In The News

After a season of uncertainty, many teams are looking at big question marks at the QB position. Read on to see which newbies have big shoes to fill and which veterans have big expectations to live up to.

Alabama
The defending champions are more than likely going with sophomore Bryce Young as their starter. Young, a 5-star recruit coming out of high school has very little play time with only 22 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown on his resume. 

Georgia
J.T. Daniels is the undisputed starter and like many of the top teams, expectations for the Bulldogs QB is nothing short of a National Championship. With all the talent around him, Daniels must prove that he’s the guy that can lead Georgia back to the ‘Ship.

Houston
As the returning starter for the Cougars, it’s time for Clayton Tune to show what he’s capable of under Dana Holgorsen’s system. After a few down seasons, the Cougars are hopeful they will contend for the AAC title this season. 

Iowa State
Coach Matt Campbell and returning QB Brock Purdy are looking to continue their success from last season that resulted in a New Year’s Six Bowl win. Campbell and Purdy have worked together for a few years and with Purdy’s impending graduation, this will be his last shot to make a splash as a Cyclone.

Oklahoma
OU keeps the Spencer Rattler show going as he looks to cement his status as the top QB of the 2022 draft over North Carolina’s Sam Howell. Going into his third season there’s a lot of expectations for Rattler. Only question is, will he be able to deliver?

Oklahoma State
After earning the Cheez-it Bowl MVP the expectations are that QB Spencer Sanders will continue his success from last season. Oklahoma State added Gunnar Gundy to the roster but even as the coach’s son it will be an uphill battle for playtime for the freshman QB. 

Texas
After showing out in relief of the injured Sam Ehlinger against Colorado, Casey Thompson is the likely starter for Texas. With a new coach and new QB Texas is looking at a fresh start and to finally be able to claim that Texas is back. 

Texas A&M
After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff last year the expectations for A&M this season are sky high. For the moment Haynes King is the presumed starter as he ended the season as Kellen Mond’s backup, but he has yet to prove anything. He still needs to perform on the field to show he belongs so this QB battle will be one to keep an eye on.

Texas Tech
The QB battle is still wide open for the Red Raiders with five potential candidates to start the season off at the Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium. The most likely starter will be Oregon transfer Tyler Shough who’s an NFL hopeful looking to improve his draft stock while in Lubbock. 

 

 

HOUSTON, TX – Concacaf has announced the full schedule for the 2021 Gold Cup, the region’s flagship men’s national team competition. This year’s edition will include a new Preliminary Round (July 2-6) prior to the Group Stage (July 10-20) and a revamped Knockout Stage (July 24 – Aug 1). 

This summer’s Gold Cup, the 16th edition of the competition and a key part of Concacaf’s 60th anniversary celebration, will be played in 11 stadiums across eight US metropolitan areas.

“We are extremely pleased to confirm the schedule and venues for this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, which promises to be a celebration of football in our great region,” said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani. “2021 is Concacaf’s 60th anniversary year and we look forward with great anticipation to watching the best men’s national teams in our confederation compete for the Gold Cup title. With an exciting new format and the prospect of welcoming passionate fans to the stadiums for these compelling matchups, I can’t wait for the football to begin on July 2nd and to crown a champion in Las Vegas on August 1st,” added Montagliani. 

Prior to the start of the 2021 Gold Cup Group Stage, 12 national teams which qualified through their Concacaf Nations League (CNL) performances, will compete in the Preliminary Round (Prelims) from July 2-6, 2021. These matches will take place at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and will determine the final three teams in the Gold Cup Group Stage. The six round one Prelims matches and the three round two Prelims matches were drawn in September 2020 and are available here and below. 

The Group Stage of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup will kick off on July 10th and will run through July 20th. The 12 qualified nations, the AFC Asian Cup Champions Qatar (guest participant) and the three Prelims winners were drawn in September 2020 into four groups. 

Houston’s BBVA Stadium will welcome Group D which includes Panama, Honduras, Grenada, and guest participant and AFC Asian Cup Champions Qatar. BBVA Stadium will host three days of Group Stage doubleheaders on July 13th, July 17th, and July 20th.  

At the end of the Group Stage, the two best teams from each group will advance to the Quarterfinals with doubleheaders played on July 24th and 25th.  

Houston’s NRG Stadium will play host to one Semifinal matchup on July 29th. The venue for each specific semifinal matchup will be confirmed at the conclusion of the Group Stage.

The winners of the two semifinal matches will travel to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to face off in the Final on August 1.

Tickets for all Group Stage matches will go on sale to the general public on May 20 at 10:00 a.m. local, via www.GoldCup.org. for an exclusive presale opportunity. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to ensure the best seats. 

Concacaf’s full announcement can be found here.

