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Exclusive: Clark Lea says college football will have to sacrifice tradition in exchange for CFP expansion

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Go ahead and get used to it now: the debate over expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Sitting inside Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea’s office on Wednesday, it wasn’t hard to notice the ongoing chatter that has now once again reared its head.

Ever since CFP leaders wrapped meetings in Miami — before Indiana capped an historic season with a national championship — the battle between the SEC and the rest of college football has only intensified, with the most recent gathering taking place just outside of Dallas.

COACHES PUSH FOR 24-TEAM CFP, AS COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEADS TOWARDS PARTICIPATION TROPHY TERRITORY

At the center of it all is one question: how big should the playoff field actually be?

For months, the SEC has stood firm behind a 16-team format, a model its television partner ESPN supports. Meanwhile, the Big Ten has pushed for 24 teams — an idea that initially drew resistance from the ACC and Big 12 before opinions started to shift.

That’s nothing new. Conference commissioners changing positions is practically part of the job. But this time, the stakes are higher. With revenue-sharing challenges mounting across college athletics — and some schools already cutting sports — expanding the playoff has become a potential financial lifeline.

More teams mean more games. More games mean more television inventory. And more inventory means more money, maybe.

As the new College Football Playoff contract with ESPN starts, which is a six-year deal, there is a number of teams that could essentially trigger additional bidding. According to industry sources, if the CFP were to agree on a 14-team postseason, ESPN would still hold onto its inventory of games, which they could continue sub-licensing out to networks like TNT or TBS.

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But, if CFP leaders were to somehow agree to the 24-team format, or even 16-teams, this would allow networks like FOX, NBC or CBS to join the party if they were willing to pay. This stems from the contract signed by ESPN and the CFP, which would allow the playoff to put the extra games that would come from a 24-team postseason on the market.

And while that might be the case, from an economic standpoint, the smarter move would be for ESPN to just purchase the rights to the added games of a 16-team playoff given it might not be worth the price for FOX or NBC to purchase the additional two matchups.

Though it’s not hard to see why multiple conferences would be on board.

As Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea pointed out this week in Nashville, expansion isn’t as simple as adding more teams.

“The first thing that we need to focus on is when we end the season,” Clark Lea told OutKick. “I think we have a real issue right now, and I think the issue is tied to TV contracts and and dedicated time slots where we’re not competing with the NFL, and stuff like that which extends our season three weeks into January that absolutely undermines the integrity of what we’re trying to do as a sport.

“Whatever we do next with the playoff, expansion is coming. We (SEC) all expected it for this year and it hit a hiccup. But, as expansion comes, it cannot come at the expense paying attention to the seasons end, and let’s be more reasonable at tying that.”

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As OutKick reported over the past year, expanding the playoff in this magnitude could also come with the caveat that conference title games would cease to exist. While this might sound like an easy fix to some, it’s a much bigger concept to actually pull off, given the amount of money ESPN and FOX pay for these title games, with both games receiving a reported $160 million for their title games combined.

“We’re going to have to let go of some traditional end of the year elements in college football,” Clark Lea mentioned, while also noting that he ‘thinks’ that would be a conference championship.

So what replaces them?

“Somehow the playoff model is incorporated, right?” Lea offered up. “Otherwise, this (season) extends forever. I think we saw last year these ridiculous breaks in play, which I think ruins the competive product on the field. I would be really interested to hear answers and to get people thinking towards those things.

“How do we improve the product, tighten the season? Finishing closer to the semester ending, the portal window. Now all of the sudden we have a better product.”

INSIDE THE FIGHT: NIL ARMS RACE FUELING NEW PUSH FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF EXPANSION

The idea of repackaging an SEC, Big Ten, ACC or Big 12 championship weekend into play-in type games for each conference is an idea that television networks like ESPN and FOX have been at least discussing.

Given that they would be giving up a money-making game in terms of advertising and ratings, the substitute would have to be enticing enough to contemplate.

But, if you were to ask the fans if they would rather watch four teams battling in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte or Dallas over a two-day period for a spot in the college football playoff, I’d imagine that would be an easy sell to networks and advertisers alike.

Dabo Swinney is right: Coaches might be right, but opinions don’t matter in College Football Playoff expansion fight

Even then, deciding on a route to take is not easy task.

“Those decisions need to be made based on driving as much possible revenue and getting the best possible negotiation out of each game we have. So, to say 24 or 16 is really just to say as many teams as we can, while also not giving away the ability to negotiate what those games can bring to us.

At the end of the day, folks just want to see the sport of college football put in the best possible spot moving forward, which includes the coaches who are competing for spots, like Clark Lea.

“What we do when we start to participate in these conversations is we become fans. I know it’s way more complex than just adding as many teams as possible. This has got to be done in the best way to optimize our product, and to drive the revenue we need to sustain our sport.”

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While SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is essentially standing on an island by himself in terms of pushing a 16-team format over a jump to 24, we’re starting to hear his coaches within the conference start to voice their differing opinions on what the future should actually look like.

While that might be the case, the coaches only have so much weight in these conversations, as I discussed on Wednesday.

