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Northwestern has announced its complete schedules for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, which includes one change to the 2015 nonconference slate.

The Wildcats will play home-and-home series with Stanford and Duke in both seasons. A scheduled 2015 game against Army has been replaced with a home date against Eastern Illinois. Northwestern will also play Ball State in 2015 and Western Michigan and Illinois State as part of the 2016 nonconference schedule.

While Army likely would have been a more interesting game than Eastern Illinois, the Wildcats appear to have a sound strategy in their nonconference scheduling. They're playing one really good BCS opponent (even though there might not be such a thing as BCS in 2015) in Stanford, another major-conference foe but a winnable game in Duke and then two games against lower-level competition.

This year's schedule, which opens with Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Boston College in successive weeks, is probably a bit too ambitious. Sure, none of those teams is an elite-caliber opponent, but all are major-conference teams that will provide difficult games. Since Northwestern has been hovering around the 6-6 or 7-5 mark the past two years, it makes little sense to build so many obstacles in the pre-conference portion of the schedule. And by 2015, seven wins may be the requirement to reach a bowl game.

Here are the complete 2015 and 2016 schedules for the Wildcats:

2015

Sept. 5 vs. Stanford
Sept. 12 vs. Eastern Illinois
Sept. 19 at Duke
Sept. 26 vs. Ball State
Oct. 3 at Iowa
Oct. 10 vs. Minnesota
Oct. 17 at Nebraska
Oct. 24 Open Date
Oct. 31 vs. Purdue
Nov. 7 at Indiana
Nov. 14 vs. Michigan
Nov. 21 vs. Michigan State
Nov. 28 at Illinois

2016
Sept. 3 vs. Western Michigan
Sept. 10 vs. Illinois State
Sept. 17 vs. Duke
Sept. 24 at Stanford
Oct. 1 vs. Nebraska
Oct. 8 at Purdue
Oct. 15 at Michigan
Oct. 22 vs. Iowa
Oct. 29 at Minnesota
Nov. 5 Open Date
Nov. 12 vs. Indiana
Nov. 19 at Michigan State
Nov. 26 vs. Illinois

The Big Ten released its conference football schedules for the 2015 and 2016 seasons on Monday. Here’s a look at the Northwestern Wildcats' and Illinois Fighting Illini's schedules for both seasons.

Northwestern

2015
Oct. 3: at Iowa
Oct. 10: Minnesota
Oct. 17: at Nebraska
Oct. 31: Purdue
Nov. 7: at Indiana
Nov. 14: Michigan
Nov. 21: Michigan State
Nov. 28: at Illinois

2016
Oct. 1: Nebraska
Oct. 8: at Purdue
Oct. 15: at Michigan
Oct. 22: Iowa
Oct. 29: at Minnesota
Nov. 12: Indiana
Nov. 19:at Michigan State
Nov. 26: Illinois

Illinois

2015
Oct. 3: at Penn State
Oct. 10: at Indiana
Oct. 17: Wisconsin
Oct. 24: Michigan
Oct. 31: at Iowa
Nov. 14: Ohio State
Nov. 21: at Purdue
Nov. 28: Northwestern

2016
Oct. 1: Penn State
Oct. 8: Indiana
Oct. 15: at Wisconsin
Oct. 22: at Ohio State
Oct. 29: Iowa
Nov. 5: at Michigan
Nov. 19: Purdue
Nov. 26: at Northwestern

During the course of spring practice, Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett visited 11 of the 12 league schools, getting an up-close look at the players and coaches who will shape the 2012 season.

Now it's time for them to share their thoughts on what they saw and learned this spring, and you can follow along as they exchange emails. Check out the Leaders Division exchange here. They now turn their focus to the Legends Division.

Adam Rittenberg: Let's take a look at what I believe to be the stronger division in 2012. You spent a lot of time in the Mitten State last month, and while you didn't gorge yourself like you did in America's Dairyland, you got the money quote of spring ball from Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, who said, "We're laying in the weeds. We've beat Michigan the last four years. So where's the threat?" How spicy is the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry getting, and how good do you think these two teams will be this season after visiting both campuses?

