There is a specific kind of electricity that only exists when you are standing on the precipice of adulthood, suitcase in hand, looking out at a horizon you’ve only ever seen on a smartphone screen. For today’s college students, the world is no longer a distant map; it is a classroom without walls, a playground of culture, and a sanctuary for personal discovery. As the semester grind intensifies, the craving for a genuine escape becomes more than just a want—it becomes a necessity for the soul. Recognizing this vibrant hunger for adventure, a major shift in the tourism landscape is happening right now, ensuring that the dreams of young wanderers are finally within reach.

Redefining the Student Journey: The 18–24 Elite Experience

In a bold move to capture the hearts of the youngest adult travelers, EF Ultimate Break—a powerhouse under the EF World Journeys umbrella—has officially premiered its “College Break Collection.” This isn’t just another set of vacation packages; it is a meticulously curated suite of over 20 global tours designed exclusively for the Gen-Z demographic, specifically targeting those aged 18 to 24. By capping the age at 24, the brand ensures that travelers are surrounded by peers navigating the exact same life milestones, from freshman nerves to graduation jitters.

According to insights from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), youth travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the industry. EF’s new collection leans into this trend by offering immersive itineraries in high-demand destinations such as Japan, Costa Rica, Italy, and Peru. These trips are engineered to remove the “logistical nightmare” of international planning, providing a seamless bridge between a student’s budget and their desire for luxury-adjacent experiences.

Massive Itineraries Meet Budget-Friendly Reality

The “College Break Collection” addresses the primary hurdle for most students: the balance of time and money. While most journeys span a perfectly digestible eight to 11 days, the collection also features a legendary “Ultimate Europe” odyssey. This 35-day marathon takes students through 14 iconic cities, offering a deep dive into the continent’s history and nightlife.

Emma Topp, a leading travel specialist at EF Ultimate Break, noted that the university years are often when the desire to travel first takes hold, particularly for those heading abroad for the first time. However, she pointed out that this period is also characterized by the tightest financial constraints and the most daunting logistics. She explained that by tailoring tours specifically for the college-aged crowd, the company is providing Gen-Z with a more genuine and profound travel experience alongside like-minded individuals who are at the same stage of life and seeking personal evolution.

Beyond the Ordinary: Specialized Travel Sub-Cultures

This latest update follows the brand’s successful expansion into niche markets. EF Ultimate Break has already gained viral status for its “BookTok” collection, which brings literary landscapes to life, and its pioneering “alcohol-free” sober journeys. According to the World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation, Gen-Z travelers are increasingly seeking values-aligned travel.

The new College Break tours include essential costs in the upfront price—covering on-ground transportation, curated meals, and the expertise of a professional tour director. This “one-and-done” pricing model is a direct response to the economic transparency demanded by modern consumers. By taking the guesswork out of budgeting, these tours allow students to focus on the experience rather than the expense.

Navigating the Future of Global Tourism

The impact of these tours extends beyond simple sightseeing. Government tourism boards in countries like Italy and Costa Rica have long advocated for sustainable youth travel as a means of fostering long-term international relations and cultural empathy. By placing young Americans in these environments, the College Break Collection acts as a catalyst for global citizenship.

As students look toward 2026 and 2027, the focus is shifting from “ticking off boxes” to “soaking up moments.” The collection emphasizes authenticity over filtered perfection, encouraging travelers to engage with local communities and step outside their comfort zones in a safe, guided environment.

A New Chapter for Every Aspiring Globetrotter

As the sun sets on traditional, one-size-fits-all tourism, a new dawn is rising for the young explorer. The beauty of travel isn’t found in the destination alone, but in the shared laughter over a missed train, the awe of seeing the Colosseum for the first time, and the quiet realization that the world is much smaller—and much friendlier—than you once thought. This is more than a trip; it is a rite of passage.

Whether you are seeking the misty cloud forests of Central America or the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo, the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect is waiting for you. For every student who has ever looked at a sunset and wished they were seeing it from a different time zone, the message is clear: your journey doesn’t have to wait for “someday.” The world is open, your peers are ready, and the most transformative chapter of your life is just one flight away. Grab your passport and step into the adventure you were always meant to have.

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is set to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse with an exciting week of vibrant celebrations across its stunning Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa resorts. From February 16 to 24, 2026, guests can immerse themselves in a series of dynamic cultural experiences, island elegance, and family-friendly moments, all reflecting the bold and spirited nature of this rare zodiac year.

The Fire Horse is known for its fearless energy, enthusiasm, and drive, making it the perfect inspiration for a year full of adventure, fresh starts, and meaningful connections. What better place to celebrate than in the tropical paradise of the Maldives?

A Culinary Delight: Baiweiyuan Dumpling Restaurant Pop-Up (February 16-23, 2026)
To mark the occasion, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives welcomes the renowned Michelin-recognized Baiweiyuan Dumpling Restaurant from Beijing for a special pop-up. Running from February 16 to 23, 2026, this unique experience will take place at both Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Baiweiyuan is famous for its made-to-order dumplings and comforting soups that have been cherished by Beijingers for generations. Guests will have the chance to savor signature dumplings such as pork and chive, beef and onion, and a selection of vegetarian options like egg and tomato. Cold starters like soy-braised pork trotter will add to the delightful experience.

Each dumpling is freshly made to order, capturing the passion and generosity of spirit that defines the Fire Horse. This exclusive culinary celebration is sure to add an authentic touch of Beijing to the Indian Ocean setting.

Lunar New Year Festivities at Kuda Huraa (February 16-24, 2026)
At Kuda Huraa, the Lunar New Year festivities unfold like a lively island carnival. The celebrations kick off with a traditional Reunion Dinner at Café Huraa, followed by a week of themed dining nights, an outdoor cinema, a lively Pool Party, and a vibrant Pop-Up Asian Market that embodies the joy of the season.

Guests can enjoy a diverse range of experiences, from a Secret Beach BBQ under the stars to a Mediterranean Market at Reef Club and an Asian Buffet at Café Huraa. Every evening brings a new opportunity to celebrate, with Baiweiyuan’s dumpling pop-up available throughout the week.

Highlights at Kuda Huraa include:

• Reunion Dinner on February 16
• Family Feast Lunch, Seafood Night, and Asian Buffet
• Secret Beach BBQ and Mediterranean Market
• Pool Party with DJ on February 18
• Pop-Up Asian Market and outdoor movie nights
• Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up available daily

The Kuda Mas Kids Club will also host a two-week festival designed for younger guests. Activities inspired by the Fire Horse’s sense of freedom and joy include lantern painting, snorkel adventures, arts and crafts, dumpling making, tie-dye t-shirts, karaoke night, and beach games. These fun-filled experiences are sure to spark creativity and confidence in children, allowing them to enjoy the festivities with the same enthusiastic spirit as the Fire Horse.

Lunar New Year at Landaa Giraavaru (February 16, 2026)
Landaa Giraavaru will kick off the New Year with an exciting poolside celebration from 7:00 to 10:30 pm. The night will come alive with a Dragon Dance performance, a live DJ, and glowing lanterns that transform the main pool into a festive gathering space. A Yu Sheng prosperity toss will set the tone for a year of abundance and good fortune, while live-action food stations will offer delicious celebratory dishes.

Landaa highlights include:

• Poolside Lunar New Year Celebration
• Dragon Dance performance
• Live DJ and festive ambiance
• Yu Sheng prosperity toss
• Culture-inspired welcome drinks
• Baiweiyuan Dumpling pop-up available throughout the week

A Year of Prosperity and Connection
Lunar New Year at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is about more than just celebrations—it’s about bringing families and friends together in the spirit of prosperity, connection, and shared joy. Whether you’re gathering for a Yu Sheng toss at Landaa Giraavaru or enjoying the lantern-lit nights at Kuda Huraa, this festive season offers a unique opportunity to honor the year ahead with love, laughter, and good fortune.

Jamaica is reinforcing its global tourism partnerships by welcoming one thousand travel advisors who are actively participating in volunteer initiatives across the island, a move that highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and meaningful international collaboration. The large-scale involvement of travel professionals reflects growing confidence in Jamaica as a leading Caribbean destination and demonstrates how tourism partnerships are evolving beyond traditional marketing efforts to include community development and cultural preservation. By engaging directly with local communities, these advisors are helping support infrastructure improvement projects, social programs, and environmental initiatives that contribute to long-term economic and social stability. Their participation also allows them to gain firsthand cultural experiences, enabling them to promote Jamaica more authentically to global travelers. The initiative strengthens Jamaica’s visibility in key international markets while reinforcing responsible tourism practices that ensure local communities benefit directly from the industry’s continued growth.

The North American travel company, widely recognized for its strong presence in leisure travel, resort management, and vacation planning services, has encouraged its travel advisors to take part in community-focused volunteer programs across Jamaica. This effort forms part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting destinations beyond traditional tourism promotion. By contributing time, expertise, and resources, participating advisors are assisting with projects designed to strengthen local communities while supporting broader national recovery and development goals.

Tourism officials have described the initiative as a meaningful investment in Jamaica’s people and communities. The volunteer engagement demonstrates how international tourism stakeholders can play an active role in sustainable development by combining business partnerships with social responsibility efforts. The initiative also reflects a growing global tourism trend where travel companies are increasingly prioritizing community support and environmental awareness as part of their operational strategies.

Industry leaders have emphasized the important role travel advisors play in shaping global travel trends and influencing visitor decisions. Travel consultants often serve as trusted guides for travelers, helping them select destinations, accommodations, and travel experiences. Their direct involvement in local volunteer programs allows them to gain a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s cultural heritage, traditions, and community life. This firsthand experience enables advisors to promote the destination more authentically, helping travelers develop a stronger connection to Jamaica before they even arrive.

“The decision by 1,000 ALG travel advisors to volunteer in Jamaica is an extraordinary show of solidarity and partnership,” said Minister Bartlett. “While not all were able to make this trip, its highlights the global support Jamaica continues to receive. I have committed to hosting these travel advisors over a phased basis as it directly supports our communities and aligns with our broader recovery and resilience strategy for the sector.”

The volunteer programs are structured to provide both immediate and long-term benefits to local communities. Many of the projects focus on community upliftment, including support for local infrastructure, social initiatives, and programs designed to enhance living conditions for residents. These activities also encourage knowledge exchange, as visiting travel professionals share skills and expertise while learning from community members about Jamaican culture, customs, and everyday life. This mutual exchange helps create stronger cultural ties and builds meaningful relationships between visitors and local communities.

Tourism authorities have also highlighted the importance of the partnership within Jamaica’s key tourism source markets, particularly across North and South America. The travel organization remains a major contributor to the island’s visitor arrivals and plays a critical role in promoting Jamaica as a preferred vacation destination. The participation of such a large number of advisors reinforces the tourism industry’s confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and ability to maintain strong visitor demand.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, welcomed the initiative as a gamechanger for destination advocacy and community impact. “Travel advisors are among Jamaica’s strongest ambassadors, and when they engage at this level, the impact is profound,” said White. “By volunteering on the ground, these advisors gain an even deeper appreciation for Jamaica’s culture, people, and communities.”

Beyond volunteer engagement, the travel company has played a significant role in expanding Jamaica’s tourism visibility on the global stage. Through marketing collaborations, promotional campaigns, and vacation packaging, the organization has helped strengthen awareness of Jamaica’s diverse tourism offerings, including its beaches, cultural attractions, hospitality sector, and adventure experiences. These efforts have contributed to steady visitor growth and supported recovery strategies following global travel disruptions.

The volunteer initiative also aligns with Jamaica’s broader vision for responsible and sustainable tourism development. By integrating community support into tourism activities, the island continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination that values inclusive growth. Such initiatives help ensure that tourism benefits extend beyond economic gains by directly supporting local communities and preserving cultural identity.

Overall, the participation of 1,000 travel advisors in volunteer efforts demonstrates the evolving nature of tourism partnerships. The initiative not only supports Jamaica’s economic recovery and community development but also reinforces the destination’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Through collaborative efforts between tourism stakeholders and local communities, Jamaica continues to build a model for tourism growth that balances visitor experiences with meaningful social impact.

Travellers who begin their cruises on Sun Princess and Star Princess now enjoy improved dining experiences because Alfredo’s Pizzeria received Ospitalità Italiana certification. The Italian authorities granted this prestigious award to ensure that authentic Neapolitan pizza experiences will be available at sea. Cruise enthusiasts discover Italy’s heritage in every bite, transforming voyages across global waters into gourmet adventures. Princess Cruises establishes a new standard for onboard dining which attracts food enthusiasts to its entire fleet.

Certification Significance

Italian Chambers of Commerce established the Ospitalità Italiana programme in 1997 to safeguard culinary authenticity worldwide. ISNART, a key verifier, assesses restaurants on fresh ingredients, traditional methods, and hospitality standards. Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Sun Princess and Star Princess earns this elite status, a rarity for maritime venues.

Chefs stretch dough by hand and fire it in authentic Moretti Forni stone ovens. They source premium toppings daily, preserving Neapolitan purity. Travellers taste true Italy amid Caribbean sunsets or Alaskan glaciers, without setting foot on land. This certification elevates everyday meals into cultural milestones.

Dining Excellence Onboard

Alfredo’s Pizzeria thrives as a centrepiece on these Sphere-class ships. Collaboration with Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, infuses expertise across the fleet. His five signature pizzas feature bold combinations like Soppressata sausage with hot honey or Gorgonzola paired with fig preserves.

USA Today previously hailed Princess Cruises for the finest pizza at sea. This accolade cements that reputation. Guests order custom pies during dinners in the Mediterranean or excursions to the Panama Canal. The pizzeria’s open-kitchen design lets diners watch artisans at work, heightening the theatre of travel.

Travel Impact for Cruise Enthusiasts

Authentic dining anchors memorable holidays. Travellers prioritise immersive cuisine on luxury escapes, and this certification delivers. Princess Cruises attracts Italian food aficionados planning Europe, Alaska, or South Pacific routes. Operators witness heightened bookings as word spreads among travel agents.

Sun Princess debuted in 2025, earning Condé Nast Traveller’s Mega Ship of the Year. Star Princess joined in October 2025, expanding capacity for epic itineraries. MedallionClass technology personalises service, from spa treatments to pizza orders. Certification amplifies appeal for families, couples, and solo explorers chasing flavour-rich voyages.

Fleet-Wide Innovations

Princess Cruises rolls out Gemignani’s pizzas across all 17 vessels. Onboard teams train rigorously to match certification standards. National Pizza Day timing spotlights this feat, inspiring spontaneous bookings for Hawaiian or Australian/New Zealand sailings.

The brand blends Love Boat legacy with modern flair. Grand theatres host performances post-pizza feasts. Casinos, spas, and infinity pools frame culinary highs. Travellers forge bonds over shared slices, turning strangers into friends on high seas.

Global Itineraries Enhanced

Voyages span dream destinations: Mexican Riviera beaches, South America fjords, Canada/New England coasts. Certification ensures consistent excellence, no matter the port. Agents market this as a game-changer for group travel and incentives. Families celebrate milestones with verified Italian delights.

Princess Cruises prioritises simplicity and elite service. Staterooms offer ocean views complementing deckside dining. This holistic approach redefines cruising for discerning guests.

Booking and Planning Tips

Travel professionals streamline reservations via 1-800-PRINCESS or princess.com. They emphasise certified pizzerias when crafting bespoke itineraries. Early bookings secure cabins near Alfredo’s for peak seasons.

Culinary Milestone Achieved

The Ospitalità Italiana certification designates Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Star Princess and Sun Princess as the highest dining achievement for cruise ships. Princess Cruises shows its expertise in making authentic Italian pizza, which benefits its worldwide routes that extend from Alaska to Antarctica. Travellers experience the essence of Italy through maritime travel, which combines opulent luxury with traditional practices and modern advancements for everlasting sea journey experiences. This milestone establishes stronger bonds through dining experiences which will transform every maritime journey into an exceptional memory.

Imagine standing where the rugged spirit of the Old West meets the neon-lit future of global luxury. This isn’t just a dream; it is the breathtaking reality of Arizona in 2026. As you breathe in the crisp, sage-scented air of the Sonoran Desert, you can feel a renewed energy pulsing through the landscape. Whether you are a thrill-seeker looking for the next big adrenaline rush or a soul-searcher seeking solace under a canopy of infinite stars, the Grand Canyon State is opening its arms wider than ever. We are witnessing a historic transformation that invites every traveler to write their own story in the copper-colored dust and sparkling city lights of this majestic region.

The Billion-Dollar Revolution in Glendale

The heart of the Southwest is beating faster as Glendale, Arizona prepares to unveil the crown jewel of modern hospitality: the VAI Resort. This $1 billion masterpiece is not merely a hotel; it is a 60-acre “party island” that redefines the luxury escape. With over 1,100 rooms and a world-first integrated amphitheater, guests can literally watch global superstars perform from their own private balconies.

According to official development updates from the Arizona Office of Tourism, the resort will feature a massive 52,000-square-foot island surrounded by white sand beaches, bringing a coastal vibe to the heart of the desert. Complementing this oasis is the highly anticipated Mattel Adventure Park. For the first time, families can step into a life-sized Barbie Dreamhouse or race on Hot Wheels-themed rollercoasters like the “Bone Shaker.” This dual-threat destination is set to become a viral sensation, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering.

Route 66: A Century of Road Trip Magic

The “Mother Road” is celebrating a monumental milestone. As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary, the stretch through Williams and Seligman is seeing a vibrant revival. Travelers are flocking to new culinary stops like the Highway Hot Dog, located in a beautifully restored historic building.

The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona has also launched a new GPS-guided audio tour, ensuring that the stories of the road are never lost. Travelers can now hear the echoes of the past while driving through the neon-lit corridors of Americana. In nearby Holbrook, the reopening of “The Bend on 66” offers a dinosaur-themed drive-thru that captures the quirky, adventurous spirit that has defined Arizona travel for a century.

Stargazing and Celestial Secrets

Arizona remains the global capital of “Astrotourism.” Flagstaff, famously the world’s first International Dark Sky City, is celebrating 25 years of celestial preservation. The Lowell Observatory has expanded its reach with the new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, allowing visitors to peer into the deep cosmos through state-of-the-art technology.

The state’s commitment to the night sky has expanded to the southern reaches as well. Tubac and Bisbee have officially been certified as Dark Sky Communities, proving that Arizona’s beauty doesn’t fade when the sun goes down. In these towns, the local governments have worked tirelessly to eliminate light pollution, ensuring that the Milky Way remains a vivid, shimmering ribbon for all to see.

Sustainable Luxury and High-Tech Wonders

The Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix has recently reopened the Dorrance Planetarium, now the most technologically advanced facility of its kind in North America. Utilizing 8K+ resolution, it offers a journey through black holes and distant galaxies that feels startlingly real.

For those seeking a more grounded connection to nature, the Grand Canyon region has embraced “glamping” with open arms. New sites like Highland Grand Canyon offer eco-friendly safari tents just minutes from the South Rim. Official reports from Arizona State Parks and Trails highlight the 2025 Trails Plan, which has paved the way for more accessible and sustainable outdoor experiences across the state’s diverse biomes.

A Future Built on Authentic Hospitality

As we look toward the horizon, it is clear that Arizona is no longer just a pass-through state; it is a world-class destination that competes on the global stage. From the bustling semiconductor boom in Phoenix to the quiet, wine-rich valleys of Verde Valley, the state is balancing industrial growth with a deep respect for its natural heritage. The Arizona Board of Regents recently noted that the hospitality sector is the state’s top export-oriented industry, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and ensuring that the “human touch” remains at the core of every visitor’s journey.

As you plan your next great escape, remember that Arizona is a place that stays with you long after the red dust has been brushed from your boots. It is a land of impossible contrasts—where you can surf in a desert wave pool in the morning and stand on the edge of a two-billion-year-old canyon by sunset. The spirit of the Southwest is not found in a guidebook, but in the moments of awe that catch your breath and the warmth of the people who call this rugged paradise home. Your 2026 adventure is calling; the only question is whether you are ready to answer the call of the wild and the wonderful.

Santa Rosa Joins Chirripó, Monteverde, And La Fortuna As Costa Rica’s Ultimate Stargazing Travel With Explosive Night Skies And Unforgettable Romantic Escapes. Costa Rica has quickly become a leading destination for stargazing tourism, offering an extraordinary opportunity to witness the wonders of the night sky. Each destination promises explosive night skies, with minimal light pollution and clear, unblemished views of the cosmos. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a couple looking to escape into nature, Costa Rica has something truly magical to offer.

The beauty of stargazing in Costa Rica lies in the diversity of landscapes and the distinct atmospheres each destination provides. From the towering peaks of Chirripó to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the expansive horizons along the Pacific Coast, each region offers unforgettable romantic escapes. Couples can experience intimate moments under the stars, while nature lovers can revel in the serenity of these remote, tranquil environments.

Costa Rica’s ultimate stargazing travel experience offers an incredible combination of adventure and romance, perfect for romantic getaways or simply seeking peaceful nights under the celestial canvas. The incredible views, rich biodiversity, and unique geographical features of these destinations make Costa Rica the perfect place to immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky while enjoying unforgettable memories.

La Fortuna: Stargazing Amidst the Majestic Arenal Volcano

Stargazing Highlights:

• Arenal Volcano – The iconic backdrop for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
• Eco-lodges and Hot Springs – Combining relaxation with stunning views of the night sky.
• Elevated Viewpoints – Perfect for observing the cosmos from a height.

Why La Fortuna is Perfect for Stargazing

La Fortuna, located in the Arenal Region, is a quintessential Costa Rican destination renowned for its natural beauty. It sits at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This region is perfect for couples and nature enthusiasts, offering a combination of luxurious eco-lodges, hot springs, and adventurous activities. The Arenal Volcano is a dramatic focal point for the area, with its smouldering cone providing a stunning view during the day.

When night falls, La Fortuna transforms into one of the best stargazing locations in Costa Rica. The cooler nights and elevated terrain offer clear skies, perfect for observing the Milky Way, planets, and constellations. Couples can enjoy a romantic evening with the volcanic landscape serving as the backdrop, while guided astronomy tours offer a deeper connection to the night sky. The hot springs around Arenal allow for a relaxing soak while you gaze up at the stars. La Fortuna’s combination of romantic and adventurous experiences makes it an ideal spot for a Valentine’s Day retreat under the stars.

Monteverde: The Enchanting Cloud Forest Under the Stars

Stargazing Highlights:

• High-altitude Cloud Forests – A unique environment for stargazing from elevated viewpoints.
• Low-light Pollution – An ideal location for clear, unobstructed views of the stars.
• Equatorial Stars – Opportunities to view stars from both hemispheres.

Why Monteverde is a Stargazing Haven

Monteverde is one of the most unique regions in Costa Rica for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude and low light pollution. Situated in the cloud forests of Puntarenas and Alajuela, this area is known for its breathtaking biodiversity and lush forests, but it also offers clear skies for astronomy enthusiasts. The elevation and minimal humidity at this location create the perfect conditions for observing the night sky.

Monteverde’s cloud forest is renowned for its enchanting atmosphere, which, when combined with the absence of artificial light, makes it a stargazer’s paradise. For couples looking for a romantic adventure, the night walks through the forest offer a magical experience, where you can spot planets, constellations, and the Milky Way in an entirely different way. The tranquility of the forest, coupled with the clear skies, provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making Monteverde an ideal destination for Valentine’s Day.

 Santa Rosa National Park & Guanacaste Region: A Stellar Paradise

Stargazing Highlights:

• Expansive Dry Forest Reserves – Offering clear, wide-open views of the night sky.
• Crystal-clear Skies – Best viewed during the dry season.
• Unobstructed Views of Southern Hemisphere Constellations – Ideal for observing celestial events.

Why Santa Rosa National Park is a Stargazing Gem

Located in the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica, Santa Rosa National Park is one of the best locations for stargazing tourism in the country. The park’s dry forest reserves are known for their minimal light pollution, making them a prime location for clear views of the night sky. Santa Rosa National Park is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, an UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional biodiversity and protected ecosystems.

The region offers expansive views of the sky, with unobstructed views of the Southern Hemisphere constellations. The dry season, lasting from December to April, ensures that the skies are clear and perfect for stargazing. Whether you’re enjoying a hike through the park’s lush forests or lounging on a remote beach, the park offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and stargazing opportunities. As the sun sets, the Southern Cross, planets, and other celestial wonders become visible, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening under the stars.

Chirripó National Park: The Ultimate Stargazing Experience at Costa Rica’s Highest Peak

Stargazing Highlights:

• Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s Highest Peak – Providing superior night views.
• Remote Location – Low light pollution for an unobstructed view.
• Elevated Stargazing – Clear skies above the clouds.

