Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Xavier Musketeers Beat The SEC and March Madness is Underway | OTB 3.20.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, launching on March 18, promises another thrilling March Madness with its blend of powerhouse programs, emerging mid-majors, and inevitable surprises. The 68-team field, finalized on Selection Sunday, March 16, features 31 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 37 at-large bids selected by the NCAA committee. With Selection Sunday now behind us, the bracket is set, and the First Four kicks off the action in Dayton, Ohio, on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18-19, narrowing the field to 64. The tournament culminates at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 7, but the opening days will shape the narrative. In the 2025 NCAA First Four, Xavier faced Texas on Wednesday, March 19, in a thrilling matchup. Xavier trailed by as much as 13 points but mounted a furious second-half comeback, fueled by hot shooting and a supportive Dayton crowd. The Musketeers erased the deficit, tying the game at 65 with eight minutes left, and finished with an 86-80 victory, led by Zach Freemantle’s clutch scoring (15 points, including six in the final two minutes). Texas’ Tre Johnson (18 points) couldn’t stop the collapse, and Xavier advanced to face Illinois. On Tuesday, March 18, North Carolina dominated San Diego State in a lopsided 95-68 blowout. The Tar Heels, a controversial at-large pick, silenced doubters early, building a 24-point halftime lead. RJ Davis was unstoppable, going 6-for-6 from three-point range, while San Diego State never found its rhythm, trailing by as much as 33 in the second half. North Carolina moved on to play Ole Miss, proving they belonged in the field of 64. Thursday, March 20, 2025, marks the start of the NCAA Tournament’s First Round, a 16-game marathon that ignites March Madness with wall-to-wall action. Across eight host cities—Lexington, Providence, Wichita, Denver, and more—top seeds like Duke and Florida take on No. 16 underdogs, while volatile 8-9 and 7-10 matchups promise drama. Fresh off Tuesday’s First Four upset, where Alabama State stunned Saint Francis (PA) with an 85-foot pass and a game-winning layup, the day carries upset potential—watch for a 12-seed like McNeese State to challenge a 5-seed like Clemson. Games tip off around noon EDT and run late, broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with fans glued to screens for buzzer-beaters and bracket chaos.

Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson Contract Re-Open?!? First Four NCAA Basketball | OTB 3.18.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 17, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made a bold statement by securing massive contract extensions for their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring their dynamic offensive core remains intact alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s elite talents, signed a record-breaking four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Higgins, a reliable and explosive No. 2 receiver, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, with the first two years fully guaranteed, cementing his status as the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL. Together, these deals total $276 million, a significant investment reflecting the Bengals’ commitment to building around their passing attack. Chase’s extension comes after a historic 2024 season where he led the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a top-10 finish in MVP voting. His chemistry with Burrow, dating back to their LSU days, has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense, and this deal ensures that partnership thrives through 2029. Higgins, meanwhile, has been a consistent force since being drafted in 2020, amassing 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns over five (-five seasons. Despite injuries limiting him to 12 games in 2024, he still posted 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his value as a big-play threat. His new contract ends speculation about his future after two years on the franchise tag, securing his long-term role in Cincinnati. These extensions signal a shift for the Bengals, a franchise historically cautious with spending, now prioritizing offensive firepower. With Burrow already on a $275 million deal, the trio’s combined salaries could consume nearly 40% of the 2025 cap, raising questions about defensive investment—especially with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s extension still unresolved. Hendrickson, coming off a 17.5-sack season, seeks a raise, but the Bengals’ focus on Chase and Higgins might limit their flexibility. For Bengals fans, this is a thrilling commitment to contention, locking in two of the league’s top receivers. Chase and Higgins celebrated the news with identical handshake emojis on social media, a nod to their brotherhood and shared triumph. As Cincinnati aims to reclaim AFC supremacy after missing the playoffs in 2024, these deals solidify an offense poised to dominate for years.

Cincinnati Bengals Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Signed MASSIVE Deals! Paul Fritschner | OTB 3.17.25