Either way, spring meetings in college football became much more important over the past two years, with the Big Ten set to meet next week in Los Angeles, while the SEC prepares to meet after Memorial Day in Florida.

Let the games continue.

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Trump Humiliates Top UK Leader At G7 With Chilling Move

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Trump Humiliates Top UK Leader At G7 With Chilling Move

President Donald Trump arrived at the G7 summit this week once again demonstrating why world leaders continue to look to Washington for leadership on the most pressing international issues.

While European leaders initially planned to focus discussions on Ukraine, trade, migration, and economic concerns, attention quickly shifted to Trump’s newly announced framework agreement with Iran—a diplomatic breakthrough that could reshape stability in the Middle East and strengthen global energy markets.

The president confirmed that both he and Vice President JD Vance electronically signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran on Sunday. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf signed on behalf of Tehran.

Administration officials emphasized that the agreement represents only the first stage of a broader negotiation process designed to permanently address concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions while protecting American and allied interests.

“We’ll be releasing the text this week,” Vance said during a television interview on Monday.

“What everybody will see is that Iran doesn’t get a dime of money unless they perform their obligations.”

The vice president’s comments directly challenged media reports suggesting the agreement included hundreds of billions of dollars in reconstruction funding for Iran.

Instead, administration officials stressed that any future economic benefits would be entirely contingent on Iran fulfilling strict requirements established by the United States and its allies.

Vance dismissed reports of massive direct payments as misinformation and explained that any economic relief would primarily come through sanctions adjustments tied to verified compliance.

According to officials, Iran would be required to permanently abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions, eliminate enriched nuclear material stockpiles, and submit to extensive international inspections before receiving any meaningful economic benefits.

“So long as they honor their end of the obligation,” Vance explained, Gulf nations could potentially participate in reconstruction efforts only after Iran demonstrates full compliance with the agreement.

The framework marks a significant departure from years of escalating tensions that repeatedly threatened to destabilize the region and disrupt global energy supplies.

Administration officials also announced that the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most strategically important shipping routes in the world—is expected to fully reopen following the formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Geneva.

The recent disruptions in the waterway have contributed to uncertainty in global energy markets and increased economic pressure on nations around the world.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the importance of restoring normal operations in the strait.

“The strait being closed has had an impact on our economy and an impact on every household across the country,” Starmer said.

The British leader suggested that the United Kingdom could potentially assist with demining operations if necessary.

The summit also served as another reminder of America’s dominant role on the world stage under Trump’s leadership. While European leaders sought greater involvement in ongoing negotiations surrounding both Iran and Ukraine, much of the summit’s focus remained squarely on Trump’s diplomatic initiatives and high-profile meetings.

One particularly revealing moment occurred when Starmer appeared to be caught on a hot microphone asking whether Trump was holding another meeting elsewhere after the president met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The incident sparked speculation in British media that Starmer had been sidelined during portions of the summit as world leaders sought opportunities to engage directly with the American president.

Starmer dismissed suggestions that he had been snubbed.

“We had very productive, very good conversations,” Starmer said.

Nevertheless, observers noted that the summit’s most significant developments centered on Trump’s diplomatic efforts rather than the priorities advanced by many European leaders.

The president also met separately with Zelensky as he continues advocating for a negotiated resolution to the war between Russia and Ukraine, a position that has increasingly gained attention among leaders seeking an end to the prolonged conflict.

Meanwhile, administration officials released additional details regarding the Iran framework agreement.

The United States will maintain its current military posture throughout a 60-day negotiation period while talks continue. Officials repeatedly emphasized that any economic concessions will remain tied to verified Iranian compliance and that enforcement mechanisms will remain firmly in place.

The administration’s approach reflects Trump’s longstanding strategy of combining diplomacy with strength—pursuing peace agreements while ensuring America retains leverage throughout the negotiation process.

As negotiations move forward, the agreement is being viewed by many observers as a significant diplomatic achievement that could reduce tensions in the Middle East, strengthen global economic stability, and further underscore America’s leadership role on the international stage.

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FBI Raids George Soros — Major Plot Narrowly Thwarted

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FBI Raids George Soros — Major Plot Narrowly Thwarted

Federal investigators executed a major raid Thursday on a Soros-funded voter mobilization organization in Ohio as part of an ongoing fraud investigation, marking the latest effort by the Trump administration to crack down on alleged election-related misconduct.

According to reports from MS Now, FBI agents raided the headquarters of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC) on June 11 and conducted interviews with individuals connected to the organization across the state. Some of those contacted reportedly received subpoenas or were asked to surrender electronic devices.

Sources familiar with the matter later told CBS News that the law enforcement activity was connected to a fraud-related investigation.

The operation represents another significant step in President Donald Trump’s broader push to investigate allegations of voter fraud and election integrity violations. Conservatives have long argued that such cases were not aggressively pursued by previous administrations and have welcomed increased federal scrutiny of organizations involved in voter registration and mobilization efforts.