Why Chirripó National Park is a Stargazing Paradise

Chirripó National Park is home to Cerro Chirripó, the highest peak in Costa Rica at 3,820 meters (12,533 feet), making it one of the best locations for stargazing in the country. The park’s remote location and elevated position above the cloud line offer unobstructed views of the stars, making it an ideal place for serious astronomy enthusiasts and adventurous couples alike.

Stargazing at Chirripó is nothing short of extraordinary. The high-altitude environment offers crisp, clear skies, perfect for observing the Milky Way, planets, and constellations. The area’s minimal light pollution ensures that visitors can enjoy an unparalleled stargazing experience. Couples seeking an extraordinary romantic getaway will find Chirripó offers a truly magical environment for stargazing. The cooler temperatures and serene setting make it the perfect place for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience.

Pacific Coast Regions: A Celestial Experience by the Ocean

Stargazing Highlights:

• Unobstructed Views Over the Ocean – A perfect setting for celestial views.
• Tamarindo Beach – A lively destination with stunning night skies.
• Meteor Showers – Ideal for spotting shooting stars and planets.

Why the Pacific Coast is a Stargazing Destination

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, stretching from Tamarindo in the north to more remote beach towns along the Guanacaste Coast, is a stargazer’s paradise. This coastal region offers unobstructed views of the night sky, with vast horizons over the ocean that make for a spectacular stargazing experience. The region’s clear skies, low light pollution, and open beaches provide the perfect conditions to witness meteor showers, planets, and constellations.

Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations, offers vibrant nightlife and easy access to stargazing locations. For those looking for a more romantic setting, the Guanacaste Coast offers quieter and more secluded beaches, perfect for an evening of star-gazing with just the sound of the ocean in the background. The clear ocean horizons create a perfect canvas for watching celestial events unfold. The Pacific Coast provides the best combination of romantic beach life during the day and stunning stargazing by night.

Stargazing Destinations in Costa Rica for an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Getaway

Here is a table summarizing the best stargazing cities and regions in Costa Rica, along with key highlights and important information for travelers. This will help you decide which region suits your romantic stargazing adventure best.

Brief Overview:

The above table highlights the top five destinations in Costa Rica that provide optimal stargazing experiences. From the dramatic Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna to the serene cloud forests of Monteverde, each region offers a unique romantic setting paired with unmatched views of the night sky. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches on the Pacific Coast or a high-altitude adventure in Chirripó National Park, these destinations ensure clear skies, minimal light pollution, and incredible celestial views, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for couples seeking an unforgettable Valentine’s Day escape under the stars.

Costa Rica- A Stargazing Paradise for Romance and Adventure

Costa Rica has rightfully earned its place as one of the best stargazing destinations in the world, combining romantic settings with breathtaking views of the night sky. From the volcanic landscapes of Arenal to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the unobstructed horizons of the Pacific Coast, Costa Rica offers a wealth of stunning locations to explore both day and night.

Whether you’re a couple seeking romance under the stars, an adventure seeker looking for an extraordinary nighttime experience, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for stargazing tourism. With its unique blend of nature, clear skies, and minimal light pollution, the country promises an unforgettable stargazing adventure, making it an ideal spot for a Valentine’s Day escape. So pack your bags, and get ready to explore the cosmos in one of the most magical places on Earth.

As the 2026 Spring Festival approaches, Langzhong, known as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival,” is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration. Announced during a February 4 briefing on cultural and tourism activities by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Nanchong City revealed an extended holiday period for the upcoming Lunar New Year, running from January 26 to March 4, 2026. This extraordinary stretch from the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month invites visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in the most authentic and enriching Chinese New Year traditions.

Langzhong’s festivities promise to offer a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of the Spring Festival, which has roots dating back over 1,500 years. A highlight of the celebrations will be the “Langzhong Stone Rubbing Exhibition for the Lunar New Year.” This captivating exhibit showcases rare rubbings of ancient stone inscriptions, allowing visitors to trace the history and evolution of this cultural milestone through tangible imprints of the past. In addition, visitors will encounter the “Old Man of the Spring Festival,” a figure dressed in traditional attire who will roam the city streets, offering blessings and wishing everyone a prosperous new year.

The city’s offerings go beyond exhibitions, with an array of interactive cultural experiences for visitors of all ages. One of the central attractions will be the vibrant intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market, where more than 40 nationally and provincially recognized ICH items will be on display. This bustling market will give visitors the chance to engage with traditional crafts, such as creating shadow puppets and cutting intricate paper window decorations—activities that bring these ancient customs to life.

For those interested in local folklore, Langzhong offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness a performance of the Ba Commandery Nuo Opera, a unique ICH item from Sichuan Province. This ritualistic opera blends ancient religious practices with folk theater and offers a truly mesmerizing insight into the region’s mystic traditions. The opera is just one part of Langzhong’s immersive cultural programming, which also includes the New Year Grand Temple Fair. This expansive event brings together cultural performances, themed exhibitions, and modern recreational attractions, ensuring that every visitor, from children to adults, will find something to enjoy. Visitors can also experience the grand-scale stage play Legend of Langyuan, which brings Langzhong’s rich history to life, or embark on unique activities such as water tours or low-altitude flights over the picturesque landscape.

Langzhong’s title as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival” stems from its pivotal role in Chinese calendrical history. In the Western Han Dynasty, the astronomer Luo Xiahong compiled the groundbreaking Taichu Calendar, marking the first formalization of the Spring Festival as a fixed annual event. His work integrated the 24 solar terms into the Chinese calendar system, designating the first day of the first lunar month as the official start of the year. Luo Xiahong’s contributions earned him the title of the original “Old Man of the Spring Festival,” as his work profoundly shaped Chinese agricultural and cultural life for over two millennia. This historical connection is why Langzhong holds such an important place in the heart of the Spring Festival celebrations.

Today, Langzhong continues to honor its legacy, offering the most authentic Lunar New Year customs, while welcoming travelers from around the globe to experience the warmth and hospitality of its people. The 2026 Spring Festival in Langzhong promises to be a celebration of history, culture, and tradition—a must-see destination for anyone looking to fully experience the magic of the Chinese New Year.

Whether you are exploring ancient relics, participating in hands-on craft workshops, or enjoying spectacular performances, Langzhong’s 2026 festivities will offer a truly unforgettable New Year experience, steeped in centuries-old traditions and the vibrant spirit of the Spring Festival.

As summer approaches, Air France plans to add more flights to one of their most busy routes, from Paris to New York City. With more flights to JFK and Newark, there will be more options to travel transatlantically. Additionally, there will be more flights to New York City every day starting in June 2026.

More Flights Between Paris and New York

Air France will operate up to six daily flights from its base at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to New York’s JFK Airport during the summer of 2026. This enhancement marks a notable rise in capacity on one of the airline’s busiest and most crucial routes. The airline’s commitment to meeting the needs of passengers traveling between these two global hubs highlights the importance of this route, especially with events like the FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in New York this summer.

In addition to its regular JFK services, Air France is expanding its Newark operations. Flights between Paris CDG and Newark will now run twice a day instead of the current single daily flight. This change is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026, providing travelers with more flexible scheduling options when flying to and from New Jersey.

Delta Air Lines Joins Forces with Air France

Air France’s joint venture partner, Delta Air Lines, will also play a pivotal role in the summer 2026 schedule. Delta will be operating three additional daily flights between Paris CDG and JFK, further enhancing the connectivity between these two cities. The combined effort from both airlines ensures a greater variety of flight times and more availability for passengers traveling for leisure, business, or special events.

Special Services for High-Profile Events

New York will serve as one of the key locations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a result, the demand for flights between Paris and New York is expected to surge. Air France is preparing for this spike by providing increased flight options and offering special accommodations for sports fans and business travelers alike.

Additionally, Air France will be providing special services for travelers attending the Cannes Lions Festival in June 2026. These flights will operate between New York JFK and Nice on June 20-21, with return flights to New York scheduled for June 25-26. The Cannes Lions Festival, a major event in the advertising and communications industries, attracts thousands of professionals from around the globe, and this special service will make it more convenient for those traveling to and from the festival.

Aircraft Details: A Modern Experience for Passengers

For passengers flying between Paris and Newark, Air France will utilize its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, a state-of-the-art model designed to enhance the flying experience. These aircraft are equipped with the airline’s newest cabins, which include upgraded features such as fully reclining business class seats designed for maximum comfort. Passengers can expect a more luxurious experience on these long-haul flights, whether traveling for business or leisure.

The Airbus A350 is known for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and quieter cabins, ensuring a smoother and more environmentally friendly journey across the Atlantic. The new business class seats offer more space and privacy, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more relaxed and premium travel experience.

What This Means for Travelers: A Guide to Air France’s Expanded Services

Travelers planning to fly on the Paris-New York route during the summer of 2026 can expect more flexibility and convenience with the increased number of flights. Whether traveling for leisure, business, or special events, passengers will have multiple options to choose from, ensuring they can find a flight that fits their schedule.

For those heading to New York for the FIFA World Cup or the Cannes Lions Festival, Air France’s enhanced services provide a direct and comfortable way to reach these key events. With additional flight frequencies, travelers can secure seats at convenient times, allowing them to arrive in New York with ease.

When booking flights, it’s advisable to check the schedules for both Paris CDG to JFK and Newark, as the latter will now feature more frequent departures. Travelers should also consider the benefits of flying on the Airbus A350-900, especially for those who enjoy luxury features and upgraded cabins during long-haul flights.

How to Book and Plan Your Trip

To secure a seat on these expanded services, travelers should visit the official Air France website or consult a travel agent. Given the expected high demand for flights during the summer months, especially around major events like the FIFA World Cup and Cannes Lions Festival, it’s recommended to book well in advance. Early bookings will not only ensure availability but may also offer better fares and the best selection of seat options.

As always, Air France offers a range of travel classes, from economy to business, ensuring that passengers can choose the level of service that suits their needs. Whether looking for an affordable option or a premium travel experience, Air France’s expanded offerings make it easier than ever to travel between Paris and New York.

Conclusion

Air France is dedicated to increasing travel demand and is expected to stretch its travel capacity once again for the summer of 2026. Eager travelers have the opportunity to save the best travel experience as the opened sac \”New York Business Class\” fills on\”. Fram Business Class\”. Rome is increasing demand. With more flights and upgraded state of the art premium class on board services Air France will capture premium travelers flying to cites of New York. Air France is committed to operating premium passengers to the key cites of New York. Amsterdam and New York. Premium travelers centers of Rome.

The airline will have all the advantages of improved services available for all passengers traveling to or from all improved services. All business services will be provided with all free and premium services.

Six Senses Kanuhura is reshaping its culinary landscape with a renewed commitment to mindful gastronomy and immersive island living. The Maldivian resort has unveiled a strengthened food and beverage vision through the appointment of Anne-Gaëlle Soobaya as Director of Food and Beverage and Kevin Fawkes as Executive Chef, alongside the revival of Drift, its exclusive castaway island restaurant on the private isle of Jehunuhura.

This strategic evolution reflects a deeper intention to align luxury dining with nature, craftsmanship, and emotional connection. At Kanuhura, food is no longer viewed as a standalone offering but as a sensory journey that mirrors the pace, beauty, and simplicity of island life.

Guiding this transformation is Anne-Gaëlle Soobaya, whose career in global luxury hospitality blends classical culinary foundations with operational leadership. Educated at Ferrandi Paris, she began her professional path within renowned European hotel kitchens before expanding into senior management roles across international destinations. Her experience spans landmark properties in France, the United States, and Morocco, where she developed dining strategies that balanced creativity with commercial precision.

At Six Senses Kanuhura, Soobaya oversees the resort’s entire culinary ecosystem, shaping concepts that feel organic to their surroundings while remaining emotionally engaging for guests. Her leadership philosophy places strong emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, and authenticity, encouraging teams to create dining experiences that feel natural rather than staged. Under her direction, menus, service styles, and guest interactions are designed to tell a story rooted in place, season, and intention.

Working alongside her is Executive Chef Kevin Fawkes, a globally respected culinary figure whose career spans more than three decades and multiple continents. His professional journey has taken him through kitchens in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, exposing him to diverse culinary traditions and sourcing philosophies that now inform his produce-driven approach.

Chef Fawkes is widely known for his role in advancing sustainable cuisine within luxury hospitality. His leadership with Soneva helped shape ingredient-led dining programs that emphasized artisanal production, minimal processing, and responsible sourcing long before such practices became industry norms. His close association with Six Senses has further strengthened this ethos, contributing to culinary frameworks that prioritize wellness, transparency, and respect for nature. Earlier chapters of his career include time spent in some of the world’s most influential kitchens, experiences that refined his technique while reinforcing his belief in simplicity and restraint.

At Kanuhura, Chef Fawkes is tasked with deepening the “Eat With Six Senses” philosophy, transforming everyday meals into meaningful experiences. His menus celebrate seasonality, local produce, and island-inspired flavors, using straightforward cooking methods that allow ingredients to express their natural character. Beyond the plate, he aims to engage guests through interactive moments that highlight provenance, sustainability, and the human stories behind the food.

The renewed culinary direction is brought vividly to life through the reopening of Drift, Six Senses Kanuhura’s most distinctive dining venue. Located on the unspoiled island of Jehunuhura, a short boat journey from the main resort, Drift offers a rare sense of solitude. The island is reserved exclusively for this experience, making it one of the most singular dining concepts in the Maldives.

Following its redesign, Drift has been subtly enhanced to elevate comfort while preserving its raw, untouched charm. Thoughtfully placed shaded structures and intimate lounging areas are woven into the island’s natural contours, offering guests quiet spaces to relax between swims, conversations, and long, leisurely meals. The environment encourages a slow rhythm, where time feels unmeasured and unhurried.

The menu at Drift mirrors this philosophy, focusing on freshly caught seafood, open-fire grilling, island-style barbecue, and locally sourced ingredients prepared with honesty and care. The emphasis is on flavor rather than formality, inviting guests to enjoy food in its most elemental expression. Designed as an all-day escape, Drift allows visitors to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature through simple pleasures.

Together, the arrival of new culinary leadership and the revitalized Drift experience underline Six Senses Kanuhura’s evolving definition of luxury. By weaving together exceptional food, environmental sensitivity, and genuine human connection, the resort continues to craft experiences that feel both refined and deeply rooted in the Maldivian way of life.

Unique Lanka Travels, one of Sri Lanka’s premier Destination Management Companies (DMC), made a remarkable presence at OTM 2026, Asia’s largest travel trade expo, held from February 5-7, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India. This participation highlights the company’s commitment to positioning Sri Lanka as a top travel destination for Indian outbound travelers while strengthening its ties with global travel suppliers and partners.

OTM 2026: A Major Hub for Global Travel Trade

OTM 2026 served as a significant platform for the travel industry, attracting over 60 countries and bringing together tourism boards, tour operators, and travel experts from across the globe. The event not only provided an opportunity for industry professionals to meet and exchange ideas but also facilitated business development and strategic collaborations on high-end projects in the tourism sector. As the largest B2B travel exhibition in Asia, OTM is known for its ability to connect key stakeholders in the travel industry, offering a venue for sharing insights and exploring potential business ventures.

Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gems on Display

At OTM 2026, Unique Lanka Travels took center stage by showcasing the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka, a destination rich in natural wonders, culture, and history. Through a captivating video presentation, they highlighted the island’s stunning white-sand beaches, lush hill country, and ancient historical sites that speak to the country’s rich cultural heritage. The video was designed to entice Indian travelers with a visual journey through Sri Lanka’s most iconic and hidden gems, promoting the island as an all-encompassing destination for every type of vacationer.

Tailored Experiences for the Modern Traveler

Understanding the evolving preferences of Indian tourists, Unique Lanka Travels emphasized its ability to create personalized travel experiences that cater to a variety of interests. Whether travelers seek leisure, adventure, luxury, or cultural immersion, the company promises to tailor itineraries to suit the unique needs of each visitor. This focus on customization allows tourists to experience Sri Lanka beyond its popular tourist spots and explore its diverse landscapes, from serene beaches to bustling markets, from breathtaking mountain ranges to historic temples.

Expanding Offerings to Meet Diverse Demands

At the trade show, Unique Lanka Travels also showcased its full range of destination management services, underlining the company’s expertise in crafting specialized tours and bespoke itineraries. The company’s services span cultural and nature-based visits, adventure activities, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) support, and Responsible Tourism Programs, which focus on sustainable practices. By offering these varied services, Unique Lanka Travels ensures that each visitor to Sri Lanka has a memorable, enriching, and responsible travel experience.

Fostering Stronger Trade Relations and Partnerships

OTM 2026 provided Unique Lanka Travels with a crucial platform to connect with international travel suppliers and strengthen its relationships with global partners. By showcasing its ability to curate high-quality travel experiences and promoting Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings, the company reinforced its role as a key player in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Furthermore, its participation in such a prestigious event underscores the company’s dedication to elevating Sri Lanka’s profile in the Indian market, one of the island’s largest source markets for international tourists.

Commenting on the participation, Charith De Alwis, CEO, Unique Lanka Travels, said, “India remains one of the largest sources of new visitors to Sri Lanka. OTM is an excellent platform for connecting to trade relations, gaining insight into current market trends and developing new tourism offerings together with the respective trade relations. As a company, Unique Lanka Travels has been focused on delivering authentic, custom made and sustainable travel experiences through knowledgeable staff that are easy to work with and provide smooth operations.”

Unique Lanka Travels: A Gateway to Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka continues to grow as a top destination for Indian travelers, Unique Lanka Travels stands out for its exceptional ability to offer personalized, high-quality experiences. Their presence at OTM 2026 was not just about showcasing Sri Lanka’s beauty, but also about demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing unique and tailored experiences for Indian vacationers. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Unique Lanka Travels has established itself as the trusted gateway to experience Sri Lanka like never before.

By aligning with the changing trends in global tourism and addressing the diverse needs of Indian travelers, Unique Lanka Travels continues to drive growth in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to offering innovative solutions that will make Sri Lanka a destination of choice for international tourists, particularly those from India.

Samsung has added a new art collection, MoMA: Ruth Asawa Collection, to the Samsung Art Store. It includes 25 artworks by Ruth Asawa (1926–2013), a famous American artist. People can now see these artworks on The Frame and some Samsung QLED TVs in clear 4K.

Ruth Asawa was inspired by nature and the world around her. She worked with simple materials like wire, paper, ink, clay, and metal. She made many kinds of art, including sculptures, drawings, prints, and even public art for communities. Her wire sculptures are especially well-known. They look light and floating, but are made very carefully.

Her art often plays with opposites. She mixed abstract and real shapes, inside and outside, or solid and empty spaces. Even though her work can look simple, it is very detailed and shows a lot of thought. People enjoy looking at it closely to see all the details and patterns.

Image via Samsung

Daria Greene, Global Curator at Samsung Art Store, said that Asawa’s art has a quiet beauty that feels powerful. Samsung is proud to bring her work into people’s homes so more people can enjoy it.

This collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art makes it easy for anyone to experience Ruth Asawa’s amazing art. Now, people everywhere can see and enjoy her work, learn from it, and feel inspired by her creativity, all from the comfort of their own homes on Samsung TVs.

The post Samsung expands Art Store with Ruth Asawa’s renowned collection appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Last year, Meta changed the WhatsApp Business Solution Terms in a way that severely limited what third-party AI chatbots are allowed to do (essentially, they were relegated to customer support). The European Commission decided to take a closer look as it sensed potential issues. The investigation is still ongoing, but the Commission feels that it can’t wait for the full investigation to conclude because the delay can cause irreparable harm to competition in the market. “AI markets are developing at rapid pace, so we also need to be swift in our action,” said Teresa Ribera, Executive...

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought Hollywood to English soccer, specifically to Wrexham AFC, where they have overseen a remarkable run of four consecutive promotions. With Premier League ambitions still alive during the 2025-26 season, the ownership duo have outlined a clear roadmap for sustained success for the Red Dragons.

It has been five years since Reynolds and McElhenney made the bold decision to enter the soccer world by purchasing Wrexham, a club that was a non-league side in 2021. Fast forward to today, and the Welsh team has not only returned to professional soccer but now sits just steps away from reaching England’s top division for the first time in its history.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Richard Sutcliffe, the Hollywood duo touched on several topics, including their decision to sell minority stakes in the club to attract outside investment. McElhenney was clear on the reasoning: “Let’s game this out, we find a way to pump in enough capital to get Premier League players and wind up in the Premier League. Hell, we even finish top of the Premier League, (but then) the whole thing falls apart because it is an unsustainable model you can’t keep going for generations.“

The Allyn family and U.S.-based investment firm Apollo Sports Capital have become minority owners of Wrexham over the past 16 months, holding roughly 15% and 10% stakes, respectively. The primary motivation behind both deals was to support infrastructure growth, including funding the new 7,500-seat Kop stand that will expand the Racecourse Ground’s capacity to 28,000 and help move the club toward long-term self-sustainability.

“A huge part of the things we talk about now are, yes, infrastructure within the club, but also within the town,” McElhenney said, while also highlighting plans with Glyndŵr University to launch an “arts and entrepreneurship” program aimed at attracting students to the area. “We want to draw people in who then stay in Wrexham, taking that artistic spirit and building something within the town using arts and business.“

Sustainability as the road to the Premier League

Currently sitting sixth in the EFL Championship with 47 points, Wrexham occupy the final playoff spot. While leaders Middlesbrough and Coventry City (occupying the two direct promotion spots with 61 and 59 points respectively) appear out of reach, another postseason run similar to last season remains a realistic pathway to promotion.

However, the owners remain focused on infrastructure as the foundation for lasting success rather than short-term results. “From day one, we said we want to build a sustainable model,” McElhenney said. “If anyone looks at the economics of the club right now, by nature of how we got here, it’s not sustainable—but that’s because the infrastructure hasn’t been in place for generations.“

Describing the process as planting seeds that will “become trees and a fully sustainable model” in the coming years, McElhenney closed with a grounded message that balances ambition with responsibility. “Do I want to see us win the Premier League? Yes. Do I want to win the Champions League? Yes. But if Wrexham, as a town, is unsuccessful while we are thriving, then we’ve failed.“

Hansi Flick has managed to elevate Barcelona into one of the best teams in the world, turning around a difficult start to the season. While there are still plenty of matches ahead, the coach is already planning the squad for the 2026–27 campaign. With this in mind, a young forward who was once seen as Lionel Messi’s heir could leave the club, as the German has decided not to count on his services, leaving his future highly uncertain.

According to El Nacional.Cat, Hansi Flick has decided that Ansu Fati will not be part of Barcelona for the 2026–27 season. Despite being on loan at AS Monaco, his ongoing physical issues have prevented him from shining, leading the French club to rule out extending his stay. As a result, the coach has decided that the 23-year-old striker will not even take part in the team’s preseason, forcing a resolution to his departure in order to free up wage space.

While Ansu once became one of the most promising players in the world, he has failed to find continuity following his meniscus tear and ongoing knee problems. In fact, the Spaniard has now suffered injuries in five consecutive seasons, halting the progression that once promised to lead Barcelona’s attack. Moreover, Fati has also been unable to put his injury issues behind him, having already picked up two since arriving in France.

Although Ansu Fati continues to deal with physical problems, he has managed to impress at AS Monaco with his talent. Having played 18 matches, he already has eight goals, proving that his talent remains intact. Despite this, his high salary and physical inconsistencies make long-term continuity quite difficult. Nonetheless, Barcelona reportedly know they will not cash in on his services, suggesting they could look to terminate his contract by mutual agreement.

Barcelona could hold a shake-up as three-star players may leave

Barcelona have surprised most fans by committing to an attacking style of play that has propelled them into becoming one of the most exciting teams in the world. However, they are aiming to make several changes to the squad. While Ansu Fati is expected to be the first departure ahead of next season, Hansi Flick could also be open to letting three team stars leave as part of a generational rebuild to enhance the competitiveness.

According to Diario Sport, the Blaugranas are considering activating Wojciech Szczęsny’s €2 million release clause to free up salary space and place their bets on Diego Kochen. Additionally, they reportedly plan not to retain Joao Cancelo, who joined on loan from Al Hilal. Finally, Barcelona might decide against renewing Robert Lewandowski’s contract, with several reports suggesting they aim to sign a star striker and renew Ferran Torres.

Galatasaray'ın 20 milyon Euro'ya anlaştığı iddia edilen Semih Kılıçsoy için Cagliari Sportif Direktörü "Gerd Müller'e benziyor" dedi. Kapıyı 40 milyon Euro'dan açtı. AC Milan, Juventus ve Napoli sezon sonu için şimdiden gaza bastı.

