengals need a beast on the defensive line. Whether it’s a dominant defensive tackle or a speedy edge rusher, the experts seem to agree that Cincinnati’s front office is ready to beef up the front. Let’s dive into the names everyone’s talking about and why they could be the key to getting the Bengals back to the Super Bowl conversation.

The Defensive Line: Where the Magic Needs to Happen

Look, we all know the Bengals’ defense had some rough moments last year. The run game was a sieve, and the pass rush leaned too heavily on Trey Hendrickson, who’s not getting any younger. With new defensive coordinator Al Golden calling the shots, the vibe is clear: Cincinnati needs a young, disruptive force to shake things up. Mock drafts are pointing to three studs who keep popping up as perfect fits.

• Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss): This guy’s a monster. A consensus All-American, Nolen’s the kind of player who blows up plays in the backfield and stuffs the run like it’s his job (because it is). ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates can’t stop raving about his power and quickness. Imagine him clogging the middle and making life easier for our linebackers—yes, please!
• James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee): If you love watching quarterbacks hit the turf, Pearce is your guy. He racked up 17.5 sacks in two years at Tennessee, and his speed off the edge is unreal. Sporting News and NFL Mock Draft Database keep mocking him to Cincy, and it’s easy to see why—he could be the heir to Hendrickson or a dynamic complement right now.
• Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall): This dude led the NCAA with 17 sacks in 2024. Seventeen! Green’s a bendy, relentless pass rusher who’s been climbing draft boards like crazy. Bengals.com’s own writers are hyping him up, and after a killer pre-draft process, he feels like the kind of high-energy player Who Dey Nation would love.

There’s also chatter about Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon) and Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State). Both are tough, scheme-friendly guys who could thrive in Golden’s aggressive defense. Honestly, any of these players would have me jumping off the couch on draft night.

But What About Offense?

Okay, I get it—Joe Burrow is our guy, and we want to keep him upright and happy. A few mock drafts are tossing out names like Tyler Booker (G, Alabama) to solidify the offensive line. Protecting Joey B is never a bad idea, right? There’s even some love for Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State), a home-run-hitting running back who could give the offense some extra juice. But let’s be real: the defense was the bigger issue last year, and most experts think the Bengals will prioritize fixing that first.

Why Defense Is the Heartbeat

If you watched the Bengals in 2024, you know the defense couldn’t always hold up its end of the bargain. Too many big runs, not enough pressure without blitzing—it was rough. With a new coordinator and some veterans on the back half of their careers, grabbing a young stud like Nolen, Pearce, or Green feels like a no-brainer. These guys aren’t just roster fillers; they’re the kind of players who can change the vibe of a defense and get us back to bullying opponents like we did in our AFC Championship run.

Mock Drafts Aren’t Gospel

I know, I know—mock drafts get us hyped, but they’re not set in stone. They’re like your buddy’s fantasy football predictions: fun to talk about, but things change. The combine, pro days, and the Bengals’ secret draft board will all play a role. Still, the fact that so many experts are locking in on defensive linemen tells me Cincinnati’s priorities are clear. We’re building a defense that can hang with the AFC’s best.

Get Hyped: Check Out These Prospects

Want to see what the fuss is about? This YouTube highlight reel of Walter Nolen, James Pearce Jr., and other 2025 draft studs will get you pumped. Trust me, you’ll be ready to chant “Who Dey” by the end.

Dig Deeper

For more on who the Bengals might pick, check out these awesome resources:

• ESPN’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft by Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates
• NFL Mock Draft Database

So, Bengals fans, who are you rooting for on draft night? A disruptive tackle like Nolen? A sack machine like Pearce or Green? Whoever it is, let’s get ready for a pick that brings the heat. Who Dey!

*Note: Mock drafts are just guesses, so keep an eye out for updates as the draft gets closer in April 2025.*