On today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, Barry McKnight hosts solo for John Longshore, opening the week with a spirited recap of JJ Spaun’s improbable U.S. Open victory, including a 65-foot birdie putt that capped a triumphant run at Oakmont Country Club.

McKnight and guest Josh Harris lauded Spaun’s relatable grind, contrasting it with country club upbringings. The conversation veered from Spaun’s win to the College World Series, where Coastal Carolina’s 25-game win streak and a pivotal UCLA-LSU matchup led the baseball chatter. McKnight bemoaned Troy’s postseason snub despite its only series loss coming to Coastal. NBA Finals and WNBA headlines, including a hair-pulling altercation involving Angel Reese, rounded out the sports update.

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Beyond the field, the hosts dug into the looming July 1 changes from the House settlement that will let schools directly pay players and enforce NIL fair-market standards. McKnight raised concerns about whether Group of Five schools like Troy can remain competitive under the new $20.5 million compensation model. Conference realignment rumors added intrigue, with Texas State possibly joining the diminished Pac-12 and speculation about Sun Belt replacements like Louisiana Tech.