Southern Sports Edition
Jason Bishop Show June 11 2026
Mercer Mega Camp
By: Joseph Stuckey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The unofficial kickoff to football prospect camping season can be signified by 3 simple words: Mercer Mega Camps.
For football prospects across the southeastern United States, these camps give them an opportunity to show their skills in front of dozens of college coaches from across the country.
For the most part, the college football recruiting cycle consists of 3 parts before the start of the college football season, which is around Labor Day.
Once the new year rolls around, Junior Days will start happening, allowing rising seniors to visit college campuses.
Then, as we get closer to June, college coaches will be on the road visiting high schools and watching spring practice.
Then, basically, once June hits, college prospect camps will mix with official visits, allowing prospects to visit campuses across the country.
These prospect camps and official visits will run until the dead period hits around the 20th of June.
These camps usually take place on college campuses and are coached by various college coaching staff. Performing well at these camps and making an impression on coaches can really jumpstart a kid’s recruiting process and set them up for future success.
As the calendar flips to June, usually during the first few days of the month, Mercer Football will host their total exposure mega camps in Macon, Georgia.
The camps are hosted at Five-Star Stadium on the campus of Mercer University. There are numerous sessions each day with position groups broken up.
Normally, quarterbacks throw to wide receivers who are defended by defensive backs. Offensive and Defensive linemen compete against each other. And finally, running backs and linebackers compete together.
For under-recruited kids or underclassmen looking for exposure, this is a great opportunity to get on a college’s radar. These camps attract student-athletes from all over the Southeast, but the majority of the kids come from the state of Georgia.
Macon is basically the central point in Georgia and a short drive for most prospects. Given Georgia’s status as a recruiting hotbed, it’s no surprise that so many college coaches flock to the state during this time to attend these camps.
The energy at Five-Star Stadium during these camps is electric and provides a true opportunity for high-school athletes to be evaluated by college coaches across all levels. Coaches from power-4 schools all the way down to Division 3 schools are in attendance.
The camp is run by the Mercer Football staff, but the big draw for prospects is the dozens of other college coaches who will be in attendance.
This year, there were numerous power-4 teams advertised to be there, including: Oregon, Texas, Minnesota, Kentucky, North Carolina, and LSU. There were also many Group of 6 schools in attendance, including: Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, and Appalachian State. There were also several service academies in attendance, including Army-West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy.
With so many schools in attendance, each athlete can be truly evaluated by coaches based on their skill level and experience. These conversations with coaches at the camps are critical and can lead to scholarship offers and campus invites.
So, with these camps basically kicking off the football prospect recruiting season, at least for a few days in June, Macon becomes the epicenter of the college football universe.
What Colton Nussmeier Will Bring To Georgia Bulldogs
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Nussmeier. It’s a name that has been around the SEC for over a decade in multiple different roles and now the third Nussmeier will be entering the SEC in 2027. Colton Nussmeier committed to play for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Colton carries on the Nussmeier legacy after his older brother Garrett Nussmeier played quarterback for the LSU Fighting Tigers.
The older Nussmeier brother finished his 5-year LSU career with over 7,500 yards and 52 career scores. Garrett Nussmeier was the 7th round selection of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft and is now learning as the backup to Patrick Mahomes.
The Nussmeier brothers learned under their father Doug Nussmeier, who is currently the New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator and a veteran assistant in the NFL and College Football. He also worked with Kirby Smart under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2012-2013.
Colton has blazed his own trail as a standout quarterback as he enters his senior season of high school. Nussmeier is a four-star quarterback and ESPN’s No. 4 pocket passer for the 2027 class. The 6-3, 190 Texas native chose the Bulldogs over Arkansas and UCLA that had made up his “Final Three Teams.”
The rising senior will suit up for a new team for his final season in the high school ranks as earlier this year he transferred from Flower Mound Marcus Hs to the Dallas-Fort Worth powerhouse Denton Ryan Hs after injuries limited his junior season with Flower Mound Marcus.
As a first-year freshman starter in 2024, Nussmeier threw for over 1,900 yards, 16 touchdowns, with only 3 interceptions. Last season, Colton was hampered by a knee injury that limited his junior season to just eight games.
The commitment from the 4-star quarterback prospect closes the Bulldog’s search for a QB in the 2027 class that was a longer than normal search but marks the 4th top-300 pledge in the class.
Georgia has already landed commitments from the top running back in the class with Kemon Spell. The Dawgs also have one of the top tight ends Jaxon Dollar (#82 in the ESPN Top-300) and offensive tackle Kelsey Adams (#109 in the ESPN Top-300).
