A cool new initiative: NFL veteran Bud Dupree is co-founding the Next Play Showcase, a new platform designed to provide Via @RapSheet on X

What happened: Sports Academy will serve as the strategic operating partner. Athletes will receive performance testing, position-specific assessments and direct visibility with coaches and scouts.

Why it matters: The initiative targets transfer players seeking a new roster opportunity. Verified evaluations could help decision-makers assess athletes in a crowded portal market.

By the numbers: More than 7,500 college football players entered the transfer portal in 2024 and 2025. Public trackers list more than 2,000 without a commitment or withdrawal.

What to watch: Future phases are planned to extend the model beyond college football.

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