MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) — Kevin Stöger’s first goal of the season helped Borussia Mönchengladbach beat St. Pauli 2-0 and boost hopes of avoiding Bundesliga relegation on Friday.
Stöger was making his 200th Bundesliga appearance and struck a superb 25-meter free kick over the St. Pauli wall approaching halftime.
Franck Honorat added the second in the second half when he side-footed home a low left-foot drive.
It was a comfortable win for the 12th-placed Gladbach and lifted it four points clear of a packed relegation zone.
Only five points separate Hamburg in 10th place and St. Pauli, which is third from bottom in the last of the relegation places.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana Tech's football team is currently listed on both the Sun Belt and Conference USA league schedules as the Bulldogs' acrimonious departure from Conference USA continues to drag out.
Last July, the Sun Belt extended membership to Louisiana Tech, and the school accepted, citing, among other things, the logic of joining a conference that includes two potential in-state rivals in Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe, along with other programs in the Gulf South, including Southern Miss and South Alabama.
All of those schools are on the 2026 football schedule that Louisiana Tech released on Friday.
But Conference USA also released a full conference slate this week that includes Louisiana Tech matchups against league members Middle Tennessee, Florida International, Missouri State, Liberty, Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State.
When Louisiana Tech announced its move to the Sun Belt, the school stated that the move would occur no later than July 1, 2027, but left little doubt that it preferred to make the move for 2026-27 academic year.
Since then, Tech and Conference USA have failed to agree on a financial settlement aimed at compensating the league for the Bulldogs' departure.
Last week, the University of Louisiana System, which includes Louisiana Tech, filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force Conference USA to allow Louisiana Tech to leave the league when the current academic year ends on June 30.
Despite Louisiana Tech's "good faith efforts to resolve this matter amicably over a period of eight months ... CUSA has declined to engage in meaningful resolution and has instead placed Louisiana Tech on its 2026-27 athletic schedule in disregard of Tech’s explicit and repeated written notice that it would not participate in Conference USA competition beginning July 1, 2026,” the lawsuit states.
Louisiana Tech has been a Conference USA member since 2014.
LexisNexis Dragons' winless run in the Netball Super League continued as they lost 69-55 against AO Manchester Thunder in round three.
After losing to London Pulse by just one point last week, Dragons were comfortably beaten by the visitors.
The Welsh side finished bottom of the revamped NSL last year, winning only two of their 14 matches.
Their second victory of the season lifts Thunder up to the top of the NSL standings before the remaining six teams play in Nottingham on Saturday and Sunday.
Karen Greig's side opened up a 15-13 lead by the end of the opening quarter and kept extending their advantage to seal a comfortable 14-point victory.
How to follow 2026 Netball Super League on BBC Sport
BBC Sport will show one game per week during the regular season.
These are the games you can watch live on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer:
15 March: Nottingham Forest v Leeds Rhinos (16:00 GMT)
22 March: London Pulse v Nottingham Forest (18:00 GMT)
28 March: Loughborough Lightning v Birmingham Panthers (18:30 GMT)
4 April: London Pulse v Birmingham Panthers (17:00 BST)
11 April: Dragons v Birmingham Panthers (16:00 BST)
18 April: Loughborough Lightning v London Mavericks (18:00 BST)
Televised games in weeks 9-14 will be announced at a later date.
When you ask anyone currently or formerly associated with the Iowa football program about the culture in Iowa City, there's a good chance that the word family will come up.
While it's a cliché in most places, the Hawkeyes football team truly does feel like a family both on and off the field. The alumni base is very passionate about what's currently happening on the field, often offering their time, money, or both to support the program. Sometimes, it also means that they come back home in an official role on the coaching and training staff. That's exactly what happened this week.
On Wednesday, the Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow reported that Iowa football is on the verge of hiring former Hawkeye linebacker Jay Norvell to its 2026 staff as running backs coach.
NEWS: Iowa is on the verge of making Jay Norvell its next running backs coach. Expected to be finalized soon. He'll replace Omar Young, who moved onto the NFL. Iowa's 3rd RBs coach in 3 years.
It was announced that Norvell was joining the staff as an offensive analyst in early February. A few weeks later, running backs coach Omar Young took a job with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a key positional coach opening to fill. Iowa decided to hire internally, promoting Norvell to the role for the 2026 season.
Norvell played at Iowa from 1982-1985, winning many games with those great teams in the early 1980's. Following a short stint in the NFL, he joined the coaching ranks. After serving as a positional coach for 30 years, he got his first head coaching gig with Nevada in 2017. He led the Wolf Pack to 33 wins and two bowl game victories across five seasons before taking the head coaching job with Colorado State.
He went 18-26 during his three-and-a-half seasons with the Rams and was let go midway through the 2025 season. Looking to get back into coaching, he's now returned to his alma mater and will be a full-time member of the staff next season. He brings almost 40 years of coaching experience back to Iowa City.
Iowa is returning a fantastic running back room in 2026, led by juniors Kamari Moulton and LJ Phillips Jr. and sophomores Xavier Williams and Nathan McNeil. With the coaching of the experienced Norvell, fans should expect to see another strong year from that group next season.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
Milan legend Shevchenko: ‘Allegri makes me believe in the club’
Andriy Shevchenko paid a surprise visit to Milanello on Thursday morning, dropping in on Massimiliano Allegri’s squad as part of his trip to Milan for the World Legends Padel Tour 2026, and the Ukrainian icon left with his faith in the club firmly renewed.
Speaking to Sky Sport after his visit, with quotes via MilanNews, Shevchenko made no attempt to hide the emotion of returning to a place so central to his career.
“It was beautiful, I felt something in my stomach,” he said. “I haven’t been here in four or five years. It was wonderful to see the team and Allegri, I also visited the youth academy and saw Tassotti. Seeing Milan win makes me feel good.”
ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri looks on prior to the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Shevchenko: ‘Allegri makes me believe Milan can do it’
It was Allegri who left the strongest impression on the former striker.
“I found him energised, cheerful and positive, he genuinely makes me believe Milan can do it,” Shevchenko said. “The team is functioning well and they must keep putting pressure on Inter.”
Shevchenko also had warm words for Luka Modric, describing a brief exchange in which the Croatian veteran expressed his happiness at the club.
“He has always impressed me with his humility, he is a real leader,” he said. “I asked him how he had settled in Milan and he told me he was happy and that the Milan fans are special. And that is true.”
On Rafael Leao, Shevchenko was measured and honest.
The Portuguese forward has been deployed in a role that does not entirely suit his natural instincts, and Shevchenko acknowledged the challenge.
“He has been very willing to respond to the manager’s requests and has played some good matches,” he said. “But it will take time to know if the role truly fits him.”
The San Francisco 49ers will have an additional $20.6 million in salary cap space in 2026 after receiving the second-highest annual adjustment by the league, according to Over The Cap.
These adjustments include things like "likely to be earned" (LTBE) or "not likely to be earned" (NLTBE) credits and repayments from insurance policies taken out for injuries.
A few teams received a massive annual adjustment for 2026:
This is becoming a trend for San Francisco. In 2025, the 49ers received $12.16 million in adjusted salary cap space. While it's a big boost for the team, it means the 49ers once again had to account for a bevy of injuries.
The 2025 season was rife with these ailments, like season-ending injuries for Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams and nagging injuries to Brock Purdy. Others, like George Kittle, also missed time throughout the year before suffering his own season-ending injury in the playoffs.
The 49ers currently have around $27 million in salary cap space, but that number will likely increase soon once these figures are added in officially.
There’s a lot of pressure on the Los Angeles Dodgers to win a third consecutive World Series in the 2026 season, but fan favorite Kike Hernandez isn’t too bothered by it.
“I take it as a compliment, I take it as a privilege,” Hernández said. “We’re playing in some weird times in the game where not every person that owns a team is trying to win. A lot of them are trying to make money. Fine. It’s their money. They can do whatever it is. Not all 30 teams are trying to win a World Series, and for us to be in a position where this team is doing whatever they can to put us in a position to compete deep into the season, deep into October, I take it as a privilege.”
Apr 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Kike Hernandez (8) pitches in the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Who Isn’t Trying to Win a World Series?
It seems likely that Hernandez was referencing the Los Angeles Angels, as owner Arte Moreno was recently quoted as saying that their fans don’t put winning in their top five priorities.
“The number one thing fans want is affordability,” Moreno said, citing Angels survey results, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. “They want affordability. They want safety, and they want a good experience when they come to the ballpark.”
For Dodgers fans who’ve won back-to-back championships, not trying to win probably feels unfathomable.
What has Kike Hernandez Been up to?
Unsurprisingly, Hernandez has been focused on winning.
Not only is he gearing up for another year in Dodger Blue, but he’s joined Team Puerto Rico for much of the World Baseball Classic.
Though he can’t play due to his recovery from surgery, he’s been there to support his squad as pool play returned to Puerto Rico for the first time since 2013.
“It’s a moment that I’ll never forget,” Hernández said Thursday. “I’m still bummed that I don’t get to be a part of it, but I still support my people.”
He’s also enjoyed all the winning, as Puerto Rico advanced out of pool play and into the knockout round, with some highlight finishes along the way.
Team Puerto Rico’s walkoff home run to beat Panama in extra innings was “up there as one of those really cool moments that I’ll always remember,” he said.
Mainz head coach backs Bayern Munich loanee Armindo Sieb (23) to step up after attacker Silas suffers horror injury
Mainz 05 trainer Urs Fischer has praised and appears ready to back Bayern Munich loanee Armindo Sieb after horrible injury news involving Congolese attacker Silas was confirmed. On Friday, Mainz announced that Silas suffered a double whammy in last night’s Conference League draw against Sigma Olomouc. A broken fibula and fibula will see the 27-year-old sidelined for the duration of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign.
What does the injury mean for Silas’ career?
Silas arrived on a low-cost six-figure transfer from Stuttgart during the January transfer window. Some details of the deal – such as the fact that the transfer fee will rise to €1m if Mainz manage to avoid relegation – remain common knowledge. What remains unclear, however, is how long Silas’ contract with the Rheinhessen runs. This happens to be of vital importance.
It’s entirely possible that Mainz, knowing full well the attacker’s long history with injury, did not sign Silas beyond the end of the current season. If this proves the case, the latest injury news may spell the regrettable end of Silas’ Bundesliga career. While Mainz officials have expressed sympathy for Silas, there’s no word on whether or not he will suit up for the club again.
Can Armindo Sieb seize the chance?
The 23-year-old has made the most of his opportunities in the German top flight thus far this season, rewarding the trust of previous Mainz head coach Bo Henriksen with two Bundesliga league goals earlier this autumn. Sieb didn’t perform well under Fischer in one league start and a subsequent prolonged relief appearance on matchdays 17 and 18 back in January.
Sieb hasn’t logged any meaningful minutes since.
Sieb – an impressive athletic specimen despite his slight stature – draw comparisons to Xherdan Sahqiri during a breakout 2023/24 2. Bundesliga campaign with SpVgg Greuther Fürth. German giants Bayern Munich, having had sold Sieb to Fürth in the summer of 2022, were quick to exercise a built-in buyback option on Sieb. Bayern then immediately loaned Sieb out to Mainz on an extended two-year-long arrangement.
Since moving to the German top division, Sieb has scored four Bundesliga goals in 43 top flight appearances. One problem appears to be the fact that, in both this year and last, both of Sieb’s Bundesliga tallies came in September and October. The Halle-native invariably faded into the background in both years. Sieb will now be hoping to buck that trend.
Urs Fischer’s statements on Silas and Sieb
“Silas’s injury has affected us all,” Fischer noted at his Friday press conference. “The young man had fought his way back so well. You really feel for him.“
“In Armindo, we have a similar player who has the confidence to go one-on-one and brings explosive acceleration,” Fischer noted of Silas’ potential replacement. “I believe we can compensate [for Silas’ injury] with our large squad.“
PLAYER RATINGS | MARSEILLE 1-0 AUXERRE: Amine Gouiri strike the difference as Marseille win three on the bounce in Ligue 1
In a tense atmosphere at the Vélodrome, Marseille managed to see off Auxerre to seal their third straight win in Ligue 1 following the appointment of Habib Beye and moving three points ahead of Lyon in the race for direct Champions League qualification with a podium finish.THE MATCH“45 minutes of silence for a season of humiliation,” read the banner from Marseille’s Virage Sud as players began to warm-up. A meeting with supporters was refused by the club’s ultras, who had staged a silent protest to air their discontent over elimination in the Coupe de France last week against Toulouse. As always, the bitterness lingered longer than it arguably should have. As Les Phocéens kicked off, a muted Vélodrome welcomed an OM side searching for their third straight win in Ligue 1.
The first clear-cut chance came the way of the hosts when a well-worked one-two between Pabard and Greenwood saw the Englishman cross low into the box and AJA defender Clément Akpa intervened to stop Aubameyang from finishing in the six-yard box. The opening stages were cagey, reflective of the limpid atmosphere inside the Vélodrome. Kévin Danois was busy on the ball for the away side who carved out some limited half-chances – yet neither side tested either goalkeeper by the half-hour mark. Akpa’s cross would be flapped at by Rulli yet Pavard was able to scramble the ball away before Sekou Mara could pounce at the back post. The whistle for the first half would come to a cacophony of whistles and jeers from the home side.Yet the noise would quickly come back during the second half, and Mason Greenwood instantly had a strike at goal which was saved by Léon. Pavard would stab his effort goalwards from the following corner as OM started the second half with an extra air of confidence. But Auxerre would have their own response with Danois firing from range. With energy petering out, Beye would make the first changes with Emerson Palmieri and Amine Gouiri entering the pitch. Greenwood’s freekick from just outside the box would be deflected over the crossbar, as Auxerre remained resolute defensively. Then Marseille would make the all-important breakthrough when Amine Gouiri was on hand to volley home a deflected cross which looped up fortunately for the Algerian forward (78′).
The nerves would kick in as Marseille once again nervously tried to retain their lead. Auxerre thought they had grabbed a dramatic equaliser only five minutes later when Bryan Okoh arrived at the back post with a finish after some messy defending from the hosts – yet the ball was handled with his hand when the Ivorian slid on the way to poking home. The board would go up for three minutes additional time, as Marseille nervously approached the finish line. There were nerves, clearly, as Auxerre set up for the long throw. But Les Phocéens would see out the game for a rare run of two straight clean sheets, and a third victory on the bounce in the league. Perhaps all is not lost for OM despite a season of plenty ups and downs, with the podium spot still in their hands after the opening match of Matchday 26.
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE PLAYER RATINGS
Geronimo Rulli – 5
Timothy Weah – 5Benjamin Pavard – 5
CJ Egan-Riley – 4Facundo Medina – 4
Geoffrey Kondogbia – 4
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 4
Quinten Timber – 6
The Dutchman was Marseille’s best performer in what was far from an impressive performance from the hosts. He was combative, attempting to link up with the front three, with varying levels of success.
Mason Greenwood – 5
A typical performance from the Englishman, with most of the creative work in the attacking half of OM on his shoulders. He feinted and dribbled with some interesting moments in the first half, but they came too few and far between.
Igor Paixao – 5
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 2
The Gabon international featured in one of his most ineffectual matches in a Marseille shirt. He was, to be fair, served very little by his teammates in the attacking positions but he didn’t help himself by seeing very little involvement.
AUXERRE PLAYER RATINGS
Donavon Léon – 5
Bryan Okoh – 5
Clément Akpa – 5
Sinaly Diomandé – 4
Fredrik Oppegård – 5
Kevin Danois – 6
The Frenchman was possibly the brightest spark on the pitch in the first period, menacing on the ball and was Auxerre’s clear outlet. He played between the lines, linked up well with Namaso, Mara, and Casimir and was the clear dangerman for Les Diplomates.
Boston Celtics: Injury Report for tomorrow vs. WAS: Baylor Scheierman - Right Ankle Sprain - PROBABLE Nikola Vucevic - Right Ring Finger Fracture - OUT Derrick White - Right Knee Contusion - PROBABLE
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida — As both an aficionado of The Godfather and a veteran of the world’s most powerful sports league, Brian Rolapp must find it peculiar to occupy a role where his offers can be refused. The muscle he enjoyed (and regularly flexed) at the NFL has atrophied as CEO of the PGA Tour, where consequential business decisions are hostage to the self-interest and sluggishness of his athletes.
During his Wednesday press conference at the Players, Rolapp outlined six themes around which he said there’s growing consensus for change, including the structure of the season, field sizes and improving the playoffs. Despite the don’s efforts to suggest harmonious headway being made, listeners didn’t need to be particularly alert to register a seventh theme: paralysis.
“No decisions have been made.”
“This remains a work in progress, and it is by no means a baked cake.”
“I can't emphasize this enough; nothing has been finalized. We are still doing our work.”
“No recommendations have gone to our player-led boards.”
“That's all being worked through.”
“We are actively discussing that but have not come to any decisions as of yet.”
In this age of bullshitters posturing as leaders at podiums, it’s commendable that a CEO will admit how little actual progress has happened in the eight months since he was appointed with a promise to move quickly. But Rolapp clearly doesn’t intend to make a habit of high-wire hemming and hawing sessions.
That was apparent in the one line he uttered Wednesday that did feature a specific commitment: “Looking ahead, we expect to make more meaningful progress by this summer, and following our June 22nd board meeting, I plan to host another press conference at the Travelers Championship.”
The locker room — or, more specifically, the members of his Future Competition Committee that is working on potential changes, and the player-directors on the Tour’s board — are on notice. The CEO isn’t planning to be trotted out three months hence in Hartford to repeat a broad vision that’s blurry on particulars. He’s set a soft deadline for players to realize that this process will never be all things to all members, but it can’t become nothing for everyone.
Not every detail can be decided by June 22, and tough discussions will follow with media partners and sponsors. But those stakeholders can’t commit to the Tour until the future product has been laid out. They want clarity on key components — the schedule for elite events, the new format for playoffs, the stature (or lack thereof) of the second rung of tournaments. But Rolapp right now is hostage to housekeeping issues that matter mostly to the locker room, like playing opportunities, eligibility safety nets and the mechanics of relegation and promotion between tiers.
There’s urgency in his urging. Rolapp noted that the pie for sports rights in the U.S. is $30 billion dollars, and his former employer wants to grow its slice from $12 billion to at least $20 billion. Which means a scavenger hunt for every other league, including his. Incremental changes to the Tour in ’27 are fine, but he needs a concrete plan for ’28 and beyond to bring to market. The longer players quibble, the narrower a window he has to get a bigger share of the media rights pie, which is 50 percent of the Tour’s revenue. And if that fee actually decreases, players will find themselves twerking for their supper like performers at a Jersey jiggle joint, because the financial model they’ve enjoyed the past few years is unsustainable.
Rolapp empaneled the Future Competition Committee eight months ago. He says it has convened more than 30 times, and yet produced nothing that can be put to a board vote. The CEO has been careful not to accuse players of intransigence, but his committing to public updates — not only in June, but another in August at the Tour Championship — suggests he’s pushing for continuous decision-making, not deferment or appeasement. The next meeting of the PGA Tour’s board is in 101 days. If he finds himself repeating the same vague principles then, Rolapp might reasonably wonder if he’s entering the horse’s head in the bed phase.
DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos is going to see a specialist due to inflammation in his right elbow.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters that the right-hander will be meeting with Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday. Berríos won’t be throwing again before that visit.
The elbow issue had prevented Berríos from joining Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic.
Berríos, 31, went 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA in 31 appearances for the Blue Jays last season. He ended the season on the injured list and didn’t pitch in the postseason as the Blue Jays made their World Series run.
MILAN (AP) — The United States is looking to do something no nation has ever done: Clean sweep the ice hockey tournaments at the Olympics and Paralympics.
Standing in the way? Canada again.
Just like in the men’s and women’s tournaments at the Olympics, Sunday’s gold medal match in Para ice hockey will be between the U.S. and Canada.
“We got to do our part, right? So they got the two done, so now it’s our job and we just got to bring it home for them,” U.S. forward Kevin McKee told The Associated Press.
Naturally, Canada wants bragging rights in the rivalry and to break American Para hearts.
“It is a source of pride for us just to win, like we believe Canada is THE hockey country and we want to prove that,” Canada forward Adam Dixon said.
Both teams dominated the group stage at the Paralympics, each winning all three of their matches. The U.S. then beat the Czech Republic 6-1 in Friday’s semifinals, when Canada struggled at times before overcoming China 4-2.
Canada Para ice hockey captain Tyler McGregor said the two Olympic losses were not playing on his teammates’ minds.
“No. You know what, we’re going to write our own story,” he said. “We watched both our men’s and women’s team compete here a few weeks ago and they played phenomenal.
“Those were two of the best hockey games I’ve ever seen, but this is our story at the Paralympics and we have a chance to bring home a gold medal for Canada. And what an honor that would be.”
Rather than avenge the Olympic defeats, Canada is driven more to avenge losses to the U.S. in the past two gold-medal matches at the Paralympics. It has also lost to the U.S. in four of the past five world championship finals.
“That kind of fuels us,” forward Liam Hickey said. "We’ve learned from those. They’re a great team and we’ve had a great rivalry for as long as this sport’s been around. So for us it’s another kind of chance for redemption and we’re excited for it.”
US domination
If the U.S. achieves the treble, it would be the second straight year it has swept the major tournaments, having won the men’s and women’s world championships and world Para ice hockey championship in 2025.
There is no women’s division at the Paralympics as its classified as an open-gender sport.
U.S. defender Jack Wallace said the group has been talking about the sweep since watching the women’s Olympic final together during a training camp. They were also messaging each other during the men’s final.
Coach David Hoff would prefer his players bury all thoughts of a sweep before Sunday’s final.
“There’s a lot of talk about it,” Hoff admitted. “I think for us it’s really just putting the blinders on and really focusing on what we have to do. Don’t let that outside stuff cloud your preparation or bother you. Sometimes that’s hard to do but I think our guys have really done a good job.”
While the Olympics saw the U.S. men’s team win gold for the first time since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, it’s a different story at the Paralympics.
The U.S. has triumphed at five of the past six Paralympics and several players are targeting a fourth straight gold medal. Captain Josh Pauls is incredibly aiming for a fifth.
“You’ve got to enjoy the guys you’re playing with,” Pauls said when asked about the team’s secret to success. “We have such a brotherhood, we just enjoy playing the game, we enjoy competing, we enjoy getting better, but also helping the other guy across from us get better.
“And I mean, I am just so glad to play another team other than our guys, because man, our guys are really tough to play.”
Sean Jansen joined Connacht from Leicester in 2023 [Getty Images]
United Rugby Championship
Connacht (12) 31
Tries: Jansen 2, Aungier, Barrett, De Buitlear Cons: Naughton 3
Scarlets (0) 14
Tries: Roberts, Jones Cons: Leggatt-Jones
Connacht boosted their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes by overcoming Scarlets in Galway.
Stuart Lancaster's side backed up their wins against Zebre and Glasgow to climb to ninth in the table, level with Bulls before their derby with Stormers on Saturday.