On March 17, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made a bold statement by securing massive contract extensions for their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring their dynamic offensive core remains intact alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s elite talents, signed a record-breaking four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Higgins, a reliable and explosive No. 2 receiver, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, with the first two years fully guaranteed, cementing his status as the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL. Together, these deals total $276 million, a significant investment reflecting the Bengals’ commitment to building around their passing attack. Chase’s extension comes after a historic 2024 season where he led the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a top-10 finish in MVP voting. His chemistry with Burrow, dating back to their LSU days, has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense, and this deal ensures that partnership thrives through 2029. Higgins, meanwhile, has been a consistent force since being drafted in 2020, amassing 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns over five (-five seasons. Despite injuries limiting him to 12 games in 2024, he still posted 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his value as a big-play threat. His new contract ends speculation about his future after two years on the franchise tag, securing his long-term role in Cincinnati. These extensions signal a shift for the Bengals, a franchise historically cautious with spending, now prioritizing offensive firepower. With Burrow already on a $275 million deal, the trio’s combined salaries could consume nearly 40% of the 2025 cap, raising questions about defensive investment—especially with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s extension still unresolved. Hendrickson, coming off a 17.5-sack season, seeks a raise, but the Bengals’ focus on Chase and Higgins might limit their flexibility. For Bengals fans, this is a thrilling commitment to contention, locking in two of the league’s top receivers. Chase and Higgins celebrated the news with identical handshake emojis on social media, a nod to their brotherhood and shared triumph. As Cincinnati aims to reclaim AFC supremacy after missing the playoffs in 2024, these deals solidify an offense poised to dominate for years.

Cincinnati Bengals Done Making Moves? CIncinnati Reds Ranked Worst Franchise In MLB?!? | OTB 3.13.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 12, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the free agency period with a focus on bolstering their roster following a 2024 season that left them eager to improve both offensively and defensively. With the new NFL league year officially starting today at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals have already made strategic moves in prior years and are poised to target key free agents to address lingering needs. The team currently has approximately $46 million in salary cap space, providing flexibility to pursue impactful additions while managing extensions for stars like Ja’Marr Chase and decisions regarding Tee Higgins, who has been franchise-tagged for the second consecutive year at $26.2 million. Looking back at last year’s free agency as a reference point, the Bengals added players like safety Geno Stone from Baltimore, running back Zack Moss from Indianapolis, tight end Mike Gesicki from New England, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins from Houston, and safety Vonn Bell from Carolina. They also retained key depth pieces such as tight end Drew Sample, offensive lineman Cody Ford, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. These moves showcased a balanced approach, enhancing the offense around Joe Burrow while reinforcing a defense under new coordinator Al Golden. For 2025, the Bengals appear to be continuing this strategy, with an emphasis on fortifying the defensive line and secondary, areas that struggled in 2024. Posts on X and web sources suggest the Bengals have interest in several free agents this offseason. On the offensive line, names like Will Hernandez, Pat Mekari, Teven Jenkins, and Mekhi Becton have surfaced as potential targets to protect Burrow and improve the run game. Defensively, edge rushers such as Azeez Ojulari, Dre’Mont Jones, and Levi Onwuzurike are on the radar to complement or replace Trey Hendrickson, who has requested a trade. Veteran Calais Campbell could provide leadership and depth. With 23 pending free agents, including stars like Higgins, B.J. Hill, and Mike Hilton, the Bengals must balance re-signings with external additions. Their draft position (17th overall) and six picks offer further flexibility, but free agency will be critical in setting the tone for 2025. Expect Cincinnati to target versatile, high-impact players to elevate their contention window.

Cincinnati Bengals Linked to Teven Jenkins?!? Who Should They Target Next? | OTB 3.11.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 12, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals are entering the free agency period with a focus on bolstering their roster following a 2024 season that left them eager to improve both offensively and defensively. With the new NFL league year officially starting today at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals have already made strategic moves in prior years and are poised to target key free agents to address lingering needs. The team currently has approximately $46 million in salary cap space, providing flexibility to pursue impactful additions while managing extensions for stars like Ja’Marr Chase and decisions regarding Tee Higgins, who has been franchise-tagged for the second consecutive year at $26.2 million. Looking back at last year’s free agency as a reference point, the Bengals added players like safety Geno Stone from Baltimore, running back Zack Moss from Indianapolis, tight end Mike Gesicki from New England, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins from Houston, and safety Vonn Bell from Carolina. They also retained key depth pieces such as tight end Drew Sample, offensive lineman Cody Ford, and linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. These moves showcased a balanced approach, enhancing the offense around Joe Burrow while reinforcing a defense under new coordinator Al Golden. For 2025, the Bengals appear to be continuing this strategy, with an emphasis on fortifying the defensive line and secondary, areas that struggled in 2024. Posts on X and web sources suggest the Bengals have interest in several free agents this offseason. On the offensive line, names like Will Hernandez, Pat Mekari, Teven Jenkins, and Mekhi Becton have surfaced as potential targets to protect Burrow and improve the run game. Defensively, edge rushers such as Azeez Ojulari, Dre’Mont Jones, and Levi Onwuzurike are on the radar to complement or replace Trey Hendrickson, who has requested a trade. Veteran Calais Campbell could provide leadership and depth. With 23 pending free agents, including stars like Higgins, B.J. Hill, and Mike Hilton, the Bengals must balance re-signings with external additions. Their draft position (17th overall) and six picks offer further flexibility, but free agency will be critical in setting the tone for 2025. Expect Cincinnati to target versatile, high-impact players to elevate their contention window.

