April 1, 2025 by Laura Osterlund and Patrick Stegemoeller in Livewire, Other
One of Broadcasting’s Most Infamous Voices in Talks to Replace Evan Lepler
If there’s one person everyone knows around the ultimate community, it’s commentator Evan Lepler. But with the USAU extricating themselves from ESPN, they’re starting to reevaluate their commentary team, discussing adding a new member or replacing Lepler altogether. As the change would be implemented during the college season, USAU is looking for a commentator who knows college ball. With the funds they are saving from the release of the ESPN deal, USAU is looking for someone with a higher profile, in an attempt to boost the sport’s visibility—their main lead: Stephen A. Smith.
“We think more personality would liven up the broadcasts, and ultimately lead to more viewers,” said USAU. “We know that Smith is a polarizing figure, but so was Lepler.”
Smith was more direct in his criticism. “Lepler? That man was a bona fide scrub,” Smith said. “He can’t commentate! No disrespect whatsoever.”
Oregon’s Next Big Star to Be Born This Week
Some of ultimate’s next biggest rising stars are getting younger and younger. Take Bella Russell or Grace Maroon, who have been playing at high levels for years before their college debuts. But the next best up-and-comer is as young as they come.
The future star of the College Ultimate scene is expected to be born in Eugene, Oregon, within the next few weeks. The baby’s parents, both elite ultimate players1, decided they wanted to start a dynasty of ultimate players. To ensure the baby is a superb ultimate player, the couple has made some slight genetic modifications, including the baby’s future height, speed, and wingspan, to make sure the child will have a natural talent when they grow up. The couple also has invested in preschool and elementary school ultimate programs within the Eugene community to begin indoctrination young and make sure their child will be more than ready to enter the college scene.
The potential names for the baby are rumored to be between Chandler (short for Center Handler), Calli/Callahan, Essie (short for Greatest), Tim (short for Ultimate), Dee, and Huck.
Ultiworld and USAU Launch Short-Form Video Streaming Service
With the increasing uncertainty of the future of streaming apps, such as TikTok and the oligarchical ownership of Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, USAU and Ultiworld will team up to create their own short-form video streaming service within the USAU app. The service is set to launch during College Nationals, where they will go live and stream three featured games each day on their phones. Fans will get a chance to rewatch the streams after they conclude in a playlist containing five-minute-long parts, with the footage playing on top of a screen record of the game Subway Surfers.
Added Factor in Callahan Awards
USAU has received multiple complaints throughout the past few seasons of Callahan awards, with most common contentions including that voters don’t see players’ submitted highlights anymore and the awards are a glorified popularity contest. In an effort to combat the accusations, all Callahan nominees will have to submit an additional video showcasing any special talents as a part of their application.
“We wanted to make sure that all players are well-rounded. Yes, on-field abilities are paramount in judging a player’s skills and highlight reels are the best way to see this, but we want to make it clear that a player does more than just play ultimate and study,” said USAU. “By adding another factor in voting, we hope to ensure that we have the right players winning the award.”
Since the announcement was made, college teams have reported a surge of their players signing up for additional extracurriculars. From mime classes, to improv, to juggling, to tap dancing, to slam poetry, many college players have found themselves with one more thing on their plates.
“Good thing I don’t really care about my grades,” said Bitt Ultimate team captain, as Bitt plan to continue nominating B-team players for Callahan. “As they say, Cs get degrees, baby!”
Not only will nominees submit their talent portions as a video, but finalists will be required to perform in an official talent show after games on Day 1 of Nationals.
Whose names will be omitted, as they chose to protect their privacy ↩