Connacht number eight Sean Jansen went over twice – taking his tally for the season to 10 – for a 12-0 lead at the break.
With a double-header in South Africa still to play, Connacht realistically needed a bonus-point win in their bid for the top eight.
They got it thanks to tries by props Jack Aungier and Fiachna Barrett, with a further score by hooker Eoin de Buitlear.
Scarlets had threatened a comeback after tries by centre Joe Roberts and full-back Ioan Jones but failed to claim a match point for the first time in five games since Nigel Davies returned as interim director of rugby in January.
Only Zebre are beneath them and they are four points back on Dragons in the battle to avoid being Wales' worst side.
The fixture was rearranged from round two in October when the Llanelli side could not travel to Galway due to Storm Amy.
That meant both sides had lengthy lists of absentees due to Six Nations duty and injury.
In a test of squad depth, it was the hosts who coped better by showing a more clinical edge.
Connacht hit the front through Jansen's powerful finish after a quick tap before centre John Devine was denied a try on his first senior start after he was guilty of obstruction in the build-up.
Scarlets almost made the most of that escape but Munster-bound hooker Marnus van der Merwe was held up over the line after a quick tap.
The visitors paid the price for not making pressure count when Connacht stretched their lead in the 37th minute, turning down a shot at goal to hammer away at the line with Jansen eventually going over.
Fletcher Anderson captained Scarlets for the first time [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
It looked game over at 19-0 when Aungier crashed over from close range but Scarlets responded with a pair of superb tries.
Centre Roberts went over from distance after a canny dummy and then offloaded to allow full-back Jones to weave over on his first Scarlets start.
However, Connacht nerves were settled when Barrett followed a huge carry by hammering over from close range to make it 24-14 as the hour approached.
The win was sealed when the lively De Buitlear went over after a series of hard carries on the line.
Scarlets' hopes of chasing at least one bonus point were dashed when Jac Davies' try with four minutes to play was chalked off for a forward pass.
Both teams are next in action on Friday, 20 March, when Connacht face Ulster in Belfast and Scarlets host Zebre.
Replacements: de Buitlear, Duggan, Barrett, Murray, O'Brien, B Murphy, Naughton, McCormack.
Scarlets: I Jones; J Davies, Roberts, Williams, Page; Leggatt-Jones, G Davies; Mathias, van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Lousi, Ball, Douglas, Taylor, Anderson (capt).
Replacements: Harry Thomas, S O'Connor, H O'Connor, Price, Davis, A Hughes, McDonald, Lewis.
Referee: Ru Campbell (Scotland)
Assistants: Padraic Reidy, Tomas O'Sullivan (Ireland)
It has been an emotional week for Maxx Crosby. The star pass rusher recently celebrated six years of sobriety, a milestone Crosby has frequently described as one of the most meaningful accomplishments of his life.
At the same time, a potential trade to the Baltimore Ravens reportedly fell through after the team raised medical concerns. Crosby underwent a meniscus repair in January and ultimately failed his physical, preventing the deal from being finalized.
Shortly after the news surfaced, Crosby shared a message on social media that made his mindset clear.
“Everything Happens For A Reason. Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I’m Back. Run That S--,” Crosby wrote.
The message reinforced his commitment to the Las Vegas Raiders while also pushing back against speculation surrounding his future.
Support quickly poured in across the football world.
Among the most recognizable voices in the comments was Deion Sanders, who responded with a message of faith.
Another supportive reply came from Sanders’ son, Deion Sanders Jr..
“Young king,” Sanders Jr. commented.
Crosby also received encouragement from someone who has known his journey since his college days. Chris Creighton reposted Crosby’s message, showing support for the former Eastern Michigan Eagles football standout he coached in Ypsilanti.
Creighton helped guide Crosby from a lightly recruited prospect into one of the most productive defensive players in program history before he entered the NFL.
Since being drafted in 2019, Crosby has continued that trajectory, becoming one of the league’s most relentless pass rushers and a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense.
Now, after a week that brought both celebration and disappointment, the encouragement surrounding Crosby reflects the respect he has earned throughout football.
Hendrix Hart may be the son of world-famous comedian Kevin Hart but for the next step in his life, he's stepping out of his dad's shadow in a place over 2,200 miles away.
On Thursday it was announced that Hendrix had committed signed with Tennessee's track program over USC.
⏱️ 100m — 10.68 | 200m — 21.35 🏆 Great Southwest Indoor Classic Champion (200m) 🥈 2025 CIF SS Division Finals Silver Medalist (100m/200m) pic.twitter.com/4ALQERzG6j
— Tennessee Track & Field/XC (@Vol_Track) March 12, 2026
His decision comes after taking an official visit to Tennessee back in September. During that visit, he was on the sideline as the football team beat ETSU 72-17 and was shown on the scoreboard during the pregame warmups.
Tennessee football coach came over during the pregame to shake Hendrix's and Kevin's hands, and the men's basketball team took a photo with Kevin during the visit.
A senior at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth (CA), Hendrix is a short sprinter on the boy's track team. As a junior, he posted a 21.35 in the 200-meter dash, ranking as the 26th fastest time in California.
This year, his indoor 60-meter dash time was 7.01, and he also posted a 34.38 in the 300-meter dash, the second fastest time in the state and 86th in the country.
Hendrix won the 200-meter dash championship at the Great Southwest Indoor Classic with a time of 21.35. He also posted a time of 10.68 in the 100-meter dash.
Regarded as one of the biggest comedians and movie stars in the world, Kevin has performed stand-up all over the globe, including five Netflix specials. He's starred in numerous blockbusters, including "Jumanji," "Get Hard," "Ride Along," "The Secret Life of Pets," "Central Intelligence," and countless others.
MILAN — What are the greatest sports dynasties of all time?
The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s, the New England Patriots through multiple eras, maybe the Alabama Crimson Tide under Nick Saban?
At the core of every great dynasty, a pivotal moment acted as the catalyst – sometimes in a hire, a player, or even a financial boost.
Dan Brennan was the catalyst for Team USA sled hockey.
Building an ice pyramid
In Brennan's time with the program over two decades as general manager, the 64-year-old has revolutionized the way the United States develops and sustains talent in the sport, by building a robust grassroots program that has helped Team USA win four consecutive gold medals heading into the 2026 Paralympic Games.
"Grassroots is everything," said captain and four-time gold medalist Declan Farmer. "With USA Hockey, they've committed that you need a big pool of players to choose from. You can't just have every player in the country be on your national team. You have to have a lot of guys, you have to have younger generations that are all competitive, amongst their peer groups. And that's where the passion ends; the drive starts."
The groundwork for U.S. sled hockey was already in place after the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. The United States surged from an unknown force in para hockey to an undefeated tournament, clinching the U.S.’s first gold medal in the sport.
All Brennan had to do was find a way to sustain it.
"In the beginning, I wasn't really sure what I was up against," Brennan said. "Dating back a bunch of years, there were only 17 players trying out for our team."
Sled hockey was taken under the management of USA Hockey in 2006, the same year Brennan took over management duties. At that time, a majority of sled hockey players found the sport later in life, with many veterans joining after being injured in service. What they lacked was a youth development program, and a method to train and develop athletes early on.
Brennan’s impact can be seen in the structure of USA Sled Hockey, which takes the shape of a pyramid. There are different levels for players to advance and a clear path for younger athletes with national team aspirations.
There are approximately 73 grassroots programs nationwide for entry into sled hockey, with many Midwest states serving as breeding grounds for top talent. The foundation of Team USA is built on the efforts of nearly 1,700 players and more than 500 coaches, managers and volunteers.
Declan Farmer was 12. Griffin LaMarre 11. Brett Bolton 8. Everyone on Team USA started at their local program.
Across the country, there are six three-day regional camps each year. These camps are free for anyone interested in improving their para hockey skills – they also serve as tryouts for the National Development Camp.
Head coach David Hoff, along with national team players, help run the camps, searching for young talent.
"That's where I learned the game more," said four-time Paralympian Kevin McKee. "You don't get as much coaching at home. I learned it more at the camps. Then they just liked me enough, took me on their development program, and I just worked my way up."
Brennan and other senior members of USA Hockey gather, compare notes and decide who will be among the top 60 to 100 players in the country at the National Development Camp held each year.
Reaching the peak of the pyramid
Thirty-five players.
The best sled hockey players reach the upper echelon of the pyramid. An invite-only tryout with a spot on the U.S. National Paralympic team on the line. Hoff, Brennan and every top-brass member of the sled hockey program watch drills, scrimmages and screen individuals before the decision is made.
It’s never easy to cut players, but for the United States the process has bred excellence and a level of play unmatched worldwide. When the Americans skate onto the ice for any international competition, the facial expressions of the opposing team say it all – so does the constant barrage of goals.
At the summit of the pyramid, 17 skaters reach the national team. No other national team in the world has the same level of depth as USA Hockey has invested in the sled program. It’s a culture that other countries have tried to imitate as sled hockey's popularity continues to grow worldwide.
"We're at a point now we protect our culture … when I first started, we lacked that, and it wasn't necessarily the players' fault," Brennan said. "It's just they didn't have any real hockey culture, hockey background. They came from players that survived cancer, maybe made bad decisions as teenagers. A lot of players are born with disabilities, so we had to create that. And I tell people a lot of times, it's not really what you see, it's what you don't see is what we fix. We educated them on the game, protecting each other, how to be kind."
Brennan wasn’t sure what he was getting into, but he realized his vision. The United States has become a dynasty in para hockey. The growth is not over; there are no signs of stopping for Team USA.
"As long as we are continuing to kind of do this and develop players at a young age and expose them to what it really takes," LaMarre said. "I don't see this team falling off anytime soon."
Alex Carpenter is a reporter for the Paralympics Project, a partnership between USA TODAY Network and the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Dallas Goedert and the Eagles have pushed the void date of his contract back for the second time this week.
Goedert's contract was originally set to void at the start of the league year, but the two sides agreed to push it back to Friday to give more time to negotiate an extension. Zach Berman of TheAthletic.com reports that they have agreed to another delay and the contract is now set to void on Monday.
If Goedert's contract voids, $20.5 million of dead money would hit the Eagles' salary cap. Working out an extension would allow the Eagles to better manage their cap while also keeping Goedert in Philadelphia.
Goedert had 60 catches for 591 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2025 season. His 409 career receptions rank fifth in franchise history.
In a vote that ended March 13, Cincinnati.com readers selected the 2025-2026 Cincinnati Enquirer/Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Athletes of the Week from high school sports action through March 8.
Winners can print their certificates from this week starting Monday and other weeks now using this Drop Box link. Send a photo of the winners with their certificates for our photo gallery.
Ohio big-school boys basketball team: Lakota West – The Firebirds soared into the regional tournament with a 55-34 district championship win over Fairmont.
Ohio small-school boys basketball team: Eastern Brown – The Warriors secured their first district title since 2010 with a 49-40 win over Chesapeake.
Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys basketball team: Scott – Scott cruised past Mason County, 84-57, to reach the 10th Region semifinals.
Ohio girls basketball team: Princeton – Princeton is the Division I regional champion for the second year in a row after beating Lakota West, 65-47.
Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls basketball team: Simon Kenton – The Pioneers crushed Anderson County, 64-36, to win the Eighth Region championship.
Boys winter team: Northern Kentucky Norsemen – The Norsemen won the Kentucky High School Hockey League state championship with a 5-0 victory over Owensboro.
Girls winter team: Fenwick indoor track – Fenwick's 23 points at the Division III indoor state meet were good for a fourth-place tie.
Ohio big-school boys basketball: Chase Martin, Loveland – The senior scored 23 points with five rebounds and two assists in a 53-41 loss in a district final.
Ohio small-school boys basketball: Matthew Dick, Eastern – He had 18 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in a 49-40 win over No. 1 seed Chesapeake to win a district title, the team’s first since 2010.
Northern Kentucky/Indiana big-school boys basketball: Johnie Boyd, Scott – The sophomore scored 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting, with 12 rebounds in an 84-57 win over Mason County in the 10th Region Tournament.
Ohio girls basketball: Christina Murphy, Fayetteville-Perry – She had 6 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals in a regional semifinal win over West Liberty-Salem, then had 8 points, six rebounds (including her 500th career board) and four blocks in the DVI regional final.
Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls basketball: Lily Bittner, Campbell County – The freshman contributed 12 points and six rebounds in a 10th Region semifinal win over Nicholas County.
Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys archery: Logan Hammer, Boone County – He finished fifth in the Dixie Cup with a 282.
Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls archery: Delaney Getz, Scott – The sophomore shot a personal best 280 in the Dixie Cup.
Ohio boys bowling: Jack Kaiser, St. Xavier – The junior finished second in the state tournament with a 715 (221-218-276) and helped the Bombers win their first state championship.
Ohio girls bowling: Ella Weinmann, Oak Hills – The senior finished fourth in the state tournament with a 650 (224-209-217) and helped the Highlanders finish 10th in the team tournament.
Gymnast: Leah McElveen, Lakota West – She led Lakota West’s contingent in the individual competition, scoring a 31.350 to finish 36th.
Ice hockey player: Chase Bender, Northern Kentucky Norsemen – The senior goaltender kept a clean sheet in the face of over 30 Owensboro shots, helping the Norsemen secure a 5-0 state championship win.
Ohio boys indoor track: Koa Anoai, Moeller – He won the DI shot put state title with a new school record throw of 60 feet, 8 inches.
Ohio boys indoor track relay team: Indian Hill - James McGrath, Tyler Martin, James O'Driscoll and Harry Hong won the DII 4x800 meter relay title with a time of 7:59.18.
Kentucky boys indoor track: Logan Blau, Bishop Brossart – He won the Class 1A 55-meter hurdles state title with a time of 8.03 seconds.
Kentucky boys indoor relay team: Covington Catholic – Rhett Blettner, Jack Fender, Jackson Germann and Joe Mayer won the Class 2A 4x400 meter relay in 3:34.18.
Ohio girls indoor track: Azarae Hawkins, Mason – The senior won the DI 60-meter dash in a personal best of 7.42 seconds, then won the 200-meter dash in a personal best of 24.41 seconds.
Ohio girls indoor track relay team: Fenwick – Makenzie Fallon, Samantha Long, Sophia Tebbe and Hailey Yontz led the Falcons to victory in the DIII 4x400 meter relay, crossing the line in 4:06.84.
Kentucky girls indoor track: Ava Walters, Bishop Brossart – The senior won the Class 1A shot put state title with a new overall state record throw of 42 feet, 10.25 inches.
Ohio boys wrestling: Clayton Smith, Western Brown – Smith was the third-place finisher at 285 pounds in the Division II district tournament. After dropping his first match, Smith pinned five-straight opponents to qualify for the state tournament.
Ohio girls wrestling: Eleanor Polking, Oak Hills – The freshman won the 130-pound bracket at the district meet, going 4-0 with three pins and a 15-0 tech fall.
If you win, what's next?
The Enquirer will no longer mail certificates to schools after getting feedback that families weren't receiving them. Alex Harrison will make digital copies of all certificates available to families by 8 a.m. the Monday after the Friday win. Families will access the PDFs through this public Dropbox link.
Once printed, families can email a photo to mlaughman@enquirer.com.
The Atlanta Falcons have a new quarterback on the roster, officially signing Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract Friday afternoon. The former top-five pick spent his first six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins but was released ahead of free agency.
Tagavailoa was a star during his college days at Alabama, and after a somewhat slow start in Miami, he thrived under former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. In his fourth season, Tagovailoa passed for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions to make his first career Pro Bowl.
The 28-year-old was benched late in the 2025 season, but he's hopeful that a fresh start will help get his career back on track.
"Based off of what happened last year, I knew I needed to play better, but I think this is a great opportunity to be able to come here and get a good reset," Tagovailoa said in an interview with AtlantaFalcons.com. "I want to thank the Blank family. I want to thank Arthur (Blank). I want to thank Coach (Kevin) Stefanski. I want to thank the organization for allowing me this opportunity. I am excited."
Tagovailoa has passed for 18,166 yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions over his six-year NFL career, leading the team to an overall record of 44-32.
The Falcons expect Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job in Atlanta.
"For Tua coming in here, he knows he's coming in to compete," Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters on Friday morning. "Like Michael knows he's coming in to compete."
Michigan State plays its first game of the Big Ten tournament on Friday night against UCLA. Get live updates here throughout the game by Detroit News contributor Andrew Graham.
Michigan State basketball set for late tip vs. UCLA
No. 3 Michigan State begins its March with a quarterfinal matchup against No. 6 UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament, slated to start around 30 minutes after the Nebraska-Purdue quarterfinal, approximately 9 p.m.
The Spartans played UCLA once already this season, winning by 23 points at the Breslin Center.
Michigan State has a strong history in the Big Ten Tournament, its six titles the best mark in the league. Tom Izzo, who has coached MSU during the entire time the Big Ten Tournament has existed, is the winningest coach in the league’s postseason, going 36-21.
The Spartans are led by point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who is among the top assist getters in the country, entering Friday neck-and-neck with a league rival for the national lead. Big men Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper have been playing well of late, with Kohler scoring more than 20 points in the season finale loss against Michigan.
UCLA is a bit more of a multi-pronged attack, with Donovan Dent and Tyler Bilodeau serving as two of the top options. Former Spartan Xavier Booker also plays for the Bruins.
Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears race for assists leader
Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears entered Friday second in the nation in total assists, trailing Purdue’s Braden Smith by six after the Boilermakers star posted a tournament record 16 on Thursday evening.
And Fears will face another top assist man against UCLA, as Dent ranked fourth nationally entering Friday.
Here’s how the standings looked among the top guards entering Friday:
287 — Braden Smith, Purdue
281 — Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
245 — Josiah Davis, Cal State Northridge
237 — Donovan Dent, UCLA
236 — Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
MSU men:
Big Ten tournament quarterfinal
NO. 3 SEED MICHIGAN STATE VS. NO. 6 SEED UCLA
▶ Tipoff: 9 p.m. Friday, United Center, Chicago
▶ TV/radio: BTN/94.7
▶ Records: Michigan State 25-6; UCLA 22-10
▶ At stake: A spot in Saturday’s Big Ten tournament semifinals
HENDERSON, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 10: Klint Kubiak (L) and general manager John Spytek of the Las Vegas Raiders attend a news conference introducing Kubiak as the head coach of the Raiders at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on February 10, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Las Vegas Raiders’ Day 1 splurge in free agency began to get the all-important official posts for the organization’s social media channels on Wednesday.
The NFL’s first league year began that day and all eyes are going to set on the Raiders confirming all the free agent signings and trades (the big nixed one included) as general manager John Spytek bolsters its roster for Klint Kubiak’s initial run as a head coach.
The first move the team announced was free agent kicker Matt Gay’s addition, quickly followed by in-house free agent defensive end Malcolm Koonce re-signing and confirmation of the trade with the Buffalo Bills for cornerback Taron Johnson. Behind those was the official trade of quarterback Geno Smith to the New York Jets. And, Wednesday evening, Las Vegas announced its signed free agent linebacker Nakobe Dean — one of the big fish the team reeled in when the legal tampering period opened Monday.
Spytek did well to land key talent during Wave 1 of free agency to give Kubiak and his coaching staff the requisite impact players to make a go of things this coming season. But, as we all know, the Silver & Black’s laundry list of needs remains a long one, even with key free agency acquisitions.
From offensive and defensive line, to the secondary, special teams, and quarterback and running back, Spytek and his personnel room still has sleeves rolled up and building a roster that puts Kubiak and his staff in the best possible position to succeed.
Let’s explore where the free agency adds didn’t move the needle:
Special Teams
There’s a reunion in that room with special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis linking up with Gay. That pairing were excellent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 and 2022 — Gay went 60-of-64 on field goals made and attempted with a solid 93.8 field goal percentage.
This maneuver looks wholly like recapturing the magic from those two seasons as Gay struggled since those two seasons as he finished with field goal percentages of 80.5, 83.8, 73.9 percent the following three seasons including going 17-of-23 with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders in 2025.
A survey we did on whether Raider Nation would rather have Daniel Carlson or Gay at place kicker provided not-surprising results. The former boot specialist was the overwhelming choice. But adding Gay in free agency shouldn’t be the end of it.
With 11 picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas would be wise to add youth to the kicker spot in the form of a late-round prospect — some of which I explored in a piece last week. If not during the seven rounds, an undrafted free agent for healthy competition as the Raiders gear up for the 2026 campaign.
Offensive Line
Linderbaum’s arrival means there won’t be any games at the pivot (unlike the saga with Jackson Powers-Johnson, Jordan Meredith, and even the now released Alex Cappa) — hopefully. The 2022 first-round pick (25th overall) by the Ravens out of Iowa has the ideal skillset to be the center on Kubiak’s and Rick Dennison’s zone blocking scheme as a center who can not only move, but over communicates and gets the front five all on the same page.
This addition means Powers-Johnson can slide over to guard and be the mauling presence he’s been once healthy, but there’s plenty to figure out on the interior and right tackle spots as the Raiders move forward. While the team has promising youngsters Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant heading into their second seasons as 2025 draft picks at guard and tackle, respectively, adding more depth is ideal — especially with 63-game starting guard Dylan Parham departing on a free agency deal with the New York Jets.
The #Jets work toward bolstering their offensive line, agreeing to terms with former #Raiders G Dylan Parham, per The Insiders.
Eric Stokes’ return on a well-earned three-year, $30 million contract before free agency opened after proving himself on a one-year flier deal ensures an effective outside cornerback remains in Silver & Black. And the arrival of Johnson as a prime candidate for the slot cornerback role bolsters the group, too.
While the cornerback room remains young overall with veterans on the back end at safety, competition breeds excellence and Las Vegas. There’s plenty of time as free agency continues but adding young prospects during and after the draft to the secondary is ideal.
Jeremy Chinn is a versatile piece at the safety spot and the 28-year-old partnered up with Isaiah Pola-Mao on the backend. Pola-Mao became a 17-game starter this past season but could stand for competing for starting snaps this coming season under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
Quarterback & Running Back
The biggest void on the roster is without question the all-important signal caller spot. The Raiders did ship off former starter Geno Smith to the New York Jets alongside a 2026 seventh-round pick (228th overall) for a 2026 sixth-round pick (208th overall). (Cough, that sixth-round pick would be perfect for a kicker, no?).
Aidan O’Connell remains the only quarterback listed currently on Las Vegas’ roster and that’ll change. The presumed No. 1 overall selection by the team is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. And there were reports the Raiders likely bring in a veteran at the position, too.
Expect the Las Vegas Raiders to show interest in Kirk Cousins as they look for a veteran QB addition to help develop presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. pic.twitter.com/TFNo023SnY
The tailback and fullback spots remain light and Kubiak spoke openly about having a shared workload to ensure bell cow Ashton Jeanty isn’t ran ragged in Year 2 and beyond. There’s talent in the free agency pool and, as we’re just in Week 1, there’s plenty of opportunity for Spytek to bolster the offensive backfield.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson are available and can provide a 1-2 punch with Jeanty, if Raiders are so inclined, for example.
