FRISCO, Texas — Throughout Tuesday’s Large 12 Media Days, UCF linebacker Keli Lawson and defensive finish Nyjalik Kelly took their time answering questions from a small group of reporters.
Among the many crowd, a booming voice caught their consideration, and it was onerous to miss Lee Hunter, who stood out at 6-foot-4 and 325 kilos. Hunter was doing his finest to seize the second on his smartphone, giving his finest impression of a journalist.
Kelly burst out laughing earlier than ultimately shaking fingers together with his former teammate.
Hunter spent the previous three seasons enjoying defensive deal with for the Knights earlier than getting into the switch portal after final season’s disappointing 4-8 end. He drew curiosity from a number of groups earlier than ultimately signing with Texas Tech in an NIL deal reportedly price $1.9 million.
“It wasn’t very tough,” Hunter stated of his determination to go away UCF. “I loved the method and I’m blessed to be at Texas Tech. It’s an ideal facility and nice individuals.”
UCF travels to Lubbock to face the Crimson Raiders on Nov. 15, opening the door for Hunter to sq. off in opposition to his former teammates.
“I’m trying ahead to it since you’re at all times trying ahead to enjoying in opposition to the crew that gave you a chance,” he stated. “I’m a Crimson Raider and I’m excited to be right here and I’ve no regrets about it.”
Former #UCF defensive deal with Lee Hunter interviews Nyjalik Kelly and Keli Lawson throughout Large 12 Media Days. pic.twitter.com/0k2QgNRoe5
— Matt Murschel (@osmattmurschel) July 8, 2025
Pop-Tarts in Eire: Pop-Tarts is increasing its relationship with faculty soccer past the wildly profitable Pop-Tarts Bowl, sending its two surviving edible mascots to Dublin, Eire, to take part within the 2025 Aer Lingus School Soccer Basic.
This 12 months’s sport encompasses a matchup between the previous two Pop-Tarts Bowl winners in Kansas State (2023) and Iowa State (2024).
“We’re thrilled to welcome Pop-Tarts as an official companion of the 2025 Aer Lingus Basic. Their entertaining strategy to fan engagement provides a uniquely enjoyable aspect to this 12 months’s occasion,” John Anthony, co-founder of the Aer Lingus Basic and government VP of On Location, stated in an announcement.
This 12 months’s Aer Lingus School Soccer Basic kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 23, at midday on ESPN.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl takes place on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
Embracing the WWE: The Large 12 has prolonged its partnership with the WWE, highlighted by the printed of Friday Night time SmackDown from Large 12 markets on the eve of 4 convention video games all through the 2025 season.
The primary SmackDown will likely be held on Friday, Aug. 22, at 3Arena in Dublin, Eire, on the eve of the 2025 Aer Lingus School Soccer Basic. SmackDown will even happen in Cincinnati (Oct. 3), Tempe (Oct. 24) and Salt Lake Metropolis (Oct. 31).
“There’s at all times a possibility to get new eyes and there are such a lot of individuals who aren’t aware of WWE, or who could be misplaced followers,” stated Large E, former WWE champion. “Our product is recent. We’ve some nice new stars on each the ladies’s and males’s sides in addition to some unbelievable athletes. So we’re hoping to develop our viewers with this partnership with the Large 12.”
All-Large 12 crew: The preseason All-Large 12 soccer crew was launched on Monday and Arizona State led all colleges with 5 gamers making the listing. ASU’s Sam Leavitt was named first-team quarterback alongside as Offensive Participant of the Yr. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was named Defensive Participant of the Yr whereas Utah quarterback Devon Dampier was named Newcomer of the Yr. Dampier beforehand performed at New Mexico.
No UCF gamers earned a spot on both the offense or the protection.
Please discover me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Electronic mail: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Join the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly publication for a roundup of all our UCF protection.