TERESA M. WALKER Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Vanderbilt guard Duke Miles (2) and forward Tyler Nickel, right, celebrate, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Vanderbilt lone program in nation with both men, women still perfect at 16-0 apiece

January 10, 2026

Memorial Magic is back in a very big way for Vanderbilt with the Southeastern Conference’s only private university as the nation’s only program with both its men’s and women’s teams still undefeated. And both are playing some of the best ball in the long history of this program. The men matched the best start in program history Saturday, beating LSU for Vanderbilt’s 16th win and matching the start by the 2007-08 squad. The women already are 16-0 and visit Texas on Sunday needing a win to match the school-record 17-game streak by the 1992-93 Final Four team to open that season. Add in football? Vanderbilt’s top three programs are a combined 42-3.

Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson (8) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game against Illinois State, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Montana State beats Illinois State in OT for 1st national title since 1984

January 5, 2026

Myles Sansted kicked the extra point in overtime as Montana State won its first national championship since 1984, beating Illinois State 35-34 Monday night in the Football Championship Subdivision title game. The Bobcats found a way to top a season that featured two wins over in-state rival Montana over a four-week span. Montana State found a way to top that with a thrilling finish in the first overtime in the 48 years of this title game. Justin Lamson tied with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Taco Dowler on fourth-and-10. Hunter Parsons blocked the extra point attempt after Tommy Rittenhouse gave Illinois State its only lead at 34-28 to open overtime.

Illinois State plays Montana State seeking 1st FCS title after historic playoff run

January 4, 2026

The Illinois State Redbirds already have made history by becoming the first team to win four straight playoff games on the road to reach the Football Championship Subdivision title game. Now, one of the last four teams into the 24-team playoff wants much more from its final road game Monday night: its first FCS title. The Redbirds took the long way to earning the program’s first berth in this game since 2014. They play No. 2 seed Montana State, with the Bobcats back for a second straight season and third in five years and looking for their first title since 1984.

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws to a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee and Illinois set for Music City Bowl with each team missing starters

December 29, 2025

Playing the Music City Bowl isn’t exactly what the Tennessee Volunteers once targeted in a season that featured four losses to teams inside the top 15 of the final College Football Playoff rankings. Coach Josh Heupel said there’s been some disappointment with Tennessee’s standard chasing and winning championships. Tennessee plays Illinois on Tuesday for the first time ever. The Vols can finish with nine wins for a fourth consecutive season for their longest such stretch since five straight between 1995 and 1999. Illinois can notch its first back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time in program history.

Heisman Trophy finalist Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia speaks during an NCAA college football news conference before the award ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Lawyer in Diego Pavia’s eligibility lawsuit against NCAA cites NBA draft pick’s return to college

December 26, 2025

A lawyer for Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia and 26 other football players has cited the NCAA’s decision to allow an NBA draft pick to return to college basketball as a reason that a federal judge should let his clients play in 2026 and 2027. On Wednesday, Baylor announced that 7-foot center James Nnaji had joined the Bears after four seasons playing professionally in Europe and being drafted by the NBA in 2023. Pavia plans to enter the NFL draft but is continuing the lawsuit challenging an NCAA rule that counts seasons spent at junior colleges against eligibility for Division I football. Other players including Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar have joined the case.

FILE - Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson takes questions during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days July 15, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter, File)

Vanderbilt’s Langston Patterson among 5 seeking injunction to play 2026 season

December 15, 2025

Five college football players at power-conference schools asked a federal judge on Monday for a preliminary injunction to play a fifth year next season. All five have competed four seasons in four years without taking a redshirt. They are linebacker Langston Patterson, kicker Nathanial Vakos and tight end Lance Mason at Vanderbilt; long snapper Nick Levy at Wisconsin; and long snapper Kevin Gallic at Nebraska. U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell granted an injunction nearly a year ago that allowed Diego Pavia to play this season. Pavia finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up leading Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record.

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea, center, celebrates the team's win with players after an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Vanderbilt was serious about scheduling a 13th game to bolster its CFP chances

December 7, 2025

Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea lobbied all week and offered to add a 13th game to the schedule, “in the parking lot” if they had to, for one more shot at impressing the College Football Playoff selection committee. He said Sunday the idea was no joke. His school’s chancellor and athletic director already were working behind the scenes trying to schedule a last-ditch effort for Vanderbilt’s most successful football team in school history. Vanderbilt was one of multiple schools that were skipped over because of the CFP’s conference champion qualifier rule.

