Category: Uncategorized

  • XRP Futures Hit 6-Month Highs Amid Shifting Market Dynamics

    XRP Futures Hit 6-Month Highs Amid Shifting Market Dynamics

    XRP Futures Trading Surges to Six-Month High in August

    XRP futures trading experienced a significant surge in August, reaching its highest volume in six months, according to data from CryptoQuant. This marks the most robust activity seen since February.

    Exchange Activity and Market Dominance

    The uptick in trading volume was not confined to a single platform but was observed across major cryptocurrency exchanges, injecting renewed liquidity and interest into the XRP derivatives market. Binance emerged as the dominant player, recording approximately $37 billion in XRP futures volume during August. Bybit followed with a distant second at around $14.54 billion, and OKX secured third place with approximately $12.88 billion. Collectively, these three exchanges facilitated over $64.6 billion in XRP futures trades for the month.

    This substantial increase is particularly noteworthy given the previously subdued levels of XRP futures activity. The stronger price performance of the cryptocurrency asset is likely a key driver behind this resurgence. XRP saw a nearly 30% climb, beginning the month at $1.06 and reaching a peak of $1.50 on August 24 before settling at $1.35.

    Spot Trading Volume Also Climbs

    In parallel with futures trading, spot trading volume for XRP also hit its highest point since February. Binance led the market share, with around $7.28 billion in XRP trades. Upbit followed with $4.68 billion, and Bithumb Korea posted nearly $2.59 billion. Bybit, Gate.io, and KuCoin trailed with approximately $1.4 billion, $1.33 billion, and $1.23 billion, respectively. Bitget and Coinbase each recorded volumes just under the $1 billion mark.

    Technical Indicators Signal Caution

    Despite the strong trading activity, the technical outlook for XRP presents a less optimistic picture. Crypto analyst ChartNerd pointed out that XRP has remained below its 50-week WEMA for three consecutive weeks, while the weekly Stoch RSI indicates an overbought condition. The 20-week WEMA, currently at $1.29, now serves as a crucial support level. A sustained break below the 50-week WEMA could signal a more significant correction.

    XRP ETF Inflows Slow Despite Winning Streak

    On the institutional front, XRP Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) continued their positive trend for another week, though the pace of inflows has noticeably decelerated. The funds attracted nearly $19 million during the latest period, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive weeks.

    This figure represents a substantial decrease from the previous week, when inflows exceeded $110 million, marking the strongest weekly performance of 2026. After $5.64 million entered the funds on August 31, inflows rose to $14.38 million on September 1. However, momentum shifted on Wednesday, with investors withdrawing $7.2 million from the products, marking the first day of net outflows since August 5. Thursday saw a partial recovery with an additional $6.14 million flowing into the funds, but Friday recorded no significant movement.

  • XRP Faces Crucial $1.43 Resistance; Mid-September Key for Ripple

    XRP Faces Crucial $1.43 Resistance; Mid-September Key for Ripple

    XRP Faces Critical Resistance at $1.43 as Mid-September Looms

    XRP remains stalled below a significant resistance level that has capped its recovery attempts for over a week. The $1.43 mark has repeatedly seen sellers emerge since late August, and the next nine days could prove pivotal in determining if this barrier will finally be breached.

    On September 1, Ripple released 1 billion XRP from escrow across three transactions: 500 million, 400 million, and 100 million tokens. While a routine event, this influx of supply entered a market already grappling with resistance.

    Adding to the market’s anticipation, the XRPL 3.3.0 upgrade window is slated to activate as early as September 11. Furthermore, the Senate has scheduled a vote on the CLARITY Act for September 15, representing the most significant regulatory catalyst for XRP this month.

    Traders are observing whether XRP has already begun to price in the potential approval of the CLARITY Act, a development that could fuel a larger rally.

    Volatility and Consolidation Define XRP’s Current Stance

    Volatility, rather than a clear directional trend, has characterized XRP’s recent performance. Data indicated a 40% surge in XRP over the preceding week, a sharp fluctuation that sets the stage for a potentially decisive two-week period for Ripple’s digital asset.