At fullback, the Raiders did ink free agent Connor Heyward from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 27-year-old developed into a reliable lead blocker while bringing pass catching elements to his game as a 6-foot, 230-pounder. The potential Raiders reunion with Alec Ingold evaporated when the former Miami Dolphins lead blocker linked back up with Mike McDaniel who is now the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator.
Serie A | Torino 4-1 Parma – D’Aversa train picks up steam as Cuesta’s run grinds to a halt
Roberto D’Aversa’s Torino continued their encouraging revival under the new coach with a convincing home win over Parma, ending their opponents’ five-game unbeaten run and closing to within a point of them in the Serie A table in the process.
Torino made the perfect start when Giovanni Simeone pounced on a rebound inside the box to slot home in just the third minute, giving the hosts exactly the platform they needed at the Olimpico Grande Torino.
Parma responded well, however, and levelled matters on 20 minutes through Mateo Pellegrino, who met a delightful Gabriel Strefezza cross with a precise header inside the right post to restore parity.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 13: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma Calcio 1913 scores Parma Calcio 1913 first goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 13, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Torino put Parma to the sword in exciting second half
The second half was where the match turned decisively in Torino’s favour, and in the most dramatic and unlikely fashion.
Within the space of two minutes, Parma gifted their hosts a two-goal cushion through a pair of own goals, although the first was later awarded to Emirhan Ilkhan.
First Enrico Delprato put through his own net on 55 minutes, after a deflected effort from Ilkhan.
Then Mandela Keita compounded Parma’s misery two minutes later to make it 3-1. It was a devastating spell for Carlos Cuesta’s side, undoing everything they had worked hard to build.
Parma pushed for a way back into the match in the closing stages but found Torino resolute, with goalkeeper Alberto Paleari working hard to prevent any comeback.
Then, in stoppage time, the hosts extended their lead to 4-1 thanks to a well-taken goal by experienced forward Duvan Zapata.
The result lifts Torino to 13th in the table, now just a single point behind Parma in 12th. D’Aversa’s side are building momentum at exactly the right time, with the two sides now inextricably linked in what promises to be a tense battle to pull clear of the relegation picture.
Formula 1 to Cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Formula 1 is preparing to remove two major races from the 2026 calendar as the escalating conflict involving Iran forces the sport to confront the reality of racing in an increasingly unstable region. Multiple sources familiar with the situation say the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are set to be canceled, as tensions in the Middle East create serious concerns about safety, logistics, and international travel for teams and staff.
The Bahrain race was scheduled for April 12, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 19. Both events now appear unlikely to go ahead after military strikes connected to the ongoing Iran conflict affected parts of the region. The developments came after the United States and Israel launched a wave of attacks on Iran, prompting retaliation that has created an uncertain security environment across several Middle Eastern countries.
While the situation could theoretically stabilize before the scheduled race dates, Formula 1 officials reportedly could not afford to wait any longer to make a decision.
Logistics Leave Formula 1 With Little Choice
Unlike many sports, Formula 1 operates on an extraordinarily complex global logistics schedule. Each race requires teams to move hundreds of tons of equipment around the world, including cars, spare parts, pit garages, hospitality structures, and broadcast infrastructure.
That freight cannot be moved at the last minute. Teams must ship equipment weeks before each race, and a key deadline for cargo heading to Bahrain is approaching quickly. With a March 20 freight deadline looming, organizers had to decide whether it was safe to commit to the Middle East races.
Sources inside the sport say that decision has effectively been made. Waiting longer would have meant sending equipment into a region where the security situation remains unpredictable.
Sky Sports, which holds Formula 1’s broadcasting rights in the United Kingdom, reported that the races are expected to be formally canceled by the end of the weekend.
An official announcement could arrive within days.
A Reduced Formula 1 Calendar
If Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are removed from the schedule, the 2026 Formula 1 calendar would shrink from 24 races to 22. That reduction would create an unusual gap in the early part of the season.
The third round of the championship, the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, would then be followed by a five-week break before the next scheduled race, the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
In modern Formula 1, such a long pause in the middle of the season is rare. The sport’s calendar has expanded steadily over the past decade, with new races added in the Middle East, North America, and Asia to maximize global exposure.
However, the tightly packed schedule at the end of the year makes it almost impossible to reschedule two lost races.
Formula 1 officials are particularly concerned about adding replacement races late in the season. If a race were canceled during the championship finale stretch, it could potentially influence the outcome of the title fight.
Avoiding that possibility appears to be a major factor behind the decision to simply remove the events rather than attempt to move them.
Drivers and Teams Await Official Confirmation
Although the governing body and Formula 1 management have not yet confirmed the cancellations publicly, drivers and team leaders are already acknowledging the situation.
Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence that Formula 1 leadership would prioritize safety.
“I know that Stefano will do what is right for all of us and the sport,” Hamilton said, referring to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. “That is the great thing with having a great leader like him.”
Team principals have echoed similar sentiments. Audi team boss Jonathan Wheatley said teams will follow the guidance of Formula 1 and the FIA, the sport’s governing body.
“I think we follow the guidance of the FIA and Formula One, as we always do,” Wheatley said. “They’ve always led us in the right direction. Nobody’s going to compromise on anything that would put teams into an uncomfortable situation.”
Motorsport Already Feeling the Effects of the Conflict
Formula 1 is not the only international racing series facing disruptions tied to the instability in the region.
The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has already postponed its planned season opener in Qatar, which had been scheduled for late March. Instead of launching the season in the Middle East, the championship will now begin in Imola, Italy, on April 19.
The Qatar race has been moved to October 24, placing it near the end of the endurance racing season. The event will now serve as the penultimate round before the championship finale in Bahrain.
That shift illustrates how deeply geopolitical tensions can affect global motorsports, where races often rely on international travel and massive logistical operations.
The Growing Role of the Middle East in Formula 1
Over the past decade, the Middle East has become one of the most important regions on the Formula 1 calendar. Countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have invested heavily in hosting Grands Prix as part of broader efforts to expand tourism and global visibility.
The Bahrain Grand Prix has frequently served as either the season opener or one of the earliest races in the calendar. Saudi Arabia’s high-speed street circuit in Jeddah, meanwhile, quickly became one of the most dramatic venues on the schedule after joining the championship in 2021.
Both races have also been tied to long-term agreements with Formula 1, making their potential cancellation a significant development.
An Uncertain Situation Moving Forward
At this stage, Formula 1 officials appear to be acting cautiously in the face of an unpredictable situation. Even if the security conditions improve before April, the sport’s leadership does not want to risk committing teams to travel into a region experiencing military escalation.
The logistical realities of Formula 1 mean decisions must often be made weeks in advance. Once freight begins moving around the world, reversing course becomes extremely difficult.
For now, insiders believe it is only a matter of time before the cancellations become official.
If that happens, the 2026 season will move forward without two of its early Middle Eastern races, leaving teams and fans to adjust to a reshaped calendar shaped not by racing drama, but by geopolitical events far beyond the track.
Vanderbilt pitcher Connor Fennell (39) throw to a Georgia batter during the first inning of an NCAA college baseball game at Hawkins Field Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. | Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Safe to say there haven’t been many years this century where the Diamond Dores and Gumbo Bengals had a combined 12 losses before the start of conference play, but both teams are noticeably weaker than normal as LSU (13-5) visits VU (11-7) this weekend to drink Nashville dry.
Even stranger, the defending CWS champions are 2-3 in their last 5 games, with losses to ULL and Sacramento State. Not sure if this means they’re weakened, or they’re the cornered animal ready to strike out, but whatever it is, we’re likely the same.
Still no “Science Guy” in the projected weekend rotation, and Miller Green—among other relievers—is still out with injuries… so we’ll need our starters to go deep this weekend. Nye hasn’t been ruled out entirely, but definitely won’t start (and I wouldn’t count on seeing him this weekend, honestly).
LSU does not appear to have been hit with the injury bug, so perhaps it’s a championship hangover? We do know how much they like to drink down on the Bayou.
The Yellow Shoe Gumbo Bengals
‘26Record: 13-5 (0-0 SEC). As mentioned above, the Gumbo Bengals have had a rough week. Prior to that, they’ve mostly whipped the crap out of cupcakes, with their toughest opponents being single games against Indiana and Notre Dame. They also have losses to McNeese and Northeastern, but as you full well know, the ‘26 Diamond Dores are not one to talk on the subject of shitty losses.
Player to Watch: Though So. CF Derek Curiel is their top prospect, 2026 has been the Year of #7 Jr. OF Jake “Mall Cop” Brown (.413/.482/853 with 6 2B, 9 HR, 28 RBI, and 5-6).
All that and he protects the cashiers at Cinnabon from being robbed by area teens.
Anchor of Gold Tiger Beat Hottest Pitcher: #9 So. RHP William “Sweet Summer Child” Schmidt (3-1; 2.46 ERA; 1.77 B/AVG). All three members of the Gumbo Bengal weekend rotation are solid, but other than Casan Evans’ K/9 rate, none really have a stat that popped. I decided to go with the guy keeping opposing hitters off the basepaths. As Schmidt, in addition to his low hitter’s average has only yielded 4 BBs. *Note for those confused about the nickname: his middle name is “August.”
Andrew VU ‘04 2026 All-Name Team Nominee: So many options. While I nearly went with #17 So. RHP Mavrick “Top Rizz” Rizy, or #41 RS Jr. LHP “The #1 DJ” DJ Primeaux, I’ve got to give it to a name I don’t even have to add anything to: #52 Fr. RHP Zion Theophilus. His parents were the Greek Goddess Hera and Theo from The Cosby Show, I can only assume.
On the Mound
Friday @ 6:00pm on SECN+
Vanderbilt #39 Jr. RHP Connor “The Spice” Fennell (2-0; 3.80 ERA; 12.66 K/9)
vs. Gumbo Bengals #20 So. RHP Casan “St. Pius X” Evans (1-0; 4.66 ERA; 13.97 K/9)
The forecast for tonight is… strikeouts.
The Lineup
*Will update when posted.
See you in the comments (eventually; it’s date night, so I’ll watch it on replay).
Here are three things to know about the Colts' newest addition.
Taking a swing on upside
Thomas, who went undrafted in 2022, is still just 25 years old. He's played just 549 career snaps, but seemed to be on his way to a more prominent role in 2025 before his season ended due to injury.
Over 156 coverage snaps, Thomas was targeted only three times and held opponents to a modes 9.0 yards per catch. He's also generated four career pass breakups on only 21 targets. Thomas has experience both playing deep and down in the box.
The Colts will hope to tap into the untapped potential that Thomas appears to possess.
What will Juanyeh Thomas' role be with the Colts?
That's the big question here. The starting spot next to Cam Bynum is open, but whether or not Thomas can earn that playing time remains to be seen. Given the current construction of this position group, it would appear, as of now, that he'll have the opportunity to earn some snaps.
Where Thomas has made his greatest impact in the NFL is on special teams, where he's played 724 snaps over three seasons. With Rodney Thomas in Seattle, Thomas can help fill his role on special teams for the Colts.
Specifically, a box safety presence is what the Colts want to pair with Bynum, although versatility is coveted in Lou Anarumo's defense. While Thomas has experience playing closer to the line of scrimmage, most of his snaps have come lined up deep.
So to answer the question above -- we have to wait and see. He'll help on special teams, but what, if any, role he can carve out on defense is unknown as of now.
The safety position still has its question marks
Again, Thomas appears to have untapped potential but is inexperienced. Jonathan Owens, whom the Colts also signed, will be entering his eighth NFL season, but has mostly been a special teams player over his career, especially during the last two seasons.
Can either player start next to Bynum? Maybe. Or maybe not. But Chris Ballard shouldn't bank on one of these players, or Hunter Wohler, emerging. He should continue to add competition to help elevate the floor of this unit.
Stone was originally a seventh-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft and has done really well for himself after a college career at Iowa.
Turning 27 in April, Stone has 14 career interceptions in six NFL seasons.
He played his first four seasons with the Ravens.
He had one interception in his first three campaigns combined, but then in 2023, Stone found the ball over and over again, finishing with seven INTs.
He joined the Bengals for 2024 and picked off another four passes with 81 tackles that season.
In 2025, Stone had a career-high 104 tackles and also picked off two passes.
He's had a pick-six in each of the past two seasons.
The Bills will have Cole Bishop starting at one safety spot, but Stone will likely get a chance to compete for the other, along with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. It's a solid signing this late in the first week of free agency.
Mar 7, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) enjoys a moment as Auburn calls a timeout at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama defeated Auburn 96-84. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a few short hours, the 2-seed Crimson Tide will be tipping off against the 15-seed Rebels after Ole Miss surprising beat both Texas and Georgia while Alabama got to sit idle with a bye for the first two rounds. The two squads already played once in February, with Alabama drubbing the Rebels for a 93-74 victory in Oxford. The Rebels lost 12 of their last 13 games coming into the tournament, then suddenly turned it on the last two days… So who knows what to think about them. Still, Alabama is fairly heavily favored.
The winner of this one will go on to play the winner of Oklahoma and Arkansas tomorrow, with the winner of that headed to the championship on Sunday to play one of Florida, Vandy, or Tennessee.
Tip off will be at 6:00 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on SEC Network.
Roll Tide, hope for the best, and be nice to each other in the comments (but not too nice… keep it weird, y’all).
New Florida offensive line coach Jonathan Decoster runs blocking drills during Florida Gators’ last open Spring football practice before the Orange and Blue Game at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
The New England Patriots were busy bolstering their roster in free agency over the last week. They also made a move to improve their coaching depth.
Jonathan Decoster, who spent the last two seasons as assistant offensive line coach at Florida, is joining the Patriots in a role that as of yet has to officially be announced. NFL insider Joseph Pasteris was first to report the hire.
A four-year starting right tackle at the University of Louisiana, Decoster began his coaching career as a graduate assistant O-line coach at Nevada in 2013. He later joined West Virginia State, where he held a multitude of roles including offensive line coach and strength coach, and worked as a graduate assistant tight ends coach at LSU for three years.
In 2021, coming off a one-year stint as tight ends coach at Old Dominion, Decoster left the college game to join the Browns. In his three seasons in Cleveland, he worked as offensive quality control coach and later offensive assistant.
Decoster returned to the SEC in 2024, taking on his most recent position as the Gators’ assistant O-line coach. Whether he will continue working in that role in New England remains to be seen, but the team does have an apparent opening after Robert Kugler, who held exactly that title the last two seasons, left to become tight ends coach in Pittsburgh.
Decoster is the third reported addition to the Patriots’ coaching staff this offseason. The team of head coach Mike Vrabel previously added B.J. Edmonds and Charles London in roles that also remain unclear at the moment.
The Bills are signing safety Geno Smith to a one-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report.
Stone, who turns 27 in April, spent the past two seasons with the Bengals, starting all 34 possible games.
In 2025, Stone totaled 104 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and four pass breakups.
The Ravens made him a seventh-round pick in 2020, and he spent his first four seasons in Baltimore. He has 312 tackles, 14 interceptions and 21 pass breakups in his career.
He joins a room that includes C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cole Bishop, Jordan Hancock and Sam Franklin.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Barbra Banda #22 of Orlando Pride celebrates after scoring the team's sixth goal during the NWSL match between Orlando Pride and Chicago Stars at Inter&Co Stadium on March 14, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
Today, the Orlando Pride announced that forward Barbra Banda has been removed from the season-ending injury (SEI) list and will be available for selection for home opener versus Seattle Reign.
Orlando hosts Seattle this Sunday, March 14 at Inter&Co Stadium at 4 p.m. ET on Victory+.
Banda was originally placed on the SEI list in August. The forward managed to score eight goals in just 16 matches, and still finished in the top 10 NWSL goalscorers.
Barbra Banda alongside Jacquie Ovalle forms one of the best attacking duos in the league and will provide a major boost for the Pride’s championship aspirations in 2026.
According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter and NBC Sports, Owens' agent Sunny Shah confirmed that the former Chicago Bear, 30, has agreed to a deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Owens' contract is reportedly a one-year deal, per the reports.
Owens spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears after spending previous seasons playing for the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers. His gold medalist wife Simone Biles has proudly supported him on the sidelines throughout his career, especially in the years since wrapping up competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens on Nov. 10, 2024 in Chicago Credit: Kara Durrette/Getty
Biles raised the bar on WAG style in the last season, showing up to support her husband in full custom-made looks incorporating Owens' jersey number and photo into the designs.
Simone Biles on Nov. 9, 2025 Credit: Todd Rosenberg/Getty
In August 2024, after Owens moved from the Packers to the Bears, Biles got some flak from Bears fans when she showed up to support Owens in Chicago wearing a custom-made jacket with photos of him playing for Green Bay on it. “Time to get a Bears version of that jacket now,” one Instagram user wrote.
Biles and Owens completed renovations on their custom-built dream home in Texas last November. The design of the house on its own took a full year, and construction took another three years to complete. In a post on Instagram showing the completed renovations at the time, Biles said, “home building requires a lot of patience.”
Just after the couple tied the knot on April 22, 2023, Owens signed with the Packers, forcing the couple to start navigating a long distance relationship.
He chose the Red Raiders over the likes of Kansas, Missouri and Kansas State.
Pfannenstiel is the No. 749 overall prospect and No. 65 EDGE in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 4 recruit in Kansas.
The Sunflower State standout added an offer from head coach Joey McGuire and the TTU staff last month. Not long after, he set a spring visit and an official visit to Lubbock. Pfannenstiel is now locking in with the Big 12 program.
Checking in at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Pfannenstiel is a three-sport athlete at the high school level. On the gridiron, he plays on both sides of the ball, manning the edge while also making an impact at wide receiver, tight end and running back.
Texas Tech adds to impressive pledge list
With Pfannenstiel now in the mix, Texas Tech has five commits in its 2027 class. The haul already ranks No. 4 in the nation, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
That’s of course thanks to landing an early commitment from No. 1 overall prospect Jalen Brewster back in October. The Cedar Hill (Texas) Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman continues to feel out others in his process, but the Red Raiders are keen on keeping him close to home.
Right behind Brewster is Palestine (Texas) Westwood four-star quarterback Kavian Bryant. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller ranks as the No. 44 recruit and No. 2 QB in the nation. He committed shortly after Brewster, locking in at the beginning of November.
Later that month, Humble (Texas) Summer Creek four-star wide receiver Benny Easter Jr. committed. The No. 47 recruit and No. 9 WR in the nation, Easter Jr. is another that’ll push for five-star status before it’s all said and done.
Pfannenstiel now rounds out the pledge list alongside Lake Dallas (Texas) DeSoto four-star defensive lineman K’Adrian Redmond. The Red Raiders are in the thick of things for other blue-chippers, too. Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman has new intel here.
The World Anti-Doping Agency is considering rewriting its rules to try barring President Donald Trump and all U.S. government officials from attending the LA Olympics in 2028 in a move that could also have implications for the World Cup being hosted by the U.S. this summer.
The proposal, on the agenda for next Tuesday's meeting of the global drug-fighting watchdog's executive committee, is the latest maneuver to come out of a yearslong refusal of the U.S. government to pay its annual dues to WADA. The refusal is part of the American government's unanimous, bipartisan protest of the agency's handling of a case involving Chinese swimmers and other issues.
The Associated Press learned of the agenda item through correspondence it obtained between WADA and European officials involved in the agency's decision-making. Two others with knowledge of the agenda confirmed the existence of the rules proposal to AP; they were not authorized to speak publicly about the agenda, which has not been released publicly.
WADA spokesman James Fitzgerald said “there is nothing new here,” noting that discussions related to the issue of what to do about governments withholding funding have been ongoing since 2020 and aren't directly related to the U.S.
The proposal was, in fact, first brought up in 2024, when U.S. authorities successfully lobbied for its rejection. The U.S. has since lost its seat on the executive committee.
“In spite of WADA’s increasing threats, we continue to stand firm in our demand for accountability and transparency from WADA to ensure fair competition in sport,” said Sara Carter, the director of the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
The rule, if passed, would figure to be mostly symbolic, given the limits an international sports federation could have on the president of a country attending an event inside his own borders.
“I have never heard of a $50-million-budget Swiss foundation being able to enforce a rule to, for example, prevent the United States president from going anywhere,” said Carter's predecessor at ONDCP, Rahul Gupta, who was on the WADA executive committee two years ago and led the movement to reject the proposal. “And the next question you have to ask is: How are you going to enforce it? Are they going to post a red notice from Interpol? It’s ludicrous. It’s clear they have not thought this through.”
WADA suggests it could move quickly, but impact on upcoming World Cup hazy
The proposal calls for a three-tiered set of sanctions for countries that don't pay dues. In the U.S. case, that amounts to around $3.7 million from last year, plus $3.6 million it didn't pay in 2024. Among the most extreme sanctions include “government representatives being excluded from participation in major events such as World Championships and Olympic & Paralympic Games.”
That would include Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and members of Congress, who recently approved hundreds of millions in funding for security and other logistics for the World Cup and LA Games.
Fitzgerald said the next meeting of the WADA Foundation Board, which would formally approve any action, isn't scheduled until November, suggesting the rule would not be in place in time for the World Cup. He did not immediately respond to specific questions about how Trump’s status at the World Cup might be impacted.
But in a response to a question about timing from the European authorities, WADA wrote: “The proposal could be implemented without undue delay. If necessary, the Foundation Board could consider the proposal by circular or within the context of an extraordinary meeting.”
According to a draft of the proposal, the rule would apply to governments that have not paid dues by Jan. 31 of the year after they're billed. The U.S. hasn't paid its WADA dues since 2023.
Representatives from the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee did not respond to emails from AP seeking comment on how a ban on Trump and other U.S. officials might be enforced.
US has been asking WADA to undergo independent audits
WADA's budget was pegged at $57.5 million for 2025. It receives half its funding from the IOC and the other half from governments across the globe. Contributions from the governments are loosely based on the size of their athletic teams, and the U.S. has always paid one of the biggest bills.
This squabble has been festering since the first Trump administration, rooted in America's distrust of the global anti-doping system, which came under international scrutiny first for its handling of a Russian doping scandal dating to before the Sochi Games in Russia in 2014.
Then, in 2024, news came of 23 Chinese swimmers — some of them on the team that went to the Paris Olympics — who were allowed to compete despite testing positive. WADA accepted the Chinese doping regulator's theory that the athletes had been contaminated by traces of banned heart medication in a hotel kitchen.
The ONDCP and Congress under both the Trump and Biden administrations have withheld the payments to WADA.
In the most recent flare-up, the government restricted payment until WADA subjected itself to an independent audit. WADA defended its auditing practices and, at the Milan Cortina Games last month, once again called on the U.S. to pay the dues.
Now, the agency looks for more leverage in its attempts to collect.