While the older Nussmeier (Garrett), took a lot of flack at times at LSU, there was consistency with him as a solid leader for the Tigers in his career (no surprise with his dad’s tutelage).
I know at times the “family heritage” playing a factor can get overblown, but this is one that feels that it has some legs.
The impact that Garrett had on the Tigers program on and off the field shows what this family is about, and while it can’t fully predict what Colton will be, it gives a great glimpse of where the upbringing started.
Pair that with the coaching from Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo in Athens, and even as someone that’s not a Georgia Fan, I’m excited to what Colton Nussmeier can turn into for the Bulldogs in a few years.
Georgia will have returner Gunner Stockton leading the offense in 2026.
Stockton has a 24-5 record as a starter for the Dawgs last few seasons. Next season (when Colton Nussmeier will be a Freshman in Athens), it’s expected to be Ryan Puglisi’s offense after serving as the backup to Stockton in 2025-2026.
The line of Georgia Quarterbacks has been a long and illustrious history and looks like the line continues with the newest Dawgs slinger committing recently.
Who Are The 2026 Diamond Dawgs?
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
For Georgia baseball fans, the wait is finally over. For the first time since 2008, the Bulldogs are headed back to Omaha and the College World Series.
After nearly two decades of watching other programs celebrate on college baseball’s biggest stage, Georgia has earned its place among the final eight teams standing. Now comes the exciting part. The Dawgs must finish the job.
Just getting to Omaha is an accomplishment. The College World Series is one of the most difficult events in sports to reach, requiring teams to survive the grind of the regular season, the SEC schedule, conference tournaments, regionals, and super regionals. Georgia has done all of that and enters Omaha as the highest remaining national seed.
What makes this run even more special is how complete it has been. These Bulldogs didn’t sneak into the field or catch lightning in a bottle at the right time.
They won the SEC regular season championship. They captured the SEC Tournament title for the first time in program history. They rolled through both the regional and super regional rounds with five consecutive postseason victories.
This team has earned every bit of the national attention it’s receiving.
For longtime Georgia fans, reaching Omaha brings back memories of the program’s proud history. The Bulldogs won the national championship in 1990 and made several College World Series appearances during the 2000s. But since the heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2008, Omaha has felt frustratingly distant.
That is why this trip feels different. There is a sense that Georgia isn’t simply happy to be invited. Head coach Wes Johnson and his players have consistently carried themselves with confidence and purpose throughout the season.
The message has been clear. This is not a celebration trip. This is a championship pursuit.
The Bulldogs certainly have the offensive firepower to make that dream a reality. Georgia enters the College World Series leading the nation with 174 home runs.
Every inning feels dangerous for opposing pitchers because there are threats throughout the lineup. One swing can change a game, and Georgia has produced those swings all season long.
Led by veteran stars and an experienced lineup, the Bulldogs have demonstrated an ability to score in bunches and deliver in pressure situations. Their offense has become one of the most feared units in college baseball.
Of course, Omaha is never easy. Georgia opens against a talented Texas team that has its own championship aspirations.
The Longhorns are making their 39th College World Series appearance and have played some of their best baseball during the postseason.
A victory over Texas would immediately position Georgia as a serious favorite to reach the championship series.
The road beyond that won’t get any easier. Alabama, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Ole Miss, West Virginia, and Troy all arrive in Omaha believing they can win the national title. Nobody gets this far by accident.
Still, there is plenty of reason for Bulldog fans to believe. This team has already accomplished things that few Georgia squads ever have. The Bulldogs have shown resilience, confidence, and the ability to rise to every challenge placed before them. They have excelled under pressure and embraced the expectations that come with being one of the nation’s best teams.
Most importantly, they have given Georgia fans something priceless. Hope.
Hope that the championship drought that stretches back to 1990 is nearing its end.
Hope that the celebration that slipped away in 2008 can finally be completed in 2026.
Hope that when the final out of the College World Series is recorded, it will be Georgia players dogpiling on the field.
Omaha is where champions are made. The Bulldogs have waited 18 years for another chance. Now they have it. And Bulldog Nation cannot wait to see what happens next.
Who Will Atlanta Hawks Take In NBA Draft?
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2026 NBA Draft starts on June 23rd. Let’s take a look at teams from the Southeast and see who they should select in the first round.
#3 Memphis Grizzlies (25-57): This is a great position to be in. As long as a team is inside the top 5 they have the chance to get a franchise player and future super star.
I think the best-case scenario here would be Cameron Boozer (Duke). The 6’8 forward is the son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer. Boozer was the National college player of the year, ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. He averaged 22.5 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game last season.
Point guard Ja Morant is still on the roster but he might be traded. This would be a great pick regardless if he stays with the team. They have another first round pick.