Brian Bennett: Oh, there was some serious gorging going on at Zingerman's in Ann Arbor and Sparty's in East Lansing. Good thing there's only one spring practice session per year.

Anyway, I went into the spring thinking Michigan and Michigan State were the two strongest teams in the league, and I didn't see anything to change my opinion. While the Wolverines are more focused on Ohio State and even Alabama, they know they have to end their losing streak against Michigan State. And the Spartans take serious pride in that four-game run while bristling at all the offseason accolades thrown toward Brady Hoke's team. Oct. 20 can't come soon enough, as far as I'm concerned.

If the two teams played right now, I'd definitely take Michigan State. Dantonio has done a terrific job of developing depth on both lines and all over the defense. There's not a deeper team in the Big Ten, and the Spartans' physical play has given Michigan fits. The Wolverines still need to figure some things out in the trenches, especially on the defensive line, but that's one area where Hoke and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison excel. I believe these two teams will be neck and neck all year for the Legends title.

Of course, there's another team lurking in the division, and that's Nebraska. You went to Lincoln this spring, and it sounded like the Cornhuskers are feeling mighty ambitious this season. Do they have the necessary tools to back up their lofty goals?

Adam Rittenberg: It was interesting to see a team openly discuss the national title, Brian, especially in a league like the Big Ten. Huskers safety P.J. Smith even went so far as to say a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl championship would be "kind of disappointing." That's bold. Nebraska would have to skip a step or two to reach that point, but I can see where the confidence stems from. There's a greater comfort level between players and coaches in Lincoln, and also between the coaches and what they face in the Big Ten. Offensive coordinator Tim Beck was candid about the difficulty of preparing for so many new opponents, particularly since Nebraska's offensive and defensive systems are a little different from what we see in the rest of the league.

Quarterback Taylor Martinez received good marks from the coaches, and his focus on footwork could translate into a more consistent passing attack. Beck certainly wants to be a bit more balanced, and Nebraska returns pretty much everyone at wide receiver and tight end. We often hear the cliche that it's all about the quarterback, but it holds true with Nebraska. If Martinez actually makes strides as a passer -- he'll be operating in the same offense as the starter for the first time in his high school or college career -- the Huskers will put up points this fall. But after watching Martinez last season, it's fair to have some doubts about No. 3.

The defense expects to exploit a schematic advantage we heard a lot about last season but didn't see much on Saturdays. I like coordinator John Papuchis, and Bo Pelini made two good staff additions in D-line coach Rick Kaczenski and secondary coach Terry Joseph. They're all about details and accountability, and they believe they'll be able to replace star power with greater depth in certain areas. Nebraska also should be strong in special teams. Do the Huskers have a unit better than Michigan State's defense? Not right now. But Nebraska could end up being the division's most complete team by season's end.

Getting back to Michigan State and Michigan. Both teams lose tremendous leaders from 2011 (Kirk Cousins, Mike Martin, Jerel Worthy, Joel Foreman, David Molk, Ryan Van Bergen). Who do you see filling those roles this year?

Brian Bennett: That's a good question, and one that will have to be answered this summer. For Michigan State, Andrew Maxwell impressed me as a guy who can lead in a similar way as Cousins did; he'll just have to play well at quarterback and battle through adversity. The Spartans have some seniors on defense who can lead, like Anthony Rashad White and Johnny Adams, but they also have some highly respected juniors in Max Bullough and William Gholston.

But they are replacing some very valuable leaders, just as Michigan is doing. Denard Robinson has worked on becoming more vocal and sounded like a different guy in interviews this spring. There's no question he has the respect of his teammates. Craig Roh and Jordan Kovacs seem like natural leaders on defense, and offensive tackle Taylor Lewan says he wants to take on that role as well. But leadership can't be forced, and it remains to be seen if either team can find such strong captains as guys like Cousins and Martin were.

Speaking of question marks, I feel like Iowa and Northwestern are two of the bigger mystery teams in the league. Both have talent and potentially potent offenses, but they'll also need some players on defense to rise up out of the shadows. What did you take out of your visits to Iowa City and Evanston this spring?