“This initiative is aimed at better protecting WADA’s funding so that it can deliver on its mission to protect clean sport,” said Fitzgerald, the spokesman for WADA. “If WADA’s funding is cut, it is ultimately athletes who will suffer. Indeed, athletes (including those on WADA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Board) have continuously expressed their support for this initiative.”
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Associated Press reporter Darlene Superville contributed from Washington.
Travis Etienne Jr. isn't the only player with that last name in the NFC South; his younger brother Trevor is a running back for the Carolina Panthers. And the elder brother can't wait to take the division away from him after signing with the New Orleans Saints. Etienne had plenty of good reasons to sign with the Saints in free agency but he told reporters Friday that the opportunity to win more games against his sibling just made the deal even better.
"That's just the icing on (the cake), the cherry on top," Etienne smiled. "I just want to say this right now, I'm 1-0 versus him, undefeated, and I plan on keeping it that way." Etienne echoed that sentiment to WWL Radio's Jeff Nowak, having told his brother: "I hope y'all get a good wild card spot because the division is ours."
Etienne's Jaguars ran roughshod over the Panthers in his last game against Carolina, winning on New Years' Eve 2023 in a 26-0 shutout. He rushed for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just 16 carries while catching two passes for another 16 yards. His big highlight on the afternoon was a 62-yard score. If you're curious, no Saints running back has had a rush for 62 or more yards since Mark Ingram II did it on Dec. 3, 2017.
Much love to his brother, but Etienne enjoyed watching Tyler Shough and the Saints sweep Carolina last year, too. That was his first exposure to his new quarterback, and Etienne liked what he saw. Shough engineered a fourth-quarter comeback in Week 15, tying the game with a 12-yard Chris Olave touchdown pass before getting the team into field goal range for Charlie Smyth to put it away. Seeing Shough standing tall impressed him. Now he wants to be a part of more wins against a division rival -- and maybe win some more bragging rights against his brother, too.
Telling Kasper Schmeichel interview as Celtic performances explained
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has revealed that he has withdrawn from international duty after confirming an ongoing shoulder injury. In an interview with Danish media, Schmeichel confirmed that he had spoken to Denmark manager Brian Reimer to advise him of his injury issues.
Schmeichel confirmed that he has been playing through the pain in his shoulder, something that has clearly inhibited his performances for Celtic.
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel fails to stop a shot from distance Ricardo Horta of SC Braga who scores to give Braga a 0-1 lead. Celtic v Braga, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 02 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock
Speaking to Sport TV2, Schmeichel explained his decision to withdraw from international duty ahead of the playoffs for the FIFA World Cup this summer.
“I called Brian today and said that I cannot play the upcoming World Cup matches here in March.
“It hurts me a lot, because throughout my career I have done everything to play for the Danish national team. It is just the biggest thing for me. I am with the boys all the way, and I know they will give everything to qualify us for the World Cup.
“A year ago I broke my shoulder against Portugal, but stayed on the field and played on because we did not have any more substitutions.
“It has caused a lot of after-effects that have been difficult to live with – and to play with.
“But the last few months have taken a bad turn with my shoulder, and it has really caused me problems.
“When we played the Europa League against Stuttgart a few weeks ago, I landed on the wrong shoulder for their first goal and smashed something again.”
The display against Stuttgart was poor but rather than substituting himself off at 1-0, Schmeichel continued to play through the injury. This was followed up by his appearance for Celtic against Hibs a few days later. Supporters would notice Schmeichel signalling to the bench in the first half and receiving a reply by virtue of the subs board.
Callum McGregor and Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic celebrate after their win in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Schmeichel confirmed that he has been undergoing treatment in order to allow him to play but it’s been clear that he has still been stricken with the injury, making a number of uncharacteristic mistakes.
“I have done everything I could to get ready ever since. I have had various treatments, injections and blockades, and unfortunately that has not made it better.
“On the contrary, a nerve was hit during an injection, and that also made me sick.
“Now I have to protect my body. I have been told by the specialists that the only thing that will help my shoulder is a four-to-six week break.
“There will be matches after this, and there will be a new season, and I also have to think about that. It can’t go on anymore. I have to admit that my shoulder is not right.
“I will not be able to give my best and am forced to cancel. I hope with all my heart that the boys will now play us at the World Cup.”
It is telling that Schmeichel believes at this stage he should open up about his issues. There would have been a real sympathy for him given this issue had he owned up to it earlier this season, likewise the club’s medical and coaching team should not have put him into the team if he’s been nursing a serious injury, especially such an important one for a goalie.
Formula 1 is set to cancel two upcoming races in the Middle East as a result of the ongoing war in Iran, according to ESPN.
The Bahrain Grand Prix was previously set for April 12 and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was scheduled for a week later on April 19, but both will be called off after numerous strikes in both countries from Iran, whose leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an attack from the United States and Israel on Feb. 28.
The races were the fourth and fifth on the F1 calendar. It’s reportedly unlikely they are replaced due to how packed the schedule is in the back end of the year, meaning F1 would be going from 24 races in 2026 to 22.
It would also mean a break for teams lasting the full month of April. Once the Japanese Grand Prix is completed on March 28, the next would be the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The decision is hardly a surprise for anyone involved in F1, as it had previously set a deadline to make a final call on the two races. The decision would be based on only in safety but F1 teams’ considerable logistics, as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has essentially prevented any freight shipping in or out of Bahrain.
Feb 24, 2023; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Taylor Rogers (left) and identical twin brother Tyler Rogers pose for a portrait together during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s a full day of baseball down in the desert as the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants go up against one another twice in split-squad action at both teams’ home parks.
Chase Burns will toe the rubber in the early game, which will begin at 7:05 PM ET. That one’s on the road in Scottsdale at the Giants complex, and a lineup spearheaded by TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Will Benson, and JJ Bleday will back him. Top prospect Tyson Lewis is also in the linep as the DH for the evening as that half of the Reds takes on San Francisco righty Landen Roupp.
There’s no televised feed for that one, but you’ll be able to follow along with San Francisco’s radio broadcast through MLB.com if you so choose.
Over in Goodyear, the other half of the Reds will host the Giants in a game set to begin at 9:05 PM ET under the lights. Brady Singer will get the start opposite Giants lefty Carson Whisenhunt, and the Reds defense behind Singer will feature Elly De La Cuz, Spencer Steer (getting a start at 2B), Sal Stewart at 1B, and Noelvi Marte getting some run in CF. Top prospect Alfredo Duno is in the lineup for that one, but he’ll DH as Tyler Stephenson takes the catching duties.
That game, too, will be untelevised. The Cincinnati radio broadcast crew will be following it, however, so you’ll be able to listen in via MLB.com (or you can fire up your transistor radio and catch it via Amplitude Modulation station 700 WLW).
Hat tip to Redleg Nation’s Doug Gray for posting the travel rosters for both games via Bluesky. Steele Hall is among the reserves for the team in Goodyear, while Ivan Johnson is on the bench for the game in Scottsdale fresh off his appearance for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
When Zach Atkins transferred to Colorado last year from Northwest Missouri State, many viewed the athletic tight end as a diamond in the rough.
During the 2025 season, that did not really materialize despite Deion Sanders calling him "a future NFL player." Atkins played in all 12 games but only recorded 20 receptions for 149 receiving yards. It was a disappointing output for a player with so much potential. However, with Brennan Marion in as offensive coordinator and Josh Niblett hired as tight ends coach, Atkins' trajectory is pointing upward, and he sees his potential within the offense.
"It's every pass-catching tight end's dream," Atkins said when speaking to the media on Friday. I can do both (back and receive). This offense has been unbelievable to learn and play in. We can do everything (in this offense). Being in this offense is a dream come true."
Colorado TE Zach Atkins on the Go-Go: “It’s every pass-catching TEs dream … this offense has been unbelievable.”
Says he’s never played in an offense that highlighted his skills like this.
Atkins potential has yet to be unlocked by Colorado's staff, but with Marion and Niblett ready to incorporate the tight end back into the Buffs' offense. A productive year from Atkins could set him up to be a legitimate 2027 NFL draft prospect.
Smith, who spent eight seasons as a right tackle with the Indianapolis Colts, officially agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $25 million with the Texans on Friday. Of his contract, $13.5 million is guaranteed.
Smith was one of the top names mentioned to be tied to Houston before the start of free agency and now looks to be the anchor of the offensive line in a year filled with hope of a resurgence blocking for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
“It just felt like the right fit, like there was definitely a feeling behind it," Smith told KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson following the news of his intent to sign. "From a faith standpoint, I feel like God places us where he needs us and feel like Houston’s been on the mind for a while now. Ultimately, it happened the way that it needed to happen and I feel good about it.”
Smith started over 100 games at right tackle for the Colts during his eight seasons with the franchise, but initially was drafted to play guard after serving as a two-time All-SEC linemen at right guard at Auburn. After an injury in training camp, he took over full-time at right tackle, eventually earning a lucrative contract extension ahead of his final year on his rookie contract to become the league's then-highest-paid right tackle.
His addition is expected to bolster an offensive line that needed further talent and experience. The Texans earlier this week re-signed right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal worth over $37 million to stick around after a dominant season last fall. With Smith's addition, the Texans are bolstering their power zone offensive scheme with competent run blockers who can thrive in bullying defensive tackles inside short-yardage territory.
Entering his age 30 season, Smith made a successful return to the NFL last season after missing the final five games of 2024 for the Colts in 2024 because of mental health challenges. Known for his powerful run blocking, Smith was part of an offensive line that helped running back All-Pro Jonathan Taylor total his fourth 1,000-yard season since joining the franchise in 2020.
The Texans aren't done building the offensive line and still are expected to target at least one or two more names in free agency or the upcoming draft in April.
This week of Sports Business Minute with “The Sports Professor” Rick Horrow features U.S. Open signing a multiyear deal with Harvey as the institution’s official legal assistant starting 2026. Harvey raised $160 million in its latest funding round and has a valuation of more than $8 billion.
The Boston Red Sox should be pleasantly surprised with Jarren Duran’s performance in the World Baseball Classic, as the All-Star outfielder hit .333 with three home runs in four games for Mexico. It also gives them the ability to ride that hype into a trade.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman proposes that the Sox use Duran’s success to finally deal for a target they were linked to all offseason, and swap him for Kansas City Royals All-Star Cole Ragans. This would give Boston another All-Star for their rotation, and push Brayan Bello to the fifth spot they were looking to fill.
“Duran is a fantastic player, and if he's back to his 2024 form, trading him would really hurt. When right, he's a legitimate five-tool star who can carry a team. The reason why Boston would be willing to trade him, though, comes down to their outfield depth. Even without Duran, the Red Sox would have one of the best outfields in the league with Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu lining up from left to right, and they could use Masataka Yoshida, another outfielder, at the DH spot. They can afford to trade Duran, and would be receiving a guy who, when right, is a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. Cole Ragans finished fourth in the AL Cy Young balloting in 2024 and led the American League, striking out 10.8 batters per nine innings. 2025 was a down year, but he also missed substantial time due to injury. Now fully healthy, Ragans could be in for a huge year, giving the Red Sox an absurd rotation,” Rotman wrote.
This past season, Ragans was injured for most of it and posted a 3-3 record, a 4.67 ERA, 98 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.184 over 61 innings pitched. However, his FIP was 2.50, meaning the team’s defense is what blew up his ERA. In his All-Star season in 2024, he finished with a record of 11-9, an ERA of 3.14, a FIP of 2.99, 223 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.143 over 186 innings pitched.
He’d also be cost-effective, as he’s on year two of a three-year, $13.25 million deal, and still has another year of arbitration after that.
This would give the Sox a rotation of Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, Ragans, Sonny Gray, and Bello. If the Red Sox are doubling down on defense, this is the move to make.
The New Orleans Saints made a splash on the running back free agent market earlier this week, signing former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract.
Etienne finished the 2025-26 NFL season with 260 carries for 1,107 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on a Jaguars squad that earned a trip to the AFC Wild Card round.
While the Saints could still move forward with their historic 30-year-old running back, Alvin Kamara (he’s tied for the most rushing touchdowns in a single NFL game), Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes that the Denver Broncos could be among the best NFL landing spots for the ex-Offensive Rookie of the Year if New Orleans eventually trades him.
“No coach has gotten more out of Kamara than Sean Payton,” Kay wrote Tuesday. “Payton was at the reins in New Orleans when the franchise drafted the back out of Tennessee in 2017 and helped the rookie prospect immediately blossom into a star.”
“During their tenure together with the Saints from 2017-21, Kamara averaged an eye-popping 1,500 yards and 13.4 touchdowns per season. He made the Pro Bowl in all five of those seasons and established himself as one of the NFL's great playmakers.”
“While Dobbins re-upped with Denver on a two-year deal, the Broncos could still benefit heavily from having Kamara in the mix as both insurance and a change-of-pace option to round out the platoon. The Broncos hold the final two selections in the 2026 draft and could package these up in exchange for his services.”
Kay’s hypothetical trade idea would see the Broncos send two 2027 seventh-round picks to the Saints for Kamara. As Kay noted, there’s no question that Kamara and Payton’s established chemistry could play a significant role in a potential offseason trade.
While Kamara failed to rush for 1,000 yards under Payton’s leadership, he was highly productive when the Super Bowl-winning head coach was at the helm, finishing with 7,501 total scrimmage yards and 67 total touchdowns.
Although the Tennessee product is coming off a rough 2025-26 campaign with the Saints, it isn’t far-fetched to suggest that the 5-foot-10 speedster and elite contact balance RB could get back on track with Payton in Denver next season in an ideal scenario.
Get ready for a flurry of player movement across the NFL.
The new league year has officially begun, and all 32 teams will use the coming days to retool through free agency and the trade market before April’s draft. With some big names set to hit the open market and a few more potentially available via trade, plenty of action is expected.
If there’s one lesson from Super Bowl 60, it’s that a successful offseason can turn a playoff contender into a title contender. Last year, the Seattle Seahawks added top free agents, including quarterback Sam Darnold, while the New England Patriots stocked up on defensive starters that helped them reach the Super Bowl.
The NFL salary cap has increased to $301.2 million for 2026, up from $279.2 million last year. While the negotiation window for free agency opens on March 9, free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, when players can be signed as the new league year kicks off.
The Sporting News will track all notable NFL free agent signings and trades during the 2026 NFL free agency frenzy. Follow along below for the latest rumors, news, and player movement as deals are announced.
NFL free agency live news, updates on signings and trades
(All times Eastern)
March 13
Eagles, Dallas Goedert push back contract void date for 2nd time
5:35 p.m. -- As things appear, the Eagles continue to be working on an extension for tight end Dallas Goedert. Per Zach Berman, Goedert and the team pushed back the void date on his last deal for a second time on Friday, now creating a deadline of Monday to iron out an extension.
Panthers sign OT Rasheed Walker
4:11 p.m. -- According to Ian Rapoport, the former Packers tackle is headed to Carolina on a one-year deal. Walker was one of the top offensive linemen available an now will protect Bryce Young for the Panthers.
Colts add S Jonathan Owens
3:19 p.m. -- The well-traveled defensive back and special teamer is headed to the Colts on a one-year deal, according to Mike Garafolo. The veteran has previously played for the Texans, Packers and Bears in his career.
Dolphins sign WR Jalen Tolbert
2:05 p.m. -- Jordan Schultz reports the former Cowboys receiver is heading to Miami on a one-year deal. Tolbert had 1,093 receiving yards in four seasons with Dallas, including a career-high 610 receiving yards in 2024.
DT Dalvin Tomlinson goes to the Chargers
2:00 p.m. -- Per Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are signing the veteran defensive tackle to a one-year, $7.5 million deal. Now 32 years-old, Tomlinson spent last year with the Cardinals and has played in 142 games since entering the NFL in 2017, giving his teams a reliable interior defender.
Titans release L'Jarius Sneed
1:46 p.m. -- Sneed was two years into a four-year, $76 million deal he signed with Tennessee, but the Titans have decided to move on, according to Adam Schefter. Tennessee saves over $11 million in cap space, while Sneed becomes one of the bigger names available on the market.
Rams explored WR A.J. Brown trade prior to acquiring CB Trent McDuffie
11:32 a.m. -- According to Dianna Russini, Los Angeles called the Eagles about Brown before trading for McDuffie, whom the team then signed to a huge contract. The talks aren't totally dead, though, as the Rams will still "monitor" the situation moving forward.
CB Cobie Durant signs with Cowboys
9:10 a.m. -- Durant was a solid player for the Rams, and he's now going to Dallas for a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, per Adam Schefter.
March 12
Philadelphia signs LB Arnold Ebiketie
10:46 p.m. -- The Eagles remain busy as Philly is set to sign the former Falcons linebacker on a one-year deal worth up to $7.3 million, according to Adam Schefter.
Eagles add CB Jonathan Jones
7:42 p.m. -- The former Patriots and Commanders cornerback is now going to Philadelphia on a one-year deal, per Ian Rapoport.
FB Connor Heyward to the Raiders
7:19 p.m. -- The former Steeler and brother of Cameron Heyward now heads west on a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Steelers sign S Jaquan Brisker
7:10 p.m. -- Pittsburgh is signing former Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, per Mike Garafolo.
Buffalo lands safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson
6:40 p.m. -- The Bills are signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $6 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Vikings officially landing QB Kyler Murray on one-year deal
6:29 p.m. -- Minnesota is officially signing former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum, per Adam Schefter. Because Murray is set to earn a significant amount from Arizona this season, he lands a cheap deal from the Vikings, seeking to become Kevin O'Connell's next quarterback project.
WR Calvin Austin signing with Giants
6:03 p.m. -- Former Steelers wideout Calvin Austin is heading to the Giants on a one year deal worth up to $4.5 million, per Adam Schefter.
49ers re-uniting with LB Dre Greenlaw
4:40 p.m. -- After his stint with the Broncos, Dre Greenlaw is returning to the 49ers on a one-year, $7.5 million deal per Ian Rapoport.
DE Bryce Huff retiring at 27
4:34 p.m. -- Former Jets and Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff is retiring from the NFL at age 27, per Adam Schefter.
RB Rachaad White signs with Commanders
3:10 p.m. -- After Chris Rodriguez's departure for the Jaguars, the Commanders are adding another veteran running back in former Buccaneers weapon Rachaad White. It will be a one-year deal, per Adam Schefter.
Bengals sign DT Jonathan Allen
2:15 p.m. -- Former Vikings DT Jonathan Allen has agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals, per Jeremy Fowler.
Chargers sign Keaton Mitchell
7:50 a.m. -- Mitchell is going from one Harbaugh to the other, as the former Ravens running back is signing a two-year, $9.25 million deal with Jim Harbaugh's Chargers, per Tom Pelissero.
March 11
Kyler Murray to meet with Vikings on Thursday
8:31 p.m. -- With the Vikings considered the favorites to land Kyler Murray, he's set to meet with Minnesota on Thursday, per Adam Schefter.
Cowboys send DL Solomon Thomas to Titans, DT Osa Odighizuwa to 49ers
7:16 p.m. -- Dallas is making a pair of trades, per Adam Schefter, sending DT Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick, then also dealing Solomon Thomas to the Titans alongside a seventh-round pick in exchange for another seventh-rounder.
RB Chris Rodriguez signs with Jaguars
5:43 p.m. -- After Travis Etienne's departure, the Jaguars are adding veteran running back Chris Rodriguez on a two-year, $10 million deal, per Jeremy Fowler.
DT Javon Hargrave heading to Packers
5:01 p.m. -- Former Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has inked a two-year, $23 million deal with the Packers, per Adam Schefter.
Bills signing former Dolphins DE Bradley Chubb
4:28 p.m. -- Buffalo is signing former Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43.5 million deal worth up to $52.5 million, per Adam Schefter. Another top pass rusher is off the market.
Raiders expected to show interest in QB Kirk Cousins
4:16 p.m. -- Kirk Cousins, who has reportedly been officially released by the Falcons, is expected to be a potential target for the Raiders on the open market, according to Dianna Russini. Las Vegas is known to be eyeing a veteran passer to pair with presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, and Cousins could be an answer.
Vikings 'overwhelming favorite' to sign QB Kyler Murray after official release
4:01 p.m. -- With the Cardinals' release of Kyler Murray becoming official, the Vikings are now the "overwhelming favorite" to sign him in free agency, per Adam Schefter. The expectation is that Minnesota will strike a deal for Murray, who would likely take over as QB1 for J.J. McCarthy.
TE Chig Okonkwo to sign with Commanders
3:40 p.m. -- The Commanders will be signing tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $30 million deal, per NFL Network.
Jaylinn Hawkins signing with Ravens
3:39 p.m. -- Former Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins is signing a two-year deal with Baltimore, per Adam Schefter.
RB Aaron Jones returning to Vikings
2:55 p.m. -- After initially being set to become a free agent by being cut from Minnesota, veteran running back Aaron Jones is instead restructuring his deal with the Vikings to return in 2026, per Adam Schefter. He will be paid $5.6 million, with $5 million guaranteed.
Daniel Jones, Colts agree to two-year, $88 million extension
12:13 p.m. -- The Colts and Jones were working on an extension and we now have the terms. The two-year deal is worth $88 million, but can max out at $100 million with incentives and bonuses. It also includes more than $60 million in guaranteed money, per Ian Rapoport.
Colts, Bills, Bucs, Commanders and Eagles were in on Hendrickson
10:31 a.m. -- The Ravens signed Hendrickson, but they were not the only team interested in the pass-rusher. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Colts, Bills, Bucs, Commanders and Eagles were all in on him and could still be looking to make a splash move to acquire defensive line help.
Ravens sign Trey Hendrickson to 4-year, $112 million deal
9:10 a.m. -- About 12 hours after backing out of the deal to acquire Crosby from the Raiders, the Ravens already have their replacement. They have signed pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal, per Ian Rapoport. Hendrickson stays in the AFC North after playing the last five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders could retain Crosby after failed trade
8:49 a.m. -- Crosby was an unofficial member of the Ravens for less than four days. After a reported failed physical, he returns to Las Vegas. Even though the Raiders had spent nearly $300 million in contracts in free agency, they have the cap space this year to retain Crosby if they show choose. Las Vegas is open to trading him still, but Ian Rapoport reported they are fine keeping the star pass rusher.
Colts, Daniel Jones close to 2-year extension
8:43 a.m. -- The Colts tagged QB Daniel Jones in the hopes that they would be able to use the time to work on a long-term deal. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that that deal is expected to come to fruition on Wednesday, and is expected to be a two-year extension.
March 10
Steelers, S Darnell Savage agree to deal
10:50 p.m. -- The Steelers agreed to a one-year deal with safety Darnell Savage, per Tom Pelissero. Savage started 13 games for the Jaguars in 2024 but split 2025 between three teams and is looking to re-establish himself as an NFL regular.
Chargers re-sign OT Trey Pipkins
9:45 p.m. -- The Chargers agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with OT Trey Pipkins, who has started 56 games over the last two seasons. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are both set to return from injury in 2025, but Pipkins gives L.A. some insurance and versatility along the offensive line.