#8 Atlanta Hawks (46-36): The Hawks traded four-time NBA All-Star point guard Trae Young in January. The reason I pointed that out to say they need a point guard.
I think the best fir would be Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville). The 6’5 guard was on the ACC All-Rookie team and third-team All-ACC in 2026. He averaged 18.2 ppg and 4.7 apg. He scored 45 points against NC State, breaking Cooper Flagg’s ACC freshman single game scoring record.
Atlanta’s offense runs through NBA All-Star power forward Jalen Johnson so Brown will have a playmaker to rely on. They have another pick later in the first round.
#13 Miami Heat (43-39): Elite prospects are off the board at this point. Miami should be open to drafting the best available player here, regardless of position. Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins are entering the final year of their contracts.
I think they really need frontcourt depth beyond Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. Power forward Hannes Steinbach (Washington) would be a good fit. He’s 6’11 and he was the NCAA rebounding leader last season. He was also third-team All-Big Ten.
Steinbach averaged 18.5 ppg and 11.8 rpg while shooting over 57% from the field.
#14 Charlotte Hornets (44-38): Their biggest need is interior scoring. They have a good core they can build around. Charlotte led the league in made threes last season (16.4 per game). They made 37.8% of them, which ranked third overall.
I believe 6’9 forward Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) would be a good pick. He won a national championship with the Wolverines last year. He was also on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team and Second-team All-Big Ten. He averaged 13.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg. They also have the 18th pick.
#16 Memphis: 6’3 guard Christian Anderson Jr. (Texas Tech) might be the player taken. The sophomore from Atlanta averaged 18.5 ppg, 7.4 apg and rpg. He was the Big 12 Most Improved Player, First-team All-Big 12 and a Third-team All-American.
#18 Charlotte: Center Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn) is 6’11 and pounds. He was First-team All-Big East in 2026. He averaged 14.7 ppg, 9 rpg and he made 60.7% of his shots.
#23 Atlanta: Small forward Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers) is a 6’8 wing that played professionally in New Zealand. He averaged 11.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg while playing 25.8 minutes per game.
The GHSA Transfer Rule
By: Ron Reagin
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
We have all seen how GHSA transfer and eligibility rules can change the course of a season with a single decision.
One case in particular still gets talked about around South Georgia, the Jake Garcia situation that gave birth to what many now call the “Jake Garcia Rule.”
The Jake Garcia Case (2020): Highly recruited quarterback Jake Garcia transferred from California to Valdosta High School prior to the 2020 season. He was initially ruled eligible and even played in the season opener. After an ESPN interview raised questions about the family’s move, the GHSA reversed its decision. Garcia was declared ineligible because they determined the family had not made a true “bona fide move.” Valdosta was forced to forfeit a win.
To add insult to injury, Garcia then transferred to Grayson, where he was quickly ruled eligible and played a major role in their state title run that year.
The case highlighted how the GHSA interprets its own rules and led to stricter enforcement moving forward. The lack of clear transparency from the GHSA also fueled speculation and public scrutiny about perceived north/south differences in how rules are applied.
In what many viewed as a “saving face” move, the GHSA strengthened its by-law (By-Law 1.64), which now clearly states: A student who is not eligible at the former school cannot regain eligibility that same year by transferring to a new school. This became known by some as the “Jake Garcia Rule.”
How We Got Here: For decades, the cornerstone of GHSA transfer rules has been the bona fide move requirement; the entire family unit must actually move into the new school’s attendance zone for immediate eligibility. Without it, a transferring student is labeled a “migrant student” and must sit out one full calendar year at the varsity level.
The Garcia case accelerated a trend toward much stricter scrutiny, especially on high-profile and out-of-state transfers.
This led to major rule changes for the 2025–2026 school year:
Automatic one-year ineligibility for second transfers after 9th grade.
Much stricter documentation requirements for proving a bona fide move.
These changes were also driven by big numbers. GHSA Executive Director Tim Scott reported that roughly 59,000 of the state’s 460,000 student-athletes, or 1 in 8 were transfers during the 2024-25 school year.
My Take from the Booth: The GHSA has a very tough, and legitimate job protecting high school sports from recruiting and undue influence. Most of us don’t want programs turning into free-agent destinations.
However, the stricter rules and the heavy burden placed on families to prove a move was not for athletic reasons and have created real frustration in many cases.
All while seemingly having little effect on some high-profile programs with a history of multiple transfers every semester.
With the new PSRF system making every win matter more, these eligibility and transfer decisions now carry even heavier weight. One ruling can shift an entire season as proven with the Jake Garcia situation and others.