Cincinnati Bengals Day One Free Agency Reactions! Is It Enough? Jay Morrison Join Us! | OTB 3.11.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 10, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals have kicked off the NFL free agency period with a strategic focus on retaining key contributors and bolstering their roster for the upcoming season. With the new league year set to begin on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, the Bengals are navigating a pivotal offseason, balancing the retention of core players with the need to address defensive and offensive line weaknesses. Here’s a look at their moves so far and the context surrounding them. One of the Bengals’ earliest confirmed moves was re-signing tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year contract extension, announced on March 10. Gesicki, who had a standout 2024 season with the most receptions by a Bengals tight end in 43 years, provides quarterback Joe Burrow with a reliable target. This move underscores Cincinnati’s intent to maintain offensive continuity, especially with wide receiver Tee Higgins on the franchise tag ($26.17 million for 2025) and Ja’Marr Chase poised for a massive extension that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. The Gesicki signing ensures depth at a position that lacked stability last season. On the offensive line, the Bengals extended guard/tackle Cody Ford with a two-year deal on March 10. Ford, who signed a one-year, $1.35 million contract in 2024, offers versatility and depth. With the release of veteran guard Alex Cappa on March 3, freeing up cap space, Cincinnati is clearly prioritizing flexibility along the line. The team’s projected $53.1 million in cap space (ninth-most in the NFL) gives them room to pursue additional linemen, potentially targeting free agents like Kevin Zeitler or Morgan Moses to protect Burrow. Defensively, the Bengals made a splash by signing former Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton to a two-year, $15.1 million deal. Slaton, known for his run-stopping prowess (third in run stop win rate in 2024 per NFL Next Gen Stats), addresses a glaring need after Cincinnati ranked fourth-worst in expected points added against the run last season. With defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins released on February 21 and Trey Hendrickson seeking a trade, Slaton’s addition is a step toward rebuilding the interior line. The Bengals also re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Hill to a three-year, $33 million deal, signaling a commitment to continuity despite his age (30 in April). With $40-53 million in cap space, the Bengals are poised for more moves. Potential targets include edge rushers or linebackers to replace Hendrickson or Germaine Pratt (who requested a trade), ensuring a defense that faltered in 2024 doesn’t sink their playoff hopes again. Free agency is just beginning, and Cincinnati’s proactive start suggests a busy offseason ahead.

Cincinnati Bengals Front Office Getting COOKED! NFL Free Agency Begins! | OTB 3.10.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. NFL Free Agency Starts Now! Cincinnati Bengals still have not extended any of their "Big Three"... Unfortuantely the league does not care! Myles Garret signs a massive extension that makes him the highest paid non QB in the NFL and DK Metcalf gets traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a extension that pushed Tee Higgins further up the scale... RED ALERT PANIC MODE WHAT EVER WILL THE BENGALS DOOOOOOOOO.

Cincinnati Bengals Grant Trey Hendrickson Permision To Seek Trade! | OTB 3.7.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 7, 2025, Cincinnati Bengals’ All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been granted permission to seek a trade, marking a significant shift after the team rebuffed a similar request in 2024. Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and earned his first All-Pro nod, is in the final year of his contract, set to earn a $15.8 million base salary with a $18.66 million cap hit in 2025. With no guaranteed money remaining, the 30-year-old edge rusher is seeking a long-term extension that aligns with his elite production—35 sacks over the past two seasons—rather than the one-year extension he signed in 2023. The Bengals’ decision to allow this exploration comes amid financial pressures, as they prioritize lucrative extensions for wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, alongside managing Joe Burrow’s massive contract. Trading Hendrickson would save Cincinnati $16 million in cap space, though it leaves their defense, already weakened by Sam Hubbard’s retirement, in a precarious position. Hendrickson’s trade request has sparked interest across the NFL, with several teams emerging as potential suitors. The Detroit Lions, flush with $51 million in cap space, are a prime candidate. After losing Aidan Hutchinson to injury last season, they traded for Za’Darius Smith, but Hendrickson could form a dynamic duo with a recovering Hutchinson, bolstering their pass rush for a Super Bowl push. The Washington Commanders, linked early as suitors, need to replace free agent Dante Fowler Jr.’s 10.5 sacks from 2024. With head coach Dan Quinn favoring an edge-heavy defense, Hendrickson fits their aggressive rebuild. The Atlanta Falcons, desperate for pass-rush help after a lackluster season from Matt Judon, also see Hendrickson as an instant upgrade to complement their NFC South ambitions, though cap constraints may complicate a deal. Other possibilities include the Chicago Bears, leveraging defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s past ties to Hendrickson from New Orleans, and the Indianapolis Colts, where former Bengals coordinator Lou Anarumo now resides. Both teams could pair Hendrickson with existing stars—Montez Sweat in Chicago, DeForest Buckner in Indy—to elevate their defenses. With his market value likely fetching at least a second-round pick, Hendrickson’s next move will hinge on a team’s willingness to offer both draft capital and a contract nearing the $35 million annual benchmark set by Maxx Crosby.