Beşiktaş’tan kiralık olarak gittiği Cagliari'de fırtınalar estiren Semih Kılıçsoy için Avrupa devleri yaz için şimdiden rezervasyon yaptırmaya başladı... genç yıldızın geleceği hakkında ortaya atılan iddialar ve Cagliari cephesinden gelen açıklamalar önümüzdeki yazın en büyük transfer yarışına işaret ediyor.

Cagliari’nin 1 milyon Euro’ya kiraladığı Semih için 11 milyon Euro’luk satın alma opsiyonunu kullanarak bonservisini almasına kesin gözüyle bakılıyor. Ancak Galatasaray'ın Semih’i kadrosuna katmak için Cagliari ile 20 milyon Euro karşılığında el sıkıştığı iddiasının altı boş çıktı.

Gelen bilgilere göre Cagliari, Semih’in değerini 40 milyon Euro olarak belirledi. Galatasaray’ın teklif ettiği 20 milyon Euro bandı, İtalyan ekibinin talepleri karşısında yetersiz kaldı.

Semih’in performansı sadece Galatasaray’ın değil, Serie A devlerinin de iştahını kabarttı. AC Milan, Juventus ve Napoli sezon sonu için şimdiden görüşmelere başladı. Cagliari Sportif Direktörü Guido Angelozzi’nin açıklamaları ise oyuncunun gördüğü ilginin nedenini özetliyor:

- Semih Kılıçsoy olağanüstü bir oyuncu. Onu satın almamak delilik olur. Böyle devam ederse değeri 40 milyon Euro olacak. Bana efsane golcü Gerd Müller’i hatırlatıyor.

Başkan Sadettin Saran devre arası transfer dönemiyle ilgili, "tekmeye kafa atan bir takım kurduk" diyerek santrfor almamasının nedenini açıkladı.

Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran 3-1 kazanılan Gençlerbirliği maçının ardından kameraların karşısına geçti. İşte Başkan Saran'ın açıklamalarından satır başları:

- Maçtan memnunuz. 13 maç kaldı ve hepsi final. Tekmeye kafayla giren bir takım kuracağız dedik. Takımımız karakterli ve mücadeleci bir takım. Transferleri hep birlikte yaptık.

- Benim de hocamızın da arkadaşlarımızın da dahil olduğu bir transfer dönemi oldu. Tekmeye kafa atan bir takım kurduk. Ligde 13 maçımız kaldı, 13 final maçımız var.

- Geldiğimden beri ne hakemlerle ilgili ne de bizim takımımızın dışındaki olaylarla ilgili konuşuyorum. Bizim işimiz sahada. Sahadaki mücadeleye odaklıyız.

- Kante'yi iyi buldum.

Tarihinde ilk kez ligde 21 maçtır yenilmeyen Fenerbahçe gelecek hafta 11 maçtır sahasında yenilmeyen Trabzonspor'a konuk olacak.

Fenerbahçe, Süper Lig tarihinin en görkemli sezonlarından birisinde yenilgisi olarak Trabzon deplasmanına gidiyor. Bu sezon oynadığı 21 maçın hiçbirini kaybetmeyen sarı-lacivertliler (14 Galibiyet, 7 Beraberlik) kulüp tarihinde ilk 21 haftayı namağlup geçtiği sezonu yaşıyor.

Toplamdaki 22 maçlık yenilmezlik serisiyle rakiplerine korku salan Fenerbahçe, hem oyun gücü hem de istatistikleriyle ligin açık ara en dominant takımı konumunda.

Sahadaki oyun üstünlüğünü rakamlara döken Fenerbahçe, her iki ceza sahasında da ligin zirvesinde yer alıyor. Çektiği 376 şutla ligin en fazla kaleyi yoklayan takımı. Rakiplerine sadece 208 şut imkanı tanıyarak kalesine en az şut çekilen ekip.

Buna rağmen Tedesco, mücadelenin zorluğuna dikkat çekerken, Fenerbahçe’nin ligi domine eden iki ana aktörden biri olduğunu şu sözlerle tescilledi:

- Trabzonspor’a karşı zor bir maç olacak. Sadece iki takımın (Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray) adı geçiyor mücadelede... Rakibimiz çok iyi iş çıkarıyor.

Ev sahibi Trabzonspor ise İstanbul’un "üç büyükler"ine karşı 833 gündür süren galibiyet hasretini dindirmek istiyor. Fatih Tekke ise takımının 11 maçtır sahasında yenilmemesine güveniyor.

Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 21-ci turunun oyunlarına yekun vurulub.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.

Üç qolun qeydə alındığı “Kayserispor” – “Kocaelispor” matçında qonaqlar qələbə qazanıblar. “Qaziantep” isə “Kasımpaşa”nı məğlub yola salıb.

“Fənərbağça” da bu turda “Gənclərbirliyi” ilə ev oyunundan inamlı qələbə ilə ayrılıb.

Beləliklə, geridə qalmış 21 turdan sonra 52 xala malik “Qalatasaray” vahid liderdir. “Fənərbağça” 49 xalla ikinci, “Trabzonspor” 45 xalla üçüncü pillədə qərarlaşıb. “Göztəpə”nin 40, “Beşiktaş”ın 37, “Başakşəhər”in 33 xalı var.

Türkiyə, Super Liqa
21-ci tur
7 fevral

Karagümrük – Antalyaspor 1:0
Qol: Serjinyo, 5.

Samsunspor – Trabzonspor 0:3
Qollar: Onuaçu, 23; 81. Muçi, 90+1-pen.

8 fevral

Eyüpspor – Başakşəhər 1:2
Qollar: U.Bozok, 90+3 – Selke, 14. Şomurodov, 53.

Konyaspor – Göztəpə 0:0

Rizəspor – Qalatasaray 0:3
Qollar: B.A.Yılmaz, 19. Y.Akgün, 62. Osimhen, 73.

Beşiktaş – Alanyaspor 2:2
Qollar: O.Kökçü, 32-pen. Hyon Qyu O, 54 – G.Yalçın, 9; 16.

9 fevral

Kayserispor – Kocaelispor 1:2
Qollar: T.Sarıarslan, 81 – Aqyei, 65; 73.

Fənərbağça – Gənclərbirliyi 3:1
Qollar: Taliska, 16-pen. K.Aktürkoğlu, 27; 33 – Koita, 55.

Qaziantep – Kasımpaşa 2:1
Qollar: Kozlovski, 24. Bayo, 36 – Benediçak, 16.

Cagliari director Guido Angelozzi reveals how they got to secure the Semih Kilicsoy bargain from Besiktas, noting they’d be ‘crazy not to’ buy him. ‘He can be worth €40m.’

The Sardinians are in action at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome this evening for their Serie A Week 24 fixture against Roma.

You can follow the action as it happens from that game on the Liveblog.

Kilicsoy has flourished at Cagliari

Few knew who Kilicsoy was when he arrived in Cagliari over the summer from Besiktas, on loan for €1m with an option to buy for a further €12m.

There are also another €2m in add-ons, and Besiktas are owed a 10 per cent cut of any future sale fee.

“He is a great talent and there are many teams around Europe who are watching him,” Angelozzi told Sky Sport Italia.

There were reports last week that Cagliari tried to activate the purchase option early in order to save money, but that Besiktas refused to change the terms of the agreement.

That makes it clear that the Serie A club will use the option for €12m, though.

“How can we not? We’d be crazy not to buy him,” explained the director.

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella is in Italy at the moment and has been visiting some of his players who are in Serie A, including Kilicsoy.

“He is a young and extraordinary player, who scored some remarkable goals. Montella visited us and said he is a very interesting player,” added Angelozzi.

“If he keeps going like this, he can be worth €40m.”

How did Cagliari manage to beat everyone to sign this young talent, who was only 19 when he joined?

“Agent Federico Pastorello suggested him to our President, so we started tracking him, sent a scout to Turkiye, and then called Montella’s assistant manager, who spoke highly of the player.”

Watch as former Aston Villa striker Donyell Malen scores his first Roma goal at the Stadio Olimpico with a delicate chipped finish from a tight angle against Cagliari.

You can follow the action as it happens from that Serie A match on the Liveblog.

The centre-forward has really flourished since his January transfer to Italy, on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

He broke the deadlock this evening in the Eternal City when running onto a Gianluca Mancini pass and dinking the finish over on-rushing goalkeeper Elia Caprile from the tightest of angles.

The Dutchman had also scored on his Roma debut, a 2-0 result away to Torino on January 18, but this was his first goal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Malen on target for Roma

Donyell Malen hits a perfect chip to give Roma the lead over Cagliari

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/aG8KVFaLaE

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 9, 2026

WHAT A CHIP FROM DONYELL MALEN

Two goals in his first four matches at Roma pic.twitter.com/iyeG0xJveI

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 9, 2026

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella visited the Juventus training camp today and assured Kenan Yildiz ‘has immense potential and some similarities’ to Alessandro Del Piero.

The former Roma boss is taking the Turkish team to the 2026 World Cup this summer, so is visiting his home country to speak with some of the players available for selection.

You can read his comments on Cagliari talent Semih Kilicsoy here.

Montella visits Turkish talent in Serie A

Montella was present at the Continassa training camp in Turin today, where he was a guest of Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.

Of course, he was there to see Kenan Yildiz, who just signed a new contract with the Bianconeri until June 2031.

“I am very happy, Kenan was already part of the national team when he was still in the Next Gen Juventus team,” Montella told Il Messaggero newspaper via Tuttomercatoweb.

“He is a player with immense potential and is still developing. Kenan manages to combine natural talent with the right mentality, as he really wants to keep improving himself.

“I predict a future for him at the highest level for many years to come.”

Kenan Yildiz adores Del Piero

There were some references to Del Piero in the announcement of a new contract for Kenan Yildiz, who never disguised that Pinturicchio was his hero.

Wearing the Number 10 jersey, can he follow in Del Piero’s footsteps at Juve?

“There are some similarities, for example the way he shoots, and he has already scored some goals that are very similar to ones netted by Alex, but in terms of general characteristics, they are different,” noted Montella.

Roma director Ricky Massara admits it is time for ‘definitive’ decisions on new contracts for Paulo Dybala and others, while Francesco Totti is again present. ‘We want what is best for Roma.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Cremonese on the Liveblog.

New signing Bryan Zaragoza is on the bench ready for his debut, but Paulo Dybala, Robinio Vaz, Mario Hermoso, Manu Koné, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson and Stephan El Shaarawy are out of action.

Gianluca Mancini had surgery last week for a broken nose, so he is able to play with a protective mask this evening.

Roma looking to future beyond this season

“Zaragoza was an opportunity that presented itself at the end of the transfer market, a strong player who has the characteristics that we were specifically lacking in our attack,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

There are reports that Dybala and Pellegrino will need to take pay cuts if they are to be given new contracts at the Stadio Olimpico, while Zeki Celik and El Shaarawy are also only tied to the club until June 30.

“This is the moment to make some definitive reflections,” confessed the Roma director.

“We have always had a good rapport with the agents of these players, so we need to sit down around a table and understand if there is the possibility of an agreement.

“All the players whose contracts are running down have never lacked in their commitment and professionalism.”

Director Claudio Ranieri suggested last week that the Friedkin family are thinking about bringing club icon Totti into the fold, so is it a coincidence that the former captain is in the stands again this evening?

“Totti is the history of this club,” replied Massara.

“He has a very good rapport with the Friedkins, and this kind of evaluation is entirely down to the club, whose objective is to do what is best for Roma.

“They will know if and when it is opportune to start working together.”

This is a big opportunity for the Giallorossi to climb back into joint fourth place with Juventus, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Lazio last night.

It won’t be easy, as Cagliari are on a run of three consecutive victories against Juve, Fiorentina and Hellas Verona, also beating Roma 1-0 back on December 7 when Zeki Celik was sent off.

Atalanta secured a 2-1 victory with Nikola Krstovic and Davide Zappacosta goals, though Morten Thorsby finally ended Cremonese’s goal drought on his debut.

La Dea were fresh off a 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Juventus, but in Serie A had drawn two of the last three. Marten De Roon and Honest Ahanor sat out bans, but Gianluca Scamacca was not fully fit and Charles De Ketelaere pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Lazar Samardzic. Cremonese missed Matteo Bianchetti, Warren Bondo, Michele Collocolo and Jari Vandeputte, but had new buys Morten Thorsby and Youssef Maleh. They were without a win since December 7, managing three draws and six defeats.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Federico Baschirotto charged down an early effort from his former Lecce teammate Nikola Krstovic, while Emil Audero palmed a Giacomo Raspadori strike out from under the bar. On the resulting corner, he fingertipped a Berat Djimsiti header onto the upright.

The early siege paid off when Krstovic hooked a Raspadori cross with his back to goal, turned his marker and immediately smashed the finish in at the near bottom corner.

It was nearly 2-0 when Raspadori sent Nicola Zalewski down the left, his cross found Samardzic on the edge of the area to rattle the crossbar with a ferocious strike.

That did come eventually, as Davide Zappacosta sprinted down the right, cut inside Giuseppe Pezzella and bent the left-foot finish across Audero into the far bottom corner from a tight angle. It was his first goal of the season.

Cremonese saw Tommaso Barbieri and Thorsby attempts go off target, but then lost Federico Ceccherini to a muscular problem.

Zalewski’s daisy-cutter skimmed the base of the upright, while Thorsby couldn’t keep his free header on target from a Baschirotto cross.

Samardzic drilled just wide of the far post on a Zalewski pull-back, then Raspadori fired over from Ederson’s cross after a Lorenzo Bernasconi back-heel flick.

Ederson was a little hesitant when sent clear and allowed Baschirotto to make the last-ditch tackle, while Kamaldeen Sulemana fired straight at Audero after squirming away from two defenders.

Milan Djuric thought he’d ended Cremonese’s goal drought in the final minute with a header at the back post on Alessio Zerbin’s cross, but Marco Carnesecchi clawed it off the line.

In stoppages, there was a mad scramble on a corner until Berat Djimsiti prodded it over the line from six yards, but it was disallowed because Sulemana was offside in one of those attempts.

Instead, Cremonese ended their goal drought after almost a full five games without finding the net. New signing Thorsby controlled a Sebastiano Luperto cross from the left, juggled it off his head, and hit the volley off balance to surprise Carnesecchi.

Atalanta 2-1 Cremonese

Krstovic 13 (A), Zappacosta 25 (A), Thorsby 94 (C)

09-02-2026 17:30

MatchDay 24

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Cremonese

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

Nikola Krstovic (Assist: Giacomo Raspadori)		13'
Davide Zappacosta (Assist: Mario Pasalic)		25'

2nd half

Sead Kolasinac		49'
Odilon Kossounou		82'
		90+4'		Morten Thorsby (Assist: Sebastiano Luperto)

Match statistic

57

Possession %

43

29

Total shots

12

9

Shots on target

2

10

Shots off target

7

10

Blocked shots

3

13

Corners

2

2

Offsides

4

11

Fouls

11

Atalanta

Cremonese

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

59'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

59'

13

Éderson

Midfielder

10

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

70'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

59

Nicola Zalewski

Midfielder

70'

18

Giacomo Raspadori

Attacker

78'

90

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

1

Emil Audero

Goalkeeper

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

23

Federico Ceccherini

Defender

40'

3

Giuseppe Pezzella

Defender

5

Sebastiano Luperto

Defender

4

Tommaso Barbieri

Defender

84'

33

Alberto Grassi

Midfielder

63'

2

Morten Thorsby

Midfielder

29

Youssef Maleh

Midfielder

90

Federico Bonazzoli

Attacker

46'

10

Jamie Vardy

Attacker

63'

Substitutes

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

57

Marco Sportiello

Goalkeeper

9

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

4

Isak Hien

Defender

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

59'

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

59'

47

Lorenzo Bernasconi

Defender

70'

7

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Midfielder

70'

6

Yunus Musah

Midfielder

78'

69

Lapo Nava

Goalkeeper

16

Marco Silvestri

Goalkeeper

14

Faris Moumbagna

Attacker

55

Francesco Folino

Defender

22

Romano Floriani Mussolini

Defender

25

Davide Pavesi

Defender

24

Filippo Terracciano

Midfielder

40'

9

Milan Djuric

Attacker

46'

99

Antonio Sanabria

Attacker

63'

32

Martín Payero

Midfielder

63'

7

Alessio Zerbin

Attacker

84'

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has reignited speculation regarding a sensational return to North London, claiming that the club “needs to be” fighting for the Premier League and Champions League.

His comments come at a time of immense pressure for current head coach Thomas Frank, whose tenure is reportedly at a “breaking point” following a string of poor results.

Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham need to be competing at the highest level

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Pochettino, who is currently managing the United States national team, was blunt about his former club’s current trajectory.

While Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League last season under Ange Postecoglou, Pochettino insists that such honors are not enough for a club of Tottenham’s stature.

“It is true that Tottenham is a club that needs to think about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“Their facilities are Champions League (level), and in the past we didn’t have that. But now it is about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“The fans appreciated (us) because we challenged for the Premier League and the Champions League.

“To win a Europa League that the team won (last season) is good, because when you celebrate a trophy that is good, but it is not enough.

“It is not enough for a club like Tottenham to challenge for the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup or the Europa League or the Conference (League).

“It is a club that should be, or needs to be in the Champions League, and fighting for the Champions League, and trying to believe you can win the Champions League, and fighting for the Premier League, and believing you can win the Premier League.”

Thomas Frank Tottenham future remains uncertain

The timing of these comments couldn’t be worse for Thomas Frank.

Tottenham are currently enduring a nightmare run in the Premier League, sitting in 15th place and just six points above the relegation zone.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, Spurs have now gone seven league matches without a victory.

Frank admitted his side is ‘desperate’ for a win ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Newcastle United.

Reports suggest he could be one match away from the sack, with the hierarchy losing patience as the club’s domestic season collapses. Pochettino has been identified as a potential candidate to replace him.

While the Dane has guided Spurs to the Champions League Round of 16, his league record, just seven wins in 25 games, has made his position increasingly tenable.

Pochettino has unfinished business at Tottenham

The ‘world-class‘ Argentine remains a beloved figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, largely due to his transformative five-year spell between 2014 and 2019.

Under his guidance, Spurs became regular title contenders, finishing as Premier League runners-up in 2016/17 with their highest-ever points total.

His tenure peaked with a historic run to the 2019 Champions League Final, only to lose to Liverpool

Although he left the club five months later, his unfinished business has been a recurring theme.

With his USMNT contract set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, many fans are already dreaming of a reunion to restore the club to the heights he once achieved.

The post ‘World-class’ manager makes major Tottenham admission as Thomas Frank faces potential sacking appeared first on CaughtOffside.

A couple of months ago, independent developer Chaos Manufacturing unveiled its debut game, a sci-fi action roleplaying game titled SOL Shogunate. The game is quite different from your average science fiction setting: the developers describe it as a "samurai space opera". Essentially, the developers have imagined an alternate future in which humanity has colonized the Solar System, but society has somehow retained feudal Japanese culture. The game takes place primarily on the Moon, where the way of the sword is law under the rule of a powerful Shogunate. The Moon features artificial gravity-creating cities, each designed as an homage to […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/soul-shogunate-ex-cdpr-guerrilla-devs-samurai-space-opera-action-rpg/

A study conducted in Taiwan found that autistic individuals tend to show differences in gut microbiota composition compared to both non-autistic individuals and their siblings without autism. More specifically, the autistic group showed distinct differences in the beta diversity of their gut microbiota. Individuals with more Anaerostipes bacteria exhibited significantly less social impairment and internalizing problems. The paper was published in Translational Psychiatry.

The gut microbiota is the complex community of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that live in the human gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms play a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, immune function, and protection against pathogens.

They also communicate with the central nervous system through a bidirectional communication pathway called the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Signals between the brain and the gut microbiota travel via multiple physiological paths, including the vagus nerve, immune system biochemicals, and microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids.

Research shows that, through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, gut microbiota can influence brain development, stress reactivity, and emotional regulation. Differences in gut microbiota composition have been associated with psychological characteristics such as anxiety, depression, stress sensitivity, and cognitive functioning.

Experimental studies suggest that altering the gut microbiota through diet, probiotics, or antibiotics can lead to changes in mood and behavior. Early-life microbiota development appears particularly important for later psychological outcomes.

Study author Jung-Chi Chang and his colleagues wanted to investigate the associations between gut microbiota composition and autism features. They also wanted to compare microbial profiles between autistic individuals, their non-autistic siblings, and unrelated non-autistic individuals. The study authors hypothesized that gut microbiota diversity would differ between these three groups and that the gut microbiota composition of autistic individuals and their siblings would show unique features compared to non-autistic individuals.

The study included 239 autistic individuals, 102 non-autistic biological siblings of these individuals, and 81 unrelated non-autistic children and young adults from Taiwan. The average age of the autistic participants and their siblings was approximately 12 years, while the average age of the unrelated non-autistic participants was approximately 14. In general, participants’ ages ranged between 4 and 25 years.

Autistic participants were required to have a clinical diagnosis of autism. This diagnosis was confirmed through interviews conducted by the authors (using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). Non-autistic participants were required to have no diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or neurological or systemic medical conditions.

The study authors obtained information about participants’ autism-related behaviors and emotional and behavioral issues from their caregivers (using the Social Responsiveness Scale and the Child Behavior Checklist). Study participants provided fecal samples, allowing the authors to analyze the composition of their gut microbiota. Participants and their parents also reported any gastrointestinal symptoms the participants had experienced in the past 4 weeks.

Results showed that, compared to unrelated non-autistic participants, siblings of autistic individuals had higher alpha diversity, while autistic participants had a different beta diversity in their gut microbiota.

Alpha diversity of gut microbiota refers to the diversity of microbial species within a single individual or sample, reflecting the richness and evenness of the community. Beta diversity of gut microbiota reflects differences in microbial composition between individuals or samples, indicating how distinct their microbial communities are from one another.

Unrelated non-autistic participants had a higher relative abundance of Blautia, Eubacterium hallii group, Anaerostipes, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG 003, Parasutterella, and Ruminococcaceae UCG 013 at the genus level compared to autistic participants and their siblings. The family Prevotellaceae and genera Agathobacter microbes were more abundant in siblings of autistic participants compared to both autistic participants and unrelated non-autistic participants. Individuals with more Anaerostipes bacteria tended to have significantly less social impairment and internalizing problems.

“Our study reveals unique microbial compositions in the ASD [autism spectrum disorder] and SIB [siblings] groups and a relationship between behavior patterns and microbial composition. These findings suggest the potential of microbial interventions for autistic individuals that warrant further exploration,” the study authors concluded.

The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the links between gut microbiota composition and psychological processes and characteristics. However, it should be noted that the cross-sectional design of this study does not allow for causal inferences to be derived from the results.

The paper, “Identifying gut microbiota composition disparities in autistic individuals and their unaffected siblings: correlations with clinical characteristics,” was authored by Jung-Chi Chang, Yu-Chieh Chen, Hai-Ti Lin, Yan-Lin Chen, and Susan Shur-Fen Gau.

YouTube's making a bigger push in CTV subscriptions.

Expanded considerations for Snap's AR Lens promotions. 

Meta could be facing more costly penalties in Europe.

The post XRP SOPR Turns Negative as Holders Realise Losses—Is the Price at Risk of Slipping Below the $1? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP has returned to focus as recent price weakness coincides with a noticeable shift in on-chain behavior. The token is currently trading in a very tight range, with both volume and volatility compressing significantly. At the same time, on-chain data indicates that a growing number of market participants are selling XRP at a loss. This combination of muted price action and rising holder stress has raised concerns about the near-term outlook, keeping the $1 level in focus as traders assess the risk of further downside.

XRP SOPR Turns Negative, Signalling Loss-Driven Selling

The on-chain data from Glassnode shows clear signs of stress among XRP holders. The Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) has dropped below the key 1.0 level, which means that, on average, XRP is now being sold at prices lower than where it was bought. The 7-day average SOPR has dropped from around 1.16 in mid-2025 to about 0.96, highlighting a steady increase in loss-driven selling.

Historically, this kind of setup has appeared during periods of heavy pressure rather than during strong trends. A similar pattern played out between September 2021 and May 2022, when XRP spent months consolidating after holders absorbed losses. While a negative SOPR does not guarantee an immediate recovery, it often suggests that much of the emotional selling is already underway, a phase that can eventually lead to stabilization once selling pressure begins to fade.