Jennifer Mamajek, HCHSA JMamajek@houstonsports.org
Zac Emmons, BBVA Stadium zemmons@houstondynamo.com
Allie LeClair, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment Allie.LeClair@houstontexans.com 

#WeAreHoustonSports

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Every time we host an event at NRG Stadium, we know we’re seeing the future of football. It’s beyond a privilege to be able to give these future stars a chance to play on a professional stage at NRG Stadium during their collegiate careers.

This year, 30 of our LSSE event alumni were drafted and many more signed as free agents to pursue their dreams in the NFL. Read on to see the full list of 2021 LSSE alumni draftees!

 

BYU, Texas Kickoff 2017

Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers – Round 3, Pick 6

Khyiris Tonga – Chicago Bears – Round 7, Pick 23

Chris Wilcox – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Round 7, Pick 24

 

LSU, Texas Kickoff 2017

Tyler Shelvin – Cincinnati Bengals – Round 4, Pick 17

Racey McMath – Tennessee Titans – Round 6, Pick 20

JaCoby Stevens – Philadelphia Eagles – Round 6, Pick 40

Kary Vincent Jr. – Denver Broncos – Round 7, Pick 9

 

Texas, Texas Bowl 2017

Sam Cosmi – Washington Football Team – Round 2, Pick 19

Ta’Quon Graham – Atlanta Falcons – Round 5, Pick 4

Sam Ehlinger – Indianapolis Colts – Round 6, Pick 34

 

Missouri, Texas Bowl 2017

Tyree Gillespie – Las Vegas Raiders – Round 4, Pick 38

Larry Borom – Chicago Bears – Round 5, Pick 7

Joshuah Bledsoe – New England Patriots – Round 6, Pick 4

Larry Rountree III – Los Angeles Chargers – Round 6, Pick 14

 

Texas Tech, Texas Kickoff 2018

Zech McPhearson – Philadelphia Eagles – Round 4, Pick 18

Jack Anderson – Buffalo Bills – Round 7, Pick 8

 

Ole Miss, Texas Kickoff 2018

Elijah Moore – New York Jets – Round 2, Pick 2

Royce Newman – Greenbay Packers – Round 4, Pick 37

 

Vanderbilt, Texas Bowl 2018

Dayo Odeyingbo – Indianapolis Colts – Round 2, Pick 22

 

Houston, Texas Kickoff 2019      

Payton Turner – New Orleans Saints – Round 1, Pick 28

Marquez Stevenson – Buffalo Bills – Round 6, Pick 19

Grant Stuard – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Round 7, Pick 32

 

Oklahoma State, Texas Bowl 2019

Teven Jenkins – Chicago Bears – Round 2, Pick 7

Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers – Round 4, Pick 21

Tylan Wallace – Baltimore Ravens – Round 4, Pick 26

Rodarius Williams – New York Giants – Round 6, Pick 17

 

Texas A&M, Texas Bowl 2019

Kellen Mond – Minnesota Vikings – Round 3, Pick 2

Bobby Brown III – Los Angeles Rams – Round 4, Pick 12

Dan Moore Jr. – Pittsburgh Steelers – Round 4, Pick 23

Buddy Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers – Round 4, Pick 35

Don't miss your chance to see the future of football at NRG Stadium! Check out all of our upcoming events at LSSE.net.

HOUSTON, TX – The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, in partnership with the Houston Dynamo FC, and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, announced today that both BBVA Stadium and NRG Stadium will play host to Gold Cup matches this summer. This, the 16th edition of Concacaf's flagship men's international competition, will crown the global region's best men's national team.

"The announcement of these outstanding venues moves us a step closer to what is sure to be a great Gold Cup this summer," said Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani. "It is fitting that in our 60th anniversary year we will use a number of stadiums with a rich history of hosting Concacaf football, while also making history with new venues that will host Gold Cup matches for the very first time."

Houston is one of only seven metropolitan markets selected to welcome matches in the 2021 edition of the tournament. Houston's elite facilities, BBVA Stadium and NRG Stadium, account for two of the eleven host venues from around the country awarded matches.

"We are a major sports destination with the best fans in the nation," said Harris County – Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke. "The fact that we have two fabulous venues capable of successfully hosting multiple Gold Cup matches is a true testament to how special our community has become in the global sports realm. Houston is a host candidate for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and being a cornerstone in this marquee international tournament supports our bid efforts."

This announcement marks the fifth time BBVA Stadium has taken part in the Gold Cup, having been a part of every edition since it opened its doors in 2012.

"We are thrilled to host the region's premier national team competition at BBVA Stadium," Executive Vice President and General Manager of BBVA Stadium, Juan Rodriguez, said. "We are honored to host multiple matchdays and committed to creating a memorable, safe and enjoyable experience for teams and fans alike."