Cowboys add to QB room with Sam Howell
9:15 p.m. -- The Cowboys signed QB Sam Howell to a one-year contract, Adam Schefter reports, adding backup competition for Joe Milton behind Dak Prescott. Dallas will be Howell's fifth team in the last four seasons.
Titans strike deal with P Tommy Townsend
9:20 p.m. -- The Titans are signing former Texans and Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend to a two-year, $6 million deal, Adam Schefter reports.
Texans sign Logan Hall to 2-year deal
8:55 p.m. -- The Texans are giving former Buccaneers DE Logan Hall a two-year, $7M deal. It’s a homecoming for Hall, as he spent his college days at Houston.
Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade
8:00 p.m. -- The Raiders have announced that the Ravens have backed out of their agreed upon trade for star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby in a stunning development. Per Dianna Russini, a failed physical convinced the Ravens to back out. Crosby underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus at the end of the 2025 season.
Patrick Ricard becomes latest former Raven to join Giants
7:50 p.m. -- Former Ravens FB Patrick Ricard is signing a 2-year deal with the Ravens, according to Jordan Schultz, making him the fourth player to reunite with John Harbaugh in free agency.
Trey Hendrickson expected to decide Wednesday
7:35 p.m. -- Pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson is set to make a formal decision tomorrow, according to Dianna Russini. Hendrickson is the top remaining free agent available.
Panthers add center depth with Luke Fortner
7:10 p.m. -- The Panthers are signing C Luke Fortner to a 1-year, $4.5M contract, according to Tom Pelissero. Carolina lost C Cade Mays on Monday.
Commanders add to defense with LB Leo Chenal
6:52 p.m. -- The Commanders are signing former Chiefs LB Leo Chenal to a three-year, $24.75 million deal, Jordan Schultz reports.
Lions bring back Teddy Bridgewater, Rock Ya-Sin
6:50 p.m. -- The Lions are re-signing QB Teddy Bridgewater and CB Rock Ya-Sin, with Ya-Sin receiving a one-year, $4 million deal. Bridgewater is set to back up Jared Goff again in his 13th NFL season.
Saints sign ILB Kaden Elliss after Demario Davis exit
6:20 p.m. -- With D
Eagles land CB Riq Woolen
6:25 p.m. -- After a quiet start to free agency, the Eagles have signed former Seahawks CB Riq Woolen to a one-year deal worth as much as $15 million, Adam Schefter reports. Woolen was a standout rookie in 2022 but saw his role fluctuate in Seattle in the years that followed.
Packers take flier on Skyy Moore
6:24 p.m. -- The Packers are signing former 49ers and Chiefs PR/WR Skyy Moore on a one-year contract, per Jordan Schultz.
Saints sign ILB Kaden Elliss after Demario Davis exit
6:20 p.m. -- With Demario Davis headed back to New York, the Saints are organizing a reunion of their own, bringing back ILB Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $33 million contract, according to Ian Rapoport. Elliss spent his first four seasons in New Orleans but broke out in Atlanta, spending three seasons as a productive starter in the middle of the Falcons' defense.
Texans land punter Kai Kroeger from Saints
6:08 p.m. -- The Texans have acquired punter Kai Kroeger and a seventh-round pick from the Saints for a sixth-round pick, Ian Rapoport reports. Kroeger served as New Orleans' punter for all 17 games as a rookie in 2025.
Giants sign K Jason Sanders
6:05 p.m. -- The Giants are giving former Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter. Sanders was recently released by Miami, and his arrival signals a potential competition with veteran Graham Gano.
Browns add to OL again with Elgton Jenkins
5:55 p.m. -- After adding Tytus Howard, Teven Jenkins and Zion Johnson, the Browns are signing former Packers Pro-Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins to a two-year, $24 million deal with $20 million guaranteed, per Tom Pelissero.
Steelers bring P Cameron Johnston back for second stint
4:45 p.m. -- The Steelers signed P Cameron Johnston to a one-year contract, they announced. Johnston appeared in one game with the Steelers in 2024 before splitting 2025 with the Bills and Giants.
CB Nahshon Wright signs with Jets
3:53 p.m. -- The Jets were infamous in 2025 for not having a single interception on defense. New York is looking to change that and has signed cornerback Nahshon Wright to a one-year deal, worth $5.5 million, per Ian Rapoport.
Jets trade for QB Geno Smith
2:26 p.m. -- The Jets have traded for their former quarterback, per Ian Rapoport. The Raiders get pick No. 208, while New York receives No. 228 and Smith.
Patriots sign WR Romeo Doubs to 4-year deal
2:24 p.m. -- The Patriots are signing former Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. It will pay the wideout an estimated $80 million.
Texans sign OT Braden Smith
2:05 p.m. -- The Texans are signing tackle Braden Smith to a two-year, $20 million deal, Tom Pelissero reports. Smith spent his first eight seasons with the Colts, primarily playing right tackle, and he stays in the AFC South to help replace Tytus Howard.
'All signs point to Geno Smith returning to Jets'
1:36 p.m. -- New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes said that all signs are pointing to veteran QB Geno Smith returning to the Jets. Hughes added that he has the sense that it is a matter of when and not if Smith returns to the team.
Dolphins sign K Zane Gonzalez
1:21 p.m. -- The Miami Dolphins are signing Zane Gonzalez to a one-year deal, per his agent Mike McCartney.
Eagles could be in on Hendrickson
1:16 p.m. -- ESPN Insider Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that the market for Hendrickson has been expanding. Several teams could be interested, and he pointed out that the Eagles did lose Jaelen Phillips to the Panthers in free agency, so Philly could be a landing spot for the pass rusher.
Lions sign RB Isiah Pacheco
1:05 p.m. -- The Lions are signing former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, per Tom Pelissero. He will likely be used to replace David Montgomery and will backup Jahmyr Gibbs.
WR/KR Kalif Raymond reunites with Ben Johnson in Chicago
12:13 p.m. -- Kalif Raymond is signing a one-year deal with the Bears, per Ian Rapoport. The prolific kick returner reunites with Johnson whom he played for in Detroit.
Giants add former first-round pick CB
9:38 a.m. -- The Giants are signing former first-round pick Greg Newsome II to a one-year deal, per Jordan Schultz. He began his career with the Cleveland Browns, but spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Packers add CB Benjamin St-Juste
8:11 a.m. -- Former Chargers cornerback Benjamin St-Juste is joining the Packers on a two-year deal, per Ian Rapoport. The contract is worth $10 million, but with incentives could pay him up to $10.5 million.
March 9
Alijah Vera-Tucker stays in AFC East, joins Patriots
11:43 p.m. — The Patriots have agreed to a three-year deal with former Jets guard Alijah Vera Tucker, per Ian Rapoport. Vera-Tucker was a first-round pick in 2021 but has battled multiple major injuries and missed all of 2025.
Chiefs re-sign WR Tyquan Thornton
11:11 p.m. — The Chiefs are bringing back WR Tyquan Thornton on a two-year, $11 million contract, per Mike Garafolo. Thornton averaged 23.1 yards per catch on 19 receptions in 2025.
Chiefs add to secondary with S Alohi Gilman
10:50 p.m. — The Chiefs have lost four defensive backs from last season's team, but they are adding back to their secondary by signing former Ravens and Chargers safety Alohi Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million deal, per Tom Pelissero.
Cowboys re-sign EDGE Sam Williams
10:30 p.m. — The Cowboys are re-signing pass-rusher Sam Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal, according to Mike Garafolo. Williams had 8.5 sacks over his first two NFL seasons but missed all of 2024 and produced only one sack in 2025.
Raiders, K Matt Gay agree to deal
10:15 p.m. — With Daniel Carlson a free agent, Tom Pelissero reports the Raiders are signing kicker Matt Gay.
Lions add OL depth Larry Borom
10:00 p.m. — After releasing Taylor Decker last week, the Lions are working to rebuild their offensive line. They've agreed to a deal with former Dolphins and Bears OT Larry Borom, who started 11 games in Miami in 2025, per Tom Pelissero.
Panthers bolster defense with LB Devin Lloyd
9:56 p.m. — After adding Jaelan Phillips earlier Monday, the Panthers continue to add with a three-year, $45 million deal for former Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd, per Adam Schefter. A first-round pick in 2022, Lloyd had his fifth-year option declined before 2025 but enjoyed a career year in Jacksonville.
Falcons sign P Jake Bailey
9:50 p.m. — The Falcons are signing former Dolphins and Patriots punter Jake Bailey to a three-year, $9 million deal, according to Marc Raimondi and Adam Schefter.
Jets add former Giants S Dane Belton
9:20 p.m. — The Jets already acquired S Minkah Fitzpatrick earlier Monday and are bringing in some depth with a one-year deal for former Giants S Dane Belton, Jordan Schultz reported. Belton started nine games in 2025 with an interception and two sacks.
Giants land another former Raven
9:15 p.m. — The Giants are signing former Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington to a one-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz, making him already the third former Raven reuniting with John Harbaugh. Washington missed most of 2025 before getting back on the field late in the year.
Teams monitoring Alvin Kamara's situation
8:54 p.m. — With Travis Etienne agreeing to a lucrative deal in New Orleans, Adam Schefter reports teams are wondering if Alvin Kamara is planning to move on from the Saints via trade.
Chargers add Cole Strange to offensive line
8:50 p.m. — The Chargers are signing guard Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million deal, according to Adam Schefter. A former first-round pick of the Patriots, Strange started 14 games for the Dolphins in 2025. The Chargers lost OG Zion Johnson earlier Monday.
Bills re-sign P Mitch Wishnowsky
8:30 p.m. — The Bills are re-signing Mitch Wishnowsky to a one-year contract, per Dianna Russini.
Josh Williams becomes Titans' latest CB addition
8:25 p.m. — After signing Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott earlier Monday, the Titans are adding another cornerback in former Chiefs CB Josh Williams, Tom Pelissero reported. The 26-year-old played a part-time role for the Chiefs over the last four seasons, but he was relegated to special teams in 2025.
Former Texans LB Christian Harris signs with Falcons
7:55 p.m. — Former Texans LB Christian Harris has agreed to a deal with the Falcons, according to Cameron Wolfe. Harris was a starter in his first two NFL seasons, but he missed most of 2024 with an injury and spent 2025 behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oto'o.
Bills add Kyle Allen after losing Trubisky
7:45 p.m. — The Bills are signing QB Kyle Allen to a two-year, $4.1 million contract, bringing the former Panthers QB back for a second stint. Allen, who is not related to Josh Allen, could hold down the No. 2 role after Mitchell Trubisky left for Tennessee.
Steelers add RB Rico Dowdle after losing Gainwell
7:20 p.m. — The Steelers are signing former Panthers RB Rico Dowdle, according to Dianna Russini. Dowdle entered 2025 as the Panthers' No. 2 running back but forced his way into a split with Chuba Hubbard after a dominant midseason stretch that pushed him to his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. Dowdle joins Jaylen Warren in the Steelers' backfield, which lost Kenneth Gainwell to free agency.
Titans, C Austin Schlottman agree to deal
7:00 p.m. — The busy Titans have agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million with center Austin Schlottman, who started four games for the Giants in 2024, according to Jeremy Fowler.
Braxton Jones returns to Bears on one-year deal
6:58 p.m. — OT Braxton Jones is re-signing with the Bears on a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero. Jones has started 44 games for Chicago over his four NFL seasons, though he missed most of 2025 with an injury.
Kendrick Bourne joins Cardinals' WR corps
6:50 p.m. — The Cardinals' latest move is a two-year deal for former 49ers and Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne. The veteran is signing a two-year, $10 million deal, according to Cameron Wolfe.
Browns signing LB Quincy Williams
6:49 p.m. — After losing LB Devin Bush to the Bear following a resurgent season, the Browns are filling the void at linebacker with former Jets LB Quincy Williams, Dianna Russini reports. Williams has been a starter for New York for the last five seasons and was an All-Pro in 2023.
Texans, Reed Blankenship agree to deal
6:46 p.m. — Former Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is joining a loaded Texans secondary on a three-year, $24.75 million deal, Adam Schefter reports. Blankenship was a starter in each of the last three seasons in Philadelphia, snagging four interceptions in 2024.
Cardinals give DT Roy Lopez two-year deal
6:43 p.m. — The Cardinals continue to add to the trenches with a two-year, $11.5 million deal for former Lions DT Roy Lopez, according to Tom Pelissero. Lopez, who was a reserve in 2025, spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Arizona.
Cardinals add OG Isaac Seumalo
6:41 p.m. — The Cardinals are signing guard Isaac Seumalo to a three-year, $31.5 million deal, per Mike Garafolo. A 10-year veteran, Seumalo spent the last three seasons with the Steelers, earning a Pro Bowl bid in 2024.
WR Rashid Shaheed returning to Seahawks
6:23 p.m. — The Super Bowl champions are bringing back a key weapon, with wide receiver Rashid Shaheed signing a three-year, $51 million extension that includes $34.7 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter.
Panthers add Kenny Pickett to QB room
6:20 p.m. — Former Steelers, Browns, Eagles and Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett is heading to the Panthers on a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, Adam Schefter reports.
Raiders bolstering LB room with Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean
6:04 p.m. — Two of the market's top linebackers are heading to Las Vegas, with Nakobe Dean inking a three-year, $36 million deal, per Jordan Schultz, and Quay Walker leaving Green Bay for the Raiders on a three-year, $40.5 million contract, per Ian Rapoport.
Saints adding TE Noah Fant
5:47 p.m. — Tight end Noah Fant has agreed to a two-year deal with the Saints, per Ian Rapoport.
Broncos releasing LB Dre Greenlaw, bringing back Alex Singleton
The team is also re-signing LB Alex Singleton to a two-year deal, per Dianna Russini.
DT Tim Settle re-uniting with Commanders
5:23 p.m. — Washington is re-uniting with former first-round pick DT Tim Settle on a three-year, $24 million deal, per Mike Garafolo.
Kelce officially heading back to Chiefs
5:21 p.m. — Travis Kelce's reunion with Kansas City has been finalized, as he's avoiding retirement for now with a one-year, $12 million deal that has a max value of $15 million, per Adam Schefter.
CB Dee Alford signing with Bills
5:18 p.m. — According to Jeremy Fowler, CB Dee Alford is heading to Buffalo on a three-year, $21 million contract.
Giants re-sign OL Jermaine Eluemunor
5:16 p.m. — New York is bringing back offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor on a three-year, $39 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Jaguars 'entertaining' offers for WR Brian Thomas Jr.
5:03 p.m. — SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the Jaguars are entertaining offers for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., with the Jets and Giants among teams that explored that possibility at the trade deadline.
Cardinals signing QB Gardner Minshew II
4:58 p.m. — Arizona is adding veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew II on a one-year, $8 million deal, per Adam Schefter. He's set to join the Cardinals offense as Kyler Murray departs.
DE Kwity Paye reaches deal with Raiders
4:57 p.m. — Las Vegas has agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal with pass rusher Kwity Paye, Adam Schefter reports.
Tua Tagovailoa to sign one-year deal with Falcons
4:56 p.m. — The former Dolphins quarterback is officially heading to Atlanta, with Tagovailoa inking a one-year deal with the Falcons, per Adam Schefter.
Cowboys land S Jalen Thompson
4:25 p.m. — Dallas has agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal with safety Jalen Thompson, per Adam Schefter.
Commanders bolster pass-rush with Odafe Oweh
4:15 p.m. — The Commanders are giving former Ravens and Chargers pass-rusher Odafe Oweh a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed, Adam Schefter reports.
Bengals sign pass-rusher Boye Mafe
4:13 p.m. — The Super Bowl champions have another defection, as pass-rusher Boye Mafe is signing a three-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals, Adam Schefter reports.
Packers release OL Elgton Jenkins
4:05 p.m. — The Packers are releasing veteran guard/center Elgton Jenkins, according to Adam Schefter. Jenkins was a two-time Pro-Bowler in Green Bay.
QB Marcus Mariota returning to Commanders
3:40 p.m. — Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota is signing a one-year, $7 million deal to return to the Commanders, per Tom Pelissero.
S Bryan Cook signing with Bengals
3:37 p.m. — Cincinnati is signing former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook to a three-year, $40.25 million deal, per Ian Rapoport.
LB Tremaine Edmunds heading to Giants
3:35 p.m. — After his departure from the Bears, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the Giants, per Mike Garafolo.
TE Charlie Kolar signs with Chargers
3:33 p.m. — Former Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar has agreed to a three-year, $24.3 million deal with the Chargers, per Adam Schefter.
Broncos nearing deal to bring RB J.K. Dobbins back
3:32 p.m. — Denver is working on an agreement for running back J.K. Dobbins to return, per Zac Stevens. Dobbins also shared a post about a return to Denver, with unknown contract details.
Titans signing CB Cor’Dale Flott, CB Alontae Taylor, DE John Franklin-Myers
3:29 p.m. — Tennessee is making a number of reported defensive moves. The Titans are signing CB Cor’Dale Flott to a three-year, $45 million deal, per Mike Garafolo, along with former Saints corner Alontae Taylor for three years and $60 million, per Adam Schefter.
Tennessee is also adding EDGE John Franklin-Myers for three years and $63 million, per Schefter.
Bears land LB Devin Bush
3:04 p.m. — Former Browns linebacker Devin Bush has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Bears, per Adam Schefter. It includes $21 million guaranteed.
G Zion Johnson signing three-year deal with Browns
3:03 p.m. — Former Chargers offensive lineman Zion Johnson is heading to Cleveland on a three-year, $49.5 million deal with $32.4 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter.
Steelers signing CB Jamel Dean
2:43 p.m. — Pittsburgh is inking cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year, $36.75 million deal, per Ian Rapoport.
49ers signing WR Mike Evans
2:42 p.m. — Another premiere wide receiver is off the market, with Mike Evans heading to the 49ers on a three-year contract, according to Adam Schefter. Evans officially leaves the Buccaneers after 12 years, becoming an elite weapon for Brock Purdy.
Evans received a three-year, $60.1 million deal, per Schefter.
WR Jalen Nailor signs three-year deal with Raiders
2:20 p.m. — Las Vegas is signing wide receiver Jalen Nailor to a three-year, $35 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Saints signing former Bills G David Edwards
2:11 p.m. — New Orleans is adding offensive line help, signing former Bills guard David Edwards, per Ian Rapoport.
It will be a four-year, $61 million deal for Edwards, per Adam Schefter.
Chiefs sign DL Khyiris Tonga to three-year deal
2:10 p.m. — Former Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga is heading to the Chiefs on a three-year, $21 million contract, per Tom Pelissero.
Falcons adding WR Jahan Dotson
2:03 p.m. — Atlanta is signing former first-round pick Jahan Dotson on a two-year, $15 million deal, per Adam Schefter. The deal is worth up to $17 million.
WR Wan'Dale Robinson heading to Titans
2:02 p.m. — Former Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is signing a deal with the Titans, per Adam Schefter. He becomes a top weapon for Cam Ward, reuniting with Brian Daboll, who will be offensive coordinator in Tennessee.
Robinson receives a four-year, $78 million contract with $38 million guaranteed, per Schefter.
RB Travis Etienne signing with Saints
2:01 p.m. — The top remaining running back available, Travis Etienne, is signing with the Saints, according to Adam Schefter. Being close to his Louisiana roots reportedly played a role in the signing.
It's a four-year, $52 million deal for Etienne, per Schefter.
Falcons signing kicker Nick Folk
1:59 p.m. — Atlanta has agreed to a two-year deal with veteran kicker Nick Folk, per Tom Pelissero.
Titans agree to 3-year deal for TE Daniel Bellinger
1:58 p.m. — Former Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger has agreed to a three-year deal with the Titans worth $24 million, per Jordan Schultz.
Raiders signing C Tyler Linderbaum to historic deal
1:49 p.m. — Las Vegas has agreed to a three-year, $81 million deal with center Tyler Linderbaum, with $60 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter. He becomes the highest paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
Cardinals signing RB Tyler Allgeier
1:48 p.m. — Arizona, which already agreed to bring back veteran James Conner, is signing running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million deal, per Jeremy Fowler.
Bears ink S Coby Bryant to 3-year deal
1:46 p.m. — Former Seahawks safety Coby Bryant is signing a three-year, $40 million contract with the Bears, per Jordan Schultz.
Punter Jake Bailey signing with Falcons
1:35 p.m. — Another punter contract: Jake Bailey is heading to the Falcons on a three-year, $9 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Titans ink QB Mitchell Trubisky to two-year deal
1:26 p.m. — According to Mike Garafolo, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is signing a two-year deal with the Titans, set to become Cam Ward's backup moving forward.
Punter Ryan Wright signs four-year deal with Saints
1:19 p.m. — New Orleans is signing punter Ryan Wright to a four-year, $14 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Giants reach historic deal with punter Jordan Stout
1:17 p.m. — New York has reached agreement on a three-year, $12.3 million deal with punter Jordan Stout, which makes him the highest-paid punter in the NFL, per Adam Schefter.
LB Alex Anzalone signing with Buccaneers
1:15 p.m. — Tampa Bay is signing former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract, according to Adam Schefter.
RB Kenneth Gainwell signing with Buccaneers
1:14 p.m. — Former Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is signing a two year, $14 million deal with the Buccaneers, per Jeremy Fowler. Gainwell joins Tampa Bay's backfield behind Bucky Irving
Jets adding former Saints LB DeMario Davis
1:09 p.m. — Another defender heading to the Jets will be former Saints linebacker DeMario Davis, per Adam Schefter, as he agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal with $15 million guaranteed.
Kingsley Enagbare signing with Jets
1:02 p.m. — The Jets are signing pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare to a one-year, $10 million deal, per Jeremy Fowler.
Jets signing DE Joseph Ossai
12:59 p.m. — New York has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with EDGE Joseph Ossai, per Adam Schefter.
Dolphins signing QB Malik Willis
12:57 p.m. — One of the top available quarterbacks is headline to Miami, with Malik Willis signing a deal with the Dolphins, per Adam Schefter. Willis is set to earn a starting opportunity after flashing dual-threat success with the Packers last season, replacing Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins.
It will be a three-year, $67.5 million deal for Willis, per Ian Rapoport, with $45 million fully guaranteed.
TE Isaiah Likely signing deal with Giants
12:56 p.m. — Top free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely is signing a three-year deal with the Giants, per Adam Schefter. Likely re-unites with John Harbaugh in New York, and becomes a top weapon for Jaxson Dart.
Steelers acquiring WR Michael Pittman Jr. from Colts
12:50 p.m. — After signing Alec Pierce to a massive extension, the Colts are trading wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, per Adam Schefter. The teams will be swapping "late-round picks," while Pittman also will likely be getting an extension from Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are signing Pittman to a three year, $59 million extension, per Schefter.
Jaelan Phillips signs four-year deal with Panthers
12:44 p.m. — Former Eagles and Dolphins pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is signing a four-year, $120 million contract with Carolina, per Adam Schefter. It includes $80 million in guarantees; after heavy speculation that Phillips would return to Philadelphia, one of the top available defenders heads to the Panthers.