Adam Rittenberg: Let's start off with Iowa, which underwent some major changes this spring with a new offensive coordinator (Greg Davis), a position coach promoted to defensive coordinator (Phil Parker) and several more assistants shuffling, arriving or being promoted. The players seemed to embrace the changes, and coach Kirk Ferentz basically said the team needed a fresh start even though he didn't want to lose his previous coordinators. There's a lot of excitement about Davis' offense, which will be more up-tempo than what we've seen in the past from Iowa. Quarterback James Vandenberg really seems to get it, but will he have enough weapons around him to execute? The running back curse struck again this spring with Jordan Canzeri's ACL injury. Iowa needs young and/or unproven players to step up there, and wide receiver isn't a deep group. It'll be a big summer for Keenan Davis.

The feeling I had coming out of Evanston is that Northwestern will be a younger team but potentially a better one. The Wildcats say goodbye to an accomplished senior class that featured some outstanding players like quarterback Dan Persa. But was it the most talented group? I don't think so. Northwestern has improved its recruiting efforts in recent years, and the team could begin seeing the benefits this year. There are a lot of new faces at spots like defensive back and defensive line. I was impressed with cornerback Nick VanHoose and end Deonte Gibson. The wide receiving corps should be one of the Big Ten's best, even if Kyle Prater isn't eligible until 2013. The Wildcats might not have many familiar names at receiver, but they boast incredible depth there. This team still has question marks -- secondary, pass rush, running back, quarterback -- but the talent level is getting a bit better.

Neither of us made it up to Minneapolis this spring, but we both talked with Gophers players and coaches. What was your sense of the second spring under coach Jerry Kill?

Brian Bennett: We swear it's nothing personal, Gophers fans. Both of us would have enjoyed a trip to the Twin Cities, but the schedule just didn't work out.

Anyway, I did sense more confidence from the Minnesota players and coaches we interviewed. That's not surprising, given that it's the second year for Kill's staff and more familiarity almost always brings a better comfort level. MarQueis Gray really started to come on late last season and appears to have made strides as a passer. He could be one of the league's top playmakers this year. Overall, the Gophers look to have a little more talent this year, thanks to some junior college imports, youngsters who got experience last year and Troy Stoudermire coming back at cornerback. The defense should have more speed, though it remains undersized. The big question for me is who will emerge as weapons alongside Gray, especially at receiver.

But I think that, with a manageable nonconference schedule, Minnesota has a chance to win five or more games this year and it will be much more competitive in Big Ten play than it was early last season. The Legends Division looks more balanced top to bottom than the Leaders and should be fun to follow all year.

So goes the start of another round of conference realignment chatter, the Big 12 and SEC starting their own bowl game and creating a bigger divide between the haves and have-nots in college football.

And, as this exercise goes, here come the questions about the status of Notre Dame's football independence.

Irish athletic director Jack Swarbrick quickly shut those down to The New York Times' Pete Thamel, saying: "We don't think it has significant near-term consequences for Notre Dame."

And, at the moment, I think he's right.

Yes, there looks to be a dividing line in college football more and more now. And, yes, it's not exactly clear which side Notre Dame falls on. But assuming the game's four-team playoff future keeps the door ajar for schools that haven't won their conferences, it's not like Notre Dame's path to playing for a national title becomes much harder with the creation of the Champions Bowl. And, as SI.com's Stewart Mandel notes, there will only be fewer obstacles for Notre Dame -- still a huge brand name -- to sign its own deal with another marquee bowl.

The only thing I can say with any real comfort is that should the day come when Notre Dame does need to relinquish its football independence, the ACC probably won't be first on speed dial anymore. (Colleague Mark Schlabach suggests that ACC commish John Swofford should now call Swarbrick immediately.)

The Big East doesn't look better today than it did last week, and the Irish-to-Big 12 possibility will gain some steam. But it's hard to envision Friday's news forcing the school's brass to say that jumping aboard a conference based 1,000 miles away is in the best interest of its 21-sport athletic department. And as Swarbrick told Thamel, this wasn't exactly out of nowhere.

The landscape of college sports has and will continue to change. How Notre Dame fits in is part of the narrative, but the end is probably still several chapters away.

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Five Big Ten head coaches have official Twitter accounts, but none other uses it as consistently as new Illinois boss Tim Beckman.