Will XRP Price Drop Below $1 And Keep Grinding?

XRP price has struggled to deliver any meaningful upside since July 2025, when the price was rejected from its all-time high. Since then, the weekly structure has remained weak, marked by a steady sequence of lower highs and lower lows, reflecting sustained bearish control. More recently, however, price action has slowed considerably, with both buyers and sellers showing little urgency. This pause suggests XRP may either be entering a prolonged consolidation phase or quietly building toward a larger move.

From a broader perspective, the weekly structure shows limited demand until the $0.50 region, a zone where buyers previously stepped in aggressively. Adding to this, open interest has been declining alongside price, indicating traders are closing positions rather than aggressively shorting. This behavior often appears in the later stages of a bearish trend, when selling pressure begins to fade. With positioning thinning out, XRP is more likely to drift sideways or grind slowly rather than see a sharp continuation lower in the near term.

What’s Next for XRP Price?

XRP price remains in a wait-and-watch phase as long as the price holds above the $1.00 psychological zone. A sustained breakdown below this level could open the door for a deeper move toward $0.75, with $0.50 standing out as the next major demand area where buyers previously stepped in aggressively. On the upside, bulls would need a clear weekly reclaim above $1.25–$1.30 to signal improving structure and shift momentum toward $1.50. Until then, thinning open interest and muted volatility suggest consolidation or a slow grind is more likely than a sharp trend move.

The post Ripple CEO Says XRP Community Remains ‘Top of Mind’ Amid Price Struggles appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The chief executive of Ripple has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the XRP ecosystem, saying the “XRP family has and always will be top of mind for Ripple,” a message that comes as the token struggles to regain upward momentum following recent market volatility.

The reassurance followed renewed discussion around XRP’s role as a bridge asset for cross-border payments after Ripple outlined plans for compliance-focused decentralized finance infrastructure on the XRP Ledger. Supporters welcomed the statement, noting that it reinforces the company’s long-standing strategy of keeping XRP central to its payments vision.

Price Struggles Near Recent Levels

The comments come at a time when XRP is trading near $1.44, with the broader cryptocurrency market still recovering from a sharp sell-off that pushed many major digital assets lower. Although XRP recently attempted a rebound along with the wider market, the rally did not hold, and the token has since moved into a consolidation phase.

XRP Price Consolidates After Recent Volatility

In the short term, XRP’s price action remains uncertain. Market data shows the token has been moving mostly sideways after a recent swing high, with no clear breakout pattern yet visible. 

Support levels around $1.36 and $1.31 are being closely watched, with a deeper key support near $1.19 seen as critical. A drop below these levels could open the door to further downside pressure, while holding above them may help maintain the possibility that a broader market bottom has already formed.

On the upside, traders say XRP would need to break above nearby resistance levels around $1.55 and then $1.63–$1.64 to signal stronger recovery momentum. 

Analysts say the token has not yet formed a strong bullish breakout pattern, and the short-term trend remains uncertain.

Türkiyə Super Liqasında XXI tura yekun vurulub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə iki matç keçirilib. “Trabzonspor” səfərdə “Samsunspor”a qalib gəlib, “Karagümrük” isə “Antalyaspor”dan üstün olub.

“Qalatasaray” bu turda “Rizespor”u məğlub edib. “Beşiktaş” evində xal itirib.

“Fənərbağça” azarkeşləri önündə “Gənclərbirliyi”ni məğlub edib.

Türkiyə Super Liqası
XXI tur

7 fevral

Karagümrük – Antalyaspor 1:0
Qol: Serjinyo, 5.

Samsunspor – Trabzonspor 0:3
Qollar: Onuaçu, 23; 81. Muçi, 90+1-pen.

8 fevral

Eyüpspor – Başakşəhər 1:2
Qollar: U.Bozok, 90+3 – Selke, 14. Şomurodov, 53.

Konyaspor – Göztəpə 0:0

Rizəspor – Qalatasaray 0:3
Qollar: B.A.Yılmaz, 19. Y.Akgün, 62. Osimhen, 73.

Beşiktaş – Alanyaspor 2:2
Qollar: O.Kökçü, 32-pen. Hyon Qyu O, 54 – G.Yalçın, 9; 16.

9 fevral

Kayserispor – Kocaelispor 1:2
Qollar: T.Sarıarslan, 81 – Aqyei, 65; 73.

Fənərbağça – Gənclərbirliyi 3:1
Qollar: Taliska, 16-pen. K.Aktürkoğlu, 27; 33 – Koita, 55.

Qaziantep – Kasımpaşa 2:1
Qollar: Kozlovski, 24. Bayo, 36 – Benediçak, 16.

Source

Source

The new integrations enable banks and custodians to deploy custody and staking services without operating their own validator or key-management infrastructure.

Bitcoin and several major altcoins are not out of the woods yet, especially since they continue to face significant selling near their range highs. Do technical charts show BTC and altcoins forming a bottom?

Wall Street–style liquidity is reportedly moving into prediction markets, signaling a shift toward deeper markets, higher volumes and greater institutional participation.

A CTDG Dev Hub participant introduces an adapter layer for RGB to facilitate seamless integration with wallet SDKs.

Bitcoin price more than doubled the last time Tether's crypto market dominance topped out, a signal that is flashing again in 2026.

The research analysts pointed to tight liquidity and macro pressure as drivers of the decline, while noting that spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen relatively modest outflows.

Tom Lee–backed BitMine added over 40,000 ETH during last week’s market sell-off, doubling down on its Ether treasury strategy despite multibillion-dollar unrealized losses.

Bitcoin saw the first brief period of positive Coinbase Premium since mid-January as BTC price action stabilized near $70,000.

Emily Fischnaller, a former Suffield resident, competed in the first day of the women's single luge event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics on Monday. 

The two-day event began with an athlete's first two runs of four total, with the final two runs taking place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. The total times of all four runs are combined into a final score. 

Fischnaller, who is competing in her third Olympic games, completed her first run in 52.892 seconds (0.302 seconds behind the leader). After the first run she was in seventh place. 

In her second run she completed the track in 52.980 seconds (0.430 seconds behind the top time in run 2), which was the ninth fastest time in the second run. 

Heading into Tuesday's final two runs her total time is 1:45.872, which puts her in eighth place and 0.684 seconds behind German leader Julia Taubitz. Fischnaller currently has the second best time among United States competitors, with Ashley Farquharson sitting in fifth place.

Fischnaller was born in Maine but was raised in Connecticut and Lake Placid, N.Y. She has medaled in multiple world championships, but she's experienced misfortune on the Olympic stage previously.

In 2018 during her Olympic debut, Fischnaller crashed on her fourth run and broke bones in her back and neck. She spent six months recovering before returning to the track. In 2019 she won a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. 

During the 2022 Olympics she endured a far less serious crash on her second run, finishing 26th.

She once again returned strong, earning another bronze medal at the World Championships in 2025 to become the second American to claim more than one singles medal in luge at the World Championship level.

This article originally published at Former CT resident Emily Fischnaller completes first two runs in luge at Milano Cortina Olympic games.

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV via Getty Images

LIVIGNO, Italy — There’s a changing of the guard in the women’s snowboarding big air event.

Anna Gasser, the two-time gold medal winner from Austria, could not complete the three-peat Monday in what is likely her final Olympics. Instead, Japan’s Kokomo Murase won the gold medal by executing the rare triple cork 1440 — a trick that requires three off-axis flips through the air while also rotating four times.

And the 21-year-old did it twice, putting up a mind-blowing score of 179.00 to run away with the title after settling for the bronze medal two years ago. 

Zoi Synnott Sadowski of New Zealand won the silver medal (172.25), while a new star arrived on the international stage to claim bronze in 18-year old Seungeun Yu from South Korea (171.0).

Yu matched Murase with both a frontside and a backside triple cork, a trick that wasn’t even attempted four years ago when Gasser won in Beijing. 

It led to the most technically advanced big air final in women’s snowboarding history and illustrated how much the sport has progressed from one Olympic cycle to the next. 

REUTERS / REUTERS

Gasser, 34, won the gold four years ago with a double cork 1260. She did not complete either of her first two tricks this time, eliminating her from medal contention. 

It appeared for a moment that Yu, who only made her first World Cup podium last December, might run away with the gold medal. But Sadowski and Murase both stomped their final runs to pull ahead, the former with a switch backside 1260 that impressed the judges. 

Yu tried one more triple cork on her final desperate attempt to win gold but landed on her rear end.

Along with Kira Kimura, who won the men’s event Saturday night, Japanese riders swept the snowboarding big air gold medals. 

The 2025 NFL season is officially in the books, which means it’s time to shift fully into draft mode. From now until April, the conversation will revolve around evaluations, pro days, and—of course—mock drafts. But one event stands above the rest in shaping draft stock, and a standout performance there can literally change a player’s financial future.

That event is, drumroll… the NFL Combine.

At the end of February, a few hundred of the nation’s top college football players will descend on Indianapolis for a week of interviews, medical evaluations, and on‑field testing designed to help them improve their chances of landing on an NFL roster. Following an 11–2 season, Texas A&M is expected to be well‑represented, with several Aggies carrying draftable grades and a handful projected to hear their names called early.

Both Cashius Howell and KC Concepcion are widely mocked as first‑round selections, and several others—Trey Zuhn, Chase Bisontis, Albert Regis, Le’Veon Moss, and more—are viewed as draftable prospects or priority UDFAs. While official combine invitations have not yet been released, there’s a legitimate chance Texas A&M could set a program record for the number of players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Below is the full schedule for the 2026 NFL Combine.

I talked with several prospects who recently received their 2026 NFL Combine invites.

Here is the position-by-position schedule for players that week in Indianapolis: pic.twitter.com/5YkfLrfhgS

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 31, 2025

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M prospects await potential 2026 NFL Combine invitations

Drake Maye is still only at the start of his professional football career in the NFL. Everything he wants to accomplish as a quarterback is in front of him. But it's going to take a long time for him to live down the New England Patriots' offensive futility in Super Bowl 60. Even if Maye eventually captures a Lombardi Trophy for the Patriots down the line, the memory of their nondescript humiliation in front of the entire football-watching United States might linger forever.

Maye certainly knows this to be true. The 23-year-old 2025 NFL MVP finalist wouldn't have been fighting back tears during the length of his sad postgame press conference on Sunday night.

In the end, Maye had an apt but succinct way to describe the feeling of losing a Super Bowl. He already knew this reality very well as a former Carolina Panthers fan, but it's obviously different when you're a player playing in the game. In Maye's paraphrased words, when you're a player, if you don't make enough plays, then you find yourself crying at the end of the night. Aww, man:

“If you don’t make plays, you’re sitting at a podium crying.” - Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/IcMGVjnAf6

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 9, 2026

Here's a longer video from Maye's presser:

Drake Maye breaks down in wake of Patriots’ Super Bowl loss. Struggles to hold back tears pic.twitter.com/0wjx8BqmE4

— Daniel Matthews (@_DanMatthews_) February 9, 2026

This is a straightforward (and mature) assessment delivered by a young man fresh off losing the biggest game in American sports. And he's not wrong in any part of it. Kudos to Maye for facing the music, accepting responsibility, emotions and all, right after experiencing the nadir of his NFL career.

It's the bare minimum, but it's also not an easy thing to do.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Drake Maye cried while quickly explaining Patriots' Super Bowl loss

Yankees trade for 28-year old infielder who grew up in same city as Derek Jeter originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New York Yankees fans of a certain age are familiar with the fact that Derek Jeter grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

So did the newest member of the Yankees.

On Monday, the Yanks announced a small trade: They've acquired infielder Max Schuemann from the Athletics in exchange for minor league righty Luis Burgoes.

They actually made a bunch of roster moves at once:

The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired infielder Max Schuemann from the Athletics in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Luis Burgos.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have designated OF Yanquiel Fernández for assignment.…

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 9, 2026

MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland's Derek Jeter

Jeter went to Kalamazoo Central High School, while Schuemann went to Portage Northern High School, so they don't have exact overlap there.

Still, it's quite the cool coincidence.

Schuemann is 28 years old and was originally a 20th-round pick by the A's in 2018.

He has appeared in 234 MLB games over the past two seasons with the Athletics. 

MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB's perfect misfit in 2026

In that time, Schuemann has batted just .212 with a .603 OPS. He has stolen 21-of-23 bases.

Even with the tough hitting stats, Schuemann has had a positive Wins Above Replacement number in each of the past two seasons, pointing to how good his defense is between shortstop, second base and third base.

The Yankees surely like that versatility, and it doesn't hurt to have just a little bit of overlap with Jeter, either.

More MLB news:

• Team USA has a finalized WBC roster and an awesome lineup
• Dominican Republic WBC roster is loaded with stars
• How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
• Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
• This Cubs replacement plan for Kyle Tucker looks smart
• Injury insurance is changing the World Baseball Classic

LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — Japanese snowboarder Kokomo Murase won Olympic gold in women’s big air on Monday, two days after her teammates swept the top two medals in the men’s event.

Murase had already locked up a least a bronze medal when she went for broke on her last jump and nailed it to move to the top of the standings. She added the gold medal to her bronze from the same event at the 2022 Beijing Games.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott of New Zealand repeated as silver medalist. She had been on the cusp of taking gold until Murase soared in front with the penultimate jump of the competition.

Seung-eun Yu of South Korea claimed bronze.

On Saturday, Japanese teammates Kira Kimura and Ryoma Kimata won gold and silver, respectively, in men’s big air.

Two-time defending champion Anna Gasser finished eighth, falling short in her bid to become the first snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals. She fell on her first jump and had a costly bobble while landing her second.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

Motherwell and Rangers face off this Wednesday at the Fir Park in Scottish Premiership.

Motherwell have picked up 43 points and currently lie in 4th position. In their last fixture, Jens Berthel Askou's team won 0-2 against Livingston (Scottish Premiership 2025/26).

Rangers currently have 51 points and lie in 2nd position. In their last game, Danny Röhl's team won 8-0 against Queen´s Park (Scottish Cup 2025/26).

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Rangers winning 1-0.

Unavailable

Motherwell

Rangers

Last starting XIs

Motherwell ( vs Livingston 2026-01-31): Calum Ward, Tom Sparrow, Paul McGinn, Stephen O´Donnell, John Koutroumbis, Lukas Fadinger, Oscar Priestman, Ibrahim Said, Elijah Just, Callum Slattery, Tawanda Maswanhise

Rangers ( vs Queen´s Park 2026-02-08): Liam Kelly, James Tavernier, Dujon Sterling, Nasser Djiga, Tuur Rommens, Skov Olsen, Mohammed Diomandé, Tochi Chukwuani, Oliver Antman, Ryan Naderi, Bojan Miovski

Morocco: Mohamed Ouahbi set to become Walid Regragui's assistant?

A change is on the horizon for Walid Regragui's staff on the Atlas Lions' bench.

According to reports circulating in the Moroccan press in recent hours, Mohamed Ouahbi is tipped to join the senior national team's coaching staff as Walid Regragui's assistant. Currently in charge of Morocco's U20 side, the Belgian-Moroccan coach made headlines by leading his squad on a historic run at the most recent U20 World Cup.

As things stand, Walid Regragui remains firmly at the helm. Despite the defeat in the CAN 2025 final in Rabat against Senegal, the Moroccan head coach has been confirmed by the FRMF. The federation recently dismissed all resignation rumors, assuring that the 50-year-old tactician will lead the squad at least until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with his contract running until July 31.

So, while Jacquet and Leoni is a great start, it should not be the end of Liverpool's recruitment in the position.

The club will need to find a replacement for Van Dijk, and they will probably need to add another centre-back as well on top of that by 2027.

Considering the lack of homegrown players in the squad that player should ideally have been trained in England. That's why Liverpool wanted to sign Marc Guehi and that is also why they have already struck a special agreement for another centre-back who is destined to join the club.

A report in The Sunday Times claims that Liverpool already have a 'unique' agreement in place with Bayer Leverkusen and Jarell Quansah.

According to the report, the contract and fee to return him to Anfield is already agreed, and this can be activated in 2027.

It's common to include buy-back clauses, but it's less common for a club to already agree a future contract with a player who technically does not belong to them anymore.

Liverpool and Quansah would not have come to such an agreement had they both not seriously thought that a return to Anfield was inevitable.

After all, Quansah is still very young at just 22-years-old and there's plenty more to come from him. He's catching the eye at Bayer Leverkusen, recently earning a nomination for Bundesliga Player of the Month.

He's also become an England international and seems to be getting better and better with regular football.

Given Liverpool's need at centre-back and their lack of homegrown talent, it just feels inevitable that they will bring Quansah back and activate that agreement in 2027.

Quansah, Leoni and Jacquet could be an exciting future centre-back trio.

Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl mock draft: How can the 12s repeat as champions? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Seahawks are champions again. Super Bowl 60 ended early, and Seattle's defense put a fitting capstone on a dominant season.

In the 12 years since the Seahawks' previous title, just about everything has changed but general manager John Schneider. Winning on the first two days of the draft rebuilt Seattle's roster and opened the door for quarterback Sam Darnold play his best football, staving off the regression so many had seen coming.

The reward is a place in football immortality. But the last time Seattle hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, it found itself heartbroken a year later, falling short on the biggest stage. It'll take another draft-day masterclass for the Seahawks to change that fate next season.

Seattle Seahawks mock draft

The following mock draft was made using PFSN's Mock Draft Simulator.

Round 1, Pick 32: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

The crux of this exercise will be replacing potential free agents. This is a roster loaded with talent, reinforced with quality depth, and in a position to make a luxury selection. Keith Abney II could end up filling a position of need.

Corners Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen -- both of whom played 72% of snaps for Seattle this season -- are looming free agents. At times, either one may have been considered a weak link in the secondary. If one (or both) walks, Abney could be a plug-and-play starter on the outside. 

Abney is undersized but plays bigger than his frame suggests, allowing him to stick on the boundary. He's a willing tackler whose burst and aggressiveness mesh well with an overwhelming Seattle defense.

Round 2, Pick 64: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Walker climbed the mountain with the Seahawks, winning Super Bowl MVP after a turbulent season. Seattle should want him back in the fold, but as a free agent, there's a real chance the greener pastures of a workhorse role pull him from the Pacific Northwest.

If so, the Seahawks will need a starting-caliber back, especially in the first year off of Zach Charbonnet's ACL tear. 

MORE: Meet the three contenders for RB2 in the 2026 NFL Draft

Johnson has exceptional agility and a promising blend of vision and footwork that makes him a threat to create explosives within structure. There is work to be done in pass protection, but Johnson's athletic profile demands the rock, and he's steady enough fundamentally to trust as the leading back in a committee. 

Round 3, Pick 96: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

Trying to find real needs on this roster (aside from right guard) is a matter of nitpicking. While the defensive line is deep, Seattle can use a little reinforcement on the interior defensive line, especially one who can add potency to the pass rush.

Durant had a bit of a down year for Penn State, slipping down boards after a season with four sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. However, Durant's burst and bend are as close to edge-rusher quality as one will find on the interior. 

As a rotational pass rusher, Durant can win one-on-ones against opposing guards without sacrificing the dynamism necessary to wreak havoc on stunts and other creative paths to pressure.

Round 6, Pick 187: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Trade-deadline acquisition Rashid Shaheed was among the most exciting pieces of Seattle's season. He's lightning in a bottle, an excellent special teams asset, and a big play waiting to happen... he's also a free agent.

Replacing Shaheed might mean bringing in a more established boundary threat. But if the Seahawks are looking for the same kind of speed at a discount, Burks makes sense on Day 3. Burks can take the top off of defenses and will find an immediate role underneath, turning easy completions into explosives. As Seattle looks to repeat in 2026, it cannot afford to lose access to field-flipping plays.

More Seahawks news

• Mike Macdonald shares bold Cooper Kupp Hall of Fame opinion
• Details on the Seahawks' Super Bowl parade
• List of 2026 draft picks, free agency, and cap space going into offseason
• Super Bowl-winning defense among top 5 all time

Broncos already being overlooked as early Super Bowl LXI odds are released originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos have a lot going for them as they enter the offseason. 

After coming within minutes of being the AFC representative in Super Bowl LX, the Broncos should be hungry to run it back in 2026. They have the means to do that, too. Bo Nix should be fully recovered from the broken ankle he suffered in the AFC divisional playoffs and the team will have the Russell Wilson contract off their books, making it much easier to lure some key free agents to the Mile High City. 

The Broncos have one of the league's best defenses and the ability to go out and add some offensive playmakers. However, very few people outside of Broncos Country felt that the team was as good as its record this season and it looks like that narrative will continue into 2026. 

Several teams picked ahead of Broncos to win Super Bowl LXI

Looking at early odds to win Super Bowl LXI according to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Broncos are 18-1 or +900 to win it all next year. There are 11 teams with better odds. Here are those teams:

Seattle Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams
Buffalo Bills
Philadelphia Eagles
New England Patriots
Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions
Los Angeles Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs
San Francisco 49ers

You can make the argument that some of these teams should be favored over the Broncos, but definitely not all of them. There are many factors to consider when setting these odds and the most important one will be how healthy the team can stay, which is completely unpredictable. These odds only mean so much and last year at this time, the Patriots and Seahawks, two teams that didn't even make the playoffs, would not have had great odds. 

With that being said, the Broncos were the No. 1 seed in the AFC and it took them having to insert a backup quarterback in the AFC Championship Game to be defeated. With Nix, they quite likely would have played in the Super Bowl. 

Nix has two seasons under his belt now and could have a breakout year three if he gets a clean bill of health and the team adds some more firepower on offense. It's hard to imagine the team not being a top contender next year. 

With that said, the parity in the NFL from one season to the next has to be considered. Last year, the Washington Commanders went to the NFC Championship Game and looked like a future powerhouse with Jayden Daniels at quarterback. But Daniels suffered multiple injuries this past season and missed more games than he played in, leaving the team's future in question.

Things change quickly in the NFL, which is why repeating as Super Bowl champions is so difficult to do. That will be the task ahead of the Seahawks in 2026. 

MORE:Broncos likely already out on top free-agent running back

But the Broncos are building something special. They have a good head coach and a quarterback who is beginning to put it all together. If the defense stays intact and the team upgrades the running game and the wide receiver position, they should be on a short list of legitimate contenders next season. 

More Broncos Content

Tyler Allgeier fits Broncos needs at running back as perfect cost-effective option

John Franklin-Myers projected to leave Broncos for another AFC contender

Reliving the game-changing play in each of the Broncos' Super Bowl appearances

Broncos urged to take a look at projected $31.5 million linebacker in free agency

Broncos should consider moving first-round pick as part of this blockbuster trade

Ashton Jeanty likely has an ear-to-ear grin on his face.

The Las Vegas Raiders running back is mere days away from officially having Klint Kubiak as his head coach. And from what we saw when the Seattle Seahawks soared over the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX this past Sunday — and the 2025 season as a whole — good things are in store for the Silver & Black. As Kubiak’s impending arrival portends to a gritty ground game revival in the desert.

On the grandest stage of them all, Kubiak — Seattle’s offensive coordinator — called Kenneth Walker III’s number 31 times against a stingy New England defense. The fourth-year tailback produced with 135 yards on 27 carries (long of 30) and hauling in two passes thrown his way for 26 yards (long of 20). The 5-foot-9 and 211-pound Michigan State was asked to put the Seahawks offense on his back and the second-round pick (41st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft answered with an emphatic: Hell Yeah.

Just like how his offensive coordinator answered when asked about his head coaching future and the words “Las Vegas” came out of Kubiak’s mouth after Seattle’s second franchise Super Bowl win:

Jeanty, the sixth-overall pick in the 2025 draft, has a similar build to Walker at 5-foot-8 and 208 pounds. The 22-year-old rushed for 975 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries (3.7 yards per carry average) and added 55 receptions for 346 yards and five more touchdowns. While Jeanty may not be as fleet-footed in comparison to Walker (he clocked in a 4.38 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, Jeanty didn’t run an official timed 40), he has similar vision, power, and contact balance.

Jeanty is also a more ample receiver out of the backfield showcasing the hands and ability to get open. All this makes for an upward trajectory in Year 2 for the young running back when Kubiak installs his scheme and system.

We can talk until we’re blue in the face on the potential production from Jeanty and young elite tight end Brock Bowers. But where the Raiders offense will begin and end — even with an offensive mind like Kubiak captaining the ship — with the offensive line. There’s talent on the roster to be coached up — properly — and reinforcements can be had in free agency in March and the 2026 draft in April. Las Vegas is neither hurting in cap space or draft capital, which is likely a selling point for Kubiak to become the team’s next head coach.