Laremy Tunsil inks two-year extension with Commanders
12:42 p.m. — Offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil has agreed to a two-year, $60.2 million extension with Washington, per Adam Schefter.
Jaylen Watson signing with Rams
12:40 p.m. — Another Chiefs cornerback is heading to the Rams, as Jaylen Watson, one of the top defensive backs on the market, is signing a three-year deal with L.A., per Adam Schefter.
Super Bowl 60 MVP RB Kenneth Walker signing with Chiefs
12:25 p.m. — Star running back Kenneth Walker is signing with the Chiefs, per Tom Pelissero. The Super Bowl 60 MVP departs Seattle for another recent champion, now set to headline Kansas City's backfield.
Patriots signing DL/LB Dre'Mont Jones
12:20 p.m. — Former Titans and Ravens defender Dre'Mont Jones is signing a three-year, $39 million deal with the Patriots, per Jordan Schultz.
Colts signing WR Alec Pierce to historic extension
12:06 p.m. — The top free-agent wide receiver, Alec Pierce, is heading back to Indianapolis, according to Ian Rapoport. He becomes the highest-paid free-agent receiver in NFL history with a four-year, $114 million contract, which includes $84 million guaranteed, $60 million fully guaranteed at signing, and a max package of $116 million.
49ers now 'open' to trading LT Trent Williams
12:04 p.m. — San Francisco and its star offensive lineman, Trent Williams, haven't yet been able to come to a conclusion on his contract situation, which, according to Ian Rapoport, could lead to a trade.
Falcons making 'strong push' for Tua Tagovailoa
11:34 a.m. — Former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is likely to wind up in Atlanta, as Tom Pelissero reports that the Falcons are "making a strong push" for the quarterback to join Michael Penix Jr., and a deal could come together soon.
Travis Kelce expected to return to Chiefs
11:31 a.m. — Per Ian Rapoport, Kelce is "expected" to return to the Chiefs for a 14th NFL season, not only meaning he won't be joining any other franchise in free agency, but also holding off retirement.
According to Dianna Russini, Kelce's deal would be for one year and up to $15 million, but nothing is finalized.
Teams getting sense Mike Evans is 'serious' about potential Buccaneers exit
11:10 a.m. — The chances of veteran wide receiver Mike Evans leaving the Buccaneers appear to be increasing, as Jordan Schultz reports that teams are getting the sense he's "serious" about a potential exit from Tampa Bay.
'No momentum' on an A.J. Brown deal yet
10:27 a.m. — Ian Rapoport reports that the Eagles haven't found "any momentum" in an A.J. Brown trade yet, and once free agency is "off and running" it could be off the table.
Giants to be 'serious suitors' for TE Isaiah Likely
10:20 a.m. — According to Jordan Raanan, the Giants are considered "serious suitors" for former Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, who is tracking to be the top tight end on the market. New York re-signed Chris Manhertz this morning, but could be eyeing more tight end help.
Cowboys acquiring DT Rashan Gary from Packers
9:40 a.m. — Dallas is adding a premiere defensive tackle, acquiring Rashan Gary from Green Bay in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, per Adam Schefter.
Jets trading for S Minkah Fitzpatrick from Dolphins
9:30 a.m. — The Dolphins are sending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to an AFC East rival, trading him to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, per Adam Schefter. New York is also signing Fitzpatrick to a new three-year, $40 million deal.
CB Montaric Brown re-signing with Jaguars
8:33 a.m. — Jacksonville is inking CB Montaric Brown to a new three-year, $33 million contract, per Adam Schefter.
Miami officially releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa
8:15 a.m. — The Dolphins are officially parting ways with their longtime starting quarterback, releasing him with a post–June 1 designation, per Adam Schefter. Miami is taking on an NFL record $99 million in dead money.
Texans keep Ed Ingram with 3-year, $37.5 million deal
7:31 a.m. —The Texans are keeping offensive guard Ed Ingram in Houston on a three-year, $37.5 million extension, per Ian Rapoport.
Steelers re-sign CB Asante Samuel Jr.
7:30 a.m. — The Steelers are bringing back CB Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal, per Ian Rapoport.
Colts offer Daniel Jones deal worth $33.5 million a year
7:00 a.m. — The Indianapolis Colts reportedly offered quarterback Daniel Jones a deal similar to the three-year, $33.5 million deal Sam Darnold got last offseason, per Albert Breer. Jones' camp reportedly countered and asked for a deal that would pay the QB closer to $50 million a year.
March 8
Rams, CB Trent McDuffie agree to mega extension
8:05 p.m. —The Rams and newly-acquired CB Trent McDuffie are in agreement on a four-year, $124 million contract extension with $100 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at $31 million per year.
Broncos re-sign TE Adam Trautman
7:52 p.m. — The Broncos are bringing back veteran TE Adam Trautman on a three-year, $17 million deal, according to 9NEWS' Mike Klis. Trautman is primarily a blocking tight end and has played under Sean Peyton in both New Orleans and Denver.
Travis Kelce expected to speak with other teams
6:30 p.m. — The Athletic reports Kelce plans to speak to multiple teams once free agency begins on Monday, indicating he is open to finishing his career outside of Kansas City.
Rams, CB Trent McDuffie closing in on extension
5:50 p.m. — Days after acquiring Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs, the Rams are closing in on an extension with their new cornerback, according to Mike Garafolo. The deal is expected to make McDuffie the NFL's highest-paid cornerback at more than $30 million annually.
Brian Thomas unlikely to be traded
2:10 p.m. — Despite speculation, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports it would be a surprise if the Jaguars traded WR Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason. Thomas had an outstanding rookie season in 2024, but his name surfaced in trade rumors as he struggled to find a fit in Liam Coen's offense. Despite Jakobi Meyers in the mix and Travis Hunter returning from injury, Thomas seems to be in Jacksonville's plans for 2026.
Travis Kelce 'motivated' to play in 2026
4:10 p.m. — It's been mostly quiet on the Travis Kelce front as he weighs retirement, but Dianna Russini reports the Chiefs star is "motivated to return" for a 14th season. Since he is a free agent, Kelce could consider other options in free agency. Russini reports the Chiefs "remain very much in the mix" for Kelce, which hints that he could be open to offers from other teams.
James Conner sticking around in Arizona
12:35 p.m. — Cardinals RB James Conner will remain in Arizona for 2026 after agreeing to a revised deal with the organization, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Mike Evans set to explore options in free agency
12 p.m. — Mike Evans is ticketed for free agency, according to Diana Russini, who reports the longtime Buccaneers receiver "plans on exploring his options" when the market opens on Monday.
Packers keep Sean Rhyan off market
10:12 a.m. — The Packers have re-signed OL Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million contract, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Rhyan started all 17 games for the Packers in 2024 as he shifted to guard, and he filled in for injured Elgton Jenkins at center for a portion of 2025.
March 7
Khalil Mack returns to the Chargers
The veteran pass rusher is back with Los Angeles in a one-year deal, according to Adam Schefter. Mack had 5.5 sacks in 12 games last season, and 2026 will be Mack's fifth in LA.
Chiefs bring back LS James Winchester
It's a one-year, $1.75 million deal for the long snapper, per Ian Rapoport. Winchester has spent his entire, 11-year career in Kansas City.
Ravens re-sign QB Tyler Huntley
The quarterback gets a two-year, $11 million, according to Adam Schefter. He started two games in 2025 but will once again backup Lamar Jackson next season.
49ers give K Eddy Pineiro four-year deal
According to Eric Branch, the kicker gets a four-year, $17 million deal from San Francisco after steadying the position in 2025. Pineiro made 28 of 29 field goals last seasons.
Colts trade LB Zaire Franklin to Packers
The Colts and Packers completed a 1-for-1 trade, per Ian Rapoport. Green Bay adds Franklin, who was Indianapolis' leading tackle in 2024. The Colts add DT Colby Wooden.
Eagles extend DT Jordan Davis in record breaking deal
The Eagles and Davis came to an agreement on a three-year, $78 million extension, that includes $65 million in guaranteed money. It makes him the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history, per Adam Schefter.
Bills re-sign C Connor McGovern on a four-year, $52 million deal
Center Connor McGovern was set to hit free agency, but Buffalo isn't letting him go. The Bills signed him to a massive four-year, $52 million extension, per Adam Schefter.
March 6
Raiders trading DE Maxx Crosby to Ravens
The Las Vegas Raiders are adding to their rebuild draft capital. They traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in exchange for two firsts, including No. 14 in the 2026 NFL Draft, per Ian Rapoport.
Patriots trading C Garrett Bradbury to Bears
A few days after former Bears center Drew Dalman surprisingly retired, Chicago has made a move to acquire his replacement. The Bears are trading for center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots, per Dianna Russini. Chicago is sending a fifth-round pick to New England in the deal.
Texans releasing RB Joe Mixon
Houston is parting ways with veteran running back Joe Mixon, per Adam Schefter, who requested his release and saves the Texans $8 million against the salary cap.
Mixon's NFL future is unknown after he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.
Lions OL Taylor Decker announces his release
Detroit left tackle Taylor Decker is set to join the open market, as he announced his requested release from the Lions, per Adam Schefter.
Patriots re-sign QB Tommy DeVito
New England is bringing back backup quarterback Tommy DeVito on a two-year, $7.4 million deal, per Adam Schefter.
Commanders re-sign WR Treylon Burks
Washington is bringing back receiver Treylon Burks on a one year deal worth up to $4 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Dolphins releasing FB Alec Ingold
Miami and former Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold are parting ways, per Mike Garafolo, as he will be released.
Bills releasing WR Curtis Samuel, CB Taron Johnson
Per Adam Schefter, two Bills cap casualties will be wide receiver Curtis Samuel and cornerback Taron Johnson. Johnson is a former All-Pro who now hits the open market.
Patriots have 'poked around' on A.J. Brown, Chargers 'keeping tabs,' Rams backed out
While the Eagles are "holding firm" on their "steep" price for Brown, The Athletic's Diana Russini named a few connected teams. The Patriots have "poked around on it," while the Chargers have been "keeping tabs on the situation." Additionally, the Rams "discussed" trading for Brown, but have since moved on.
The Eagles are said to be seeking a package similar to the Jets' for Quinnen Williams last trade deadline, according to Mike Garafolo. If they don't receive that package, the team may just keep Brown. New York received a first-round pick, a second-round pick and a defensive tackle in exchange for Williams.
Maxx Crosby drawing 'serious interest,' Cowboys and Ravens interested
According to Diana Russini, league-wide interest in star Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby is picking up, with the Cowboys "closely monitoring the situation" and the Ravens "a team to watch." Teams now believe the Raiders are "willing" to work on a deal.
Raiders releasing QB Geno Smith
After signing the veteran quarterback to a deal last offseason, the Raiders are parting ways with Geno Smith, per Adam Schefter. The team will be taking on $18.5 million in dead money, but opening up around $8 million in cap space by releasing Smith.
Rams re-sign S Kam Curl
Los Angeles is re-signing safety Kam Curl to a three-year, $36 million deal, with a max value of $39 million, per Ian Rapoport.
Chargers signing former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to 3-year deal
After being cut by the Commanders, center Tyler Biadasz is set to land a three-year, $30 million contract from the Chargers, per Ian Rapoport.
March 5
Danielle Hunter gets significant one-year extension from Texans
Houston is giving star pass rusher Danielle Hunter a one-year, $40.1 million extension that keeps him with the team through 2027, per Tom Pelissero.
Bears releasing LB Tremaine Edmunds
Chicago will be parting ways with former Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, per Adam Schefter. Between Edmunds' release, the trade of DJ Moore and Drew Dalman's retirement, the Bears have freed up around $44 million in cap space.
Rams re-signing TE Tyler Higbee
L.A. is keeping its veteran tight end, Tyler Higbee, on a two-year, $8 million contract, per Ian Rapoport.
Titans eyeing WR Wan'Dale Robinson
Tennessee is showing interest in former Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, per Rotoworld.
Veteran DE Cameron Jordan to hit open market
Longtime NFL pass rusher Cameron Jordan, who has been in New Orleans for 15 years, will be hitting free agency after he and the Saints could not agree to a new contract, per Adam Schefter.
Jordan does plan to play a 16th NFL season, and he is "open" to leaving New Orleans.
Raiders 'more open' to dealing Maxx Crosby
According to Jordan Schultz, Las Vegas is growing "more open" to the idea of trading its star pass rusher, and it's "a situation that is only going to intensify."
Bears trading WR D.J. Moore to Bills
Buffalo has found its potential new WR1 for Josh Allen, as it is acquiring D.J. Moore from the Bears, per Adam Schefter. A fifth-round pick is also going to Buffalo, while Chicago gets a second-round pick in return.
While the Bills were "monitoring" A.J. Brown's situation in Philadelphia, they strike with a different trade-market move for a receiver.
Falcons planning to cut WR Darnell Mooney
Atlanta will be releasing wide receiver Darnell Mooney, per Ian Rapoport.
March 4
Buccaneers don't place tender on RFA Sean Tucker
The running back will hit unrestricted free agency, according to Jeremy Fowler. In three seasons, Tucker has 651 total rushing yards and nine touchdowns, but he can now try to find a bigger role on another team.
Steelers releasing TE Jonnu Smith
Pittsburgh is parting ways with Smith, the former Dolphins tight end, per Adam Schefter.
Patriots releasing Stefon Diggs
After their run to the Super Bowl, the Patriots will be releasing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs at the start of the new league year, per Tom Pelissero. Despite a successful first year in New England, Diggs will be hitting the open market for the second-straight offseason.
Chiefs trade All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to Rams
As the Chiefs navigate a tough salary cap situation this offseason, they are trading star CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams in exchange for four draft picks, including the No. 29 pick in the upcoming 2026 draft, per Adam Schefter.
Los Angeles is adding one of the best younger defensive backs in the league, while Kansas City stocks up on draft capital as it retools around Patrick Mahomes.
March 3
Kyler Murray to be released by Cardinals
After rumblings that Arizona was looking to trade its former No. 1 overall pick, the Cardinals will instead be releasing Kyler Murray on the first day of the new league year, per Adam Schefter.
Murray is still owed $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026 by the Cardinals, but he will now be able to sign elsewhere on the open market.
Bears OL Drew Dalman retiring at age 27
Chicago will be in the market for a new starting center, as Drew Dalman is retiring from the NFL at age 27, per Adam Schefter.
Dalman signed with the Bears last offseason and helped guide one of the league's top rushing attacks last season.
Daniel Jones placed under transition tag by Colts
The expectation has remained that the Colts would eventually strike a deal to bring back Daniel Jones as QB1, and by transition tagging him, they have taken a step toward that possibility.
Now, Jones is still able to sign an offer sheet in free agency, but the Colts would have the right to match it. Otherwise, he could still land a longer-term extension from Indianapolis.
Trey Hendrickson to hit the open market, shares goodbye message to Bengals
Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson was not placed under the franchise tag, and he is now going to hit the open market as one of the best players available.
After his long-standing contract feud with Cincinnati, Hendrickson shared a message signaling the official end of his time with the franchise.
Jets franchise tag Breece Hall
The market's top running back has been hit with the franchise tag, as the Jets tagged Breece Hall prior to the deadline. The two sides were not able to come to an agreement on an extension, and for now, Hall is set to receive around $14.29 million for the 2026 season if a new deal is not reached by July 15.
Hall received the non-exclusive franchise tag, per Adam Schefter, which means he can sign an offer sheet with any other team in free agency, and the Jets have the right to match that sheet. If they declined to match it, New York would receive two first-round picks from the new team.
Vikings 'open' to trading Jonathan Greenard
Adam Schefter reported that Minnesota is "open" to dealing Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, but "would like" to keep him with the team during ongoing salary cap issues.
March 2
Texans release S Jimmie Ward
In a move that will save them around $750,000 against the salary cap, the Texans are set to release safety Jimmie Ward, per Adam Schefter.
Commanders releasing CB Marshon Lattimore
Washington is set to release former Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team around $18.5 million in salary cap space, per Adam Schefter.
Chiefs OL Jawaan Taylor to be released
The Chiefs continue to navigate their cap situation, with offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor set to be released at he start of the league year barring a trade, per Adam Schefter.
Lions trade RB David Montgomery to Texans
As the first significant trade of the offseason, the Lions agreed to send running back David Montgomery to the Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick, OL Juice Scruggs and a seventh-round pick.
Montgomery becomes the likely starter in Houston's backfield, while the Lions break up their "Sonic & Knuckles" duo as Jahmyr Gibbs likely takes on an even bigger role in 2026.
March 1
Vikings to release Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave
Two additions to the open market will be veteran running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargraves, as the Vikings will be releasing both at the start of the league year, per Adam Schefter.
Feb. 27
Cowboys use franchise tag on George Pickens
Dallas has taken a step toward keeping George Pickens in blue and white, using the franchise tag on the receiver. Franchise tagging Pickens will cost Dallas $27,298,000, but it now gives them time to work out a long-term deal or look for a trade partner.
The non-exclusive franchise tag was used on Pickens, per Todd Archer, meaning other teams will be allowed to talk to him in free agency. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Cowboys have five days to match it. If they decide not to, Dallas would be entitled to draft compensation equivalent to two first-round picks.
Feb. 26
Colts give Anthony Richardson permission to seek trade
As the Colts seek to bring back Daniel Jones as their 2026 quarterback, young backup Anthony Richardson has been given permission to seek a trade partner, per ESPN.
Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is set for a change of scenery after a few years of injuries and up-and-down play for Indianapolis.
Jets trade DE Jermaine Johnson to Titans
New York has traded another notable defender, sending Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee in exchange for DT T'Vondre Sweat, per ESPN.
Feb. 24
Trent Williams could join free agent class without 49ers contract solution
According to Adam Schefter, five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams could hit the open market if he and the 49ers are unable to come to an agreement on his contract situation.
Falcons use franchise tag on Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts will not be hitting the open market as potentially the best tight end available, as the Falcons used the franchise tag on him. He's set to remain in Atlanta for 2026, and he was the first player to be tagged this offseason.
Feb. 16
Dolphins releasing Tyreek Hill
Former All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill will be on the free-agent market this offseason, as the Dolphins released him early in the offseason. Coming off a dislocated knee and torn ACL, Hill will become one of the best weapons available in free agency.
As the competition got tougher, an end was put to the two Cinderella teams' hopes for a deep Big Ten Tournament run. Purdue and UCLA displayed dominance, and proved that they are, in fact, on a different level from Northwestern and Rutgers. Ohio State and Washington had tough battles, but with their great offenses, they both managed to prevail. It was a day free of upsets, and power was restored in the Big Ten.
Here are the scores and the rest of my analysis from Thursday’s Big Ten Tournament action.
Ohio State 72, Iowa 69
Bruce Thornton shined for the Buckeyes and led them over the Hawkeyes. Thornton stayed put at Ohio State and is reaping the benefits of it this season. He continues to be one of the best players in the Big Ten and one of the best stories in college basketball. Thornton had a 24-point game where he only missed four shots. The big three for the Buckeyes were not as dominant, but they still gave the team quality production. The same could not be said for Iowa; Bennett Stitz led the way with 17 points, but no other Hawkeye managed to chip in more than nine. The Buckeyes will get their shot at the best team in the conference, the Michigan Wolverines, today.
No. 23 Wisconsin 85, Washington 82
The Wisconsin Badgers' offense came through, as John Blackwell led the way with his 34 points in the Big Ten Tournament, while Nick Boyd added his usual 23. It was a high-scoring game, as the Washington Huskies' offense was also able to have their way. Hannes Steinbach dropped 25 points and had 16 rebounds. Zoom Diallo was right beyond him with 24 points. John Blackwell will continue to be the main x-factor for this Wisconsin team. If his shots falling and he is confident, Wisconsin can match up with the best teams in the conference. This game was the epitome of this season for the Huskies. They were just as talented as any team, but in the end, they came up short in the biggest moments. Wisconsin has all the momentum heading into its game against Illinois.
No. 18 Purdue 81, Northwestern 69
Purdue put an end to the Northwestern Nick Martinelli magic. His stellar senior season now comes to a sad close. Martinelli still had 25 points in his last game on efficient shooting. Jayden Reid also joined him in a good outing with 19 points and nine assists. Purdue just had too much production from their entire rotation. Braden Smith had 16 assists, and he was an elite facilitator and playmaker in this matchup. Smith consistently got his teammates great shot opportunities, and as a result, Oscar Cluff and Trey Kaufman-Renn both had 19 points. Purdue showed its strength and how dangerous this offense can be when it is clicking. Unfortunately, Northwestern fell victim to that.
UCLA 72, Rutgers 59
Star guard Tariq Francis did not have his best game, and as a result, Rutgers’s offense did not have enough juice to counter UCLA's. The Bruins’ Tyler Bilodeau, on the flip side, dropped 21 points and made three of his seven three-point attempts. The Bruins did not lose their magic from their hot finish to the end of the regular season and picked up right where they left off in this game. Donovan Dent was a stat sheet stuffer as he dropped a 12-point, 10-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double. He joined the likes of Bill Walton in UCLA history and became the first Bruins player to record a triple-double in the Big Ten Tournament. UCLA dominated the glass, and its offense was stellar in the second half to put Rutgers away. UCLA now moves on and should be a tough matchup for Michigan State.
Overview
The top teams in the conference took care of business and drained the Cinderella magic from both Northwestern and Rutgers. Now, it will be a level playing field and a full gauntlet of classic games to see who comes up on top of the Big Ten.
Inter Milan Vs Atalanta – Boost For Visitors As Brazil Star Returns To Full Training
Atalanta have received a timely fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to San Siro against Inter, with Brazil midfielder Ederson rejoining partial group training at Zingonia, a welcome development for Raffaele Palladino.
Ederson has been absent since the win over Napoli on February 22nd, making his potential return a significant one for the visitors.
Friday’s session will determine whether he makes the travelling squad, though his involvement is considered probable, via FCInterNews.
His presence would add considerable energy and physicality to the midfield.
Indeed, after it has been operating without one of its most important components for nearly three weeks.
Inter Vs Atalanta – Not Just Ederson As De Ketelaere & Raspadori Touch & Go
There is further cautious optimism around Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori, both of whom completed individual work on Thursday.
If either reintegrates into group training on Friday, they could yet make the journey to Milan, potentially from the bench.
Giorgio Scalvini, meanwhile, is fully fit after the knee contusion sustained against Lazio in the Coppa Italia.
The young centre-back is expected to complete Palladino’s back three.
He will play alongside Djimsiti and Anahor.
Indeed, with Hien and Kolasinac, who started against Bayern, currently behind them in the pecking order.
South Florida has started its search for its next women’s basketball coach.
Rob Higgins, the CEO of USF Athletics, announced on X the Bulls will not play in the WBIT and a national search for a full-time women’s basketball coach is underway. Higgins said interim coach Michele Woods-Baxter will be considered as a candidate.
Woods-Baxter was named interim coach when longtime USF head coach Jose Fernandez was hired by the Dallas Wings in October, days before the college season began. Woods-Baxter led the Bulls to a 20-12 record, 13-5 in the American Conference.