    Currently trading at $1.41, XRP is consolidating within a narrow range. It holds above the $1.40 support level but has struggled to translate momentum into a decisive breakout. Volume data around the current resistance zone suggests buyer interest, though not yet aggressive enough to force a significant upward move.

    Immediate support is identified at $1.40–$1.41. A failure to maintain this level could see XRP retreat to a deeper support zone near $1.33–$1.35. The bullish scenario hinges on a decisive break above $1.43, which could pave the way for targets at $1.47–$1.50, with further extensions to $1.55, $1.60, and potentially $1.68 if the CLARITY Act receives favorable Senate approval.

    The CLARITY Act Vote: A Key Wildcard

    The September 15 Senate vote on the CLARITY Act stands as a significant wildcard. A positive outcome could serve as the catalyst needed to overcome the persistent $1.43 resistance. The baseline scenario anticipates continued trading within the $1.35 to $1.43 range as the market awaits regulatory clarity. However, a sustained drop below $1.40 could invalidate the current setup and send the price back towards the $1.30–$1.32 region.

    XRP’s current market structure favors patience over aggressive conviction. Holders are essentially betting on a favorable outcome from the Senate vote and the absorption of escrowed supply within the next two weeks. Even a clean breakout to $1.68 would represent approximately 20% upside from current levels, a modest gain for a token with a substantial circulating supply.

    Emerging Infrastructure Plays Offer Alternative Opportunities

    While XRP’s potential upside may be limited for traders seeking asymmetric returns, earlier-stage infrastructure projects are presenting more compelling opportunities.

    LiquidChain ($LIQUID) is developing a Layer 3 execution environment designed to unify liquidity from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. This platform aims to allow developers to deploy applications once and access all three ecosystems, mitigating liquidity fragmentation across different blockchains.

    The LiquidChain presale is currently priced at $0.014953, having raised approximately $960,000. Key features include Single-Step Execution, Verifiable Settlement, and a Deploy-Once Architecture, all intended to reduce cross-chain friction. Investors are encouraged to research LiquidChain before its next pricing tier is implemented.

  • HAJIMIUSDT Perpetual Contract Launches in Innovation Zone with 10x Leverage

    HAJIMIUSDT Perpetual Contract Launches in Innovation Zone with 10x Leverage

    Bybit Lists HAJIMIUSDT Perpetual Contract in Innovation Zone

    Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has announced the listing of the HAJIMIUSDT Perpetual Contract within its Innovation Zone. Trading for the new contract is now live, offering users leverage of up to 10x.

    The HAJIMIUSDT contract features the underlying asset 哈基米-HAJIMI (HAJIMI) and settles in USDT. The tick size is set at 0.00001, with a maximum leverage of 10. The capped funding rate is 2.5%, and funding fees are settled every four hours. Trading is available 24/7.

    The official X account for HAJIMI is listed as <a href="https://x.com/hajimiCTOBNB”>https://x.com/hajimiCTOBNB. The official website is not available.

    Bybit has noted that contracts listed in the Innovation Zone incur higher trading fees compared to other available contracts. Further details regarding the Innovation Zone can be found on Bybit’s help center.

  • Altcoin Bull Run Poised for Record Highs, Analyst Claims

    Altcoin Bull Run Poised for Record Highs, Analyst Claims

    Altcoin Market at a Potential Turning Point, Analyst Suggests

    The altcoin market may be poised for a significant shift, with several key indicators breaking out of year-long downtrends, according to analyst Matthew Hyland. His analysis suggests that smaller cryptocurrencies are gaining momentum against Bitcoin and traditional risk assets, though a rise in leverage also heightens the risk of a sharp correction.

    Chart Breakouts Signal Potential Shift

    In a September 7 post, Hyland highlighted that Ethereum (ETH), Total 2 (tracking altcoins excluding Bitcoin), Total 3 (excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum), and OTHERS (focusing on tokens outside the top 10) have all signaled the end of their extended declines by forming higher highs.

    Bullish Outlook for Altcoins

    Hyland initially questioned whether these movements were merely a “bear market rally” but later offered a more optimistic assessment. In a subsequent post, he stated, “The largest #Altcoin Bull Run of all time is loading,” predicting it could surpass the gains seen in 2020-2021. This forecast is supported by a chart comparing the dominance of cryptocurrencies outside the top 10 against the S&P 500 (OTHERS.D/SPX).