But the operation in the trenches must be on point. After all, Kubiak got to see up close the constant duress the Seahawks defense applied to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The second-year quarterback got the yips by being subjected to an array of blitzes and straight-up one-on-one dominance by Seattle’s defense. Maybe was sacked six times and ended up throwing two interceptions alongside his two touchdown throws.

Time To Get Defensive

The offensive side of the ball in Las Vegas is in dire need of attention and that’s what Kubiak’s arrival signals towards. The incoming coach is the timely defibrillator to the a severely flatlined Silver & Black offense. But Sunday’s tilt between the Seahawks and Patriots showcased the importance of domineering defenses.

That’s part of Kubiak’s gargantuan task of turning around a franchise that has difficulty even reaching mediocre status.

Kubiak had a golden opportunity to see exactly how Seattle head coach and defensive play caller Mike Macdonald’s defense operates. It’s a defense that takes what it wants and can dial up the aggressiveness exponentially. As the 2025 campaign wore on, you saw glints. And in the postseason it was blindly bright. And in the Super Bowl, Macdonald unleashed his devious concoctions on the Patriots.

So alongside his choice of offensive line coach, whom Kubiak tabs to run his defense bears watching. And there’s a big piece of the Raiders defense that was recently under the microscope.

Extra Points

Kubiak’s offense wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Seattle visited the red zone (the space between the 20-yard line and end zone) four times against New England and only scored one touchdown. That meant Seahawks kicker Jason Myers getting the nod and the 11-year veteran drilled field goal after field goal going 5-for-5 (a long of 41 yards).

Whom Kubiak hires as his special teams coordinator will have say on the Raiders’ direction at the all-important kicker position. Daniel Carson, Las Vegas’ place kicker the past eight seasons, is an unrestricted free agent and had an off 2025 season going 22-of-27 (81.5 percent conversion rate) on field goals. The 31-year-old kicker has formed a formidable duo with punter AJ Cole III, but we’ll see if that combo continues on in 2026.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates have racked up plenty of accolades over the course of their 15-year ice-dancing partnership. Aside from this being their fourth Winter Olympics as a figure skating team, they've earned more U.S. ice dance titles than any duo in history (seven) and are the first U.S. ice dance team to win three consecutive titles at the World Figure Skating Championships (2023, 2024 and 2025).

After winning gold with the U.S. figure skating team in the 2022 Winter Olympics, and more recently the 2026 games currently underway in Milan Cortina, Chock and Bates are vying for individual gold medals in what could be their final Olympics.

Not bad for a couple of newlyweds competing at the pinnacle of their sport.

Chock and Bates, who married in June 2024 after an eight-year courtship and 13-year professional partnership, have excelled on the ice since they first met as figure skaters in Michigan. Bates auditioned to be Chock's partner in 2011, the couple told the New York Times, and despite their noticeable height difference not often seen among teams in the sport, they quickly hit it off.

Despite their chemistry on the ice, the pair didn't pursue a romantic relationship for five years and waited another before going public with it in 2017. But Bates told the Times his feelings for Chock were clear to him years earlier, noting how easy it was for him to play up the romance during a competition in 2014.

“I realized it wasn’t really that difficult because I really did feel those strong emotions for Maddie,” he told the outlet.

After Bates told Chock how he felt in 2016, she said she wasn't all that surprised and admitted she felt the same way. What held her back was everything they had been working for since 2011, she told the Times. “That was something in my head: I’m never going to date my skating partner."

Their careers didn't slow down as they settled into their new relationship, competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics and moving to Montreal that year to work with coaches Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon. They continued to compete globally and nabbed their first gold medal with the U.S. figure skating team at the 2022 Winter Olympics. That same year, Bates proposed to Chock in Thailand, and the couple finally married in Hawaii two years later.

The couple said in 2024 they were excited about their "post-skating" future after the 2026 Winter Olympics while still appreciating the time they still had to compete as newlyweds. Now, as they prepare for their best shot at gold, they appreciate how their professional partnership has shaped their marriage.

“Skating was always the main focus, but as we've gotten older, I think the relationship has become the main focus,” Bates said in an interview with People in January. “Skating obviously is still the main focus, but skating is kind of like our means of strengthening ourselves and our relationship and going through all the experiences of life together, and so the appreciation for the partnership has grown.”

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Madison Chock and Evan Bates: Husband and wife are Olympics legends

Vote now for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for contests played between Feb. 2-7. Voting will remain open until noon Wednesday.

The poll is located below. You can read about all of the candidates and their accomplishments below.

Note: If you are not seeing the poll at the bottom of the story, try opening the story in a different browser, such as Chrome or Safari. Votes emailed will not be counted.

Want to nominate a South Sound high school athlete in the future? Email reporter Jon Manley (jon.manley@thenewstribune.com) or Tyler Wicke (twicke@thenewstribune.com) or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt or @WickeTyler) with the athlete’s first and last name, school, year, position and a stat line from game(s) during the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Keke Bol, River Ridge basketball — Junior forward posted consecutive double-doubles in Monday’s win over Capital (16 PTS, 14 REB) and Wednesday’s win over North Thurston (10 PTS, 10 REB).

Kawehi Borden, Sumner basketball — The junior guard’s 10 points lifted Borden into the 1,000-point career scoring club in Saturday’s 4A SPSL championship game. Sumner defeated Olympia, 52-30, for the program’s sixth-straight league title.

Natalie Buchanan, Black Hills basketball — Junior guard had 12 points, six assists, and three rebounds in Tuesday’s win over Centralia, adding 14 points and three assists in Thursday’s win over Aberdeen.

Adalynn Busch, Tahoma basketball — Scored four points, had 16 rebounds, three assists and two steals in win over Stadium on Tuesday.

Olivia Collins, Sumner basketball — Senior guard dropped a game-high 11 points in Saturday’s win over Olympia in the 4A SPSL championship, helping the program capture a sixth-straight league title.

Shayla Cordis, North Thurston basketball — Senior guard posted a 28-point, 15-rebound double-double with eight steals and four assists in Wednesday’s loss to River Ridge, adding 20 points and six assists in Monday’s loss to Lakes.

Evy Garcia, Todd Beamer basketball — Sophomore dropped a season-high 29 points and hit nine three-pointers, adding seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in Friday’s win over Kent-Meridian.

Juliana Gocha, Lakes basketball — Freshman guard had a career-high 17 rebounds with 15 points, six steals, and three assists in Monday’s win over North Thurston.

Emi HansonSmith, Peninsula basketball — Posted a double-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, three blocks and two assists in 53-50 win over Lakes on Wednesday.

Andralynne Harless, Clover Park basketball — Senior forward posted consecutive double-doubles in Tuesday’s win over Orting (21 PTS, 13 REB, 5 BLK) and Friday’s win over Foss (20 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL).

Ehmarii McChristian, Lakes basketball — Junior guard had 24 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in Monday’s win over North Thurston.

Izzy McDonough, Kennedy Catholic basketball — Junior guard dropped a season-high 19 points with three rebounds and a steal in Tuesday’s win over Mount Rainier.

Macey McNicol, Cascade Christian basketball — Freshman scored 18 points, had five rebounds, four assists and four steals in win over Charles Wright on Tuesday.

Kaliyah Miller, Gig Harbor basketball — Senior guard dropped a career-high 31 points with five rebounds, five assists, and five steals in Monday’s win over Central Kitsap, adding 11 points and eight steals in Wednesday’s win over Mount Tahoma.

Nikol Miranda, Todd Beamer basketball — Sophomore dropped 34 points with seven assists and four rebounds in Thursday’s win over Kent-Meridian.

Brooklynn Murray, Bellarmine Prep basketball — Freshman forward posted a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double in Wednesday’s win over Silas.

Bailey Nettleton, Tahoma basketball — Senior guard scored 18 points with two assists and two steals in Tuesday’s win over Stadium.

Mia Nielsen, Capital basketball — Senior guard had 20 points, five steals, and four rebounds in Wednesday’s loss to Timberline, adding 15 points and three steals in Monday’s loss to River Ridge.

Ashlyn Peirce, Gig Harbor basketball — Junior guard had 16 points, five assists, and five steals in Monday’s win over Central Kitsap, adding 12 points and seven steals in Wednesday’s win over Mount Tahoma.

Melina Petramalo, Bellarmine Prep basketball — Senior guard posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double with three steals in Wednesday’s win over Silas.

Fa’aluaina Salanoa, Clover Park basketball — Senior guard dropped a season-high 27 points with 12 assists, eight steals, and two rebounds in Friday’s win over Foss, adding 12 points and eight rebounds in Tuesday’s win over Orting.

Abby Shelton, Cascade Christian basketball — Sophomore forward had a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double with four steals and three blocks in Friday’s win over Klahowya.

Brandi Stanford, River Ridge basketball — Senior guard posted a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double with five steals and four assists in Monday’s win over Capital, adding 21 points and six steals in Wednesday’s win over North Thurston.

Taniyah Tatum, Spanaway Lake basketball — Freshman guard dropped a career-high 24 points with four rebounds, four steals, and three assists in Thursday’s win over South Kitsap.

Tyler Venable, Black Hills basketball — Junior guard scored 27 points with seven assists, five rebounds, and a season-high nine steals in Tuesday’s win over Centralia, adding 16 points and four steals in Thursday’s win over Aberdeen.

The Seattle Seahawks did to the New England Patriots what they did to seemingly every non-Matthew Stafford offense. Drake Maye looked lost when he had time to throw, and unsure of himself when he did attempt a pass. As a team, the Patriots had a -0.31 EPA per play and a 41 percent success rate, and couldn’t get anything going all evening.

Drake Maye was pressured on 52.8 percent of his dropbacks and sacked six times, despite only being blitzed 13.2 percent of the time. So, as you’re reading this week about which teams can copy Seattle’s blueprint, keep in mind their defense is stocked full of first-rounders who play with a level of aggression and possess speed that few teams do. The defense known as the “Dark Side” led by a mastermind in Mike MacDonald put their stamp on the biggest game in the sport.

We’ve seen the San Francisco 49ers field some of the very best defenses themselves in recent years. Seattle’s DVOA, which adjusts for strength of schedule, was -24.2 percent in 2025, the best by nearly five percentage points. The 49ers were -20.3 in 2019, -14.8 in 2022, and No. 1 in 2022. So close, but not as dominant as the unit we just watched.

So, that begs the question, how close, or perhaps far off, are the current iteration of the 49ers from the Seahawks defense? Let’s go position by position, starting with the defensive line.

Defensive line

If we go back to the P.E. days in school and are lining up every defensive lineman on each roster, Nick Bosa gets selected first, but the Seahawks probably have the next four or five picks.

The biggest difference between the 49ers’ defensive line and the Seahawks is that one team has players who win against the run and the pass, while the other is full of specialists. Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos are only playable on passing downs, while the rookie class from 2025’s main contributions come against the run.

The Seahawks had six players with at least 35 pressures and four players with seven sacks. Huff was the only player to notch more than 35 pressures, while Sam Okuayinonu and Keion White were the only two north of 20 pressures. No player had more than five sacks.

The depth and quality are night and day. There is still plenty of time for Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West to develop during their rookie contracts, but none entered the NFL with a pass-rushing pedigree, which limits their ceiling.

The 49ers swung and missed in free agency on Gross-Matos, who failed to show the ability to stay healthy. Sam O and White will be better alongside Bosa, as will Huff. Still, it goes without saying that the play from this group needs to improve, and expecting everything to change just because Bosa is back feels more like hope than an actual plan.

Linebackers

Playoff teams tried to attack linebacker Ernest Jones in coverage, but Seattle’s scheme was sound enough to hide him, thanks to having a plethora of plus starters around Jones.

Jones allowed 57 yards in coverage and all six of his targets to be completed, including a touchdown, but it was too little too late. The linebacker next to him, Drake Thomas, didn’t even start the season for Seattle. In the Super Bowl, the second linebacker only played 46 percent of the time.

That tells you this is not a position the Super Bowl champs are overly invested in. Why would they be when you look at the defensive line and the secondary?

Fred Warner is the ultimate equalizer. The player who lines up next to him has played at an All-Pro level at times, see Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair. Other times, they’ve been so bad that they walked off the field in the middle of a game.

Whether Dee Winters or Nick Martin, the 49ers are fine at linebacker as long as Warner is on the field. Linebackers have become running backs in the sense that just about anybody, relatively speaking, can get the job done. It’s more about playing a specific style, being athletic, but also being disciplined.

Secondary

Let’s line everybody up in the gym again. How long until the first player from the 49ers gets selected?

Devon Witherspoon was the fifth overall pick. Nick Emmanwori was a second-rounder, but played like a first-rounder. Statistically, Riq Woolen has been fantastic for 2+ seasons. This usually means teams target Josh Jobe. New England did nine times, and completed three passes for 14 yards. This past season, Jobe allowed a 42.6 percent completion percentage on 68 targets for 4.3 yards per target.

There are four players before you get to a Niner. Also, is that first player Upton Stout?

The dichotomy in athleticism between these two units is stark, and the 49ers don’t have a choice but to upgrade this offseason if they are going to embrace Raheem Morris’s identity or simply be more competitive in man-to-man situations on obvious passing downs next season.

We watched what Seattle’s secondary did to San Francisco’s wide receivers. That was a theme for the Seahawks in 2025. There was never a point during the year when it felt like the Niners secondary as a whole shut down their opponent.

So, to answer the article’s question, the 49ers have a ways to go to match the talent of their rivals on this side of the ball. Player development would help, but an infusion of talent and style at the highlighted critical positions is needed.

It helps when you hit on seemingly every one of your picks and signings. Getting Demarcus Lawrence for around $5 million was a steal. You could argue that Byron Murphy’s fall was as well. A strong offseason, paired with smart signings and rookies who can contribute right away, will be a step in the right direction and will go a long way in catching Seattle’s defense, but the Niners would still likely be a player or two short in the talent pool.

Jutta Leerdam got the gold medal she’s been chasing for years. The Dutch speedskater won the women’s 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games on Monday, setting an Olympic record in the process.

She finished in 1 minute, 12.31 seconds, then made her way to the stands and blew kisses to her fiancé, Jake Paul.

MORE: Viral moments from opening weekend at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026

Leerdam faced off against Japan’s Miho Takagi in the final heat, the same skater who won gold in Beijing. But Leerdam looked calm from the start and never lost her rhythm. Dutch fans packed the venue in orange and lost it as she pulled ahead. Her time crushed Takagi’s 2022 mark by nearly a full second. That stung a bit extra considering Leerdam took silver in that race.

Jake Paul also posted an emotional message shortly after, celebrating what his fiancée just accomplished on the sport’s biggest stage.

“Juttttttttttaaaaaaaa. I can’t stop crying. You did it my love. Olympic Gold. God is great and so are you,” Paul wrote on X.

Paul was sitting in the stands and couldn’t hold it together. He was in tears after the win and celebrated with her family before lifting her up while she bit down on her medal. The two shared a kiss right there.

Paul and Leerdam went public with their relationship in April 2023. They’re engaged now. Both had serious followings before they got together, and pairing up only cranked up the attention.

RELATED: Lindsey Vonn shares first message following heartbreaking 2026 Winter Olympics crash

Their careers don’t exactly help with quality time either. Leerdam trains and competes across Europe while Paul bounces around for fights and business.

But they make it work. Leerdam shows up ringside for his fights. Paul flies out for her big competitions. Monday was one of those moments, and he made sure the world knew how proud he was.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

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The 2025-26 college basketball regular season is nearing the end, with most Big 12 teams having 7-8 games left before the conference tournament begins. Will the No. 1 team in the country, Arizona, slip up and let the regular season title slip away, or will the Wildcats cruise into March with a perfect record?

As mentioned above, the Arizona Wildcats ranked No. 1 in the latest AP Poll, lead the conference with a 10-0 Big 12 record and an impressive 23-0 mark overall. They're followed by Houston (AP No. 3), Iowa State (AP No. 5), Kansas (AP No. 9) and Texas Tech (AP No. 16).

Some major matchups this week could prove to be deciding factors, beginning with the top-ranked Wildcats taking on the Jayhawks at the Allen Fieldhouse. A win would open the door for another team to make a run at the regular-season title. Other major upcoming matchups include Iowa State hosting Kansas (Feb. 14) and Arizona hosting Texas Tech (Feb. 14).

As we continue to inch toward March, here is an updated look at the Big 12 standings.

Updated Big 12 basketball standings (Feb. 9)

1. Arizona Wildcats: 10-0 (23-0 overall)
2. Houston Cougars: 9-1 (21-2), 1 game back
3. Iowa State Cyclones: 9-1 (21-2), 2 games back
4. Kansas Jayhawks: 8-2 (18-5), 2 games back
5. Texas Tech Red Raiders: 7-3 (17-6), 3 games back
6. UCF Knights: 6-5 (17-6), 4.5 games back
7. West Virginia Mountaineers: 6-5 (15-9), 4.5 games back
8. BYU Cougars: 5-5 (17-6) 5 games back
9. Oklahoma State Cowboys: 4-6 (16-7) 6 games back
10. TCU Horned Frogs: 4-6 (14-9) 6 games back
11. Colorado Buffaloes: 4-7 (14-10) 6.5 games back
12. Cincinnati Bearcats: 4-7 (12-12) 6.5 games back
13. Baylor Bears: 3-8 (13-10) 7.5 games back
14. Arizona State Sun Devils: 3-8 (12-12) 7.5 games back
15. Kansas State Wildcats: 1-9 (10-13) 9 games back
16. Utah Utes: 1-9 (9-14) 9 games back

Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 basketball standings update before Kansas vs. Arizona

Vote now for The News Tribune’s Boys Athlete of the Week for contests played between Feb. 2-7. Voting will remain open until noon Wednesday.

The poll is located below. You can read about all of the candidates and their accomplishments below.

Note: If you are not seeing the poll at the bottom of the story, try opening the story in a different browser, such as Chrome or Safari. Votes emailed will not be counted.

Want to nominate a South Sound high school athlete in the future? Email reporter Jon Manley (jon.manley@thenewstribune.com) or Tyler Wicke (twicke@thenewstribune.com) or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt or @WickeTyler) with the athlete’s first and last name, school, year, position and a stat line from game(s) during the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Landon Anchors, Tumwater basketball — Junior forward scored a team-high 11 points and shot 63 percent from the field in win over Aberdeen on Tuesday.

Payton Brown, Muckleshoot Tribal basketball — Junior guard had 25 points, four rebounds, and four assists in Thursday’s win over Evergreen Lutheran.

Hakeen Collins, Franklin Pierce basketball — Senior wing scored 30 points in Monday’s win over Eatonville, adding 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday’s win over Annie Wright.

Aiquari Emmanuel Johnson, Franklin Pierce basketball — Senior had 18 points, four steals, two rebounds, and two assists in Wednesday’s win over Annie Wright.

Dominique Harper, River Ridge basketball — Senior forward had a 30-point, 16-rebound double-double with three assists and two steals in Monday’s win over Capital.

Khamari Johnson, Thomas Jefferson basketball — Sophomore guard had 17 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals in Tuesday’s win over Kent-Meridian.

Michael Masini, Gig Harbor basketball — Senior forward set Gig Harbor’s all-time career rebound (810) and free throw (335) records with a career-high 41 points, 17 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks in Monday’s win over Central Kitsap, posting another double-double (31 PTS, 14 REB) in Wednesday’s loss to Mount Tahoma. Masini led all Tides scorers for a 21st-straight game.

Will Nasinec, Puyallup basketball — Senior wing had team-high 16 points in Saturday’s 4A SPSL championship win over Emerald Ridge, helping capture repeat league titles.

Kolven Posey, Auburn Mountainview basketball — Senior guard had 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in Thursday’s win over Kentlake.

Marshall Scott, Clover Park basketball — Senior guard posted consecutive double-doubles in Monday’s win over Orting (28 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST, 5 STL) and Friday’s win over Foss (19 PTS, 14 REB, 7 AST, 6 STL).

Zion Stone, Kennedy Catholic basketball — Junior guard had 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals in Tuesday’s win over Mount Rainier.

Jack Vahey, Northwest Christian basketball — Senior posted a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double with two assists in Tuesday’s win over Quilcene, adding 22 points and nine rebounds in Thursday’s loss to Northwest Yeshiva.

The Detroit Tigers will see pitchers and catchers reporting on Wednesday this week, with the first full squad workout set for Sunday, February 15. Currently, the club has 15 pitchers slated to participate who lack a 40-man roster spot and no longer have prospect eligibility. The group is a mix of veteran arms and former prospects, including several Tigers prospects who have just aged out of that status without breaking through at the big league level. The number of reinforcements the club has added in free agency this offseason will make it harder for any of these pitchers to break through and win a spot on the Opening Day roster, but hopefully one or two of them will stick around and contribute along the way in 2026.

Last year’s group included left-handers Dietrich Enns and Matt Gage, who both pitched briefly with the Tigers during the season before getting DFA’d and ultimately going on to decent success elsewhere. Others, like former prospects Wilmer Flores and Brendan White, got injured and left behind, while long-time starting prospect Wilkel Hernandez spent the year at the Triple-A level and never broke through and is no longer in the organization.

You get the drift. Occasionally there’s a real surprise, but most of these guys are former prospects whose expiration date is close, or pitchers who have had some success in the major leagues but are running out of time to get back.

The Tigers pitching staff certainly looks a lot more robust this time around. Instead of Alex Cobb, Tommy Kahnle, whatever Kenta Maeda had left, which proved to be very little, and small deals to RHP John Brebbia and LHP Andrew Chafin, this time around they’ve added Framber Valdez, Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan, and one of the top returning KBO arms in free agent RHP Drew Anderson. Quite a difference.

A starting rotation of Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez, Reese Olson, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize is one of the best in baseball. In terms of depth, they’ve got Troy Melton, Anderson, Keider Montero, and Sawyer Gipson-Long to lean on as needed. A veteran minor leaguer like Troy Watson might be able to pitch in, and the Tigers can of course flex left-handers Tyler Holton or Brant Hurter into a starting role in a pinch. That’s pretty good depth to start with, although rumors of Olson still dealing with shoulder trouble could thin that out somewhat.

On the other hand, things are a lot thinner in terms of actual prospect help. There really isn’t a guy who looks primed to break in as a bona fide starter with mid-rotation upside in the upper minors.

LHP Jake Miller is the most advanced of the bunch, but his own injury ridden 2025 season resulted in offseason surgery to repair both labrums in his hips. What started as back trouble and rumors of a shoulder strain last summer, was finally sourced to the hip issues. He’s still rehabbing and may not get back on the mound until the end of camp or in April. A really advanced strike thrower with a solid three pitch mix, we’ll have to wait and see how his recovery goes to forecast whether he’ll be much help this year.

Beyond him, it’s basically LHP Andrew Sears and RHP Hamm. Sears didn’t get an invite to camp but will no doubt pitch some on the major league side. He has strong swingman vibes and might help out a bit this season. Hamm isn’t on the 40-man roster yet either, but if he’s healthy and gets his velocity back, he could contribute at some point as well.

None of this is particularly encouraging compared to Jobe, but pitchers, especially young pitchers, tend to have wild swings from year to year particularly when there are injuries involved. Perhaps someone will finally get dialed in and surprise us. Just don’t count on it.

The Tigers really struggled to find bullpen support last year, but the first two seasons of Scott Harris’ tenure were better in that regard. So perhaps they’ll bounce back in this regard. Leading with Will Vest, Kenley Jansen, and Kyle Finnegan, with Troy Melton and Keider Montero potentially in the mix, with Holton and Hurter working as the flexible lefties, gives them a lot more to work with than they had last year.

The group of non-roster invitees is also, by definition, not inspiring either. If any of these guys threw 100 mph and had an incredible breaking ball, they wouldn’t be accepting minor league offers with camp invites. However, they do actually have some quality arms this year who could contribute out of the bullpen along the way in case of injuries. There just isn’t a whole lot of high potential stuff here beyond some former prospects who re-signed on minor league deals this offseason.

If you want my five names to watch, I’ll go with Cole Waites, Dugan Darnell, Tyler Mattison, Tanner Rainey, and Tyler Owens, and maybe you can add Jack Little to that list. Let’s just run through them quickly.

RHP Phil Bickford

This 30-year-old right hander had some success with the Dodgers a few years back but fell on hard times with injuries and shaky control undercutting his performance. He spent 2025 in Triple-A with the Cubs and the Phillies, showing flashes of his old strikeout touch but still hasn’t recaptured his previous mid-90’s velocity. Bickford gets good extension to the plate, and a solid slider, but unless he gets those extra ticks of gas back on the fourseamer and shows he can control it better, this is just a short-lived spring training project.