The Bulls had solid non-conference wins over Duke, Harvard and Navy under Woods-Baxter, but fell in the quarterfinals of the American tournament by 11 points on Thursday.
Higgins met with the team on Friday morning.
“This is one of the best women’s basketball programs in the country and we look forward to identifying the perfect leader to take us to championship heights in our next chapter,” Higgins said.
Under Fernandez, who coached the Bulls from 2000-25, USF became one of the signature mid-major programs in women’s college basketball. He won 485 games and took USF to nine of the past 12 NCAA Tournaments. The Bulls won three conference titles under Fernandez and the 2009 WNIT championship. They advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament five times.
Fernandez’s profile grew as USF kept winning. He is currently the president of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and had been approached by WNBA teams and Power 4 programs several times before departing for the Wings in October. Fernandez has also worked with USA Basketball as a coach in many capacities and is a scout for Team USA this week at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.
Woods-Baxter had been an assistant — and then associate head coach — under Fernandez since 2008. Before joining the Bulls, she was the head coach at Monmouth where she went 51-51 in four seasons. She’s a native of Michigan and got her start in coaching in boys high school basketball in Florida.
Last summer, longtime USF athletic director Michael Kelly left for the U.S. Naval Academy and Higgins was named CEO of USF Athletics in September.
With Fernandez leaving for the WNBA so close to the start of the season, there wasn’t time for Higgins to conduct a search for a head coach. In February, USA TODAY Sports reported unless USF won the American Conference Tournament to punch its ticket to March Madness, Higgins would likely conduct a national search to make his own hire. On Wednesday, USF started putting out feelers to potential candidates.
USF is viewed by industry sources — coaches, agents and administrators alike — as the best women’s basketball job in the American Conference and one of the best in the mid-major ranks.
If Higgins doesn’t keep Woods-Baxter, here’s who he might call:
Lindsay Edmonds, Rice head coach
Edmonds has never had a losing record in five seasons at Rice, her first stop as a head coach after spending eight seasons as an assistant at NC State. The Owls went to the NCAA Tournament in 2024, their first year in the American. This season, Rice is 27-4 — their second-most wins in program history, and are eying what would be their second NCAA Tournament bid in the last three seasons. Earlier this season, the Owls broke off a 22-game winning streak. The native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and graduate of App State also coached at James Madison under Kenny Brooks. She’s proved her bonafides as a head coach at Rice and will continue to be a top candidate for many openings this year.
Destinee Rogers, Arkansas State head coach
The 36-year-old has quickly turned Arkansas State into a winner, taking the Red Wolves to their first NCAA Tournament last season. Arkansas State went 24-9 this season, its most wins in a regular season in over a decade. While they won't play in the NCAA Tournament after losing in the Sun Belt semifinals, the Red Wolves will likely be invited to the WBIT. Rogers has a winning pedigree, as she helped Central Arkansas appear in March Madness as a player and then as an assistant coach. Rogers has displayed the ability to assemble talented rosters with the transfer portal — she has seven transfer players this season — and create a scheme and style that plays to her players’ strengths. The Red Wolves rank in the top 10 nationally in 3-point rate, total 3-pointers made, offensive rebounds per game and turnovers forced per game.
Gabe Lazo, Tennessee assistant coach
A Miami native who played at FIU got his start in collegiate coaching there, Lazo makes a lot of sense at USF because of his connections in a fertile recruiting area. Before joining the college ranks, Lazo coached a Florida-based AAU team to the Nike Nationals and was a three-time Coach of the Year at the high school level. Now an assistant at Tennessee, where he’s signed multiple McDonald’s All-Americans for Kim Caldwell, Lazo is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the sport. However, it should also be mentioned that Lazo is an ace scouter and has a strong acumen in X’s and O’s. In the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell gave Lazo – then an assistant for the Bulldogs – much of the credit for preparing the team in their upset of No. 6 Creighton. Purcell added Lazo’s “work ethic is unmatched” and he’s an “elite” player developer.
Other names to watch: Georgia Southern head coach Hana Haden, McNeese State head coach Ayla Guzzardo, FIU head coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley, High Point head coach Chelsea Banbury, Charleston head coach Robin Harmony
There are some new faces in Las Vegas this week. Most the Raiders signed in free agency and one they acquired in trade (Taron Johnson). And there are a couple of players who looked like they could be leaving in free agency, but got new deals instead (Malcolm Koonce, Eric Stokes).
The Raiders had by far the most money to spend under the cap this year and they spent a whole lot of it real quick. Then the Maxx Crosby trade fell through which meant his enormous cap figure wasn't off the books as the Raiders thought it would. Some worried the Raiders might have overspent in free agency and therefore couldn't absorb Crosby's contract back into the fold. That turned out not to be the case.
The question now is exactly how much money they actually have left to spend. First let's look at the cap hits for each of their new contracts and where they rank on the team. All of them land among the biggest cap hits on the team this coming season. The new contracts are in bold.
1.
Maxx Crosby
$35,791,250
2.
Kolton Miller
$22,540,000
3.
Tyler Linderbaum
$16,666,666
4.
Malcolm Koonce
$11,010,000
5.
Quay Walker
$10,000,000*
6.
Jeremy Chinn
$9,555,000
7.
Kwity Paye
$9,422,666
8.
Taron Johnson
$8,670,000
9.
Ashton Jeanty
$8,158,139
10.
Jalen Nailor
$8,010,000
11.
Nakobe Dean
$7,966,666
12.
Tyree Wilson
$7,956,296
13.
Eric Stokes
$6,680,000
*This is a conservative estimate based on known contract details. Walker's exact 2026 cap figure has not yet been released.
Since this group was signed, the Raiders have also signed K Matt Gay ($1.6 million), FB Connor Heyward ($1 milllion per season gtd), and WR Dereke Young (undisclosed).
Estimated available money under the cap: $21 million
The Raiders must hold onto a certain amount of money to sign their rookie class. Their current cap space needed to sign their rookies is $12.8 million. Which means...
Raiders estimated money available to spend: $8 million
Keep in mind, that's available cap money for just this season. Which means depending on how they arrange the contracts of the players they bring in, they could conceivably add a player with a cap hit that is much lower than their per-year average.
The 24-year-old England international has agreed a new long-term deal which will keep her at Stamford Bridge until summer 2030.
James joined Chelsea from Manchester United in summer 2021. The player has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the South West Londoners in all competitions. James has won eight domestic trophies with Chelsea including four consecutive Barclays Women’s Super League titles.
James has a huge role to play at Chelsea in the coming years and the club have therefore moved to agree extended terms with the player.
After signing her contract extension with The Blues, James said “I’m really happy and over the moon to have signed a new contract with Chelsea. It’s been my club since I was young, so I’m really pleased to have extended my stay here. I can’t wait to make more memories, hopefully have more success and win more trophies with this amazing club.”
James will be hoping to add another medal to her collection this weekend when Chelsea contest the 2025/2026 Subway Women’s League Cup final with Manchester United at Ashton Gate in Bristol.
PREVIEW | Real Sociedad vs Osasuna - team news, lineups, predictions
Real Sociedad and Osasuna go head-to-head at Reale Arena this Sunday in the La Liga. The match will be broadcast live at 20:00 on Premier Sports.
Real Sociedad currently have 35 points and lie in 8th position. In their last game, Sergio Francisco's team lost 3-2 against Atlético de Madrid (La Liga 2025/26).
Osasuna have picked up 34 points and currently lie in 11th position. Last time out, Alessio Lisci 's team drew 2-2 against Mallorca (La Liga 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw.
Niclas Fullkrug expected to leave Milan in the summer
Niclas Füllkrug is expected to leave Milan this summer as the club shifts its focus toward a different profile for the center-forward role.
According to Daniele Longo, the German striker is likely to return to West Ham at the end of the campaign. Despite showing resilience by playing through an injury earlier in the season, the management does not view his €5m option to buy as a viable long-term solution for the squad.
The decision to move on from Füllkrug aligns with the club’s pursuit of other targets, with Moise Kean emerging as a primary objective for the Rossoneri. As Milan looks to revitalize their attacking options for the next campaign, the veteran forward’s stint at the San Siro appears set to conclude after just one season.
Kean has previously played under Max Allegri, who can play a central role in a summer deal for the Fiorentina player.
Foxborough, MA - March 12: New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs meets with the media on March 12, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Romeo Doubs entered Gillette Stadium on Thursday to officially sign his four-year contract with the team. Before he could put pen to paper, however, he needed to put the team-issue iPad with the offensive playbook loaded on it.
As the receiver then joined fellow free-agent addition to the GP Atrium at Gillette to be officially introduced as Patriots, the iPad came with him.
“I don’t know if you guys saw him up here, like, he was already in the playbook. He was on his iPad, learning the formations while I was trying to get him to sign his contract this morning. So, it was pretty cool,” Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said.
After parting ways with Stefon Diggs this offseason, New England turned to Doubs in order to help replace that production. Doubs is coming off the best season of his career, catching 55 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns. His best game of the year then came in the playoffs as he hauled in eight receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Coming from the Green Bay Packers, Doubs primarily lined up on the outside but has shown the ability to win and separate from all over the field. That versatility will be a welcomed addition to Josh McDaniels’ offense.
“I think he has a really cool skill set,” Wolf said. “I think he can play outside, inside, he blocks, he can play Z, he can play X. He’s good on the short routes, he’s good on the deep routes, he’s good with the ball in his hands. He has a lot of route variance that we liked — strong for the ball. There’s some things that he can improve upon that we’ll try to help him with. But overall, just the competitor, the person.”
Doubs now joins a wide receiver depth chart that includes Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III. New England may not be done adding at the position, but the newest acquisition projects to be Drake Maye’s top target.
That is a role Doubs never truly held with the Packers, and while he understands he has big shoes to fill replacing Diggs, it’s a role he says will come naturally if it develops.
“I’ll be really honest with you, I would love to stay true to just understanding where I am and coming into a new system under our offensive coordinator,” Doubs said. “And yeah, I wouldn’t really specify that I’m gonna go in with this amount of targets or that amount of targets, because I’ve come from a place where that didn’t really mean much, and I give credit, obviously, to New England welcoming me with open arms and Green Bay just based off their history and the situation that we were in while I was there.”
For Doubs, signing a four-year, $68 million contract in free agency to join the Patriots was an opportunity he could not pass up on.
“I know I’m going to be around a great group of guys. Going to be around a great young quarterback in Drake, great coaching staff in Coach Vrabel and Josh [McDaniels],” he said. “And even just from a defensive standpoint, I know I’m going to come across some great people, and I just look forward to it.”
Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.
After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.
These Timberwolves vs. Warriors predictions aren’t based on gut instinct — they’re driven by the numbers. If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, March 13.
Timberwolves vs Warriors computer picks for March 13
Timberwolves
Warriors
Edwards u29.5 points -105
Podziemski o15.5 points -115
Reid o6.5 rebounds +102
Green u1.5 threes -105
Randle o4.5 assists +120
Horford o5.5 rebounds -145
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Timberwolves computer picks
Anthony Edwards Under 29.5 points (-105)
Projection: 28.0 points
Although Anthony Edwards has only gone Under his 29.5-point line in four of the last 10 games, the matchup still presents challenges.
Opposing starting shooting guards have been held to just 38.4% shooting from the field against the Golden State Warriors — the second-lowest mark allowed in the league — making this a difficult spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves star to erupt offensively.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet edwards Now at bet365!/span
Naz Reid Over 6.5 rebounds (+102)
Projection: 6.6 rebounds
The Timberwolves have played at the ninth-fastest pace in the league over their last 25 road games, a tempo that could boost rebounding opportunities for Naz Reid.
Reid has cleared his 6.5-rebound line in four of his last 10 games and could benefit from the increased possessions in this matchup.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Reid Now at bet365!/span
Julius Randle Over 4.5 assists (+120)
Projection: 4.6 assists
Julius Randle has only cleared the 4.5-rebound line in three of his last 10, but tonight’s matchup presents a much more favorable environment for him to get back on the glass.
One key factor is the style of this Warriors offense. Golden State relies heavily on perimeter shooting and high-volume 3-point attempts, which naturally creates long rebound opportunities.
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Warriors computer picks
Brandin Podziemski Over 15.5 points (-115)
Projection: 16.3 points
Brandin Podziemski has averaged 17.6 points per game over his last five contests, which is 5.0 points higher than his season average.
That scoring bump could continue against the Timberwolves, who have played at the ninth-fastest road pace in the NBA over their last 25 games.
The uptick in tempo should lead to more possessions for the Warriors, giving Podziemski additional opportunities to stay aggressive offensively.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet podziemski Now at bet365!/span
Draymond Green Under 1.5 threes (-105)
Projection: 1.4 threes
The matchup with the Timberwolves isn’t an ideal one for perimeter shooting. Opposing starting power forwards are attempting just 3.6 threes per game against Minnesota this season — the third-fewest in the league.
That trend could limit opportunities from deep for Draymond Green of the Warriors, especially after he’s already gone Under his 1.5 made threes line in six of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet green Now at bet365!/span
Al Horford Over 5.5 rebounds (-145)
Projection: 6.0 rebounds
The Warriors should see an increase in possessions against the Timberwolves.
Golden State has also been the league’s top offensive-rebounding team over the last 10 games, a trend that could benefit Al Horford, who's cleared his 5.5 rebound line in six of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet horford Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Timberwolves vs Warriors tonight
Location
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime
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The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly interested in trading for superstar wide receiver AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition to the Rams, the New England Patriots are another team with reported interest in Brown.
“At least two teams — the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams — in recent weeks discussed trading for Brown, whose frustrations in Philadelphia were a running subplot of the Eagles’ 2025 season,” Dianna Russini and Jourdan Rodrigue wrote.
“The Rams wound up using one of their two 2026 first-round picks to acquire All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie last week, but while dialogue slowed about a deal for Brown, Los Angeles continues to monitor the status of the three-time Pro Bowler with interest, league sources told The Athletic,” Russini and Rodrigue added.
Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) carries the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) and Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) defend during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has said Philadelphia will not trade Brown unless a team can come up with a fair return offer.
“We’ll do whatever’s in the best interest of our team to be better for this year and going forward. Anything that puts us in a position that we think to potentially win another championship. So every decision will be made with that, no matter who the player is,” Roseman said when asked about potentially trading Brown at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Rams Already Traded the No. 29 Overall Pick to the Kansas City Chiefs
The Rams had two 2026 first-round picks (No. 13 and No. 29) going into the offseason. Los Angeles used the No. 29 overall pick, a fifth and sixth round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to acquire star cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) takes the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Landing a three-time Pro Bowler like Brown will require a big return package from the Rams. But with the blockbuster moves the Rams have made so far this offseason, Los Angeles has made it clear the franchise will do what it takes to win the Super Bowl in 2026.
While the Dallas Cowboys are hard at work trying to convince every veteran of interest to a one-year deal, they are also paying attention to the pre-draft prospect. With the first salvo fired on Thursday, the club has now added a second candidate to their official pre-draft visit list, as at USC Pro Day, safety Kamari Ramsey revealed that he will also with the Cowboys.
Ramsey ranks nicely as the No. 69 best prospect on Pro Football Focus' consensus big board. Armed with only one selection on Day 2 of the 2026 draft, (No. 92 acquired in the Osa Odighizuwa trade to the 49ers), the visit may end up just being due dilligence in case Ramsey falls further than expected, or the team adds more selections.
Kamari Ramsey is a FS prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 8.61 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 170 out of 1213 FS from 1987 to 2026.
The redshirt junior began his career at UCLA, where he played in 15 games notching 46 tackles, four passes defensed, one interception, and 2.5 tackles for loss. In 2024 he transferred to USC, playing in 20 games, recording his second career interception and 87 tackles.
If drafted by Dallas, Ramsey will have a crowded room to compete with after the Cowboys signed safety Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke in free agency to go along with holdovers Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin took a jab at an old SEC rival Friday. He went after Carson Beck in a social media post that quickly caught the attention of many across the college football landscape.
Kiffin shared a photo of himself on a tennis court alongside social media influencers Haley and Hanna Cavinder. The Miami twins posed with Kiffin for a photo which had the caption, “Beat them like we did Beck in ’24!!”
The LSU coach had a backward cap and gave off cool dad vibes. One viral moment meant to be playful, but also a savage shot at the former Miami and Georgia quarterback.
Kiffin was referencing the tennis match with the Cavinder sisters and his previous on-field matchup against Beck when Kiffin coached Ole Miss. In that 2024 meeting, Kiffin’s Rebels defeated Beck and Georgia 24-10. The Bulldogs had routed Ole Miss 52-17 the previous season.
Beck previously dated Hanna Cavinder before leaving Athens for South Florida. The two split last year amid widely circulated rumors about their relationship. There was no shortage of headlines about Beck or Cavinder during his transition to "The U."
Kiffin has built a reputation for trolling opponents and is one of the most visible college football coaches on social media. He offered no additional context for the post.
The moment comes as Kiffin begins his first season at LSU after leaving Ole Miss for a deal reportedly worth about $91 million over the next seven years. Expectations are high in Baton Rouge, where the Tigers are expected to contend for a College Football Playoff berth with a roster worth over $40 million.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Belal Muhammad prepares to face Leon Edwards of Jamaica in the UFC welterweight championship bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“People are going to hate, people are going to argue, but the fight at the White House, it’s not open to the public, to the real fans,” Muhammed said on YouTube. “When I picture the people that are watching, I picture ‘The Hunger Games.’ The first [movie] when Katniss was at a tryout, the rich, snobby people were at the top, not paying attention to her.”
“People were talking and she had to shoot the arrow through the pig, that’s what I feel it’s going to be,” Muhammad continued. “Not really paying attention to the cage, they see a bit of blood, they don’t see knockouts, but they are not real fans. So who cares, they get what they get.”
Florida State had one of its top offensive line targets, three-star Elijah Morrison, on campus earlier this week. He got the experience of watching the Seminoles go through a spring practice.
This was the first time the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder made his way to Tallahassee for a visit since receiving an offer from FSU back in February. First impressions are everything, and the Seminoles passes with flying colors.
He met with several coaches including head coach Mike Norvell, but of course, offensive line coach Herb Hand spent the most time with the Hebron Christian Academy star. Morrison spoke on what the biggest takeaway was that he got from watching practice.
"I took in the intensity the most," said Morrison. "It was really intense. Even without [pads], the intensity stood out and how detailed it was. Coach Hand is a very detailed coach."
Alabama, North Carolina, and NC State will all host Morrison during the spring. Georgia will also have him on campus during the spring, but they will also host him for an official visit on June 12. Clemson will host him for an official visit on May 29.
Morrison did mention that Florida State will likely get an official visit soon as well. That's good news for them considering how the offer list for Morrison has intensified since the beginning of the year.
He is the No. 415 player nationally and the No. 23 interior offensive lineman per 247Sports composite rankings. He's also the No. 45 prospect in the state of Georgia.
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience
Unfortunately for the Bengals, that conversation is back on the menu just a day removed from the Allen news.
This time, it’s all about linebacker Anfernee Jennings. Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the Bengals “are not in the mix” for him right now.
Jennings was a major headline in the middle of the week when the New England Patriots cut the Super Bowl starter to save roughly $3.8 m million in cap space.
A third-round pick in 2020, Jennings has appeared in 75 games since. He’s the prototypical veteran presence the Bengals appear to be seeking to add some serious leadership to the young spot on the depth chart.
Bengals brass have confirmed they want to add a veteran presence to the linebacker room, yet failed to do so despite droves of obvious names being signed by other teams so far.
In the past, the NFL sold the Week 1 international game on a one-off basis. This year, that's changing.
John Ourand of Puck reports in the latest edition of his Varsity newsletter that the 49ers-Rams game in Melbourne has been folded into a package of five or six total games.
Per Ourand, Fox and YouTube were interested in the Melbourne game. Now, whoever gets it will be buying other games, too.
As Ourand surmises, the four international games that flowed back to the NFL as part of the ESPN merger presumably will be included in the new package. The possible (which is more fairly termed "likely") Thanksgiving Eve game could be part of it, too.
It could result in a payday landing somewhere between $500 million and $1 billion, over and above the billions the NFL will receive from its existing broadcast-rights packages.
The package is being sold at a time when the league is believed to be negotiating an extension of the broader deal with CBS, with the possible plan to move on to Fox and the other companies that currently hold the rights to the existing windows.
The NFL plans to play the Melbourne game on either Wednesday, September 9, or Thursday, September 10, with the Seahawks' home opener landing on the other day.
Then there's the question of whether the NFL will find another new standalone window or two. Christmas Eve is surely already in play this year, since it lands on a Thursday. How about Christmas Eve Eve? Or another stray Wednesday — like, say, Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day)?
The league is looking for more and more ways to stuff cheese into its 11-figure pizza. Mark Cuban once said of the NFL appetite for expanding into more nights of the week, "Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered."
The more accurate phrase seems to be this: Pigs get fat, hogs get fatter, whales get fattest.
Until this year, there has been at least one NMTC team to make the tournament in every single NCAA Tournament ever held. And this year, thanks to Queens and the ASUN Conference, that streak will continue. (Congratulations to the Queens Royals on making the tournament in their first year eligible!)
And the bad?
Well, just about everything else.
The ASUN guaranteed us our first NMTC graduation of the year – the third ASUN team to graduate in four years – late Saturday evening, when Queens took down ASUN co-champs Austin Peay. Earlier, the ASUN’s top seed and NMTC member Central Arkansas got past Florida Gulf Coast. With an all-NMTC ASUN final guaranteeing at least one graduate, the minds of NMTC fans dreamt of much, much stronger possibilities. Three No. 1 seeds were still in play, a No. 2 seed that many felt was a favorite, and many more “fighting chances”, so to speak.
What followed was methodical elimination. Carnage of the top seeds. Dark horses that sparked hope, only to fall in brutal fashion.
The only way to process is to recap all of it, every single one.
The Good
Thank god (or any other deity you may worship) for the ASUN.
The Atlantic Sun Conference has been a mini hotbed of NMTC qualifiers. As previously mentioned, three have made it out of the club in the last four years (Kennesaw State in 2023, Stetson in 2024, and Queens this year).
Four eligible teams (North Alabama, Bellarmine, Queens, and Central Arkansas) made up the 12-team field this year, plus the much-improved and ineligible West Georgia. All eyes were on Central Arkansas after its record-setting breakthrough year. Out of nowhere, they blitzed their way to a 15-3 league record. They took down fellow NMTC Bellarmine and FGCU in their first two tourney games. Most captivating was star guard Camren Hunter, who played two years at UCA before departing for Wisconsin, where he got hardly any minutes, before returning to Conway this year. He averaged 21 points a game, second in the league, and did not disappoint in the big moments, dropping 54 points in the first two tournament games plus 49 in the ASUN title game.