    This ratio has been in decline for years following a peak during the 2017-2018 Initial Coin Offering (ICO) boom. The current reading is positioned near the lower end of this long-term downtrend. Furthermore, an oscillator on the chart has entered oversold territory around 20-30, a setup being compared to the overbought conditions near 80 observed in 2017. While this doesn’t definitively confirm a new altcoin cycle, it underpins Hyland’s belief that smaller tokens may be entering a period of relative strength.

    Increased Trading Activity and Market Cap Growth

    Evidence of heightened trading activity is emerging, with data from Coinalyze indicating that altcoin perpetual futures open interest has surpassed Bitcoin’s for the first time since December 2024. This shift coincides with altcoins outside the top 10 seeing their combined market capitalization rise to $213 billion, an increase of nearly 12% since the beginning of September.

    Notable Altcoin Performances

    Zcash (ZEC) has been a standout performer, recently surpassing $1,200—a 370% surge from its early June low. Its market capitalization also moved above $20 billion, positioning it ahead of Hyperliquid (HYPE) and Dogecoin (DOGE) at the time of writing. Both HYPE and DOGE had experienced gains exceeding 11% in the preceding 24 hours. Dogecoin itself and BNB also posted significant gains, with DOGE climbing 12% from its Friday low to $0.094, while BNB approached $780, its highest level since early February.

    Warning Signs of Leverage

    However, a cautionary note has been sounded. Zcash perpetual futures open interest reached $2.7 billion, according to CoinGlass. The cryptocurrency’s move above $1,200 triggered $24 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, with over $17 million of that amount being short positions. Historically, similar shifts in derivatives positioning have preceded corrections in mid-cap tokens.

    Competing Signals and Future Outlook

    The market currently presents two contrasting signals: improving breadth in altcoin movements and breakouts on several long-term charts, juxtaposed with rapidly accumulating leverage. Despite these competing factors, Hyland views the positive chart developments as strong indicators that the market may be entering a more substantial altcoin phase.

  • White-Hat Hackers Claim $320M BTC Drain from Liquid, Promise Return Post-Fix

    White-Hat Hackers Claim $320M BTC Drain from Liquid, Promise Return Post-Fix

    White-Hat Hackers Claim Responsibility for $320 Million Bitcoin Withdrawal from Liquid Network

    A security incident on the Bitcoin Layer 2 network, Liquid, has resulted in the purported withdrawal of approximately 4,000 BTC, valued at $320 million, from the Liquid Federation wallet. The entity claiming responsibility identifies itself as a white-hat hacker group.

    Blockstream, a key player in the Liquid ecosystem, is reportedly attempting to communicate with the parties involved via signed on-chain messages.

    In an official update, Liquid stated that the funds were moved using the SideSwap PAK (Peg-out Authorization Key). However, the network emphasized that the key itself was not compromised, and no other keys were put at risk. Crypto exchanges have been notified and have either already suspended or are in the process of suspending deposits and withdrawals for LBTC.

    Liquid also confirmed that other assets on the network, including USDT, DePix, and real-world assets, remain unaffected. The network has temporarily disabled its bridge nodes, which prevents new transactions from being submitted. This effectively means the sidechain is paused while the security issue is being investigated and resolved.

    “Liquid wallets will be impacted, and we’re sorry for any inconvenience,” a statement from Liquid read. “Federation members are actively working on resolving this so we can restore normal network activity.”

    A public exchange is unfolding on-chain between Blockstream and the party claiming to be the white-hat hacker responsible for the withdrawal. Samson Mow, a prominent figure in the crypto space, noted that the hacker appears to prefer public communication through Bitcoin transaction data rather than email.

    The interaction began around 11:30 AM PDT, when the hacker posted a message stating, “we are whitehats. contact us on chain.” Blockstream responded at 12:31 PM on September 6, requesting the hacker to contact their security team via email. Subsequently, Blockstream sent an encrypted, PGP-signed message to the hacker’s key.

    Mow provided a summary of the public conversation, highlighting the preference for on-chain communication over email.

