Mike Wittmann

Sources: The Utah State AD search continues with interviews next week. The “betting favorite” is NIU AD Sean Frazier. Also, Kent Haslam, a Logan native, is seen as a fast riser in the search with fundraising support coming for his candidacy.

Is he underrated though?

Sources have indicated that the Hawaii AD search should be wrapped up by early next week, if not sooner. Finalists were in person this week and were interviewed by the Governor, Mayor and other political leaders.

The general feeling is that some candidates never had a real chance, that what were presented as qualifications were actually disqualifications. It all feels like the decision was made from the start, and the rest was just for show.

Re: Hawaii AD search

A source close to the search says there’s growing frustration among local leadership, even on campus and some prominent members that the promised transparency has been kept behind closed doors.

First round of interviews will be today and tomorrow. Then on campus interviews to follow next week.

Sources: Interviews for the Hawaii AD position begin today. Among the eight candidates are:

Jim Donovan: Fullerton AD
Bob Moosbrugger: San Diego State
Wes Mallette: UCR AD
Matt Elliott: HCF/Former UCLA
George Killebrew: CRO/ PPA Tour
Keith Amemiya: Business/Politician

On the Hawaii AD search, I’m being told it’s up & running now, but hitting some challenges. The industry is hesitant due to how the previous AD was let go, turning off candidates. A lot of no’s so far, but Hawaii’s goal & expectation is to get someone w/AD experience.

Regarding the PAC media deal, top numbers in being told would be $12-14 million depending on when they play (late time slots), so may end up less if they prioritize more favorable start times.

As with everything, fluid situation.

Doing the math here, that means full Mountain West members would be in line for about $5 million in their new media deal.

Regarding @ExtraPointsMB reports this morning, on the MW, sources say:

Non-football schools would get a "half-share", around $2.5 million. This also points to a new media deal nearing completion, likely an ask from a media partner to make the deal more attractive for both sides

In the last four months, New Mexico has lost its:

Football offensive coordinator
Football head coach
Starting QB
Starting RB
No. 2 RB
Starting TE
No. 1 WR
No. 2 WR
No. 3 WR
No. 4 WR
Top tackler
No. 2 tackler
MWPOY point guard
Starting SG
Basketball head coach

to other schools

Utah Valley is in a good position and having some power in conference realignment due to their location as a western school, having the highest enrollment in the state of Utah, and growing success in athletics.

Regarding the Utah Valley/Big West news. I can confirm the report by Brett McMurphy.

Sources also tell me that Utah Valley is currently weighing offers from three conferences, inclusive of offers that will pay them to stay or leave.

Peak Perspective: 2025 State Recruiting Battles Which teams recruited which states the best this year?

www.mwcconnection.com/2025/2/19/24...

Mountain West Recruiting Roundup 2-17-25. 2025 Best Positions By Team It’s another week of the Mountain West Recruiting Roundup. The class of 2025 is signed, sealed, and delivered, but our coverage of the class is just getting started. New offers for the class of...

www.mwcconnection.com/2025/2/17/24...

Concepts USA society thinks they understand but don’t:

- the idea of karma
- the story of Romeo and Juliet
- the phrase “diamond in the rough”
- Irony

Jumbled recap of today’s news:

38 people voted no on the Superman trailer, but junior college athletes get extra eligibility to play Sonic 3.

Every game it gets more remarkable that Chicago can collectively be this bad at sports. So many bad teams, so many awful owners.

NEW: The Pop-Tart Bowl trophy is back and better than ever ... it is now a fully functional toaster trophy!

Pop-Tart partnered with GE Appliances to build this one-of-a-kind toaster trophy. It is about 1.3x the size of a normal football + can toast full-size Pop-Tarts.

SEC Heisman auto bids coming in 2026 confirmed

It’s a travesty Belichick likely won’t play in the Gronk Bowl. But I need him to get doused with mayo after winning the @dukesmayobowl.bsky.social in 2025.

Getting a Mountain West team in the state I live in wasn’t on my bingo card.

That potential NIU/Hawaii conference matchup is gonna be something.

THE FOUR HEISMAN FINALISTS HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN ANNOUNCED 🔥🍿

▪️ Dillon Gabriel (Oregon)
▪️ Travis Hunter (Colorado)
▪️ Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
▪️ Cam Ward (Miami)

Signing Day tomorrow!!!

I think there’s a chance but I highly doubt he plays. BJ represent on his show today.

The two sides appear several million off from a deal as of Thursday, although things could’ve changed one way or the other.

As I mentioned before, the lack of a solidified PAC12 media deal makes it hard to project money for Utah State.

Update on the Utah State job. Although info from sources is as of Thursday so this could be outdated by now.

Jay Hill sounds like the top target & asked for financial commitments for facility upgrades, renewed NIL emphasis, operational and staffing budgets.

College football still owned Black Friday, despite the NFL moving in. Awesome, ridiculous games all day.

Currently, talks are centered around budgets, NIL, and staff requirements. Utah State's move to the PAC is appealing, but because there is no media deal in place, it's hard to project what $$$ will look like.