RHP Dugan Darnell

This 28-year-old out of Northville High School could be the local guy makes good story of spring camp. Darnell has a good splitter to go with a solid fastball-slider combo. He’s been in the Colorado Rockies system for years, so he’s getting a coaching upgrade in Detroit. His strikeout rates were really good in the minors, but his brief major league debut for the Rockies was a bit ugly and he was quickly laid low by a hip injury. You may notice a theme developing when I mention his above average extension. His fastball averaged 94 mph but he gets some ride on it and touched as high as 98.5 mph on one heater early last season. If the Tigers can tune the movement up and Dugan is healthy, there’s a little more in the tank there. Still, the splitter is the key pitch for him. The Tigers have some solid raw material in Darnell to work with.

RHP Scott Effross

32-year-old Scott Effross is this spring’s sidearmer de jeur. His fastball is just 89-90 mph, and he doesn’t have the lethal slider of the best of this type. Effross controls contact against right-handed hitters in particular, and he throws strikes. Still there isn’t a lot here to suggest he’s anymore than a Triple-A caliber reliever. He did pitch for the Yankees briefly in 2025, but only when they were really desperate for some help at the end of their bullpen.

LHP Sean Guenther

You’ll of course remember the 30-year-old Guenther from the bit of help he gave the Tigers bullpen in 2024. He’s still a low velo guy with a solid splitter who can induce weak contact from either side of the plate. There just isn’t anymore meat on the bone. In 2024 he briefly showed the best command of his career and reached the bigs but that precision fastball command didn’t last very long. He had some injury issues last year and never really got it going at all, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see him throw a few innings in a pinch for the Tigers this season.

LHP Enmanuel De Jesus

This 29-year-old lefty pitched in the KBO the past two seasons to decent success. He was originally a starter in the Boston Red Sox system, and had a cup of coffee with the Marlins in 2023 before heading overseas. With a 92-93 mph fourseamer and sinker, and an average slider-changeup combo, he’s a short-arm southpaw with some deception and feel for pitching, but nothing in his repertoire really stands out. His control improved a little in Korea with the KT Wiz, but he still profiles as a Triple-A lefty starter who might get a bit of work as a swingman or to spell a short injury to Hurter or Holton if someone like Andrew Sears or eventually Jake Miller isn’t ready.

RHP Jack Little

Little must have a little something the Tigers like, as they claimed him from the Pirates early in the offseason, then DFA’d him, and then re-signed him to a minor league deal. A minor Dodgers prospect for years, Little sits around 94 mph with a solid slider-splitter combination but has never been much of a strikeout artist. He does have pretty good command of his three pitch mix and manages to suppress home runs despite extreme fly ball rates. Other than some bursts of 96 mph velo last year, there isn’t really anything that stands out to me here other than that he has a splitter and shuts down right-handed hitters well. Unless the Tigers unlock something new with him, he just looks like a solid depth reliever who will make Triple-A Toledo manager Gabe Alvarez’s life a little easier.

RHP Tyler Mattison

Mattison is a former Tigers relief prospect who was returning from Tommy John in 2025 but didn’t get very far. Armed with a good riding overhand fourseamer, a wipeout breaking ball, and a pretty good changeup, Mattison has at times done a decent Trey Yesavage impression as a minor league reliever and collected tons of whiffs. As a result, he was regularly atop the list as the Tigers’ best relief prospect circa 2023-2024. Unfortunately he’s rarely been able to command everything consistently. His 2024 surgery was a success, and his velocity appears intact, but whether he can finally locate everything consistently is a wide open question.

RHP Tyler Owens

Owens is in a similar bucket with Mattison. The Tigers acquired him in the Carson Kelly trade back in July of 2024. The right-hander is another with a pretty high arm slot that produces a riding fourseamer in the 94-95 mph range, and has shown sustained bursts of 96-97 mph heat at his best. He gets whiffs up in the zone, but his slider is fairly average and doesn’t pair quite as well as you’d like with the fastball. Owens has worked on developing a splitter with the Tigers, and it really would suit his arm slot and fastball type really well if he can refine that pitch.

After briefly showing out in spring camp last year, it never came together for Owens during the season for any significant length of time. He then dealt with a hip injury in late July that ended his season, though he did get a brief cup of coffee with the Tigers along the way. If he’s healthy, the stuff is good enough to function as a depth reliever. He’s just never been able to repeat his delivery consistently enough to put the whole package together. Still, he only just turned 25, and he’ll get another crack at commanding everything more effectively this spring.

RHP Tanner Rainey

Rainey is a reasonably hard-throwing right-hander who had some solid seasons in the Washington Nationals in his mid-to-late 20’s, but has been in the wilderness for a few years now. He still sits 96 mph and will hit 98 with his fourseamer, but it’s his power slider that will keep getting him opportunities to revitalize his career a little longer. He’s never been able to limit the walks enough to really be effective for long, but the one silver lining is that he spent most of his career with the Nationals, one of the worst teams in baseball at developing pitchers. If the Tigers can get him on target more often he might be effective, but he’s 32 years old now and the odds are slim.

LHP Bryan Sammons

Here’s another somewhat familiar face. The 30-year-old lefty has been bouncing around the league for years as a decent depth starter you don’t mind having at the Triple-A level. He tossed 27 1/3 very mediocre innings for the Tigers in 2024. He’s just never been able to unlock that one upgrade to get more whiffs and make him viable as a long reliever-swingman type of lefty. He mixes his 91 mph fourseamer and his cutter well enough to get outs, and he throws strikes, but there just isn’t a good enough breaking ball or changeup here to make him a major league option except in a pinch.

RHP Matt Seelinger

Now 30 years old, Seelinger has always racked up a ton of whiffs with his cutter and knuckle curve combination. His 92-93 mph fourseamer is just too fringy to succeed at the major league level without really good command, and he’s always fallen a bit short in that regard. Seelinger gets a ton of fly balls and lots of weak contact in the air, and both secondary pitches will whiff Triple-A hitters are nearly 50 percent rates. So there’s some things to like here, but he’s just a bad fastball guy who hasn’t found a way around that issue to enough of a degree to let the cutter and knuckle curve play in the majors. Still, he’s hell on right-handed hitters, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him have some modest success in the Tigers bullpen by leaning into his two best pitches. As relief depth, he’s not a bad option to keep around.

RHP Burch Smith

This 35-year-old right hander had some success with the Oakland A’s back in 2020-2021, but has never quite been able to recapture it after years of injuries and ineffectiveness. He’s been all over, pitching in the NPB and KBO for a season apiece, and then putting up decent results for the Marlins and the Orioles in 2024. Smith features a riding 95 mph fourseamer that gets a lot of weak contact, but it’s not quite the type of high IVB monster that draws a ton of whiffs. He backs it mainly with a decent cutter-slider combination, but both are fringy pitches that really only work well when he’s commanding the whole package. He usually does keep the walk rates low, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were called on in a pinch sometime this season if he sticks at Triple-A after spring camp. There just isn’t any upside beyond that.

RHP Ricky Vanasco

The Tigers can’t quite quit on Ricky Vanasco. Now 27 years old, Vanasco has spent parts of the last two seasons with the Toledo Mud Hens. He racks up a good volume of strikeouts, but is persistently wild as well. His fourseam fastball sits around 95 mph with above average extension and pretty good vertical movement. A power curveball at 83-84 mph draws a good amount of whiffs and is his main secondary pitch. If Vanasco could command the fastball consistently, he’s got enough stuff to function as a lower tier setup man, but he continues to be wild from time to time, and rarely is really locked in and locating the fastball that well.

RHP Cole Waites

Waites came up in the Giants system and is no doubt well known to Scott Harris as a result. The right-hander sat 96 mph with plus extension and could touch triple digits with a true double plus fourseamer in those days, backing it with a pretty average slider. He racked up great strikeout numbers moving through the Giants system, but his control started to fail him in 2023 and he eventually needed Tommy John surgery late in the year that cost him all of 2024 and much of 2025. He returned last season but was really just getting his feet wet after almost two full years on the shelf. The excellent IVB numbers say the heater will still draw plenty of whiffs, but we’ll have to see if he’s got the velocity all the way back this spring or not. Waites certainly qualifies as one of the highest ceilings in this group, and possibly Harris’ Giants ties will pay a little dividend here is he’s finally back to full strength.

RHP Troy Watson

The 28-year-old Watson has been in Toledo parts of the last two seasons and done a pretty nice job in a starting role. His cutter, slider, and changeup will all get some whiffs for him, and Watson throws strikes. He’s a classic problem fastball guy, where he has the velocity, sitting 94-95 mph with a little extra in the tank, but the fourseam shape just doesn’t have any particular standout traits. It’s not really bad, just mediocre. When he’s commanding it well, he can look really good, set hitters up consistently, and handle either-handed hitters. When he’s leaving too many over the middle of the plate, it gets whacked. Watson isn’t a bad option as an emergency starter, but unless they can tune up the fastball a little more he’s always going to be too vulnerable for regular MLB starting work. As a relief option, he could throw his secondaries more and be an effective middle reliever, but he has to command everything more consistently.

As we battle and persist through consistent connectivity issues (mostly on my end) the three of us are still committed to bringing you content that you can enjoy and interact with to help you continue to be some of the most knowledgable fans in the game.

This week a majority of the episode is just me (sorry) giving my thoughts on the Brendan Donovan trade, the Bryan Ramos waiver claim, and then I finish up with some of your questions and salvage what I could from our attempted trio of simulatneous recording session. I will be working tirelessly to try and resolve the connectivity issues this week as we have a list of guests we’re very excited about leading up to opening day.

Thank you to Kool Noodles, Zubin, KylMss, silentgeorge, HueyRVA, districtofcardinals, Schmidthead, and LondonBird for their questions that contributed to this episode, without your participation, this episode would not be as impactful as it was, so thank you.

Next week, were (hopeful) to be joined by Jeff Jones of the Belleville News Democrat, as he has already arrived in Jupiter, Florida. Have a great week Cardinals fans Spring Training is HERE!

-Thanks for listening!

Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl suffered a terrible case of aura debt during his team’s 5-1 win over Hoffenheim. Late in the game, he was 1v1 on the wing and tried to do stepovers like Cristiano Ronaldo. Only, instead of a graceful display of skill, he accidentally sent the ball through his legs and out of play.

In the replay (which we can’t show you because the Bundesliga is allergic to its own growth and takes down every clip of anything remotely interesting) Hoffenheim defender Alexander Prass even gives him a thumbs up after the gaffe. How embarrassing.

Lothar Matthäus, however, wants us to cut the kid some slack. Writing for his column on Sky, the ex-Ballon d’Or winner defended Karl’s unfortunate blunder.

“The boy is 17 years old, he loves playing soccer, and sometimes makes his opponents look bad,” writes Matthäus. “Sometimes it’s one trick too many, but we all want to see stuff like that anyway.”

“We’re happy when someone wants to show off and imitate the tricks of the superstars. Not everything worked for Messi at 17 either. Let the boys entertain us, even if you sometimes feel a little mocked as an opponent.”

Of course, Messi didn’t come onto the scene in the golden age of social media either. (He also didn’t say he wanted to sign for Real Madrid someday, but whatever.) Karl has to deal with the stigma of going viral in an era where people are obsessed with things like aura, slander, glaze, and agendas. Some of you people reading this have no idea what any of that means, but it is relevant.

All Karl can do is pick up and carry on. A goal or two would go a long way to making people forget, and fans will hope he rediscovers his scoring form soon.

The Weiss Wolves had a huge week in District 23-5A as the Wolfpack defeated Georgetown 43-42 on Tuesday and then avenged a 10-point loss from their first district meeting with Pflugerville by winning 51-31 on Friday, moving into a first-place tie in the standings as the Central Texas girls basketball regular season winds down.

The Wolfpack held an early eight-point lead, but ended up holding off the Eagles by one point in a frantic finish. Ryland Reeves led Weiss with 16 points, four rebounds and five steals while Brooklyn Williams added 11 points and three rebounds, Braelynn Gray chipped in seven points and four boards and Krystyna Davis had seven rebounds. In Friday's win over Pflugerville, Reeves led the team with 20 points while Williams added 11.

Earlier in the week, Pflugerville beat Hendrickson 40-19 behind Kiyah Lee's 14 points. The Panthers led just 18-17 in the second half before staging a dramatic 14-0 run.

“We talked at halftime about doing the little things — attention to detail, better passes, closer defense," Panthers coach April Hundl said. "We were barely ahead at the half, and the girls really had a strong third quarter.”

Hendrickson got eight points from Trinity Jackson scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds, including her 1,000th career board. 

FAB FIVE RANKINGS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Class 6A

1. Westlake 34-0

2. Vandegrift 26-6

3. Round Rock 24-7

4. Austin High 22-10

5. Lake Travis 22-11

Class 5A

1. Glenn 29-3

2. Weiss 20-10

3. Liberty Hill 27-7

4. Crockett 28-8

5. Cedar Park 22-9

Class 4A/others

1. Manor New Tech 29-3

2. Hill Country Christian 25-9

3. Hyde Park 22-9

4. St. Stephens 11-2

5. Veritas Academy 20-7

GIRLS SOCCER

Class 6A

1. Round Rock 10-0-3

2. Vandegrift 11-2-0

3. Austin High 6-1-3

4. Westlake 7-2-2

5. Westwood 9-2-2

Class 5A

1. McCallum 12-0-1

2. Hendrickson 9-4-0

3. Leander 8-3-3

4. Georgetown 11-2-1

5. Cedar Park 9-2-2

Class 4A

1. Wimberley 12-1-1

2. Lago Vista 9-1-0

3. Legacy Ranch 8-3-0

4. Lampasas 11-3

5. Marble Falls 9-2-2

MORE: UIL realignment brings changes to Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, others

BOYS BASKETBALL: Top 10 power rankings for Central Texas boys high school basketball

Around Central Texas basketball

Vipers close in on crown:Vandegrift moved a game closer to the District 25-6A title by beating Manor 77-24. Saania Khawaja notched 21 points with seven assists, five rebounds and five steals while Maddie Broxterman scored 19 points with five steals, five rebounds and four assists. Ella Welton added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Around 25-6A: In other district action, Cedar Ridge scored a huge upset by defeating Vista Ridge 53-45 for the second win over the Rangers in six years. ... Round Rock slipped past crosstown rival Westwood 43-40.

Chaps clinch district:Westlake had two nice wins to clinch the District 26-6A crown. Tamia King scored 26 points with 11 rebounds, five assists and five steals to lead the Chaps past second-place Lake Travis 54-29. Wynn Thorne added eight points, Molly Frazer had six and Geralynn Byers-Veal added six points, three steals and two assists. On Friday, Byers-Veal poured in 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Westlake past Del Valle 78-27. King contributed nine points and eight boards while Frazer had 12 points and Townsend Hamilton added 14 points, including four 3-pointers. The Chaps had 18 team assists in the win

Around 26-6A:In other district action, Lake Travis beat Akins 76-14 and Austin High edged Bowie 41-39.  The Austin High win tied the Maroons with Lake Travis at 8-3 while Bowie finished fourth at 7-5. The Maroons travel to Lake Travis for the Tuesday night district finale.

Austin-area soccer: Wimberley sends a message to state

A big win over Texans:Wimberley sent a statement as the 2025 Class 4A Division II state finalist Texans (12-1-1) rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat current top-ranked Canyon Lake 3-1 on Friday night. It was Canyon Lake's first loss. Abby Durkin, Samantha Santana and Dylan Watson each scored for the Texans while Emma Durkin and Cameron Thames notched assists. ... On the season, two-sport standout Lilli Sandoval leads the Texans with 16 goals and four assists. She was an all-state soccer selection as well as an All-Central Texas volleyball standout.

Around District 25-6A:Vandegrift had a big night as the Vipers edged Westwood 1-0 on a goal by Eva Pensamiento and the fourth straight clean sheet by Kyla Jones. ... Round Rock blanked Stony Point 3-0, McNeil shut out Manor 4-0 and Vista Ridge played to a 1-1 draw with Hutto. Westwood beat Stony Point 2-1 on goals by Natalie Safarik and Henley Patak.

Around Central Texas:Georgetown got two goals from Abigail Vidrine and a thread by Libby Benson to blank Weiss 3-0. Emie Benson and Annalissa Gomez each had assists. ... Ella Siefert scored on a goal off an assist by Kate Horvath and Brittney King notched 11 saves as Leander played to a 1-1 draw with Rouse. ... Westlake blanked Lake Travis on a clean sheet effort by goalie Sophia Martin. Grace Condon had a goal and an assist for the Chaps while Claire Eckman added a goal and Amara Kazzi-Loyde had the other assist.

Tuesday's top games

Basketball

Austin High at Lake Travis, 7 p.m.

Cedar Park at Liberty Hill, 7 p.m.

Crockett at LASA, 7 p.m.

Glenn at Leander, 7 p.m.

Vandegrift at Hutto, 7 p.m.

Soccer

Cedar Park at Glenn, 7:15 p.m.

Leander at Lockhart, 7:15 p.m.

Round Rock at Vandegrift, 7:15 p.m.

Akins at Lake Travis, 7:45 p.m.

McCallum vs. Ann Richards, 7:45 p.m. (House Park)

We stand on the very edge of spring training. Tomorrow sees pitchers and catchers report to Salt River Fields, as the pre-season gets under way. Before you know it, Opening Day will be here. While there is still time for changes to take place to the roster, it does feel like most of the heavy lifting for the Diamondbacks has been done. So how are you feeling? In particular, what concerns you the most?

Which offseason decision makes you nervous?

I guess this could be both an action and an inaction. For example, the decision largely to stand pat on the bullpen, not signing a “proven closer” was certainly a decision, one which resulted in nothing being done. Taylor Clarke is, to date, the only free-agent reliever signed to a major-league contract by the Diamondbacks this winter. The decision not to re-sign Zac Gallen (again: so far!) is another non-action. But there are a number of moves which could be grounds for concern. Merrill Kelly was nowhere near as effective down the stretch. Carlos Santana didn’t hit very well. Nolan Arenado is old. Michael Soroka is… Well, you get the idea!

It’s that time of the year! As the spring semester starts kicking into full gear for students, the baseball programs around the Mountain West will be competing on the diamond once again. And now, we here at Mountain West Connection will begin full-season coverage of the spring spectacle, starting with our first official power rankings of the season.

This season is filled with storylines. Will Fresno State and Nevada be able to defend their conference tournament and regular season titles respectively? Can schools like New Mexico and UNLV contend for those titles again and possibly get over the hump? Can San Jose State, who made the tournament championship game with a losing regular season record, get back to how they ended last season? How will the newly-added Grand Canyon University, a program with a history of winning seasons, fare in the mix?

All of this and more will be answered in due time. While we wait, here’s the first iteration of the Mountain West Connection baseball power rankings.

1. Nevada

Coming off a 34-23 and 19-11 MW record, including the regular season conference title, the Wolf Pack comes in as our No. 1 team in the conference. Nevada returns seven starters, including five players who were picked for the all-conference team (LHP Alessandro Castro, 3B Sean Yamaguchi, C Jake Harvey, 1B/RHP Jayce Dobie and 2B/SS Junhyuk Kwon).

The biggest difference for Nevada will be who’s at the helm, as Jordan Getzelman, who’s been the team’s hitting coach for the last four seasons, was promoted to manager for the 2026 season. Former manager Jake McKinley took an MLB job with the Seattle Mariners, letting Nevada go with the in-house option.

Kwon and Yamaguchi should lead the way with offensive production in many different ways. They were able to bring in OF Sam Kane from Seattle to likely play center field for them and provide solid defense and offensive versatility.

Nevada’s biggest potential weakness is the pitching staff. Castro is the only weekend starter returning for the Pack. The Miami Marlins drafted ace Peyton Fosher, who was the main Friday guy for Nevada last year. Transfers Jordan Giacomini and Aidan Brainard are two options to fill those holes, as well as Dobie and Dominic Desch.

2. Fresno State

The Bulldogs are coming off a 2025 Mountain West Tournament Championship run that included a trip to the NCAA Los Angeles Regional.  It was a big offensive year, as they hit above .300 as a team and recorded 72 home runs in 2025. The pitching side was equally impressive, as they were ranked 2nd in both ERA and H/9.

With such a successful season, it usually means a lot of players are going to leave. Pitchers Jack Anker and Aidan Cremarosa, 3B Murf Gray and C Justin Stransky were all drafted and signed to MLB organizations at the season’s end.

They return starter Tyler Patrick, who is expected to deliver another solid season on the mound. Patrick logged 38 innings with a 4.26 ERA last year while working primarily as a spot starter, and he’s poised to take on a larger role in 2026 after the rotation took multiple losses in the draft. The Bulldogs also bring back a strong core of everyday bats, including 1B Cayden Munster, 2B Owen Faust, SS Lee Trevino, OF Cam Schneider, OF Sky Collins, and DH Griffen Sotomayor. Ultimately, their ceiling will depend on how well the pitching staff comes together, but the offense should once again be a major strength.

3. New Mexico

New Mexico closed the regular season with the third-best conference record in the Mountain West before entering the league tournament, but their postseason run was cut short by a red-hot San José State squad in the opening round. The Lobos were an offensive juggernaut last season, leading the conference in batting average and home runs while posting a staggering .999 team OPS. Pitching, however, told a very different story, as New Mexico finished with the worst team ERA in the Mountain West.

The biggest departure is DH Jordy Oriach, who transferred to Georgia and could very well emerge as an everyday contributor there. On the mound, the Lobos return Ryan Castillo to the starting rotation. While his numbers in 2025 weren’t what you typically expect from a front-line starter, he did show improvement from his 2024 campaign and provides much-needed continuity for a staff searching for stability in 2026.

Offensively, despite key losses, New Mexico should remain productive. They return catchers Brodey Williams and Caleb Herd, along with 2B Luke Mansy, 3B Akili Carris, SS Karsen Waslefsky, and add power bat Damian Garcia from Texas Southern to help offset some of the departed production. As was the case a year ago, much of New Mexico’s success will hinge on its pitching staff, but the Lobos should once again be able to swing it with the best offenses in the Mountain West in 2026.

4. San Diego State

The 2025 season didn’t unfold the way San Diego State had hoped, as the Aztecs finished 20–39 overall, yet they still secured the fifth seed in the Mountain West Tournament. SDSU showed flashes in the postseason, shutting out UNLV before falling to top-seeded Nevada and then dropping a one-run game to San José State. Offensively, the Aztecs weren’t a major threat, but they landed squarely in the middle of the conference in most pitching metrics.

The offseason brought significant roster turnover, highlighted by the departures of 3B Daniel Arambula, SS Finley Bates, 2B Nevan Noonan, and pitcher Marko Sipila to power conference programs, along with several additional transfers. The pitching staff also lost Xavier Cardenas, who was selected in the 17th round of the MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins. As a result, San Diego State will field a largely new-look roster, particularly on the offensive side.

The Aztecs add a trio of Oregon State transfers in SS Jabin Trosky, OF Levi Jones, and 1B Tyce Peterson, all of whom will compete for immediate playing time, along with OF Adam Magpoc from Boston College, who should factor into the lineup early. On the mound, returning arms Garvey Rumary, Evan Miranda, Aidan Russell and Connor Shaw are expected to battle for spots in the starting rotation.

Another major change comes at the top, with Kevin Vance taking over as head coach. Vance brings Omaha experience from his time as an assistant at Arizona and is widely regarded as one of the premier pitching minds in college baseball. With new leadership and an influx of fresh talent, San Diego State has the opportunity to emerge as a dangerous contender in what appears to be a wide-open Mountain West race.

5. UNLV

UNLV opened the 2025 season on a strong note, notching early wins over Indiana and Cincinnati, both ranked at the time, and later adding an impressive nonconference victory against Arizona State. The Rebels’ momentum, however, stalled in the Mountain West Tournament, where they were shut out by San Diego State to close out their season. Offensively, UNLV was a fairly balanced group, but the pitching staff carried the load, finishing with the lowest team ERA and H/9 in the conference.

The offseason brought notable roster turnover, particularly on the mound, with pitchers Alex Overbay and LJ Mercurius transferring to Arizona State and Oklahoma, respectively. The Rebels also lost key offensive pieces, as DH Cole Koniarsky departed for Georgia and OF Dean Toigo transferred to Arizona State. Despite those losses, UNLV retained Carson Lane, who appears poised for a breakout year after a strong sophomore campaign that saw him log 78 innings with a 4.23 ERA and 85 strikeouts.