NRG Stadium has played host to some of the most well-attended matches in tournament history, including a sold-out quarterfinal doubleheader in 2019.

"We are honored NRG Stadium has been selected to serve as a host venue for the Concacaf Gold Cup for the sixth time in its storied history," said Lone Star Sports and Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher. "This will be yet another tremendous opportunity for our city to celebrate The Beautiful Game and welcome fans from around the world to our community this summer."

The 2021 Gold Cup will officially kick off with a new Preliminary Round where 12 nations who qualified through their Concacaf Nations League performances will compete for the final three spots in the 16 team Gold Cup Group Stage. The Round One and Two Prelims matchups were drawn on September 10, 2020. The Group Stage will kick off on July 10, and the Final will be played on August 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

To receive information about the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, including schedules, kick-off times, and other details, sign up here.

#WeAreHoustonSports

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Could we call ourselves college football fans if we didn’t make everything a competition? Of course not. Here at LSSE we are obsessed with competition, especially between the Big 12 and SEC. 

So, who will win the 2021 Draft? Read on for everything you need to know for 2021 Big 12 and SEC hopefuls.

BIG 12 VS SEC
The SEC West is winning the draft competition overall with a total of 47 eligible alumni, with 17 predicted to go in the Top 100*. The West is followed by the SEC East with 41 eligible players and the Big 12 with 34, both the SEC East and Big 12 have 9 players predicted to go in the Top 100.

Overall, the SEC West averages 7 eligible players per team. Alabama is leading the chase with 12 players followed closely by Texas A&M with 10. In the SEC East teams average 6 players in the Draft per team. The Georgia Bulldogs have taken the lead, tying the SEC West top team with 12 eligible players. The Big 12 averages only 3 eligible players per team and is lead by Texas and Oklahoma both with 7 players apiece.

TOP 100
LSSE College Football Insider, host of the Football with Friends podcast and overall college football master Johnny Harris has published his famous Harris 100, predicting the Top 100 picks in the NFL Draft. Here are the highlights you can expect from each Big 12 and SEC team.

Click each player name to check out the full Harris 100 breakdown.

BIG 12 - Predicted to go in the Top 100

Harris 100 Ranking	School	Name	Pos.	Year
58	Oklahoma	Ronnie Perkins	EDGE	Junior
61	Oklahoma	Creed Humphrey	IOL	RS Junior
83	Oklahoma	Rhamondre Stevenson	RB	Senior
34	Oklahoma State	Teven Jenkins	OT	RS Senior
72	Oklahoma State	Tylan Wallace	WR	Senior
81	Oklahoma State	Chuba Hubbard	RB	RS Junior
32	TCU	Trevon Moehrig	S	Junior
26	Texas	Joseph Ossai	EDGE	Junior
49	Texas	Samuel Cosmi	OT	RS Junior

 

SEC East - Predicted to go in the Top 100

Harris 100 Ranking	School	Name	Pos.	Year
4	Florida	Kyle Pitts	TE	Junior
19	Florida	Kadarius Toney	WR	Senior
92	Florida	Kyle Trask	QB	RS Senior
16	Georgia	Azeez Ojulari	EDGE	RS Soph.
54	Georgia	Tyson Campbell	CB	Junior
56	Georgia	Eric Stokes	CB	RS Junior
42	Missouri	Nick Bolton	LB	Junior
21	South Carolina	Jaycee Horn	CB	Junior
73	Tennessee	Trey Smith	IOL	Senior

 

SEC West - Predicted to go in the Top 100

Harris 100 Ranking	School	Name	Pos.	Year
3	Alabama	DeVonta Smith	WR	Senior
8	Alabama	Jaylen Waddle	WR	Junior
14	Alabama	Patrick Surtain II	CB	Junior
22	Alabama	Najee Harris	RB	Senior
28	Alabama	Landon Dickerson	IOL	RS Senior
30	Alabama	Christian Barmore	IDL	RS Soph.
40	Alabama	Mac Jones	QB	RS Junior
47	Alabama	Alex Leatherwood	OT	Senior
71	Alabama	Deonte Brown	IOL	RS Senior
78	Alabama	Dylan Moses	LB	Senior
91	Auburn	Seth Williams	WR	Junior
2	LSU	Ja'Marr Chase	WR	Junior
51	LSU	Terrace Marshall Jr.	WR	Junior
66	LSU	Jabril Cox	LB	RS Senior
75	LSU	Tyler Shelvin	IDL	RS Junior
69	Texas A&M	Bobby Brown III	IDL	RS Junior
94	Texas A&M	Kellen Mond	QB	Senior

 

*Predictions based on the Harris 100.