If there aren't a few tweets sent out from Beckman's account (@coachbeckman) every morning between 6-8 a.m. -- with several exclamation points included -- someone should probably call for a wellness check. Twitter is just one of several tech tools Beckman and his staff use to connect with fans and recruits.

Beckman attributes part of Illinois' early recruiting success for 2013 -- the Illini have nine verbal commits, the third most in the Big Ten behind national leader Michigan (18) and Ohio State (11) -- to the benefits of technology.

"It's been unbelievable, the change because of technology," Beckman told ESPN.com on Thursday before an appearance on the Illinois Coaches Caravan in the Chicago suburbs. "With the iPad and Vudu or Tango or Skype, what used to be a phone call is now a visual. What we can do when we're talking to them, with the backgrounds [at Illinois' facilities] and different things. Players want to see themselves."

Beckman credits his assistants for the fast start to 2013 recruiting, which included a verbal from heralded quarterback prospect Aaron Bailey. The Illini have had just one verbal commit by this date in each of the past two years.

Both the 2011 and 2012 classes received so-so marks.

"In today's age, the way recruiting's going and how fast it's going, there's no question [a fast start is important]," Beckman said. "Getting players on your campus, meeting your staff, meeting your staff's families, meeting everybody that's going to be involved in your student-athlete's life is very important."

Beckman is known as a strong recruiter, and he succeeds another at Illinois in former coach Ron Zook. But like all FBS head coaches, Beckman can't recruit off campus during the spring evaluation period (April 15-May 31).

That's where technology comes in.

"I love recruiting," he said. "As a head football coach, when you can't go out in April and May, [technology] is the only way you're able to touch base with those players. So I think it's great."

Illinois coach Tim Beckman talks to Adam Rittenberg about his tour through the state, his first spring in Champaign and the team's early recruiting success.

Who made names for themselves this spring? Glad you asked.

RB/WR Theo Riddick: Riddick seemed more comfortable this spring, as the learning curve from playing two different positions is all but gone and he is ready to make plays. The senior stood out during several intrasquad scrimmages. If Riddick can be an effective punt returner this fall, he can be the complete package for the Irish.

WR John Goodman: It's not often you see a fifth-year senior on lists like these, but Goodman, as coach Brian Kelly said, was the Irish's go-to guy this spring, and he served as an offensive captain in the Blue-Gold game as a result of being the unit's most improved player. No longer in the shadow of Michael Floyd and with one last chance to succeed after being invited back for another year, Goodman is primed for a breakout season this fall.

NG Kona Schwenke: Like Goodman, Schwenke was a captain in the Blue-Gold game, winning most improved defensive player honors while temporarily supplanting Louis Nix from the starting spot in the middle. He added some weight and improved his handwork, and he figures to see plenty of snaps next season, regardless of whether or not he starts.

LB Ishaq Williams: Kelly revealed that Williams went home to Brooklyn, N.Y., for a few days in the winter to think about his future. He has apparently come back with a new focus, as the rising sophomore had a strong spring, filling in for the injured Prince Shembo at the cat position and coming up with a pick and a fumble recovery in the spring game.

LB Jarrett Grace: Playing time may be hard to come by -- he is, after all, backing up a likely first-round draft pick in Manti Te'o -- but Grace has made the most of his opportunities. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco loved him this spring, and, after redshirting his freshman season, Grace figures to spell Te'o every now and then this fall while also seeing duties on special teams.

The Big Ten on Monday released the league schedules for the 2015 and 2016 football seasons. These schedules were approved last Tuesday by the league's athletic directors at the spring meetings. Unlike the 2013 and 2014 seasons, which have two separate start dates to league play, the 2015 and 2016 slates both have all 12 teams kicking off conference games on the first Saturday of October.

Check out the full schedules here.

Let's start breaking this down.

NO-PLAYS

Here are the three cross-division foes each Big Ten squad won't face in 2015 or 2016.