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that works closely with Democratic Party-aligned causes in Ohio, focusing on voter registration, turnout efforts, and ballot initiatives. The group has received substantial financial support from major liberal donor networks, including organizations tied to billionaire George Soros.

While federal authorities have remained tight-lipped about the details of the investigation, the Department of Justice emphasized that the search warrants were approved through the normal judicial process.

“Search warrants are authorized by a judge, and anything said by any organization or others in the media is unfounded speculation, as the target of any investigation is not privy to the search warrant affidavit until after indictment,” a DOJ official told Fox News.

Financial disclosures show OOC has become a major force in Ohio politics. The organization reported more than $10 million in revenue during 2024 and has spent heavily on ballot initiatives and political campaigns.

Last year alone, OOC spent $250,000 opposing a Republican-backed effort related to abortion policy in Ohio and another $300,000 fighting a GOP redistricting initiative.

The group’s financial backing comes from a network of prominent Democratic-aligned organizations, including the Soros family’s philanthropic entities, the New Venture Fund, the Tides Foundation, and major labor unions such as the American Federation of Teachers and the Service Employees International Union.

Records show the Soros family’s Foundation to Promote Open Society provided approximately $1.9 million to OOC between 2019 and 2020. In addition, the Open Society Action Fund contributed $1 million to OOC’s affiliated organization in 2021 and another $1 million in 2023.

OOC leaders have sharply criticized the investigation, accusing the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement to target political opponents.

The organization has faced controversy before. In 2017, a paid canvasser associated with OOC pleaded guilty for his role in a fraudulent voter registration scheme, a case that continues to draw attention amid the current federal investigation.

OOC board member Prentiss Haney questioned the timing of the operation.

“How can they distract and intimidate civil rights leaders and voters and community leaders who are helping people get registered to vote, and create a national spectacle about it?” Haney told MS Now.

“That is the only reason why they would choose to do that, do it now, in the middle of a contested political election in the state. There’s no other reason. They have no evidence of that,” Haney added.

The investigation also comes after President Trump publicly criticized George Soros and his son, Alexander Soros, earlier this year.

“George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“We’re not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to ‘BREATHE,’ and be FREE. Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we’re watching you! Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump added.

As federal investigators continue their work, the raid is likely to intensify the national debate over election integrity, political activism, and the role of powerful donor-funded organizations in American elections.

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Bone-Chilling Details Emerge From White House Terror Plot

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Bone-Chilling Details Emerge From White House Terror Plot

Federal authorities say they foiled a chilling terror plot targeting Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn, preventing what investigators believe could have been one of the most devastating attacks on the nation’s capital in recent memory.

According to officials, five suspects are already in custody after the FBI uncovered a multi-phase attack plan that allegedly included explosive-laden drones, sniper teams, and an attempted assault on the White House itself.

The plot was reportedly aimed at the historic UFC event attended by President Donald Trump and thousands of supporters. Authorities say the attackers intended to use drones carrying explosives to strike buildings near the venue, creating chaos among attendees and forcing panicked crowds into predetermined kill zones where snipers would allegedly open fire.

Investigators say the operation did not stop there. Officials revealed that a “second wave” of attackers allegedly planned to exploit the confusion and attempt to breach the White House gates.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited law enforcement agencies for stopping the threat before it could be carried out.

The scheme was “stopped cold” on June 10 after investigators executed a search warrant in Cincinnati, where the first arrest was made.

Federal court documents identify California resident Michael Alan Thomas as one of the alleged organizers behind the operation.

According to an arrest affidavit, Thomas told investigators he believed the federal government is controlled by elites who sacrifice and eat children, had ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and are protected by President Trump.

Authorities say some members of the group traveled to Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 12 or June 13 to conduct preparations for the planned attack.

The investigation uncovered extensive communications among the suspects. After examining an iPhone linked to one of the individuals, federal agents reportedly discovered at least 23 users participating in discussions on the encrypted messaging application Signal.

Investigators say those conversations included detailed planning for what could have become a catastrophic attack. Screenshots recovered by federal agents allegedly show maps of the UFC event being circulated among participants, along with discussions regarding potential sniper positions.

Law enforcement officials also recovered rifles and ammunition during the investigation.

According to the affidavit, one suspect told investigators that the goal of the operation was to target “capitalist elites,” “billionaires” and politicians who had received support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC.

Sources familiar with the investigation told Fox News correspondent David Spunt that all five suspects currently in custody are American citizens. At this time, authorities say they have found no evidence suggesting any foreign involvement in the alleged plot.

Following the arrests, Patel praised the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team — we are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens — particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC 250 fight,” Patel later wrote on X.

The UFC Freedom 250 event marked a major celebration coinciding with President Trump’s 80th birthday and drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including 1,200 active-duty military service members.

Officials estimate another 80,000 to 85,000 fans attended a ticketed watch party on the Ellipse south of the White House, while thousands more gathered on the National Mall to watch the event on giant screens.

The successful disruption of the alleged attack underscores the significant security challenges surrounding high-profile public events and highlights what officials describe as the vigilance of law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting both President Trump and the tens of thousands of Americans who attended the historic celebration.

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