Kentucky fans boo during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Gonzaga, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

‘No heart’: DeMarcus Cousins slams No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats after a brutal loss

December 5, 2025

The 18th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats have lost back-to-back games and three of their last five. Worse, they are struggling to shoot. Panic is bubbling up in the Bluegrass State. Fans booed the Wildcats off the court at halftime Friday night and headed to the exits before Kentucky’s miserable and ugly 94-59 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga. The Wildcats now are 5-4. Onetime Kentucky one-and-done star DeMarcus Cousins didn’t hold back on his opinion on social media saying this team has no hard and is hard to watch. Kentucky coach Mark Pope took no issue issue with Cousins’ opinion. He said the Wildcats have to dig themselves out of a bad spot.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) and Xavier Swallows, left, make the Heisman pose after the team's win an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Diego Pavia throws TD pass in OT and No. 15 Vanderbilt holds off Auburn 45-38

November 8, 2025

Diego Pavia threw a 4-yard pass to Cole Spence in overtime, and No. 15 Vanderbilt rallied from a 10-point deficit to beat Auburn 45-38. The win keeps hopes of a College Football Playoff berth alive for Vanderbilt. The Commodores had left themselves with no room to spare after losing 34-31 last week at Texas. Auburn’s Ashton Daniels tied it up at 38-all by throwing a 23-yard TD pass to Cam Coleman before finding Coleman again for a 2-point conversion with 5:27 left. In overtime, needing to match Pavia’s TD, Daniels overthrew Coleman in the end zone on fourth-and-7.

Texas Tech students throw tortillas before the NCAA college football game against Kansas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)

Has parity arrived in college football? Transfer portal, NIL money credited for tighter games

October 22, 2025

The transfer portal and NIL money have helped level the playing field across college football. The result is the type of parity that makes the NFL must-see TV with the competition tighter than ever, especially in the Power Four conferences. In the Southeastern Conference, the average margin of victory is just 10.0 points per game. That is on pace to be the lowest for any power conference since at least 2000. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea says he feels like he’s coaching in the NFL now.

Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Diego Pavia accounts for 3 TDs to lead No. 17 Vanderbilt over No. 10 LSU, 31-24

October 18, 2025

Diego Pavia threw for 160 yards and a score and ran for 86 yards and two more touchdowns as No. 17 Vanderbilt beat 10th-ranked LSU 31-24 to snap a 10-game skid against the Tigers. Vanderbilt never trailed in what was the fourth meeting since 1947 with both schools ranked in the AP poll. Vanderbilt beat LSU for the first time since 1990. The Tigers had some big plays with Garrett Nussmeier throwing for 225 yards and two TDs, including a 62-yarder to Zavion Thomas. Caden Durham also had a 51-yard run down to the Vandy 2 before the Commodores forced LSU to settle for one of four field-goal attempts.

FILE - North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) dunks against Memphis during the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic NCAA college basketball exhibition game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill, File)

March Madness in October? Top programs using exhibitions to cash in and check team chemistry

October 16, 2025

The last weekend of October now looks like the second week of March Madness even though the games don’t count. The NCAA recently changed rules to allow more exhibitions without requiring proceeds to go to charity. This has led to more high-profile matchups between top programs before the season officially starts. The games provide a chance to test chemistry with rosters being overhauled every season because of transfers. They also provide a new revenue source for cash-hungry schools sharing revenue with athletes.

Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo talks with players before an NBA basketball preseason game against the Detroit Pistons, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Full-court sprints and inhalers: Grizzlies put their trust in Tuomas Iisalo to bring about a new era

October 13, 2025

Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo told the Grizzlies in exit meetings last spring to be ready to play faster when they returned this fall. Now they know just how fast Iisalo wants his Grizzlies moving both on and off the court. Guard Ja Morant says they might need inhalers, which should tell everyone what they need to know. Iisalo took over in late March and had little time to make many changes. The Grizzlies gave him the job after a first-round loss to Oklahoma City. The Grizzlies then spent the summer retooling the roster around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charleston Southern, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

NCAA back in court over eligibility rules for Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia

September 16, 2025

The NCAA is in court over its eligibility rules with Tuesday’s hearing focused on Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. He is playing his fourth Division I season under a preliminary injunction. Attorney Rakesh Kilaru argues that the NCAA’s rules don’t violate antitrust laws and the association plans to enforce them. The appeals court’s decision won’t affect Pavia this season who also has an NCAA waiver through the 2025-26 academic year. Attorney Ryan Downton argues the rule limits the labor market by counting junior college seasons. The attorney also says Pavia plans to play in the NFL in 2026 while fighting for other junior college athletes to have the same opportunities.

Handful of college athletes sue NCAA over redshirt rule in case that could cover thousands

September 2, 2025

Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson and former Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager are among 10 plaintiffs suing the NCAA over its redshirt rule that puts restrictions on the five years the athletes have to practice, play and graduate from college. The class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee alleges the NCAA violates U.S. antitrust laws with how its redshirt rule covers playing time for athletes during five seasons of eligibility. The lawsuit includes seven other named plaintiffs and potentially thousands of current and former NCAA football, baseball and tennis players.

Fans cheer during a flyover before the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Race on for Bristol Motor Speedway to prepare for NASCAR after hosting the MLB Speedway Classic

August 4, 2025

A new clock started the instant the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Braves cleared the baseball diamond inside the infield at Bristol Motor Speedway. “The Last Great Colosseum” has to switch from hosting the MLB Speedway Classic and be ready for NASCAR’s return to the historic racetrack hosting a playoff chase race Sept. 13. Materials like gravel, plywood and 2×4 boards will be donated to help with the recovery from Hurricane Helene. Pit walls torn down for the MLB game will have to be rebuilt. The plan for this renovation is being ready for racing Sept. 7 and no later than Sept. 9.

Rod Bruchell installs signs outside Bristol Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Bristol, Tenn., the day before the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Bristol Motor Speedway set to host Tennessee’s first MLB game with record crowd

August 1, 2025

Bristol Motor Speedway is ready to make history again by hosting the first Major League Baseball game in Tennessee. The stage or racetrack in this case has been set for Saturday night for the biggest crowd ever at a regular season baseball game at the MLB Speedway Classic Bristol Motor Speedway is ready to make history again by hosting the first Major League Baseball game in Tennessee. Seeing the venue on paper is one thing. What MLB has done tucking a baseball field inside the infield of the half-mile bullring at Bristol is impressive even with a Sunoco sign can be seen in one corner.

Nashville grows from ‘not a soccer city’ to hosting Club World Cup matches

June 9, 2025

Soccer fans in Music City once numbered so few that someone could recognize a car’s driver by the bumper sticker. Now? Don’t wave. Odds are that’s a stranger. Soccer has grown by leaps and bounds from the immigrants who played at a park decades ago through semi-pro ball to teams drawing only a diehard fans. That thirst for soccer helped Nashville go from an outside chance at a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to drawing the biggest crowd to see a match in the state of Tennessee in February 2020. Now Nashville SC will be hosting Club World Cup games at GEODIS Park in June.

Bubba Wallace puts on his helmet before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

NASCAR’s new $1M In-season Challenge starts with drivers focused more on winning races

June 2, 2025

Bubba Wallace sees NASCAR as having all the momentum possible right now with different media partners. Perfect timing then for NASCAR’s In-season Challenge to debut, right? Well, Wallace forgot that was about to debut even as he thinks this will be a way to get fans even more invested. Kyle Larson also didn’t realize NASCAR’s new in-season competition had its field set after the Cup Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway. Larson said he hadn’t seen any promotion of the competition. NASCAR announced this new in-season competition in May 2024. The next three races will seed 32 drivers for the competition starting at Atlanta on June 28.

Ryan Blaney races to first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the year at Nashville

June 1, 2025

Ryan Blaney kicked off the second half of the NASCAR season by running away down the stretch for his first Cup Series victory of the year Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway. The 2023 Cup champ had been racing well with five top-five finishes over the first half of this season. He finally got to victory lane in the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske for his 14th career victory and first since Martinsville in November. He became the ninth different winner this season and the fifth driver to win in as many races at Nashville.

TERESA M. WALKER Sports Writer.