The system isn’t perfect, no system ever will be. But greater transparency and more consistent application of the rules would go a long way toward rebuilding trust between the GHSA, schools, coaches and the families of student athletes in this new era of NIL and extremely competitive college recruiting in Georgia.
Does Skubal To Braves Make Sense?
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As summer starts to run the thermostat up a couple degrees each day, another element begins to heat up as well…The MLB Trade Market.
One name that keeps being brought up is the back-to-back reigning Cy Young Award Winner in Terik Skubal. While Skubal has been on the 15-day Injured List since the start of May with “Loose bodies in his left elbow” Skubal’s name is still the top target available in the trade market in 2026.
While there is a hefty portion of Braves Country that scoff at the notion of the Braves throwing their hat in contention for the prized left-hander and think “just another year we’re in the discussion, but no move,” this year may be the year that the blockbuster trade calls Atlanta home.
Skubal has been a Tiger his whole career since being the 9th round selection by Detroit in 2018 out of Seattle University.
The lefty made his MLB Debut about 2 years later in 2020 with 7 starts and 8 appearances with the big club, and the numbers have improved ever since.
Ever since 2023, Skubal hasn’t had an ERA above a 3.00 for the last 4 seasons. The 2024 and 2025 AL Cy Young Award Winner, recorded the most strikeouts in the AL in 2024 and 2nd most Ks in the AL last season in 2025.
So why now? Why would the Braves be the prime landing spot for the 29-year-old south paw?
One of the big reasons is when you look at all of the moves that Alex Anthopolous has made the last 4-5 years to lock up fixture pieces to long-term extensions, there are very few open spots in the lineup and defensive positions, so pitching is one of the few areas for opportunities.
Shortstop is the only position that would be up for grabs after 2027 if the current landscape for the Braves holds, and the only other contract that expires before 2029 is Ozzie Albies who comes to the end of his extension in 2028.
So not only is there not a ton of space to go and get another bat to bolster this already stout lineup, but it also has a backlog of talent in the minor leagues that is appealing to other teams (including the Tigers).
Cam Caminiti and JR Ritchie seem to be the prize picks for the Braves minor league organization but position players like Tate Southisene and Alex Lodise are young (19 & 22 respectively), but profile to have huge upsides down the line.
Alex Anthopolous has shown his willingness to part with young minor league pieces in order to bring in “right now” talent to win a World Championship and Skubal could be the next piece in this.
Now you may be asking “Why would the Braves go after someone that’s on the injured list right now?” Reports have stated that Skubal would start his rehab appearance beginning this weekend and could rejoin the big club after just one rehab start with High-A Western Michigan, so he is close to his return.
No doubt the price will be high. Skubal signed a 1 year, $32 million contract prior to this season, but I believe it could be worth it to not only have Skubal the rest of the season, but to sign him for a 3–4-year deal in addition to in order to bolster the already dangerous rotation for the next few years.
Chris Sale is 37, and has the club option throughout the 2028 season, but after that you’re probably looking for someone to replace the top of your rotation, and what better place to look than right down the line that’s already in place.
Jason Bishop Show June 4 2026
Sam Hubbard Stays Home
By: Joseph Stuckey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Statesboro is buzzing over the recent hometown commitment of left-handed pitcher Sam Hubbard.
The Georgia Southern Eagles recently received a verbal commitment from the Bulloch Academy standout pitcher in the class of 2027.
Of course, both Bulloch Academy and Georgia Southern are located in Statesboro, Georgia, with the campuses less than 5 minutes apart from each other.
The rising senior is listed at 5 feet 10 inches and 178 pounds, which is an ideal frame for a developing pitcher. Anytime there is a GSU Eagle from Bulloch County or one of the surrounding counties, it really gets the fanbase excited in Statesboro.
An added bonus for GSU, being the hometown team, the Eagles are considered a baseball factory and have produced numerous MLB draft picks over the years.
The Eagles compete in the Sun Belt Conference, which is quickly becoming a power conference in college baseball, with GSU alongside teams like Southern Miss and Coastal Carolina.
The program has a strong reputation for developing players and consistently fields competitive teams in the Sun Belt Conference. Just a few years ago, the Eagles were a top 16 seed in the College World Series and hosted a regional in Statesboro. I say all of that to reiterate my point of how Hubbard staying home may turn out to be one of the best decisions he could make to continue his baseball career.
Hubbard is a multi-sport athlete who plays football in the fall and baseball in the springtime. He was the quarterback who helped lead Bulloch Academy football to its 2024 GIAA 4-A State Championship, which coincidentally was held under the lights at GSU’s Paulson Stadium.