    At 7:20 PM, the hacker indicated an intention to return most of the funds and inquired about the acceptability of a specified address. Approximately an hour later, the hacker stated that the bug needed to be fixed first, adding, “The chain is under risk at latest commit right now. Make sure every node is patched. Then we will transfer the money back safely after confirming the fix.”

    Blockstream responded with a simple “Yes, thank you” at 8:30 PM. As of 9:12 PM PDT, around 3,998.5 BTC remained in the wallet, with no further messages exchanged between the parties.

    Charles Guillemet, CTO of Ledger, expressed skepticism regarding the white-hat claim. He pointed out that legitimate security researchers typically do not drain a bridge and then request on-chain contact. Guillemet drew parallels to past incidents like the Ronin hack, where validator keys were compromised, and the Euler exploit, where the attacker negotiated for the return of stolen funds. He added that while criminal groups don’t usually contact their victims, the behavior observed in this case is not characteristic of typical white-hat activity.

  • Binance Futures Ends Last Price Protection for TACUSDT Perpetual Contract

    Binance Futures Ends Last Price Protection for TACUSDT Perpetual Contract

    Binance Futures to Phase Out Last Price Protected Mechanism for TACUSDT Perpetual Contract

    Binance Futures announced that it will discontinue the Last Price Protected (LPP) mechanism for its USDⓈ-Margined TACUSDT Perpetual Contract. The transition to a standard Mark Price calculation is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026, at 06:00 (UTC).

    Gradual Transition and Mark Price Calculation

    The transition period is expected to last up to three hours, with the exact duration dependent on price volatility and the stability of the index price. To mitigate sudden price fluctuations and ensure stability during this phase, Binance Futures will implement a gradual mark price smoothing process. Trading operations will remain unaffected throughout the transition, and existing open orders and positions will not be canceled.

    Upon the conclusion of the LPP period, the Mark Price will be determined using the following formula:

    Mark Price = Median (Price 1, Price 2, Contract Price)

    Users can find the specific formulas for Price 1 and Price 2 within the Mark Price and Price Index documentation for USDⓈ-Margined Futures.

    Funding Rate Adjustments

    Following the end of the LPP period, the funding rate will adhere to the standard rules for perpetual futures contracts. The capped funding rate will be adjusted from its current range of +0.005% / -0.005% to +2.00% / -2.00% at 06:00 (UTC) on September 7, 2026.

    The funding rate adjustments will occur in stages:

    • 2026-09-07 04:00 (UTC): Maximum Funding Rate at +0.005% / -0.005%
    • 2026-09-07 08:00 (UTC): Maximum Funding Rate adjusted to +2.000% / -2.000%
    • 2026-09-07 12:00 (UTC): Maximum Funding Rate remains at +2.000% / -2.000%
    • 2026-09-07 16:00 (UTC): Maximum Funding Rate remains at +2.000% / -2.000%

    The funding interval will be shortened from every four hours to every hour once the previous funding rate settlement reaches +2.00% / -2.00%.

    Further details regarding trading rules, funding rate history, mark price and price index, and Binance Futures contract specifications are available for reference.

    This announcement is issued as a Notice under Binance Exchange Rule 17. Binance reserves the right to modify the constituents and weightage of the Price Index and may adjust contract specifications, including funding fees, tick size, maximum leverage, and margin requirements, based on market risk conditions. Users are advised to consult the Trading Rules for the most up-to-date information. In the event of any discrepancies, the original English version of this notice should be considered authoritative.

  • IMF: No Public Funds Fuel El Salvador’s Bitcoin

    IMF: No Public Funds Fuel El Salvador’s Bitcoin

    IMF Confirms No Public Funds Used for El Salvador’s Latest Bitcoin Acquisitions

    El Salvador has significantly scaled back public involvement in its Chivo e-wallet as part of broader adjustments to the government’s engagement with Bitcoin, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The IMF also indicated that efforts are underway to enhance transparency concerning the nation’s Bitcoin holdings across its various digital wallets.

    Majority ownership and operational control of Chivo have been transferred to a private entity. The government, however, has retained a minority stake and the responsibility for safeguarding customer assets. Regarding Bitcoin accumulation, El Salvador has provided documentation demonstrating that all Bitcoin acquired since the initial review of its IMF program originated from private donations, with no public funds utilized for these purchases.