Illinois: Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska
Indiana: Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota
Iowa: Indiana, Ohio State, Wisconsin
Michigan: Indiana, Penn State, Purdue
Michigan State: Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin
Minnesota: Illinois, Indiana, Penn State
Nebraska: Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue
Northwestern: Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin
Ohio State: Iowa, Nebraska, Northwestern
Penn State: Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern
Purdue: Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska
Wisconsin: Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern

Without a doubt, Northwestern (Legends division) and Purdue (Leaders division) benefit the most from the no-plays. Northwestern avoids what many consider the three top teams in the Leaders division, while Purdue avoids three of the top Legends division squads. If there's ever a time for the Wildcats or the Boilermakers to make a surprise push for the Big Ten title, these seasons provide the opportunity.

Iowa also has favorable no-plays, although most Hawkeyes fans won't be pleased about another two-year hiatus with rival Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes and Badgers didn't play last fall and will miss one another this fall. They will face one another in both 2013 and 2014. Although Iowa finally gets Illinois back on the schedule in 2015, the gaps in the Wisconsin series are one of the more unfortunate elements of the divisional setup. The Iowa-Wisconsin series is one of the more balanced rivalries in all of college football.

While it's hard to say a team got jobbed because of the opponents it doesn't play, three teams -- Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State -- miss some likely wins.

FOUR-YEAR BREAKS/SERIES RESUMING


The big downside to division play and the eight-game league schedule is that each squad will go four years without playing a Big Ten opponent.

Here are the six pairings that won't face off between 2013-16 (these teams will play in 2012):

• Illinois-Minnesota
• Indiana-Iowa
• Michigan-Purdue
• Michigan State-Wisconsin
• Nebraska-Ohio State
• Northwestern-Penn State

The two big downsides here are Michigan State-Wisconsin and Nebraska-Ohio State. The Spartans and Badgers provided two unforgettable matchups in 2011, including Wisconsin's dramatic win in the inaugural Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis. A rivalry is beginning to build between both programs, but unless they reunite in the title game, they won't see one another for four years. Ohio State and Nebraska also provided some drama last October in Lincoln, as Nebraska completed the biggest comeback in team history. These are two of the Big Ten's top brands, and it's a shame they won't play each other during the regular season.

The good news is that all six pairings of teams that didn't play one another between 2011-14 will meet in 2015 and 2016. Iowa and Illinois, which haven't played since 2008, renew their series on Halloween (Oct. 31) 2015 at Iowa's Kinnick Stadium. The other series that will resume are: Indiana-Nebraska, Michigan-Wisconsin, Michigan State-Penn State, Minnesota-Ohio State and Northwestern-Purdue.

NONPROTECTED CROSSOVERS

Here are the nonprotected division crossover games for each Big Ten team in 2015 and 2016.

Illinois: Michigan, Iowa
Indiana: Nebraska, Northwestern
Iowa: Illinois, Penn State
Michigan: Illinois, Wisconsin
Michigan State: Ohio State, Penn State
Minnesota: Ohio State, Purdue
Nebraska: Indiana, Wisconsin
Northwestern: Indiana, Purdue
Ohio State: Michigan State, Minnesota
Penn State: Iowa, Michigan State
Purdue: Minnesota, Northwestern
Wisconsin: Michigan, Nebraska

Wisconsin and Michigan State get the toughest tests here, followed by Penn State and Illinois. Northwestern and Purdue should thank the schedule gods.

END-OF-SEASON GAMES

All six games that end the seasons in 2012, 2013 and 2014 will remain for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. These include traditional rivalries (Michigan-Ohio State, Indiana-Purdue, Illinois-Northwestern), one new rivalry game (Iowa-Nebraska) and two division games (Penn State-Wisconsin and Michigan State-Minnesota).

The Iowa-Nebraska game, which took place on the Friday after Thanksgiving last fall and will do so again this fall, is scheduled for Saturdays in 2015 and 2016 (as well as 2013 and 2014). The games could be moved to Fridays later (and hopefully will).

FINAL NUGGETS

• The 2015 Big Ten championship game will take place Dec. 5 at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. The site for the 2016 title game has not been selected (the game will take place Dec. 3).
• The Michigan schools will take center stage for the Big Ten openers in both 2015 and 2016. While it's nice to see the Spartans and Wolverines meet later in the season, they could be setting the course for the Legends division race with their league openers.

That's a lot to digest. What are your thoughts on the schedules?

