Purdue's Will Heldt: A Sought-After Edge Rusher Explores New Horizons

The transfer portal, in a constantly changing landscape of college football, serves as the primary method through which players pursue fresh opportunities and by which programs round out their respective rosters. Adding to that mix will be Will Heldt, an All-American defensive end from Purdue University who, by way of an entered transfer portal, has captured the interest of several of the nation's top programs in college football. A mix of size, agility, and performance, the visit schedule of Heldt has been one of the prime focuses for both fans and coaches. 

The Heldt Factor:

Will Heldt, standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 265 pounds, has been a force in the middle of Purdue's defense. His sophomore season saw 56 tackles, with a total of 10 going for loss, while amassing 5 sacks; he also had a memorable recovery of a fumble that ended up in the opponent's end zone. His numbers alone depict a player who shall be unleashed in his entirety, making him an interesting look for teams in dire need of a strong edge presence.

Visit Schedule:

 Heldt has been taking a long ride through the transfer portal with at least a few high-profile visits on tap:

Ohio State: Heldt visits Ohio State at a pivotal moment for the Buckeyes' depth along their defensive line. Ohio State is used to elite talent in football, but it's looking to Heldt as a real potential differentiator, considering his size and speed.

Clemson: A visit to Clemson is especially interesting because it marks a departure from the program's longstanding avoidance of using transfer portal players, let alone defensively. That Dabo Swinney would show serious interest in Heldt signifies a possible new approach in seeking to use Heldt as a linchpin to take their already stalwart defense over the top.

LSU: The Tigers in Baton Rouge have shown keen interest in Heldt, and his visit would show that LSU intends to tackle the defensive line after losing many of their key players to eligibility and the transfer portal. LSU has a great history of developing NFL talent, which could be enticing for Heldt.

Texas A&M: Similar to LSU, Texas A&M does see Heldt as a piece to help strengthen their defense. Based on recent history with transfers from Purdue, the Aggies appear well-positioned to keep that run going with Heldt.

Decision Coming:

Agents of Heldt have been instrumental in managing his transfer process, and with every visit, he makes sure that he assesses where best he can continue with his football career as well as his academic pursuits. A decision he will make will affect not just his future but also the competitive balance driving college football conferences.

With two years of eligibility remaining, the choice of school will be closely monitored that Heldt makes. His visits aren't just about finding a new team but also about finding a program that aligns with his aspirations both on and off the field. Each school offers something different: coaching philosophies, development programs, and the road to the NFL.

Conclusion:

Will Heldt's transfer journey is a perfect representation of how changing landscapes in college football can shift the dynamic of teams with just one or two players. With his visits coming to a close, the college football world waits for a decision with the knowledge that wherever Heldt decides to go, he will make an impact. It's a story of opportunity and potential and the eternal quest for excellence in one of America's most favorite sports.

The SHOCKING DECISION made by Dabo Swinney | Purdue transfer Will Heldt visiting Clemson

Devin Royal Shines as Ohio State Overpowers Valparaiso in Basketball

On Tuesday night at the Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State Buckeyes brought their complete game against Valparaiso and emerged convincing victors: 95-73. All credit to the high-flying sophomore forward Devin Royal, who belied a rather complete game of new career highs in scoring and rebounding for a versatile big man.

Career Night for Royal

Royal had a career-best performance, scoring 31 points while shooting an efficient 11-for-16 from the floor with 1-of-4 marks from deep and 8 of 9 from the free throw line. He also proved his worth in rebounding, collecting a career-high 15 boards. It makes him the first Buckeye since Jared Sullinger in 2011 to register a 30-point, 15-rebound game and showcases his blossoming impact on the team's fortunes.

Team Work

While Royal was the star of the night, he was by no means alone as the Buckeyes won. Evan Mahaffey came off the bench and provided a huge boost with 15 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night, while Bruce Thornton and Micah Parrish added 14 each in a well-rounded effort from the Ohio State bench. The depth was strong in this one for Ohio State - even without Meechie Johnson, who did not play due to a personal leave of absence.

Game Flow

The game tipped the scales early in favor of Ohio State in the first half, as a three from John Mobley Jr. tipped off a run that gave the Buckeyes the lead for good. Royal was huge in contributing to extending Ohio State's lead to big free throws and tough hustle plays. At intermission, Ohio State was in a comfortable 41-30 lead that it would ride out during the second half to never allow Valparaiso within striking distance.

Looking Ahead

This win launches Ohio State into a confident matchup against No. 4 Kentucky on Saturday and gives Royal and his teammates a good foundation on which to build that momentum. The Buckeyes, with a real good record now, could capitalize on the home-court advantage in games to come. It was indicative not just of Royal's growing talent but also of the depth that the team could use throughout the season.

Devin Royal highlights from Ohio State's win vs. Valparaiso | Big Ten on NBC

Royal's emergence as a key player for Ohio State comes at a crucial time. The ability to step up in big games, like this one against Valparaiso, speaks volumes of his development from promising freshman to pivotal figure in the Buckeyes lineup. His performance against Valpo was a clear signal to opponents that Ohio State has a force to reckon with in the frontcourt.

In all, Devin Royal's career night was the bright spot in an otherwise team-oriented display from the Ohio State Buckeyes. His leadership on the court and his ability to dominate both offensively and defensively were the main reasons that such a convincing win could be secured and set the standard high for the rest of the season.

Transfer Portal Entries: What's Next for the USC Running Back? - Quinten Joyner

Quinten Joyner, the electric running back for the USC Trojans, has headlined transfer portal entries prior to the 2025 season. Coming off of a dynamic season in 2024 for Joyner, this development was highly intriguing for college football enthusiasts and analysts alike.

 

Impressive 2024 Season

Joyner was a big factor in the 2024 season, pacing the Big Ten in yards per carry with an average of 7.6. Yet even then, he continued to cede the top billing for most of that time to Woody Marks. Maybe this limited playing time contributed to Joyner exploring other options where he'd be more in the front burner.

Reasons for Transfer

While the exact reasons as to why Joyner decided to transfer are not publicly known, one thing is for sure: he wants a team where he can maximize his potential and showcase his skill. The competition for starting positions at USC is fierce, and Joyner's move indicates a desire for more playing time and exposure.

Landing Spots

Speculation runs deep on where Joyner might land. The Ohio State Buckeyes are considered one of the favorites to land Joyner after recently hosting him on a visit. Ohio State will have to improve at running back this coming season, and Joyner fits the mold of what they're looking for. His explosive-play and consistent-yardage skill set would be huge for any team.

USC Impact

Joyner's departure leaves a noticeable void in the USC backfield. The Trojans will have to find someone of his caliber to replace him and keep the momentum on offense. This unplanned transfer makes things a bit more difficult for USC going into the 2025 season.

Conclusion

The college football world is anxiously waiting to find out where this talented running back will commit to via the transfer portal. Quinten Joyner is the one who has been weighing options about his next move; a move that will not only affect his career but also how things go in the dynamics of the team he eventually chooses. For now, Ohio State looks like a leader, but only time will tell the next move Joyner makes.