One does not simply wear a college football helmet. At least not in 2014. Uniforms and their accompanying headgear have become a marketing tool just as much as they are a safety measure and/or a way to discern between teams. Take Oregon, for example. Under the leadership of Nike CEO Phil Knight, the Ducks have pioneered innovation and become the "coolest" place for high school kids to play. All five of the youngsters polled in this piece by Bleacher ...

Fans can't wait for media days every year because of the optimism they bring or the issues they address. When Dabo Swinney takes the stand at the ACC media days, there are certain issues we would like for him to discuss. The coach has a first-year starter at quarterback, some talented true freshmen and position battles at important positions. There won't be a shortage of conversation at the media days, that's for sure.Begin Slideshow

HOOVER, Ala. — A humble Steve Spurrier is a dangerous Steve Spurrier, and the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks was certainly humble when he opened Day 2 of SEC media days on Tuesday afternoon. Sure, he took some thinly-veiled shots at some people and teams.  A lot of them, in fact. Spurrier cast shade on: Big Ten rivalry games Texans at the Alamo Gene Chizik The media Texas/Texas A&M Clemson Northern weather — Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) July ...

South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier took the podium at SEC media days—a place that's become his second home—and although his press conference was less incendiary than previous editions, it was still a great deal of fun. The Old Ball Coach did throw a decent amount of shade—former Auburn coach Gene Chizik and the Big Ten Conference catching most of it—but for the most part, he spent time complimenting fellow coaches such as Gus Malzahn, Kevin ...

After an eventful opening to SEC Media Days Monday, some of the conference's biggest names took the podium Tuesday in Hoover, Alabama with South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier leading the way. Spurrier is well known for his entertaining interviews and brutal honesty, and he certainly didn't disappoint in that regard on Day 2. The Gamecocks are somewhat of a question mark this season with superstar defensive end Jadeveon Clowney now in the NFL, but Spurrier ...

USC continues to compile playmakers for its passing game in a class headlined by 5-star quarterback Ricky Town. The latest addition is wide receiver Desean Holmes, a local 4-star recruit who fielded offers from several schools before committing to the Trojans on Monday, The Los Angeles area pass-catcher confirmed his decision on Twitter: Holmes, a 5'10.5", 170-pound prospect, will be a senior at Alemany High School in Mission Hills. Viewed as one of the premier offensive playmakers in Southern ...

No shortage of big names have won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football over the two decades of its existence. Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson highlight the star-studded group. Last season, it was Brandin Cooks of Oregon State who earned the honor before getting drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints. He marked the fourth straight winner to accumulate at least 110 catches during the season. ...

LeBron James may have bungled his “decision” four years ago when he elected to take his talents to South Beach, but the letter he dictated to Sports Illustrated describing what it would mean to return home to Ohio was very well orchestrated.  It also struck a chord with those in the Buckeye State. Clearly, James returning to the shores of Lake Erie will boost the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA title hopes (and box-office sales), but what kind of ...

The Florida Gators have some of their big-time athletes along with head coach Will Muschamp in Hoover, Alabama, for the annual SEC media days. Bleacher Report asked this group why they think star defensive back Vernon Hargreaves is one of the best defensive players in the country. Where do you think he ranks among the top DBs going into the 2014 season? Watch the video to see what they think.   Highlights courtesy of XOS Digital. Rankings from 247Sports composite.Read more College ...

It might be shocking to fans of Kentucky basketball, but there will be mismatches in the 2014-15 season. Not just ones the Wildcats will be giving their opponents, either. With an incredibly tough nonconference schedule that includes the likes of Texas, North Carolina, UCLA, Kansas and Louisville coupled with conference games, there isn't a walk in the park this year for Kentucky. Each team the Wildcats play poses a threat, whether it's a dominant center, a ...