Former Illinois State assistant Anthony Beane has joined the Southern Illinois coaching staff, and his son Anthony Beane Jr., a high school senior guard, has received his release from his letter of intent from Illinois State and has committed to Southern Illinois.

Beane was an Illinois State assistant from 2000-02 and 2007-2012. He recently departed the staff after head coach Tim Jankovich left Illinois State for SMU and Dan Muller was hired as Jankovich’s replacement.

Beane is the third assistant named to Southern Illinois coach Barry Hinson’s staff.

“When they made the selection of Dan Muller, I know Dan, and he’s a really good guy,” Beane said. “I had a previous relationship with him. It made it interesting. The main reason to go ahead to Southern Illinois was I knew coach Hinson, and he’s a very, very experienced coach. It was also closer to an area where we’re familiar with. I also felt my family needed a fresh start at this time.

“It was definitely difficult to leave because I’m very close to the players. I know I’m leaving good people. You have to dispose of personal feeling and do what’s best.”

Beane Jr., a 6-2 guard at Normal Community High School, was recently given his release from Illinois State and followed his father to Southern Illinois. He averaged 16 points, five rebounds and two assists during his senior year. He will be on scholarship at Southern Illinois.

“Certainly as his father, having a chance to coach your son is truly a blessing,” Beane said. “I certainly think he’s stepping into a better situation than at Illinois State. I think he’ll have a chance right from the being to compete and play right away.”

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges stemming from an incident in which police used pepper spray to subdue him after an off-campus party.

Rees, who turns 20 next week, is charged with one count of battery, two counts of resisting law enforcement and one count of illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. South Bend police say Rees kneed a police officer in the chest after he ran from the party early May 3 after officers arrived.

The court appearance was brief, lasting less than a minute. Rees arrived shortly after 8:20 a.m. local time, sat in the front row for several minutes before his attorney, George Horn, summoned him to appear before Magistrate Brian Steinke without his name being called. Rees didn't speak during his appearance. He met briefly with Horn afterward in a room next to the court, and they left together without speaking to reporters.

Rees, who remains free on $250 bond, is due back in court July 17.

Read the entire story.

The Big Ten/ACC Challenge announced Monday that Northwestern will host Maryland on Nov. 27, and Illinois will host Georgia Tech on Nov. 28.

Northwestern is 6-7 and has won its last four games in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. The Wildcats never have faced Maryland in the conference challenge.

Illinois also is 6-7 and has won its last three games in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. It has never played Georgia Tech in the challenge.

Northwestern went 19-14 overall and reached its fourth consecutive NIT last season. The Wildcats return four starters and five of their top seven players. Northwestern also will add Louisville transfer Jared Swopshire and TCU transfer Nikola Cerina, who will both be eligible next season, and redshirt freshman Tre Demps, who sat out last season with an injury.

Illinois went 17-15 overall and was not invited to a postseason tournament. The Illini fired coach Bruce Weber following the season, and he was replaced by John Groce, who coached Ohio to the Sweet 16 last season. Illinois will return all but two players from last year’s team and add Coastal Carolina transfer Sam McLaurin, who will be eligible next season.

Best spring game performance: Everett Golson, considered the biggest mystery in the four-man quarterback battle entering the spring, was 11 of 15 for 120 yards and two scores. He carried it six times for 25 yards. Most importantly, he was the only quarterback to not turn the ball over.

Best overall unit: The running back/slot receiver group coached by Tony Alford is loaded with talent. Theo Riddick and George Atkinson III made big play after big play in the spring game (though Atkinson will have to protect the ball better after fumbling twice). We all know what Cierre Wood is capable of after a 1,000-yard season while splitting carries with Jonas Gray in 2011. And we might even see a bit of Robby Toma in the backfield, though the senior remains an invaluable pass-catcher for the Irish.

Best position battle: Other than under center? Let's go with the right side of the offensive line, where Mike Golic Jr., Nick Martin and Christian Lombard look to have the inside track for the two open spots.

Biggest surprise (good): John Goodman raised some eyebrows with his play this spring, earning most improved player on the offensive side of the ball and getting to be a captain for the spring game. Coach Brian Kelly said he's been the go-to receiver this spring, and Goodman wants to reward the staff's faith in him after he was invited back for a fifth year.