Cincinnati Bearcats Wes Miller is PISSED! Cincinnati Red Chase Burns Shines! | OTB 3.6.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 5, 2025, the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team suffered a disappointing loss, prompting a candid and emotional press conference from head coach Wes Miller. While specific details about the opponent and final score are not fully outlined in available sources, posts on X and recent coverage suggest the game was a significant setback for the team. Miller, in his fourth season leading the Bearcats, did not hold back in expressing his frustration, offering a raw assessment of the performance that has sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike. In the press conference, Miller described the team’s effort as unrecognizable, stating, “I don’t know who that basketball team is,” and issuing an apology to fans who attended the game. His remarks, captured in posts on X, reflect a deep dissatisfaction with the Bearcats’ play, calling it “unacceptable” and distancing it from the squad he had coached in the preceding weeks. This loss comes amidst a season of ups and downs for Cincinnati, a program with a storied history—boasting two national championships and over 1,800 wins—that has struggled to regain its former prominence under Miller’s tenure. Since taking the helm in 2021, Miller has compiled a 75-49 record, including a 27-33 mark in conference play, transitioning from the American Athletic Conference to the tougher Big 12. Despite recruiting successes, such as landing five-star talent like Rayvon Griffith, the Bearcats have yet to secure an NCAA Tournament berth under his leadership. The 2024-25 season began with promise, with Cincinnati ranked in the AP preseason Top 25 for the first time since 2017-18, fueled by wins over rivals Dayton and Xavier. However, a 2-5 start in Big 12 play and a 6-32 record in Quad 1 games have raised questions about Miller’s ability to elevate the program in a “win-now” era. Miller’s press conference underscores the pressure he faces as the Bearcats approach critical games, potentially including Senior Day festivities he discussed earlier in the week. His fiery response suggests a coach desperate to ignite a turnaround, yet it also highlights the gap between potential and performance. With fans and athletic director John Cunningham watching closely, Miller’s future may hinge on whether he can rally this team—or if Cincinnati will seek a new voice to restore its basketball legacy.

BREAKING: Cincinnati Bengals DE Sam Hubbard Announces Retirement From The NFL | OTB 3.5.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Chase Burns, the Cincinnati Reds’ highly touted pitching prospect, is set to make his much-anticipated professional debut in a Spring Training game against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, Burns has quickly become a cornerstone of the Reds’ future plans, boasting a triple-digit fastball and a slider widely regarded as one of the best in the prospect ranks. While this debut won’t be televised, fans can still follow along via Statcast data, offering a glimpse into the 22-year-old’s electric arsenal as he takes the mound for the first time in a Reds uniform. Burns’ journey to this moment has been marked by dominance and deliberate preparation. At Wake Forest, he led college baseball with 191 strikeouts in 100 innings during the 2024 season, earning ACC Pitcher of the Year honors and cementing his status as a top draft talent. His fastball, which can touch 102 mph with exceptional vertical break, pairs devastatingly with a slider that features late, tight movement—attributes that have scouts projecting him as a future ace. After being drafted, the Reds opted to hold him out of minor league action in 2024, instead focusing on instructional league work to ensure he was primed for a full 2025 campaign. This approach mirrors the development path of fellow Wake Forest alum Rhett Lowder, who debuted for the Reds in 2024 just over a year after being drafted. For the Reds, Burns represents a critical piece in their ongoing effort to build a competitive rotation. With young arms like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Lowder already in the mix, Burns’ arrival could elevate Cincinnati’s pitching staff to elite status. His debut comes at a pivotal time as the Reds aim to rebound from a middling 2024 season and push toward contention under new manager Terry Francona. While Spring Training stats are unofficial, this outing will offer an early look at how Burns’ stuff translates against professional hitters, including those from a Rangers squad featuring starter Tyler Mahle. Though Burns is unlikely to break camp with the big-league club, a strong spring could accelerate his timeline to the majors. Reds fans, eager for a glimpse of their top prospect, will be watching closely as he takes his first step toward what many hope will be a transformative career in Cincinnati.