UNLV will have several options to round out the rotation, with Reese Lueck and Cody Albright emerging as early contenders for starting roles. Offensively, there are significant gaps to fill, but the additions of OF Reggie Bussey from Ohio State and Drew Barragan from Western Kentucky should help offset some of the lost production. With proven pitching depth and new bats stepping into larger roles, the Rebels look capable of remaining a factor in the Mountain West and will have an opportunity to showcase their resilience in 2026.

6. GCU

The Mountain West welcomes a new member in 2026, as Grand Canyon joins the conference after making the move from the WAC. The Antelopes finished the 2025 season with a 31–27 record before their run ended in the WAC Tournament. Offensively, GCU hit .300 as a team, though the power output wasn’t quite enough to match the top offenses in the league. On the mound, the Antelopes graded out as a middle-of-the-pack staff across most statistical categories.

The offseason brought significant turnover, including the departures of 1B Zach Yorke to LSU, pitcher Walter Quinn to TCU, and pitcher Connor Mattison to Kentucky. Grand Canyon also saw several players selected in the MLB Draft, including pitchers Isaac Lyon and Grant Richardson, shortstop Emilio Barreras and outfielder Josh Wakefield.

To help offset those losses, GCU adds pitching reinforcements Nicholas Rabb from UT Arlington and Jacob Limas from UTRGV, both of whom should compete for spots in the starting rotation. The Antelopes also bring in 3B Vincent Bianchina from Northwestern and OF Griffin Cameron from Kentucky, each expected to push for significant playing time in 2026.

The strength of this team should once again be its pitching, led by Garrett Ahern and Chance Key, who combined for 128 innings last season and are poised to anchor the staff while consistently working deep into games. Offensively, Grand Canyon returns starters C Marcus Galvan, 2B Troy Sanders, OF Carson Ohland and DH Cannon Peery, who will headline the lineup alongside the incoming transfers.

It’s hard to evaluate newcomers into preseason rankings, and although the Mountain West voted GCU pretty high, the Antelopes will have to be a prove-it team for us.

7. San Jose State

San José State turned heads last season, not so much during the regular season, but with an impressive run through the Mountain West Tournament. The Spartans knocked off New Mexico, San Diego State and top-seeded Nevada in an extra-innings thriller before ultimately falling to Fresno State in the conference championship game. Their postseason success was driven largely by pitching, as they finished with the fourth-best team ERA and the third-lowest hits allowed per nine innings in the conference.

There’s reason to believe that strength will carry over into 2026. San José State returns a deep mix of arms and newcomers, headlined by Tyler Albanese. After working primarily out of the bullpen last season, Albanese logged 39 innings with a sub-3.00 ERA and an impressive 32 percent strikeout rate. He’s expected to transition into a starting role and has the potential to emerge as the leader of the rotation.

Offensively, the Spartans will lean heavily on returning contributors, particularly corner outfielders Jake McCoy and Alex Fernandes, who bring back much of the team’s proven production. Additional returners expected to play key roles include 1B Drew Giannini, 3B JC Osocio-Agard, SS Rocco Caballero and DH Neil Jansen.

With the sheer volume of pitching options available, San José State should again be able to control games on the mound. The primary question remains on the offensive side. The Spartans were another team that was tough to rank, as we feel they could’ve been as high as top four-five, but we’ll have to see if the late-season momentum will carry into a new season.

8. Washington State

Washington State will be looking to turn the page quickly after a difficult 2025 campaign that saw the Cougars finish with the worst overall and conference record in the Mountain West. Among the notable departures are outfielder Logan Johnstone, who will suit up for Vanderbilt this season, and starting catcher Will Cresswell, who was selected in the 18th round of the MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Offensively, Washington State was fairly average a year ago, but the pitching staff struggled to find consistency and ultimately held the team back. In an effort to stabilize the rotation, the Cougars return familiar arms in Griffin Smith and Nick Lewis, both of whom should provide experience and continuity on the mound.

The lineup also brings back a solid core of contributors, including 1B Ryan Skjonsby, 2B Ollie Obenour and Luke Thiele, 3B Kyler Northrop, SS Gavin Roy and OF Max Hartman. With a year of experience together and several key pieces returning, Washington State appears positioned to take a step forward in 2026, but may struggle to keep up with the rest of the conference.

9. Air Force

Air Force fell short of expectations in 2025, finishing 20–34 overall with a 12–18 record in Mountain West play. The Falcons ended the season next to last in the conference standings and did not qualify for the Mountain West Tournament. Offensively, they hovered around the middle of the league, but pitching proved to be a major issue, as Air Force posted the second-highest team ERA and tied for the most hits allowed per nine innings.

As a service academy, Air Force was inactive in the transfer portal, emphasizing internal development. That may work in their favor, as the Falcons fielded one of the youngest rosters in the conference last season and return all eligible players. The pitching staff should take a step forward, led by Ethan Dillinger, who logged 37 innings in 2025. While he took his share of contact, he showed an ability to limit damage and avoid free passes. Returning starter Cranz Smelcer also figures into the rotation after a challenging freshman season, and with a year of experience under his belt, he should provide improved consistency this spring.

At the plate, Air Force brings back key contributors in catcher Walker Zapp and second baseman Ben Niednagel, along with 1B Luke Elmore, 2B TJ Oster, OF Christian Taylor and DH Tripp Garrish. With a full year of experience together and a more mature roster, the Falcons should show natural improvement in 2026, even without outside additions.

In the unlikelihood you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen or been exposed to the popular “6-7” trend that captivated our youth around the nation. It’s funny how something that is absolutely meaningless spreads like wildfire, and it continues to hold on through its dying embers. Eventually though, all things must come to an end.

Now, you’re probably asking yourself why were talking about this meaningless and definitely annoying “6-7” trend, and for good reason. In the grander scheme of things it has absolutely nothing to do with the Dallas Cowboys. However, in a roundabout way it kind of does, as the Cowboys probably need to sign “6-7” starting-caliber players in free agency to fill all their holes. We know they probably won’t sign that many high-level players in free agency, but we’re looking at them all anyway.

As the roster stands right now, and assuming George Pickens is retained via a long-term contract or franchise tag, the Cowboys have a lot of holes to fill and the majority of them need immediate starters if the organization truly wants to upgrade things and be a serious contender next season. Some of these roster “needs” could be filled by the draft, but if Dallas wants a known commodity to start immediately, free agency is the way to go.

By signing proven commodities in free agency who can start immediately would not only free the Cowboys up to truly select the best player available (BPA) in the 2026 NFL Draft, but also quickly upgrade certain positions from the get-go instead of depending on rookies to get up to speed as quickly as possible. We all know just about every single rookie regardless of position goes through some growing pains early on.

Below are the positions we’ve identified as the ones who need starting-caliber free agents. Unsurprisingly, they are mostly on the defensive side of the ball.

EDGE (2)

What they have: Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston

What they’re losing: Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams

Jadeveon Clowney is a target to be re-signed by the Cowboys, at least according to them, but he is getting older and could decline in production at any time. That means the Cowboys probably need to sign another free agent pass rusher and probably draft one as well to fill out and hopefully upgrade the position.

Cornerback (1)

What they have: DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Reedy Stewart, Josh Butler

What they’re losing: Trevon Diggs, C.J. Goodwin

With another foot injury that required surgery, DaRon Bland’s future availability is up in the air and Shavon Revel needs a second-year leap. Right now they are the only two CBs with starting potential on the roster, but they also come with more questions than answers. That’s why we believe Dallas needs to sign a starting-caliber CB.

Safety (2)

What they have: Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell

What they’re losing: Donovan Wilson

With Malik Hooker being a potential salary-cap casualty, it’s quite possible Dallas could be losing both of their starting safeties in 2025. To make matters worse, there’s really no one else on the roster who screams starter. Because of that, Dallas needs to sign a couple free agent safeties who fit Christian Parker’s scheme.

Linebacker (1)

What they have: Logan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau, Shemar James

What they’re losing: Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn

Logan Wilson will likely become a salary-cap casualty, joining Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn in free agency. This leaves a big void at MLB that will probably best be filled via free agency. There are quite a few free agent LBs available who can step in and immediately to be an upgrade over what Dallas deployed the position last year.

Running back (1)

What they have: Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah

What they’re losing: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders

The hope is in Dallas re-signs Javonte Williams to eliminate this roster “need”, because Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah are not yet starting-caliber RBs in the NFL. If for whatever reason the Cowboys are not able to bring back Williams, they need to replace him with another veteran RB, maybe two.

Welcome to the top 10, Woodland.

The Hawks have won their first 17 games this season. This is unchartered territory for Woodland as it tries to win its first Naugatuck Valley League championship. They enter the GametimeCT boys basketball top 10 poll for the first time, possibly ever, at No. 10 - the only ranked NVL team this entire season.

Woodland just edged out North Haven, also undefeated through 16 games. Ironically, Woodland plays at North Haven on Wednesday night. New London was ranked 10th, but dropped out after suffering an overtime loss at home to Norwich Free Academy.

The top seven teams remained the same in what was otherwise a quiet week among the ranked teams. Trumbull switched spots with Ellington, moving up to eighth with the unbeaten Knights dropping into ninth.

There should be more movement next week with four games being played this week featuring ranked teams, five of whom are undefeated: No. 8 Trumbull at No. 3 Staples Tuesday, No. 10 Woodland a North Haven; No. 6 West Haven at No. 1 Notre Dame-West Haven Thursday and No. 5 East Catholic at No. 2 Windsor Friday.

This article originally published at GametimeCT 2026 Top 10 boys basketball poll (Feb. 9): Undefeated team breaks into poll.

This is part of Slate’s 2026 Olympics coverage. Read more here. 

Olympics broadcaster Chad Salmela is celebrating his seventh Winter Games as NBC’s man on the ground for biathlon and cross-country skiing coverage. By “on the ground,” I mean “hunkered down inside NBC Sports’ International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Connecticut,” where he will spend the next two weeks remotely providing his trademark rousing analysis for two of the more obscure Winter Olympics sports.

Salmela is a former U.S. Biathlon Team member, and his call—“Here comes Diggins! Here comes Diggins! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Gold!”—of Jessie Diggins’ thrilling come-from-behind victory in the team sprint event at the Pyeongchang Games is one of the most iconic American broadcast moments in Winter Olympics history. (Diggins’ gold medal, which she shared with team sprint teammate Kikkan Randall, was America’s first-ever cross-country skiing gold.) For the Milan Cortina Games, Salmela will be sharing the cross-country booth as a co-analyst with the now-retired Randall. They’ll be alongside play-by-play commentator Steve Schlanger, while hoping for more gold-medal magic from Diggins, who has announced that these will be her final Olympic Games.

When not analyzing winter sports races for NBC and other outlets, Salmela is the head men’s and women’s cross-country running coach at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. I called him last week for an expansive chat on Diggins and her legacy, how he developed his style as a color analyst, and whether I made things awkward for him when I wrote that he should be promoted to NBC’s lead Alpine skiing commentator. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

So what’s your routine going to be over the next couple weeks?

I’m covering biathlon and cross-country, which is a big lift, obviously. I mean, I’m not flying around like Mike Tirico, but I think I’ve probably done more time and minutes on the network in the last three Olympics than anybody else they have working, as far as color analysts go.

What I do is just try to be ready for everything, and have the notes I need prepared, and rely on the people I work with to help get me through. It’s easy to try to do too much to start out. When you get into an Olympic Games like this, you just gotta sort of go with the flow and let the rhythm come to you. The goal when you put notes together for events is not to get the notes said on air. You have them there to back you up, and you use very few of them, because you can’t possibly anticipate what’s going to happen.

Do you feel like the enthusiasm you bring has played a role in increasing the visibility for those events on the telecast?

I think that’s [one reason] why they hired me—at least they get the enthusiasm. But I’m not trying to go over the top. When I get excited it’s because I think what’s happening is exciting. I think that turns some people off, people who are maybe more subdued and don’t like the commentary being part of their experience as much. They think that maybe I’m intrusive into their space. I mean, everybody’s gonna have haters, and I have mine.

Really? So there are some cross-country-heads out there who are like, “Chad’s too exciting. He’s making this seem like too much fun.”

I don’t think that what I do is something that Europeans enjoy. I think that Europeans think I’m over the top, I’m too American, they don’t like my accent. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do get worse feedback in Europe than I do in America, we’ll put it that way.

Ifyou break down what has made my career sort of special, it’s that I break into the play-by-play’s space from time to time and get excited—and I’m not supposed to do that. That’s, like, rule No. 1, you don’t take the finishing stretch from the play-by-play. And I’ve done that. I mean, I did that with Al Trautwig without knowing it. And he didn’t bring it up for weeks.

We did the entire [2010] Olympics in Vancouver together, and I was still pretty green at broadcasting commentary. We anchored the Olympic coverage for two weeks in daylight hours. And that was really fun.

But then we went to Sochi [in 2014], and the first event we called was the men’s skiathlon, and it was amazing. Dario Cologna had this amazing finish and I just kind of went with it, and I did what I did with Jessie Diggins, sort of. And I called him down the stretch and came off air, and Al was fine. He goes, Wow, that was a different way of doing it, but I loved it. And I go, What do you mean? He goes, Well, you were kind of all over my call. And then he explained to me that, Well, yeah, I saw this in Vancouver too. You’re not supposed to come in. And so we talked about it more over dinner that night. Al was always just a good mentor. He would take me into these really fancy dinners, and he’d always pay.

That’s a good mentor.

Yeah, he was great. And so in the course of Sochi I really figured out my voice, and he helped me get there. And I think that’s probably why I ended up being comfortable doing what I do. If I’d had a different pathway and a different partner at the time, I might not have ever yelled “Here comes Diggins!”

This is going to be Jessie Diggins’ final Olympics. What should people watch out for from her over the next two weeks?

Jessie is not even close to the same skier she was when “Here comes Diggins!” happened. When [Diggins and Kikkan Randall] won that race, part of the surprise, other than the 40 years’ wait, was the fact that Jessie Diggins, of all people, was going to close the sprint. Maiken Caspersen Falla was the 2014 Olympic champion in the sprint. And in the same stretch of snow, she’s gotta outsprint the Olympic champion from several days before that, in the classic sprint, Stina Nilsson. Jessie Diggins should not have outsprinted both of those people to win that medal. And that’s what was so miraculous about it. The reason she shouldn’t have is because she wasn’t that good of a skier yet.

That particular performance, everybody catches the last 11 seconds of it. If you go back and watch the whole thing, it’s the most sophisticated manipulation of a skiing competitor on a course that I’ve ever seen in an Olympic Games. She went out there and she suddenly took the sprint out of both of them, and she knew what she was doing. She went out and she tired them out so they couldn’t beat her in that stretch.

She’s come such a long way since that race. Between 2022 and now Jessie Diggins has become the best skier in the world, and she has won in classic technique. And even more importantly, she won the first women’s skiathlon of this year, which is the first event of the Olympics. [Note: Diggins finished eighth in the 2026 Olympic skiathlon after getting caught up in an early crash.]

Do you wish you were in Italy for the games rather than Stamford, Connecticut?

Absolutely.

Do you ever try to make the case for them to send you guys out there?

Not really, because, for one, I can’t do biathlon and cross-country if I go—I can do one or the other. In Vancouver and Sochi it worked because the two venues were walking distance from each other. With this one, the biathlon and cross-country are separated by two hours’ drive, so that’s impossible. And they want to get the most out of me as they can. And that’s great. But honestly, I would love to go back to the Olympics. I haven’t been there since Sochi. And I would love to go next time, but I just don’t think it’s gonna happen. That’s my hunch.

Do you interact at all with the other remote broadcasters? Like, do you guys cross paths in the break room or anything?

You mean the ones from other sports?

Yeah, like the short track guy, or the ski jumping guy.

We hang out with them a lot. I mean, [NBC ski jumping analyst] Johnny Spillane and I hang out all the time. We’re good friends. And [NBC Alpine skiing analyst] Steve Porino and I are very good friends.

Did he get pissed when, four years ago, I wrote a piece saying that you should be promoted to do Alpine skiing?

I think he understood. And I appreciate it. I mean, we talked about it, because I think what you were doing is you’re trying to bolster the positive aspects of a smaller, upstart sport, and a commentator who maybe doesn’t get his fair share of—how should I say this?—appreciation for what he does. But I told Porino, like, Tell Dan Hicks I didn’t say that.

Rhyl 1879 have been drawn against Cymru Premier side Caernarfon Town as their reward for reaching the JD Welsh Cup semi-finals.

Second-tier phoenix club Rhyl 1879 stunned six-time winners Barry Town 2-1 in the major shock of the quarter-finals and will aim to repeat the heroics when the semi-finals take place on 6-8 March.

Flint Town United, another Welsh top-flight side, will take on third-tier Bangor 1876, who created a shock of their own in the quarter-finals as they beat Cymru South side Caerau Ely 3-1.

Flint Town United beat third-tier Trearddur Bay 3-0 to reach the final four, while in the only all-Cymru Premier tie of the previous round, Caernarfon Town comfortably saw off Colwyn Bay 4-1.

That left four north Wales sides to contest the last four with the aim of reaching the final at Newport County's Rodney Parade home on Sunday, 12 April (15:15 GMT).

The Football Association of Wales rejected calls for the final to be moved closer to north Wales, sticking with Newport for the occasion.

• Welsh Cup Final to remain in Newport
• Welsh Cup: Rhyl stun Barry as Flint, Bangor and Caernarfon win
• JD Welsh Cup 2025-26

Welsh Cup semi-final draw

Rhyl 1879 v Caernarfon Town

Flint Town United v Bangor 1876

Ties to be played on the weekend of 6-8 March, 2026

The Seattle Seahawks once again reign triumphant, having reached the NFL's mountain top with a dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. Seattle made plenty of history along the way, such as the fact they became the first team to win the Super Bowl without turning the ball over once in their playoff run. But among those who have etched their names into football lore is none other than the man who built this juggernaut: general manager John Schneider.

With his second championship, John Schneider became the first general manager in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls with the same team... without any players or coaches from his first Super Bowl victory. In a league where shelf lives are not long for those who aren't producing championships on a regular basis, it truly speaks to how excellent Schneider is at his job that he's been able to consistently field quality football teams year in, year out. It also speaks to the stability of the Seahawks' organization to remain committed to a general manager like Schneider, and allowing him the proper runway and patience to let him craft something special.

When the Seahawks moved on from Pete Carroll, Schneider was promoted to President of Football Operations. Seattle was officially his team to run as the primary decision maker. Two years later, he has delivered another Lombardi.

Schneider was the 2025 Executive of the Year, and for good reason. His decisions to move on from both DK Metcalf and Geno Smith, replacing them with Cooper Kupp and Sam Darnold, proved to be the difference between a 10-7 team barely missing the playoffs and a 17-3 Super Bowl championship team. Not to mention his draft picks have been tremendous, such as left guard Grey Zabel, safety Nick Emmanwori, and defensive tackle Rylie Mills... who had a sack in the Super Bowl that summed up the entire evening for both Seattle and New England.

When the Seahawks drafted Rylie Mills, John Schneider said “if we wouldn’t have drafted him, I’m not sure if (defensive coordinator) Aden Durde would have showed up for work on Monday.” Faith well placed! pic.twitter.com/RtYaciW5Fk

— Kole Musgrove (@KoleMusgrove23) February 9, 2026

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks vs Patriots: John Schneider makes history with Super Bowl LX

Welcome to the first game week of the season for Tennessee baseball. The Volunteers will open the Josh Elander era this weekend with a three-game series against Nicholls, and we now know who the three starting pitchers will be. Elander named Tegan Kuhns, Landon Mack and Evan Blanco as his top three to begin the season while speaking to the media on Monday.

“We’ll roll with Tegan Kuhns on Friday,” Elander said. “We’ll go Landon Mack on Saturday, and then Evan Blanco on Sunday. Think that puts us in the best position to have success out of the gate. I think you can make the argument where you can mix and match those guys in any capacity, but it was pretty cool. Got to call those guys one by one last night and let them know. But total confidence in all three of those guys and their ability to throw the baseball.”

Kuhns, a former big-time recruit, was in Tennessee’s rotation last season. The right-hander started ten total games for the Vols, going 2-4 with a 5.40 ERA. He finished the season with 40 strikeouts over 36 innings pitched.

Mack comes in from Rutgers, giving Tennessee another prized transfer portal addition. As a true freshman last season, Mack went 6-5 with a 4.03 ERA. He finished the season with 70 strikeouts against only 17 walks.

Blanco transfers in from Virginia to round out the rotation. The only lefty starter for Tennessee, Blanco comes in with 26 career starts under his belt. He had a 4.17 ERA for the Cavaliers, going 12-8 over the past three seasons.

“Landon, I think again, when I think of him there’s some Chase Dollander in there,” Elander said of Mack. “Just even some similarities in the delivery, but the compete factor is about as good as it gets. And the stuff is, it’s just gross to be honest. It’s really good stuff. It’s a real heater. Two breaking balls, a change that he’s made some adjustments with.

“And then Blanco, just maturity. It’s just again, you know what you’re going to get. It’s a very comforting feeling as a coach. He had, arguably, numbers wise, the best fall of any pitcher we had on the staff. But again, can really ride the heater, good separation on the change up. Has thrown in Omaha, has been in a lot of different roles.”

Elander also noted that left-hander Brandon Arvidson was “a little bit behind.” That’s another starter option for Tennessee, perhaps a bit down the road.

Could the NFL expand its limit on how many future years' draft picks teams can trade? The standard has been three years (since we're approaching the 2026 NFL Draft, teams can deal picks in 2027, 2028, and 2029), but other major sports leagues push it further downfield. That's led to more action at their trade deadlines and more aggressive action by front offices thirsty for star talent. It's easy to see the New Orleans Saints getting behind a movement to open up future years' draft picks for sale, and ESPN's Adam Schefter says it's already being discussed.

“But the funny thing is I had a conversation with somebody about that this week. And I'm gonna tell you right now there are going to be people in the NFL this offseason that push to have that limit grown to five years," Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show. "There is going to be a push by at least one team this offseason to extend the NFL trade limits from three years of picks to five years of picks.”

It isn't a bad idea to open up more avenues for teams to make moves. But the famously risk-averse NFL front offices may need some reassurances to throw their support behind this. Introducing NBA-style pick protections could do the trick. In the NBA, teams often protect picks in the top three, five, or ten slots to hold onto them and give up an unprotected first-round pick in the next year's draft instead.

Another suggestion comes from Over The Cap's Nick Korte, who proposed limiting trades in Year 4 or 5 to the final four rounds of the draft, and to require at least three separate trades in the first three drafts before allowing teams to deal their picks in Years 4 and 5. Those could be good rules of thumb for individual teams to follow but it may be too constrictive to get through a vote by all 32 team owners.

We'll see if anything comes of it when league ownership meetings kick off in April. But knowing Mickey Loomis, the Saints general manager has to be eager to push his chips in and gamble with some draft picks.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL rumors: Teams to discuss extension on trading future draft picks

Lindsey Vonn’s father said Monday that the American superstar will no longer race if he has any influence over her decision and that she will not return to the Winter Olympics after breaking her leg in the downhill over the weekend.

“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Alan Kildow said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”

Kildow and the rest of Vonn’s family — a brother and two sisters, too — have been with Vonn while she is being treated at a hospital in Treviso following her fall and helicopter evacuation from the course in Cortina on Sunday.

The hospital late Sunday released a statement saying Vonn had undergone surgery on her left leg and the U.S. Ski Team said she was in stable condition. There have not been other updates since.

Kildow declined to comment on details of Vonn’s injuries, but he did address how she was doing emotionally.

“She’s a very strong individual,” Kildow said. “She knows physical pain and she understands the circumstances that she finds herself in. And she’s able to handle it. Better than I expected. She’s a very, very strong person. And so I think she’s handling it real well.”

Kildow — a former ski racer himself who taught his daughter to race — said he slept in his daughter’s hospital room overnight.

“She has somebody with her — or multiple people with her — at all times,” Kildow said. “We’ll have people here as long as she’s here.”

Kildow and the rest of Vonn’s family watched the crash from the finish area with all of the other spectators.

“First, the shock and the horror of the whole thing, seeing a crash like that,” Kildow said of what he felt watching the scene unfold. “It can be dramatic and traumatic. You’re just horrified at what those kinds of impacts have.

“You can go into a shock an emotional psychological shock,” he added. “Because it’s difficult to just accept what’s happened. But she’s well cared for. … And the USOC and the U.S. Ski team have a very, very top-notch doctor with her and she is being very well cared for here in Italy.”

Vonn raced the downhill despite tearing the ACL in her left knee nine days earlier in another crash.