Under his tenure as quarterback, the team claimed a Region Championship (2024), hosted an Elite-8 appearance at the swamp in Statesboro (2025), and, of course, the aforementioned State Championship (2024).
Hubbard can throw the deep ball to the Gators’ arsenal of receivers, but his true weapon on the football field is his ability to scramble when needed.
The Gators have really relied on him to get tough yards, and he has shown he truly has ice in his veins at times. The Bulloch Academy fanbase is really excited about this upcoming football season with Hubbard at Quarterback, along with a loaded Senior class of standout athletes.
He has also had great success on the baseball diamond. In the 2026 baseball season, he set the new single-season program record with 100 strikeouts. He also had some impressive outings this season, including the final outing of his junior year, where he recorded 14 strikeouts and allowed only walked 1 batter.
In his first 2 outings of the season, he pitched only 6 innings but struck out 15 batters. It also came out this week that Sam was selected to the District 2 All-Region team as well as the GIAA 4-A All-State team.
Hubbard has also participated in the New Balance Future Stars series, Perfect Game Georgia, and Perfect Game Florida, where his fastball has been clocked at 86-89 miles per hour.
He has also been featured on Prep Baseball Georgia during his time in high school.
With these high strikeout rates, Sam really has the potential to be a front-of-the-rotation starter in college.
With his decision to stay local and play for Georgia Southern, Sam is poised to become a hometown hero and a role model for future generations of Statesboro athletes.
As the baseball community in Statesboro looks ahead, I see Sam as a dominant force in the Sun Belt Conference over the next few years.
Camden County Wildcats New Defensive Coordinator
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
When Tucker Pruitt arrived at Camden County High School earlier this year, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Wildcats football program was how quickly the new coaching staff could come together and establish its identity.
Pruitt’s track record spoke for itself. The veteran head coach built championship programs at Fitzgerald and Appling County and arrived in Kingsland with a reputation for developing tough, disciplined football teams.
But no successful head coach does it alone. Building a staff is just as important as building a roster. That is where Alan Rodemaker enters the picture.
The new Camden County defensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience, championship credentials, and perhaps most importantly, an unmistakable passion for the game.
For football fans across South Georgia, Rodemaker is a familiar name. He served as head coach at Valdosta High School from 2016 through 2019 and immediately made an impact, guiding the Wildcats to the 2016 state championship.
That title was Valdosta’s first football state championship in 18 years and cemented Rodemaker’s reputation as one of the area’s top defensive minds.
Prior to joining Camden County, Rodemaker also spent time at Colquitt County, serving as defensive coordinator and safeties coach while continuing to build a reputation for fielding aggressive, disciplined defenses.
His coaching résumé is impressive, but those who have spent time around Rodemaker will tell you that statistics and championships only tell part of the story. What truly stands out is his energy.
All you have to do is listen to Rodemaker following a practice or a game to understand how deeply he cares about football and the young men he coaches. If you’ve ever heard his voice, you won’t forget it.
Years ago, I remember hearing Coach Rodemaker call in to a radio show focused on Valdosta football. You could tell just how demanding his practice had been simply by listening to his voice. The intensity was unmistakable. You could literally hear the passion.
That same passion is now making its way into the Camden County football program.
I saw a recent social media post where he was asked why he coaches, and Rodemaker’s answer reveals exactly what motivates him.
“I coach to compete in the greatest team sport ever created since I can’t play anymore. I love to help raise young men and help them achieve more than they ever dreamed of and I get the biggest thrill of seeing a young freshman grow into a senior ready to take on life.”
That perspective aligns perfectly with the culture Pruitt has emphasized since arriving at Camden. Winning football games matters but developing young men remains the ultimate goal.
Competition has been a recurring theme throughout Pruitt’s first several months on the job.
Throughout spring practice and the Blue-White Game, Pruitt stressed eliminating mistakes, improving fundamentals, and creating a culture where players compete every day for improvement. Rodemaker appears to be a natural fit within that philosophy.
As Camden County continues navigating a unique transition following the coaching changes that occurred during the offseason, having experienced leaders on staff becomes even more valuable.
Rodemaker has coached in some of the biggest football environments in Georgia and understands the expectations that come with leading a high-profile program.
The Wildcats still have plenty of work ahead before the season kicks off this fall. New schemes are being installed. Players are learning new responsibilities. Coaches are continuing to evaluate personnel. But one thing already seems clear. The Camden County defense is being led by a coach whose passion for football is impossible to miss and whose championship experience speaks for itself.
For Tucker Pruitt, and all of us with Camden-blue blood, that makes Alan Rodemaker exactly the kind of coach you want helping build the next chapter of Wildcat football.
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