New QB, who dis?

The GIST: Gather your war room, because the 2024 NFL Draft begins tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. First, brush up on how it all works, then re-learn the difference between passer rating and total quarterback (QB) rating ahead of what’s expected to be a QB-heavy first round.

Caleb Williams, USC: The 2022–23 Heisman Trophy winner is the projected overall No. 1 pick — the Chicago Bears have been thirsting for him for months. Despite USC’s tough season, QB1 Williams put up dazzling numbers as he demonstrated the high football IQ that makes him a dream for NFL coaches. Plus, his mani is always on point.

Jayden Daniels, LSU: If you think Williams’ numbers are good, wait ’til you see Daniels’. The reigning Heisman winner shot to stardom after transferring from Arizona State to LSU for his final season, using his generational athleticism to give new meaning to the phrase “productive offense.” If the glow-up continues, he’ll be contending for NFL MVP in no time.

Drake Maye, UNC: At 21 years old, Maye’s one of the youngest QBs in this draft class — Daniels and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. are 23, while Oregon’s Bo Nix is 24. He played just three collegiate seasons, and only two as a starter, but that could be a plus for NFL teams: If he’s already this good, the limit on his potential may(e) not exist.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State: In a year jam-packed with QB talent, this wide receiver (WR) managed to earn a Heisman finalist nod — and he’ll likely be the highest non–QB draft pick, too. Ohio State’s legacy as the program with the most first-round draft picks is in good hands…like, really good hands.

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan: McCarthy’s one of this draft’s biggest mysteries: Former head coach Jim Harbaugh confirms McCarthy has the makings of a great NFL QB, but he didn’t have an especially flashy season. Nonetheless, he outdueled the aforementioned Penix in the national championship and will certainly help Michigan break Georgia’s record for most players taken in a draft.

The GIST: Women’s golf is having a moment, and the NCAA is adding to the momentum with today’s 2 p.m. ET national championship selection show on the Golf Channel. Will the next Rose Zhang please stand up?

How regionals work: At today’s selection show, a whopping 72 teams and 36 individuals from non-qualifying teams will officially punch their tickets to regionals. They’ll be evenly divided across six regionals, where they’ll play 54 holes, aka three rounds, from May 6th to 8th. That’s more links than an influencer’s Insta.

• Each region’s five leading teams, plus one top individual, will advance to May 17th’s opening round of the championship final. It’s like The Hunger Games, but with skorts.

Players to know: No. 5 LSU grad student Ingrid Lindblad is riding high as the country’s top collegiate golfer, but No. 2 Julia Lopez Ramirez of No. 22 Mississippi State outshone her in last week’s SEC Championship, snagging the individual title and pushing the Bulldogs to their first-ever SEC crown over eight higher-ranked squads. Tough.

• But neither can match the hype surrounding No. 3 Lottie Woad. The sophomore for No. 19 Florida State is on a roll with her Augusta National Women’s Amateur win and standout performance at last weekend’s LPGA Chevron Championship. Could the ANNIKA Award be next?

🏖️ Beach volleyball: Pac-12 Championship — Today through Friday at various times — Pac-12 Network

• This conference houses the only two teams to ever win the natty — No. 1 USC and No. 2 UCLA — plus the only team to beat them both this season, No. 3 Stanford. In other words, this is likely the national championship, Part One.

🥍 Women’s lacrosse: No. 6 Virginia Cavaliers (13-3) vs. No. 14 UNC Tar Heels (10-5) — Today at 2 p.m. ET — ACC Network

• The ACC is so good at lax that even the tournament’s quarter-finals are must-see TV. When these teams met on February 23rd, the Heels escaped with an overtime road win — but Virginia’s picked up both steam and a recent landmark dub since then.

🥎 Softball: No. 16 Florida State Seminoles (36-10) vs. No. 12 Florida Gators (37-10) — Today at 6 p.m. ET — ESPN+

• After a tough season start, the Seminoles stopped the bleeding with 10 straight wins, but the Gators — the ’Noles’ first ranked opponent in over a month — will be a crucial test of that momentum. Sunshine State rivalries are one hell of a drug!!!

👟 Outdoor track & field: Penn Relays — Tomorrow through Saturday at various times — FloTrack

• The world’s oldest relay meet always attracts a ton of talent, and this year’s women’s field is particularly crowded: Ten nationally ranked teams, led by No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 4 Oregon, will compete at track & field’s biggest party.

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