    IMF staff and Salvadoran authorities have reached a staff-level agreement that encompasses measures to bolster governance and risk management for crypto assets held by the public sector. This agreement also includes plans to update the country’s legal, regulatory, and supervisory framework for digital assets.

    The IMF stated that no further Bitcoin accumulation beyond the documented donations is anticipated. These developments coincide with El Salvador’s ongoing implementation of reforms under its Extended Fund Facility arrangement with the international financial institution.

    Looking at the broader economic picture, Mr. Torres, the IMF Mission Chief for El Salvador, noted that the country’s economy expanded more than initially projected in 2025, with real GDP growth expected to reach 4.5% this year. This positive outlook is attributed to robust investment and consumer spending, alongside significant contributions from remittances, tourism, and capital inflows. The IMF also highlighted improvements in security and increased investor confidence as key factors supporting economic growth. The organization further commented that the government’s economic policies have been instrumental in strengthening fiscal and external buffers.

    El Salvador made history as the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, though its usage and accumulation have consistently faced opposition from the IMF. As part of negotiations for its $1.4 billion IMF program, the country committed to limiting public sector involvement in Bitcoin, making private sector acceptance voluntary, and scaling back certain aspects of its cryptocurrency framework.

    The National Bitcoin Office’s reserve tracker currently indicates holdings of approximately 7,764 BTC. At the current price of $81,150 per Bitcoin, these holdings are valued at roughly $630 million.

  • Crypto Holders Leaned on Digital Asset Loans in 2026 Amidst Market Downturn

    Crypto Holders Leaned on Digital Asset Loans in 2026 Amidst Market Downturn

    In 2026, cryptocurrency holders increasingly turned to loans backed by digital assets as market conditions weakened, prompting shifts in borrowing behavior and collateral preferences, according to research from CryptoQuant. This trend allowed users to access liquidity without immediately selling their holdings.

    The data reveals a significant uptick in loan activity. The average number of loans per retail user surged by 74%, from 30.8 in 2025 to 53.5 in 2026. High-net-worth users also saw an increase, with the average number of loans rising 18% from 16.5 to 19.4 over the same period. Repeat borrowing became more common, with the percentage of users taking multiple loans climbing from 61.9% to 65.1%. Retail borrowers also adjusted their cadence, spacing out loans by an average of 21 days in 2026, up from 11 days in 2025.

    Collateral composition saw notable changes. For high-net-worth individuals, Bitcoin’s share as pledged collateral dropped substantially from 57.8% to 30.5%. Concurrently, Zcash gained prominence, accounting for 24.2% of pledged assets among this group. This rise is partly attributed to Zcash’s significant price rally, which saw its value increase from around $50 in late 2025 to approximately $800 in 2026.

    Retail users also diversified their collateral. While XRP remained a popular choice, its share decreased from 41.7% to 35.2%. Other assets such as TRON, Stellar, BNB, Kaspa, and Velo also saw increased use as collateral.

    In terms of trading volume, Tether and Bitcoin maintained their top positions, with USD Coin moving into third place. Flare, Ether, and Ondo also entered the top 10, while Solana, Stellar, and Shiba Inu fell out.

    These evolving borrowing and collateral strategies indicate that crypto holders were adapting to the challenging market environment of 2026, seeking financial flexibility through digital asset-backed lending.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: In 2026, crypto holders, both retail and high-net-worth, increased their reliance on loans collateralized by digital assets as market conditions weakened. The exact reasons for the shift in collateral preferences beyond Zcash’s price rally are not fully detailed.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the factual news in this context: Crypto-backed loans allow holders to access cash without immediately selling their digital assets.

  • XRP Spot Trading Volume Reaches Six-Month High in August Amidst Mixed ETF Signals

    XRP Spot Trading Volume Reaches Six-Month High in August Amidst Mixed ETF Signals

    XRP’s spot trading volume surged to a six-month high in August, coinciding with a price rebound and increased network activity, according to reported data. However, recent net outflows from U.S. spot XRP Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) suggest a potential cooling of institutional demand, presenting a mixed picture for the cryptocurrency.