Biggest surprise (bad): Aaron Lynch has transferred to South Florida, leaving the Irish down a man on the defensive line. Kapron Lewis-Moore, a previous starter, will slide back into Lynch's role, but the loss of an elite pass-rusher who had no trouble bursting onto the scene as a freshman is a blow to the team.

Former Illinois shooting guard Crandall Head committed to SMU on Thursday.

Read the entire story.

Following consecutive 8-5 campaigns, Notre Dame entered this spring with a re-shuffled staff, a wide-open quarterback competition and arguably one of the nation's best defensive lines.

So, uh, about those three new assistants ...

"I love the energy out there, I love what I'm hearing in terms of teaching," head coach Brian Kelly said April 4, roughly halfway through the spring. "Guys are teaching and I can hear it. So for me it's exactly what I need to hear from our coaches. There's a lot of teaching going on, there's a lot of energy. So for me I feel really good about going out to practice, and what I hear I really like."

Nine days after that comment, defensive end Aaron Lynch announced his decision to transfer, eventually ending up with Notre Dame alum Skip Holtz at South Florida. A series of cryptic Twitter posts by nose guard Louis Nix in the days after Lynch's departure unsettled an already-uneasy fan base, and Nix's admittedly honest public comments afterward about having missed his Florida home did little to quell Irish fans' worst fears.

Then came the spring game, Everett Golson's coming-out party. The rising sophomore quarterback completed 11 of 15 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, adding 25 yards on six rushes. Most importantly, he was the only of the four quarterbacks to not turn the ball over.

If that wasn't enough for Golson to improve his chances of starting in 2012 -- Kelly said afterward that he had trouble getting plays in on time -- the events of May 3 certainly did.

Tommy Rees, the only of the four signal-callers with starting experience, was charged with four misdemeanors as a result of his arrest at an off-campus house party. Police said that they had to use pepper spray to subdue Rees, who faces two counts of resisting law enforcement, in addition to minor consumption and battery.

So begins an offseason whose storyline, like last year's with Michael Floyd, will be dominated by an off-field run-in by a big-name player. Rees is due in court May 17, but his status with the Irish remains up in the air. Discipline of any kind -- even an offseason suspension -- would strongly diminish his hopes of taking the first snap Sept. 1 in Dublin, Ireland.

Kelly said after the spring game that the guy to emerge as the starter will be the one who commits to all the details in the summer. Golson and Andrew Hendrix — in addition to early enrollee Gunner Kiel — would be in much better positions to do that should Rees be dealt a ban. Regardless, leadership issue becomes an obvious question in light of the arrest.

Whoever does start should have plenty to work with in proven playmakers like Cierre Wood, Theo Riddick and Tyler Eifert. He will also be protected by an experienced offensive line, which returns four players with starting experience.

Linebacker Manti Te'o, who passed up NFL millions this offseason, returns to lead a defense that should still be strong enough up front, though a depleted cornerback corp could have benefited from playing behind an elite pass-rusher like Lynch.

A season that begins overseas is still four months away, but the drama attached to the hip of the nation's most polarizing program has only increased with spring ball in the rearview mirror.

Illinois State announced Wednesday freshman point guard Nic Moore has been granted his release and will transfer from the program.

Moore started 29 games and averaged 10 points, 3.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds as a freshman. He was named to the Missouri Valley's all-freshman team.

Moore is allowed to transfer to any BCS program.

Moore was recruited by former Illinois State coach Tim Jankovich, who recently departed for SMU. Dan Muller was named Illinois State's coach on Monday.

"As soon as coach Jankovich left, I made up my mind and knew I wanted to go play for a BCS program," Moore said in a statement. "It didn't matter who was going to be the head coach. My decision had already been made."

Muller had no hard feelings over Moore's transfer.

"As a proud alumnus and new head coach here at Illinois State, I appreciate all Nic did for this program on-and-off the court," Muller said in a statement. "I have really enjoyed getting to know Nic over the past couple of days and wish him nothing but the best of luck."

Moore played at Warsaw High School and was the runner-up in Indiana's Mr. Basketball voting in 2011.