“What happened to her had nothing to do with the ACL issue on her left leg. Nothing,” Kildow said. “She had demonstrated that she was able to function at a very high level with the two downhill training runs. … And she had been cleared by high level physicians to ski.”

Kildow said the crash was less a result of Vonn’s knee injury than the way she pushed the limits of her racing line to the point where she clipped a gate early in her run and got knocked out of control.

“There are times sometimes in any race, but especially in downhill, where you have to take a little speed off,” he said. “You can give yourself a little bit more leeway on the line so you don’t put yourself in a questionable position.”

Vonn, who holds the record of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, returned to the circuit last season after nearly six years of retirement and after a partial titanium replacement surgery in her right knee. She won two downhills and finished on the podium in seven of the eight World Cup races that she finished this season — and came fourth in the other one.

“She won 84 World Cup races. And not many people do that,” Kildow said, referring to Vonn’s victory total, which place her second on the all-time women’s list behind teammate Mikaela Shiffrin’s record 108 wins.

“And there’s a hell of a lot of the difference between a speed race, a downhill especially, and a slalom,” Kildow added.

Vonn will not return to the Olympics to cheer on teammates or for anything else, Kildow said.

“No, she’s not that in kind of situation,” he said. “She will be going home at an appropriate point in time.”

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Adrian Newey has admitted that Aston Martin ran out of time to paint its AMR26 Formula 1 car as it rushed to take part in the Barcelona shakedown last month.

Aston Martin took part in only two of its permitted three days of track running at the Barcelona shakedown due to delays in having its car ready, as Lance Stroll completed just five laps on its opening day after stopping with technical issues.

However, the Silverstone-based team was able to enjoy a better final day as Fernando Alonso completed 61 laps of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the all-black AMR26 – the squad’s first car overseen by managing technical partner Newey since his move from Red Bull.

How Aston Martin rushed the AMR26 to Barcelona on a 50-year-old Antonov plane

At Aston Martin’s livery launch in Saudi Arabia, Newey conceded the team had no time available to paint the car for the Barcelona shakedown, which is why it ran in black rather than a special testing livery.

“It's great to see the car as we will race it. The car we ran briefly at Barcelona for a day-and-a-half, it was all black, partially in truth because we didn't have time to paint it,” Newey said. “And that was fabulous.

“Funny enough, Lawrence [Stroll] and I, when it first pulled out of the garage with Lance driving, we were standing next to each other in the pitlane. I think we were both quite close to having a tear in our eyes, because it's been a long, emotional journey of passion and a lot of hard work to get it to Barcelona.”

Aston Martin AMR26

With the new Aston Martin in its familiar British Racing Green, the team is prepared to take part in the first Bahrain test on 11-13 February, where it will be joined by the other 10 F1 teams including Williams, which missed the entire Barcelona shakedown.

Newey, who has also stepped into the team principal role at Aston Martin following Andy Cowell’s job change at the squad, faces mounting expectation as the British team begins its new era as a works outfit through its new engine partnership with Honda.

The AMR26 is also the first F1 car to be fully developed in the Silverstone base's new wind tunnel as the Lawrence Stroll-owned team aims to become a competitive force following a difficult two years fading from regular podium finishers to midfield fighters.

The challenges facing Aston Martin ahead of F1 2026

Combined with the major changes to both the chassis and power unit regulations, Newey sees the new era in F1 as a golden opportunity for Aston Martin to profit.

“Whenever there's a big regulation change, there's always huge opportunities,” he said. “It's who spots what and which one ultimately proves to be the correct solution, only time will tell. We saw that in 2022 when the last big regulation change came out.

“Then, [at the] start of 2022, there's lots of different interpretations, solutions. In the end, one turned out to be the correct or the most appropriate one and that's what by the start of 2024, everybody started to converge on it.”

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

The Oklahoma Sooners are set at the quarterback position for the 2026 season. Their QB room currently consists of returning starter John Mateer, returning backups Whitt Newbauer and Jett Niu, and incoming true freshman Bowe Bentley. The only quarterback that OU has lost from last season is Michael Hawkins Jr., who transferred to West Virginia.

However, the Sooners are still looking for their quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class. Fifth-year head coach Brent Venables and second-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ben Arbuckle have been showing the love to one prospect in particular lately, as Oklahoma has visited him, and has set him up with a visit to Norman in March.

That player is Saraland (Alabama) High School's Jamison Roberts, a three-star QB prospect in the '27 class. On Monday, Chad Simmons, the director of recruiting for Rivals, reported that Roberts has narrowed his recruitment down to eight schools, and that OU is part of that bunch.

According to Simmons, the final eight programs vying for Roberts' services are Oklahoma, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Kentucky, Iowa, Duke, and Northwestern. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound passer is the the No. 52 quarterback in the '27 class, according to On3, and the No. 22 player in the state of Alabama in their rankings.

NEWS: After having a monster junior season, Saraland (Ala.) QB Jamison Roberts is down to 8 schools.

The latest on his recruitment here: https://t.co/h8MLktYHY2pic.twitter.com/D0Y28m4nGa

— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) February 9, 2026

Roberts is one of five quarterbacks that have received an offer from Oklahoma in the 2027 class. Nebraska commit Trae Taylor hasn't received much interest from OU since Arbuckle took the reins of the offense, but Arbuckle pursued LSU commit Peyton Houston hard, before losing out on him to the Tigers.

As far as uncommitted prospects go, both Jonathan Moore and Greydon Howell have also received offers from the Sooners, but OU may have designs of them playing different positions (defensive back and wide receiver, respectively) and the college level. Dane Weber took a visit to OU when the Sooners beat Missouri in November, but he has yet to receive an offer from Oklahoma.

Roberts has emerged as the clear-cut top priority for the Sooners at QB in 2027, and he's been linked to Oklahoma for some time now. He is a fast-rising prospect in his class, not unlike when Arbuckle identified Bentley as "his guy" early on in the '26 cycle, and then saw him turn into a four-star prospect. Arbuckle clearly likes what he sees in Roberts, despite just a three-star ranking at this point, and he'll try to lock down the dual-threat signal-caller as his quarterback in the '27 class.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: OU's top priority at QB in 2027 class down to his Top 8 schools

Olympic medals are breaking. 

Olympic officials say they're "working on it."

U.S. skier Breezy Johnson first noted the faulty medals after her gold-medal run in Sunday's alpine downhill competition. Johnson showed off her broken medal during her post-race news conference and told reporters that it fell apart from its ribbon as she was celebrating.

"I don't know that the Italians are known for their engineering," she told reporters. "I assume someone will fix it.”

Johnson also added a warning for her fellow medal winners. 

"Don't jump in them," she said.

More broken medals

On Monday, U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu posted social video of her detached medal after securing gold alongside her teammates in Sunday's team final. She didn't seem too upset about it. 

"My medal don't need the ribbon," Liu captioned while posting video of herself smiling with her medal and detached ribbon in opposite hands. 

Liu didn't detail how hers became detached.

There's video evidence, meanwhile, of German biathlete Justus Strelow's medal falling apart from its ribbon. Strelow won his medal Sunday with his teammates in the mixed relay competition. As he jumped in celebration with his teammates, the medal fell from around his neck with a clang onto the tile floor below. 

The medal mishap didn't appear to hinder the celebration.

It appears that all of the medals are breaking in the same manner. The bar that attaches medals to their ribbons is breaking away, and the medals are then falling to the ground away from the ribbons. Olympic officials have gotten the memo. 

Olympic committee is 'working on it'

Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for the Milan Cortina organizing committee, told the Associated Press on Monday that officials were working on a solution.

“We are aware of the situation, we have seen the images," Francisi said. "Obviously we are trying to understand in detail if there is a problem.

“But obviously we are paying maximum attention to this matter, as the medal is the dream of the athletes, so we want that obviously in the moment they are given it that everything is absolutely perfect, because we really consider it to be the most important moment. So we are working on it.”

What "working on it" means isn't exactly clear from Francisi's statement. But there appears to be good news for those athletes with broken medals. 

Andrew Milligan - PA Images via Getty Images

Johnson says she got a new, intact medal

It wasn't initially clear on Sunday if Johnson's medal would be replaced. Johnson confirmed late Sunday night to NBC that, indeed, she was given a new one. She just has to do some extra legwork to get it personalized. 

"I was jumping, and the whole ribbon came off of the medal. And then they tried to fix it, but they couldn’t. So they gave me this one instead, and I have to go get it engraved," Johnson said, while showing off her new medal on NBC's late night Olympic show."

Johnson added that her medal broke within 15 minutes of receiving it.

“I don’t know if I have very many Olympic records," Johnson continued. "But I might have the shortest-lived Olympic medal record."

She also had a backup plan just in case the Olympic committee didn't replace her broken hardware:

“I was pretty sure that they would replace or fix it," she said. "Or, like, my dad’s a carpenter, so I was pretty sure we could do something about it."

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel gave credit to the Seattle Seahawks following the Patriots' 29-13 loss in Super Bowl LX. He also believes that some value can be taken from the devastating defeat if the team uses it as a teaching moment.

“It’s only valuable if we understand what it takes and what we’re gonna need to do to improve," Vrabel said after the game. "If we don’t do that, then it wouldn’t have been very valuable. “We had a really, really good year, and one that I’m proud of. But this game, I don’t think, is a reflection of our year. We lost, and we were beat, outcoached and outplayed and give them credit.”

Mike Vrabel was asked how a loss in Super Bowl LX could be valuable:

“It’s only valuable if we understand what it takes and what we’re gonna need to do to improve. If we don’t do that, then it wouldn’t have been very valuable.

“We had a really, really good year, and one that… pic.twitter.com/djX9DP3i8z

— WEEI (@WEEI) February 9, 2026

The Seahawks' defense had the upper hand throughout the game.

New England's offense didn't score until the fourth quarter. The offensive line was completely overwhelmed by Seattle's defensive front, and quarterback Drake Maye, who was sacked six times, turned the ball over three times, including two interceptions and one strip sack fumble.

With that said, the defense played extraordinarily well against the Seahawks' offense. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez held First-Team All-Pro receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to only four catches for 27 yards. Outside of a few explosive runs from Kenneth Walker III and one Sam Darnold touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, the defense did everything it could to keep the team in the game.

And it still wasn't enough.

The better team won on Sunday, and the Patriots will have to use the disappointment to make the necessary improvements and come back even stronger next season.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel reacts to Super Bowl LX loss to Seahawks

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella visited the Juventus training camp today and assured Kenan Yildiz ‘has immense potential and some similarities’ to Alessandro Del Piero.

The former Roma boss is taking the Turkish team to the 2026 World Cup this summer, so is visiting his home country to speak with some of the players available for selection.

You can read his comments on Cagliari talent Semih Kilicsoy here.

Montella visits Turkish talent in Serie A

DORTMUND, GERMANY – JUNE 18: Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Turkiye and Georgia at Football Stadium Dortmund on June 18, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Montella was present at the Continassa training camp in Turin today, where he was a guest of Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.

Of course, he was there to see Kenan Yildiz, who just signed a new contract with the Bianconeri until June 2031.

“I am very happy, Kenan was already part of the national team when he was still in the Next Gen Juventus team,” Montella told Il Messaggero newspaper via Tuttomercatoweb.

“He is a player with immense potential and is still developing. Kenan manages to combine natural talent with the right mentality, as he really wants to keep improving himself.

“I predict a future for him at the highest level for many years to come.”

Kenan Yildiz adores Del Piero

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 29: Kenan Yıldız of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa at the Allianz Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

There were some references to Del Piero in the announcement of a new contract for Kenan Yildiz, who never disguised that Pinturicchio was his hero.

Wearing the Number 10 jersey, can he follow in Del Piero’s footsteps at Juve?

“There are some similarities, for example the way he shoots, and he has already scored some goals that are very similar to ones netted by Alex, but in terms of general characteristics, they are different,” noted Montella.

PSG: goalkeeper competition, Luis Enrique explains

At the end of the Classique, which PSG won convincingly against OM this Sunday night, Luis Enrique spoke about his three goalkeepers.

On Sunday night, for the Ligue 1 clash against OM (5-0), Luis Enrique kept his faith in Matvey Safonov as his starting goalkeeper. Questioned about his hierarchy, the Spanish coach opened up about the current situation.

"I'm lucky to have three incredible goalkeepers. Lucas Chevalier, Renato Marin, and right now Safonov. Three keepers of the highest caliber. And more than talking about what each of them shows individually, what's important is that all three are ready to help the team in any match," the PSG manager stated in his press conference.

A little over a year ago, Real Madrid had been credited with an interest in French attacking prodigy Eli Junior Kroupi, dubbed the ‘new Kylian Mbappe’.

The young forward had been in brilliant form for his boyhood club Lorient at the time and was attracting strong interest from top clubs, including Real Madrid.

However, it was Premier League side AFC Bournemouth who captured his signing in February 2025, with the attacker eventually arriving in England during last summer.

Now 19 years old, Kroupi has enjoyed a fairly solid start to life in the Premier League. So much so that elite clubs are once again tracking him.

Real Madrid scout Kroupi

Indeed, according to journalist Rahman Osman, Real Madrid are one among multiple top teams to have sent scouts to watch Eli Junior Kroupi in action.

Real Madrid tracking Eli Junior Kroupi. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Apart from Los Blancos, Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool have also watched him in action while PSG, too, are also monitoring the teenage forward.

So far in his debut season in the Premier League, Kroupi, whose contract runs until 2030, has scored eight goals from 20 matches, averaging one every 106 minutes.

Given his strong start, Bournemouth are already working on offering Kroupi a new and improved contract, similar to something that they had handed Antoine Semenyo, who left the club for Manchester City in January.

For now, there is nothing concrete regarding Real Madrid’s interest in Kroupi beyond their regular scouting mission of the young forward.

With Endrick expected to return to the team after his loan spell at Lyon and Gonzalo Garcia also at the club, it seems unlikely Real Madrid will make a move for him unless one of the current forwards leave.

Sevilla FC released the official medical report for Joaquín Martínez, better known as "Oso," this Monday, following the severe blow he received during the last league match. The worst fears were confirmed after the player underwent diagnostic imaging tests at the sports city, setting off alarms in the first team's lineup.

Medical Diagnosis: Calf Injury

According to the Medical Services of the Seville club, the player suffers from a contusive myoaponeurotic injury in the internal calf of his left leg. This ailment is a direct consequence of a hard tackle received during last Sunday's match against Girona FC. As it is an injury affecting both the muscle and the membrane covering it (aponeurosis), the recovery process requires caution to avoid relapses.

Recovery Time and Progress

As is usual in these cases, the club has not specified an exact downtime, stating that the player is "pending evolution." However, this type of injury typically keeps athletes off the field for two to three weeks, depending on the severity of the bruise and the response to physiotherapy treatment. "Oso's" absence is a setback for the Seville coach during a demanding part of the schedule.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Striker reflects on pressure and expectations

Erling Haaland delivers honest assessment of his form

Erling Haaland said fatigue is no excuse for his lower scoring in 2026 as Manchester City fight on four fronts.

“No Excuses” from City’s main striker

Erling Haaland has made it clear that tiredness will not be used to explain his recent dip in goals.

The Manchester City striker said he must do more to help the team stay in the race for four trophy this season.

Haaland’s comments came after City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, a match decided by his stoppage-time penalty.

The victory kept City six point clear of Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Goals, Numbers and honest self-criticism

The 25 year-old has scored 28 goal in 36 match in all competitions this season.

However his league form has slowed. He has not scored from open play in Premier League since 20 December and has only three goal in his last 13 game.

Haaland admitted the numbers are not good enough. He said he needs more focus and improvement in every part of his game.

Last month, City manager Pep Guardiola said Haaland looked tired due to heavy schedule.

City remain active in the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup.

Busy schedule, big targets

City will face Arsenal in the League Cup final next month. They have also reached Champions League round of 16 and will play Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.

Despite the pressure, Haaland refused to look for reasons outside the pitch. He said mental fatigue is real but it does not remove responsibility.

For him staying fit and ready to help the team is what matters most.

David Lynch: Arne Slot’s Future at Liverpool Now Under Serious Scrutiny

After Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield, David Lynch delivered his most direct verdict yet on the uncertain future of manager Arne Slot. Speaking on Media Matters for Anfield Index, Lynch said the run of form has reached a point where questions around Slot’s long-term suitability are now unavoidable.

“We’ve seen 20 games now of really, really awful form from Liverpool with no kind of turning point in sight,” Lynch said, citing a league record of just 24 points from the last 20 matches. “This is not a knee-jerk reaction.”

Liverpool now sit sixth in the Premier League, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and with momentum working against them.

With Slot having just over one year left on his contract, the club must make a decision. Renew his contract or replace him, whether that be now or in the summer.

Champions League hopes fading, pressure rising

Lynch made it clear that the likelihood of Champions League qualification is almost non-existent. “I just think everybody needs to get their heads around now and completely accept that Liverpool will not be playing Champions League football next season,” he said.

And with that comes scrutiny for Slot. “If they get to the end of the season and this form is continued, the call has got to be to make a change to the manager. It just has to be,” Lynch stated. “There’s no way he can continue if the team plays this poorly till the end of the season.”

“No sufficient reason” for this level of underperformance

Lynch was especially critical of Liverpool’s performances relative to the squad at Slot’s disposal. “I really struggle to find sufficient reasons for Liverpool to be as bad as they are right now,” he said.

Comparisons were even drawn to the club’s past managerial failures. “Roy Hodgson had 25 points in 20 games. Slot’s sitting on 24. He’s got a far better squad,” Lynch said. “How is it this bad?”

Even mitigating circumstances, such as injuries, didn’t hold weight for Lynch. “If you told me Connor Bradley, Frimpong and Gomez being out was going to cause your season to completely collapse, I would’ve laughed at that.”

Patience, but not without limits

While Lynch acknowledged the club’s desire to be seen as patient and process-driven, he believes there’s a limit. “Once he got past the PSV game and survived that, I was on board with giving him the chance to make this right,” he admitted. But he stressed, “Unless Liverpool just lose and lose and lose, I think it will run to the end of the season — but that cannot mean he’s safe no matter what.”

Lynch also pushed back on the idea that Slot would automatically be retained regardless of how the campaign ends. “I don’t agree with anyone who’s saying Slot is safe no matter what. No way. Not with this form.”

Photo: IMAGO

Decision time looms for Liverpool hierarchy

With Slot entering the final year of his contract next season, Lynch believes a clear decision must be made in the summer. “I would be quite surprised if he goes into the final year of his contract without a decision having been made either way,” he said. “That creates pressure to make a call — and with the evidence they’ve got at the moment, that call has got to be to make a change.”

When UCF welcomed quarterback Alonza Barnett III into its 2026 transfer class, the Knights not only gained a starter capable of leading them to the College Football Playoff but also brought much-needed stability to a position that was in dire need of a shakeup.

It was pretty clear midway through last season that UCF (5-7) was in desperate need of an upgrade at quarterback if the Knights wanted to contend in the Big 12.

The departures of quarterbacks Tayven Jackson, Cam Fancher, Jacurri Brown and Davi Belfort left UCF with a clean slate heading into the upcoming season and opened the door for the Knights to begin the process of evaluating their next starting quarterback.

“A lot of the quarterback evaluation has been going on for a long time,” coach Scott Frost said recently.

Barnett had been on UCF’s radar for some time, as noted by Trent Mossbrucker, the program’s general manager of football player personnel.

“You start to identify and believe that people are going to go unto the portal for one reason or another,” Mossbrucker said. “They were having a great year at JMU. Then you start hearing coaching rumors, and if a coach leaves, you start identifying people on their roster. That’s how Alonza came up.”

After leading the Dukes to a victory in the Sun Belt Conference championship on Dec. 7, JMU coach Bob Chesney accepted the UCLA job, but he remained with the team for their first-round College Football Playoff game against Oregon.

“He [Barnett] becomes a guy that’s on your radar. Now you can go back and watch all the games that he played and feel very comfortable about that,” added Mossbrucker. “You have a big list, about 50 guys. Then you whittle that list down to the 12 guys who will be realistic once this thing really opens up.”

Eventually, the Knights circled in on the 22-year-old Barnett, who had led James Madison to an 11-1 regular season that was capped off with a 31-14 win over Troy in the SBC championship and a spot in the Playoff field.

The redshirt junior was named conference Offensive Player of the Year after combining for 3,395 total yards and 38 total touchdowns.

“What I love more than anything about Alonza is that he’s a winner, he’s a proven winner,” said Frost. “When you’re a really good team, you have exceptional leadership from that position. You have somebody who’s tough at that position, that other people want to get behind and play for and believe in.

“So, not even speaking about the talent that he brings, I’m really impressed with his demeanor and excited about the level of toughness and leadership that we should get from him.”

It was important, in the grand scheme of things, that UCF land a quarterback early when the 15-day transfer window opened on Jan. 2. That’s why the Knights wasted little time signing Barnett two days later on Jan. 4.

“There are a lot of skill players that when you talk to their agents about potentially coming to our school, one of the first questions is: who is the quarterback going to be?” Frost explained. “That made it a priority for us for more reasons than the obvious. It was certainly one of the first dominoes that needed to fall in order for us to fill out the team that we were able to bring in.”

Barnett’s signing was a huge piece of UCF’s offseason blueprint, but he wasn’t the only addition to help solidify the quarterback position. The Knights also signed transfers Keyone Jenkins and Kaleb Annett.

UCF athletics continues to show steady growth in Big 12

Jenkins, a 6-0 dual-threat quarterback from FIU, appeared in 33 games (20 starts) over three seasons with the Panthers. He amassed 6,713 passing yards with 42 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, while also rushing for 312 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Annett signed late in the process, after seeing limited action at Boise State.

Rounding out the room are Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr, a pair of true freshmen who signed as part of the Knights’ 2026 recruiting class.

While UCF enters this upcoming season with a clear-cut starting quarterback, unlike last season, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a competition for Barnett’s backup.

“I’m looking forward to getting him with the rest of the guys and just seeing how all of it comes together,” Frost said of Barnett. “We’re definitely approaching this year with what we have as our No. 1. The battle is really for two, three and beyond.”

Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.

Celtic host Livingston this Wednesday at the Celtic Park on Match Day 26 of the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic have 48 points to their name this season and occupy 3rd position in the table. In their last game, Martin O´Neill's team won 2-1 against Dundee FC (Scottish Cup 2025/26).

Livingston currently have 11 points and lie in 12th position. In their last game, David Martindale's team lost 1-2 against Falkirk (Scottish Premiership 2025/26).

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Celtic winning 4-2.

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Celtic

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Celtic ( vs Dundee FC 2026-02-07): Viljami Sinisalo, Julián Araujo, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Yang Hyun-jun, Paulo Bernardo, Joel Mvuka, Tomás Cvancara

Livingston ( vs Falkirk 2026-02-04): Jérôme Prior, Danny Finlayson, Brooklyn Kabongolo, Ryan McGowan, Joshua Brenet, Mohamed Sylla, Macauley Tait, Babacar Fati, Lewis Smith, Robbie Muirhead, Connor McLennan

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Holland America Line has released nearly three dozen new itineraries for the 2027-2028 season across Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal and the Pacific Coast.

The sailings run from October 2027 through April 2028 and depart from five North American homeports.

Four ships will operate the new season: Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam.

The itineraries will include longer port stays and being able to explore destinations, including extended time in Honolulu and expanded exploration of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

“Whether guests are chasing the sun in Hawaii or seeking the rugged, untouched beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest, this season truly has something for every type of cruiser,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment for Holland America Line.

Hawaii Sailings Feature Extended Honolulu Stays

The Hawaii program includes 17- and 18-day Circle Hawaii voyages aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam. All itineraries call at Nawiliwili, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Hilo. Select sailings feature overnight or up to 40-hour stays in Honolulu.

The cruises include Holland America’s Hawaii Up Close cultural programming, covering topics from agriculture and local history to native arts and geology. Guests can also participate in stargazing, luaus and island-themed entertainment.

Panama Canal and Mexico Offerings Expand

Panama Canal itineraries range from 14 to 22 days and transit the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. Voyages include access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mayan archaeological sites and wildlife-rich rainforests across Central America.

Mexico sailings span from short five-day getaways to 12-day Baja Peninsula explorations. New itineraries highlight the Sea of Cortez with calls at Loreto, Pichilingue (La Paz) and Guaymas. The cruises feature Destination Dining and the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program showcasing regional cuisine.

Pacific Coast voyages range from one to seven days and include the return of the Great Bear Rainforest itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver in April 2028. That voyage calls at Ketchikan, Prince Rupert (overnight), Nanaimo and Victoria..