    August Trading Surge
    Binance recorded $7.28 billion in XRP spot trading volume during August, the highest monthly figure since February. Upbit and Bithumb also reported substantial activity, with approximately $4.68 billion and $2.59 billion in XRP spot trading volume, respectively. This elevated trading activity occurred as XRP’s price recovered from lows in the $1.30s back towards the $1.40 to $1.45 area.

    Network Activity Increases
    Beyond trading volume, network metrics indicated heightened engagement. Exchange outflows reportedly reached a six-month high, and active addresses on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) reportedly jumped by 659%. These combined metrics suggest increased participation and demand for XRP.

    ETF Demand Cools
    Despite the robust spot trading and network activity, institutional investor signals present a more nuanced view. After an 11-session streak of inflows totaling approximately $170 million, U.S. spot XRP ETFs experienced net outflows of $7.2 million on a recent Wednesday. This cooling of institutional demand contrasts with the heightened trading volume observed on exchanges.

    Interpreting the Signals
    Analysts suggest that while the increased spot trading volume and network activity may indicate renewed interest, these metrics alone do not suggest accumulation. Traders are advised to wait for price confirmation before treating the activity spike as a definitive signal. XRP is currently facing resistance between $1.45 and $1.50. A decisive breakout above this level with sustained volume is considered important for strengthening the case for further price increases.

    Conversely, the $1.30 to $1.32 zone is identified as key support. A loss of this level could invalidate the current support structure and expose XRP to lower prices, potentially in the low $1.20s. The upcoming price action is expected to test whether underlying demand for XRP remains strong, particularly in light of the recent cooling of ETF inflows.

    The current situation presents a complex outlook for XRP, characterized by strong on-chain and trading activity but tempered by mixed signals from institutional investment vehicles. The ability of XRP to sustain its price above key resistance levels, alongside continued network activity, will be crucial in determining its near-term trajectory.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: XRP’s spot trading volume on major exchanges, particularly Binance, reached its highest point in six months during August. Whether the increased spot trading volume and network activity suggest accumulation for XRP.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the factual news in this context: The article discusses XRP price predictions and market activity.

  • Ripple Expands College Sports Presence with University of Florida Athletics Partnership

    Ripple Expands College Sports Presence with University of Florida Athletics Partnership

    Ripple has inked a multi-year marketing and educational partnership with the University of Florida Athletics, which will prominently feature XRP branding. The agreement, announced Friday, includes logo placement on the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, digital platforms, and event signage, with the branding set to debut during the upcoming football season.

    Beyond marketing, Ripple is committed to supporting financial and technology education for Florida’s student-athletes and the wider campus community. This collaboration marks a continuation of Ripple’s strategy, following a similar deal with the University of Kansas earlier this year, underscoring the company’s increasing focus on college athletics.

    “Florida has a long history of embracing innovation and technology to enhance the experience of our fans and advance our programs,” said University of Florida Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin. “Ripple has established itself as an innovative leader in financial technology, and we’re excited to welcome XRP to Gator Nation.”

    The partnership’s branding component coincides with varied market performance for XRP. On Friday, XRP was trading around $1.41, a 0.6% increase over the preceding 24 hours. While XRP has gained approximately 34.9% in the last 30 days, it remains down about 49.8% year-over-year, according to CoinGecko.

    Interest in spot XRP Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) has recently moderated. Data indicates that flows were largely flat on September 4th. Despite cumulative net inflows for XRP ETFs reaching approximately $1.6 billion, recent trends suggest a neutral market sentiment, as noted by sources tracking ETF activity.

    This expansion into college sports is part of Ripple’s broader initiative to enhance its mainstream visibility. The company has been actively developing its payments, custody, and treasury services and recently introduced its RLUSD stablecoin.

    The specific financial terms of the agreement between Ripple and the University of Florida Athletics were not disclosed.

    Why This Matters

    The materials describe a narrow update: Ripple has signed a multi-year marketing deal with the University of Florida Athletics. Terms of the deal between Ripple and the University of Florida were not disclosed.

    Broader Context

    Source materials place the factual news in this context: Ripple is taking its crypto-in-college-sports playbook to the Swamp, striking a multi-year marketing deal with the University of Florida that may splash the XRP logo across the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium starting this football season.