Queens also had a breakout year, though overshadowed somewhat by UCA’s. But make no mistake, they were nasty. Head coach Grant Leonard, just four years removed from being an assistant on the Queens staff while they were D-II, has steadily improved them each of the last three years. This year, they were a top-20 scoring team in the nation and had six players average double-figure scoring. They won their first seven conference games on their way to a 13-5 finish, but they went 0-3 against the top two teams, Austin Peay and Central Arkansas.
That changed in a big way, obviously, in the tournament. They held off Austin Peay for the entire second half, matching every mini-run with an answer and never letting them draw even. Then, in the championship game, they fell behind 8-0 to Central Arkansas, before immediately matching that with an 8-0 run of their own and leading most of the rest of the way (75% of the game in total)
By the under-4 media timeout in the second half, Queen held an 11-point lead. A huge reason why was Chris Ashby (who has the apt Twitter handle @1Cashby). The fourth-year Queens Royal shot only three pointers on the night – 19 of them to be exact – and drilled 10 of them, on his way to a 34-point night, nearly tripling his 11.7 point season average.
But he was outdone by the aforementioned Hunter, whose truly ridiculous outburst at the regulation forced overtime in a game that looked in hand for Queens. Trailing 73-62 with just over three to play, Hunter scored ALL TWENTY OF UCA’S POINTS in the remainder of regulation. He made all but one of his shots and all but one of his free throws in this stretch, almost singlehandedly willing his Bears to keep their season alive. Queens, for their part, turned it over six times down this stretch and missed several free throws. With under five seconds to play, and down two points, Hunter hit a daring spin-move-to-floater combination that sent the game to overtime.
CAMREN HUNTER COMPLETES THE CRAZY CENTRAL ARKANSAS COMEBACK AND SENDS US TO OVERTIME IN THE ASUN FINAL! FIVE EXTRA MINUTES TO DECIDE WHO WILL LEAVE THE NEVER MADE THE TOURNAMENT CLUB!! https://t.co/6I3N56F533
— Never Made the Tourney Club (@NMTC_Hoops) March 8, 2026
Queens didn’t let the blown lead ruin their season. Ashby scored the first five points of the extra period, and Hunter couldn’t muster the same amount of magic, getting up only three shots and turning it over three times. Hunter finished with a staggering tournament record of 49 points.
But in the end, Queens is the one dancing in their very first year of eligibility.
— Queens (N.C.) Men’s Basketball (@queensMBB) March 8, 2026
We talk all the time about the Dumbest Rule. How it’s screwed over teams like Merrimack and Bellarmine. Well, Queens manipulated it perfectly, building a team until it peaked at just the right time. But not only that, recall that the Dumbest Rule transition postseason ban was shortened from four years to three last year. So Queens is making it in just its fourth year of Division I hoops, which means, as far as we can tell, in the transition period era, Queens now holds the distinction of fastest team to qualify.
If you were pulling for Central Arkansas, which has been an eligible NMTC member for a decade and a half now, that’s understandable. Not only that, but it’s always good to see NMTC teams qualify in years that they earn it by winning the regular season crown.
But one more tidbit about Queens: just this past September, it was announced that Elon and Queens were merging. And with mergers often come merging of athletics (just ask LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post). For their part, they’ve announced that they’ll maintain separate athletic programs for now. But we have no idea how long that will last. Bottom line, we may have limited time to enjoy Queens as Queens. So maybe it’s a good thing that they’re the ones that made it.
Congratulations, Queens University of Charlotte. It’s time to go dancing.
St. Thomas was the preseason favorite and led the conference in most predictive metrics despite finishing the season two games behind North Dakota State. So we were at least looking for a run to the title game for the Tommies. An easy dub against the evil empire, South Dakota State, in the first seemed to confirm our suspicions that the curse might indeed be dead.
Then, a semifinal matchup against North Dakota, which hadn’t really joined in yet on the heartbreak-creating in this conference tournament. St. Thomas, an 11.5-point favorite, led for two-thirds of the game, to 13% for North Dakota. Yet the Tommies continued to let UND hang around. But when North Dakota turned it over to St. Thomas in a tie game with under 30 seconds to play, at least we were going to see St. Thomas have a shot at the win. Worst case, we go to overtime.
Well, guess what! There was an even worse case than overtime!
So St. Thomas didn’t even get a rematch with NDSU, which it beat by more than 20 just a couple of weeks prior. Instead, it got to feel its own version of the Summit Plummet. Welcome to Division I basketball, buddy.
Oh well, couldn’t get that much worse, could it?
The Bad, jk the Excruciatingly Painful, the prelude
It feels right to do this next section in chronological order, starting on Tuesday evening, with the beginning of the end.
UMass Lowell and NJIT both grinded their way to well-earned home playoff games. UMass Lowell fought back from a rough start to finish in the top half of the league. NJIT had one of its best seasons in years. Both handled business in their home quarterfinal matchups. NJIT had a particularly exciting buzzer-beating win over fellow NMTC-er Maine that we were present for!
— Never Made the Tourney Club (@NMTC_Hoops) March 7, 2026
Sadly, both were handled easily on the road by UMBC and Vermont, respectively, in the semifinals. It was bad, but technically not unexpected, considering the seed lines and the fact that Vermont was involved. It would be fine once Merrimack won their title game…
The Bad, jk the Excruciatingly Painful, part 1
…oh, dang it, Merrimack. When will we be Merry together?
Last year, second-seed Merrimack fell in the semifinals, just after the top seed fell, and seemingly opened a path for them. This year, the top-seed Warriors, winners of a notoriously parity-filled MAAC by three full games, survived that round – barely. They were pushed by a game Marist team in a contest where everything seemed to conspire against them, but one blown layup and interesting time management by the Red Foxes in the dying seconds saw Merrimack through to the title game. Third-seed Siena, which Merrimack beat twice (both in close games), would be the final foe.
Demons conquered? Not quite.
The demons seemed to be whispering to Merrimack that scoring in the first 10 minutes of halves was a bad thing to do and to do it as little as possible. Siena went on a 22-3 run to take the lead by 15 points just 10 minutes into the game. They missed 13 of 14 shots. Finally, they remembered to score, and scored ten straight points in the final two minutes to pull the margin back to 3.
But the demon-induced cold spell to start the second half spelled their doom. The Warriors missed their first 15 (!!) field goals of the first half (and missed their two free throws) in a scoreless first nine minutes of the half, as Siena went on a 12-0 run to make the margin 15 again. After Kevair Kennedy’s layup broke the streak, they went scoreless for almost another four minutes before again coming to life. In a nearly 3:30-minute stretch, Merrimack went on a 15-4 run to bring the deficit to four with just under four to play.
But they’d get no closer. A key triple by Siena pushed the lead out to seven with about two minutes left, and Merrimack did not recover. The banged-up Siena Saints, who played only six players, would go dancing. They outrebounded Merrimack 50-26. Merrimack shot just 29% for the game.
And here we are again, Merrimack. Four regular-season titles. One conference tournament title. Three championship game appearances. No NCAA Tournament appearances.
Joe Gallo, please don’t go until you see this thing through.
The Bad, jk the Excruciatingly Painful, parts 2 and 3
So, that was bad. But there’s always a new day. The next day, Bethune-Cookman, who entered as the SWAC’s only NMTC team, but also as that conference’s number one seed, would begin play.
Wait, hold on, what? Vaquero noises intensifying?
Yeah, that’s right. Before Tuesday night was over, we were in for a roller coaster we didn’t see coming. UTRGV had a phenomenal season and beat McNeese at home, but still, beating McNeese and SFA on McNeese’s home floor seemed like a gargantuan task. They took the court in their semifinal game that night, determined to prove that wasn’t true, that they were a legitimate contender. Against McNeese in their building, they erased a double-digit first-half deficit and matched every single McNeese micro-run in the second half. With time winding down at the end of regulation, they had a shot at the upset.
UTRGV'S CHANCE GOES BEGGING! OVERTIME!@MCNEESEMBB AND @UTRGVMBB IN A SEMIFINAL CLASSIC!!!!
Again, UTRGV matched McNeese move for move. Actually, they were doing better, holding a three point lead under two to play.
This time, there was an abysmal call though that changed the trajectory of the game. With a three-point UTRGV lead with just over a minute to play, McNeese missed a shot that caromed off a UTRGV player, before a different Vaquero player scooped up the ball in the corner. Only, the shot clock started off of the carom. So by the time UTRGV secured the ball in the corner, the shot clock was at 28, when it should have reset right there. They moved the ball up court against mild pressure, crossing the mid-court line with 20 seconds to go. The refs ruled a 10-second violation.
But even they sensed something was wrong. It didn’t feel like 10 seconds. So they went to the monitor and clearly saw that the shot clock started early. So they gave UTRGV the ball.
Except no, they didn’t. They saw clearly what happened and STILL said that it was a violation. McNeese ball. I don’t criticize refs too much, for it’s a hard job – but when you’re looking at a slow-motion replay of something obvious and STILL don’t get the call right, I’m going to call “corruption” until I hear a good explanation otherwise. And I still haven’t heard an explanation.
That's just a BAFFLING call. UTRGV called for a 10 second backcourt call where the shot clock started a second early. The refs reviewed it and let it stand. They got across halfcourt right when the clock read 20. WTF? https://t.co/mEbrhZQns0
McNeese used the extra possession to help tie the game again. And STILL, with time winding down in DOUBLE overtime, they had another shot at the upset.
WE ARE GOING TO TRIPLE OVERTIME
FIRST EVER TRIPLE OT TOURNAMENT GAME IN SOUTHLAND MEN'S BASKETBALL HISTORY@McNeeseMBB AND @UTRGVmbb STILL GOING AT IT IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC
— Southland Conference (@SouthlandSports) March 11, 2026
Unbelievable. Three hours. Four shots at the win. Wasted. On that.
The worst part is we weren’t really expecting this one. Then they drew us in. And gave us hope. And the refs snuffed out that hope.
UTRGV still hasn’t even been to a conference title game, let alone win one. And they’re one of the longer-tenured club members. Alas, the conference didn’t want anyone other than McNeese and SFA in the game. And so they wait longer. And so we seethe. Arrrrrrgh.
So we slept it off. Maybe Tuesday would be the end of it. As I said, Bethune-Cookman, top-seed in the SWAC, was going. When it took the floor on Wednesday afternoon, the NMTC was down badly, desperate for a win.
Bethune, like Merrimack, also won a notoriously crowded conference by three full games. It had looked competitive at times in the nonconference. Its first game was against the lowly 8-seed Prairie View A&M, but the task was not easy. Prairie View held the lead for most of the first half.
But then Bethune surged ahead. It had a seven-point lead with under seven to play, then watched as their opponents closed the gap, finally retaking the lead with 44 seconds to play. Bethune had one chance to respond. It had its shot blocked, Prairie View made its free throws. And another top contender had its season go up in smoke.
That was truly brutal, one of the more brutal stretches in NMTC history, perhaps. I make the argument that this might be the worst year of the NMTC ever. For people who say it isn’t because a team made the field, every year has seen an NMTC member graduate, so by definition, the worst year so far will have been a year where at least one team graduated. (The only argument you could make against that would be the year 2020, where, besides the fact that a global pandemic ruined everything, it wasn’t looking so hot for the NMTC. But I’m going to put that in a separate category.)
To have that many favorites fall in the way they did in such a short amount of time feels historically cruel. Of course, I haven’t been covering for all that long. This I tell you, though, if the WAC – the closest thing to a certain NMTC bid – somehow fails to produce one, this will be the worst year in history, unequivocally.
The WACky and Hopeful
Speaking of the WAC, somehow, the regular season outcomes in the final year of the WAC – where four of seven teams are Club members – weren’t the main focus of ours this year. The actual games of the tournament were arguably not the top story of the WACthis week.
Consider the Utah Valley Wolverines. A university that has remained pretty much out of the public eye except for its basketball team, a team that has become one of, if not the best, NMTC teams over the last few years. The last few years, they’ve been the only team to routinely be in the double digits of KenPom and/or NET.
With the WAC appearing to be on the verge of crumbling, they decided to jump ship to the Big West, where they’ll begin play next year. But the WAC apparently ordered them to pay a $1 million exit fee that it says was contractually obligated. When Utah Valley did not pay, the conference, at the beginning of February, banned UVU from participating in the postseason for all sports and removed it from all WAC streaming platforms. (Utah Valley contended that the other departing members of the conference didn’t pay the fee, so it didn’t need to pay.) Utah Valley ended up getting a judge to grant them an injunction to play in postseason tournaments for two weeks and return to streaming platforms. When the two weeks were about to expire just before the conference tournaments, it requested and received an extension.
Flash forward to Tuesday, the WAC unilaterally announced that if Utah Valley did not place the $1 million in escrow by 5 p.m. THAT DAY, then they would be removed from the basketball brackets.
UVU did end up doing this, and the WAC backed off. But the next day, UVU publicly acknowledged the fiasco with a statement in a nine-graphic thread on social media, claiming the school thought it had agreed with the league that it didn’t owe the exit fee. The school stated it worked with the District Court in Utah, and that the payment would be placed in an escrow account by the WAC’s self-imposed deadline. Finally, the Wolverines could play after months of back and forth with a conference that won’t exist in a few months.
(If you are looking for good, insightful local reporting on this, go read Brice Larson, a Utah sports reporter who has covered this saga.)
All this is overshadowing what should be a great NMTC moment. The WAC is as close to a sure thing as there could possibly be in terms of getting an NMTC team into the field. And they nearly banished our top soldier, Utah Valley, the regular-season champs. There are only seven teams in the WAC’s final year, and four of them are NMTC, including the top three seeds of the tournament: Utah Valley, Cal Baptist, and Utah Tech. We’ve now reached the semifinal stage, and the top seeds are still alive (sorry to Tarleton, which dealt with turmoil this year). If Utah Valley can beat the only remaining non-NMTC interloper in UT Arlington tonight, we are guaranteed a graduate.
So, we should be getting a second graduate tonight or tomorrow. But as I said, if somehow UT Arlington sneaks through and nabs the title, this will be forever known as the worst NMTC year on record.
Finally, The Normal Bad
Ah, Chicago State. The fan favorites pulled up the rear of the NEC in their second year in the league. But throw everything out the window, especially in the NEC. Long Island, the far-and-away best team in the conference, could not pull away from the visiting Cougars. Suddenly, it was just a two-point LIU lead, with Chicago State holding possession under 20 seconds to play. But CJ Ray picked up a charging foul, LIU made two free throws,s and hung on.
MAN! What a rush that would have been.
In the OVC, both UT Martin and Lindenwood had better-than-expected seasons. Unfortunately, neither could pull an upset in the tournament. 6-seed Lindenwood fell in a nail-biting quarterfinal to 3-seed SEMO, and 4-seed UT Martin suffered a third loss of the year to top seed and eventual tournament champs Tennessee State.
The 6-seed Presbyterian Blue Hose got in on the fun in the Big South. After trailing Radford by double digits early, Presbyterian forced overtime against 3-seed Radford on a deep, banked-in heave, and would go on to win. Against heavily favored Winthrop in the next round, the Blue Hose again fell behind big early, and still by eight points with under two minutes to play, before a late surge saw them down two points, bringing the ball up the court with seven seconds to play. Just as we all allowed hope to creep in, coach Quinton Ferrell called an interesting timeout as his player loaded up for a decent three-point look. Instead, inbounding with three seconds, Presbyterian only got a desperation heave, and the hope disappeared as soon as it arrived.
In the CAA, it looked like UNC Wilmington had to lose. William and Mary down at the sixth seed didn’t look too inspiring. Then, top-seed Wilmington Lost. Second-seed Charleston got crushed. Things were beginning to open up. Suddenly, if William and Mary could pull a similar upset against third-seed Hofstra, it would be the second-highest team remaining…and then the Tribe got crushed by 31 points.
The Dumbest Rule Strikes Yet Again?
Mercyhurst made the NEC title game in its second year in Division I. But the Dumbest Rule means they didn’t get to go to the dance, regardless of the result at Long Island last Tuesday. Mercyhurst didn’t win, but the Dumbest Rule, besides being unnecessarily punitive, is also a potential buzzkill of excitement. The champion was decided prior to the game, when Mercyhurst defeated the newly eligible Stonehill at home in the semifinals. In this case, the LIU-Wagner game then became the de facto championship, and since it was played after Mercyhurst’s game, it had the excitement. But in other instances, the emotion that should come from a team winning to clinch its spot in the dance can be delayed and muted.
Just get rid of it, NCAA. You can make sure the schools are fulfilling any checkpoints you want while also letting them play.
Women’s NMTC: shockingly slow!
As we mentioned last week, the women’s side tends to have more graduates a year, as there are just the same amount of teams (minus VMI and Citadel, trivia if you didn’t know), but the tournament has been around for 40 fewer years.
But at the time of writing, there have been 18 tickets punched, and not a single one has been NMTC.
The closest was North Dakota State, which won the Summit regular season crown this year but fell to powerhouse South Dakota State in the semifinals. We won’t bury them just yet, because the 28-4 Bison have a shot at an at-large bid – they’re right now in Charlie Creme’s first four out, for instance. (Come on, committee, do the right thing.)
Air Force, the 9-seed in the Mountain West, shocked everyone by upsetting top-seed and 19-1 in-conference San Diego State, and then followed it up with a win over Boise State. Alas, their Cinderella run ended at the hands of Colorado State in the finals. Lindenwood also made the OVC final but fell in a close one to Western Illinois. (Lindenwood had to beat Southern Indiana in the semis, a team that has also been victimized by the Dumbest Rule, having won the OVC tourney in 2024.)
There’s still plenty of hope, though. Charleston, the top seed in the CAA, is in the semifinals. As of typing, Maryland-Eastern Shore is in a semifinal battle to advance to the finals against Howard (and UMES hasn’t made it either men’s or women’s basketball, baseball, or softball, so this would be a rather big deal) Alabama A&M, the top seed in the SWAC, was just upset today by Southern in the semis, but 7-seed Arkansas-Pine Bluff is trying to keep its Cinderella story alive later this evening. 5-seed Tarleton will also go for an upset of WAC favorites Cal Baptist in the WAC semifinals.
The Quick Goodbyes
Elon, Denver, Kansas City, Sacred Heart, North Alabama, New Hampshire, and Youngstown State were eliminated as expected with little fanfare.
Sacramento State’s first season of the Shaq- and Mike Bibby-led rebuild (and their last in the Big Sky before heading to the Big West) ended with an eighth-place regular season finish and first-round loss. USC Upstate closed out its season by losing to abysmal Gardner-Webb, who had only one Division 1 win all year (also against USC Upstate). South Dakota lost convincingly in its 4-5 Summit League matchup against last year’s grads, Omaha. UMES, who started 4-0 in MEAC play before losing 9 of their last 10, forced overtime against the 3-seed NC Central before falling.
Thanks for reading! We will have one more closing article this year, but until then, stay tuned to our Twitter account (@NMTC_Hoops), Bluesky account (@nmtchoops.bsky.social), and our famous NMTC Spreadsheet, which tracks every NMTC team’s progress. See you next time!
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Jordan Spieth has a complicated relationship with TPC Sawgrass. Many professional golfers do. But Spieth's first appearance netted him a T-4, his best finish at the Players Championship. It's a mark he has been chasing since, but his impatience has gotten the better of him.
Pete Dye's masterpiece on Florida's First Coast has aggravated numerous players throughout the years. It's a fickle test of golf, with the line between excellence and disaster hardly noticeable. It's a place that sometimes good shots aren't rewarded and bad breaks are bound to happen. And those who get impatient will be punished.
Enter Spieth. The three-time major champion has gone nearly four years without a win, but in recent weeks he has found his best form since offseason wrist surgery ahead of the 2025 season and has shown flashes of the Spieth of old. That was never more apparent than Friday, when Spieth had perhaps his best stretch of golf in years, only for TPC Sawgrass steal all of his joy on the final hole for the second straight day.
"Things are really good, and I need to have even more patience here than I do other places," Spieth said, "It's just, 13 times in a row I continue to just — something gets me here, and I just don't quite have the patience for it."
Spieth, 32, sits at 3 under heading to the weekend at the 2026 Players, but even he knows that score should be much closer to the lead. After Friday's morning wave, he trailed solo leader Xander Schauffele by seven strokes. If not for two doubles to end each of Spieth's first two rounds, he would be only three back.
"It was just a bummer, both days finishing with doubles. I just played better than that," Spieth said. "Some days you wonder if you shot one stroke worse but you finished with a birdie if you would actually be happier.
"It's a weird deal. Weird game."
Spieth's relationship with golf has been complicated for years. He hasn't won since the 2022 RBC Heritage, a span that's nearing four years. This May, he heads to the PGA Championship with his 10th chance to clinch the career Grand Slam, having won the other three majors between 2015-17. But the thrilling Spieth who captivated millions of fans and became a Tour darling has struggled with swing issues, a wrist injury and other battles eating at a player who still has flashes of excellence.
Look no further than Friday. Spieth's round began with a bogey on the par-4 10th, but he quickly bounced back with a birdie on the ensuing par 5. He made four straight pars and then, on one of the most exciting three-hole stretches in golf, rattled off three straight birdies that came in a variety of ways.
Spieth nearly hit the green in two on the par-5 16th and comfortably two-putted for birdie. Then he hit it to 6 feet on the island green and poured in the putt, which marked the first birdie of the day at No. 17, and the crowd could sense something special brewing. Not even five minutes later, he pointed fore right on the 18th tee, avoiding the water that swallowed his golf ball less than 24 hours prior, but his ball smacked a tree and careened back into the fairway. Spieth capitalized, hitting another approach shot to 6 feet and walking it in.
"Rickie [Fowler] asked if I called bank and I didn't," Spieth said, "It wasn't just coming back into play, it also went forward. It was a phenomenal bounce."
By the time Spieth completed his march to the first tee to begin his second nine, a large crowd had started following he, Fowler and Sahith Theegala, one of the first round co-leaders. On the first, Spieth's approach shot was perhaps his best, landing about 7 feet past the pin and spinning back to 3 feet.
Four straight birdies.
Jordan Spieth is making moves on Friday @THEPLAYERS 🔥
On the par-5 second hole, he pulled his tee shot into the left trees not far off the tee box, but another fortunate bounce saw his ball end up in the first cut between the tees and fairway. He hit two iron shots and ended up 49 feet from the hole, just off the green.
It never left the center of the cup. The putt dropped, and TPC Sawgrass was finally getting Spieth's best shot. Spieth was "Spiething," and the fans were bringing the energy.
"I hit a lot of really good shots in that stretch," Spieth said. "Made a couple bad swings today, and all in all, you just hope you get away with the bad swings, which I did on that one but I didn't on the other couple I made."
If the fans were loud when his putt dropped on the second, they were certifiably insane when his approach shot landed inside 5 feet on the third. He seemed destined for six straight birdies, but looking at the hole as he made his stroke, he saw the ball stay left and just miss. The momentum wasn't depleted, however, as he added a sixth birdie in seven holes on the fourth and was just three back of the lead.
He made an incredible par save on the sixth, pouring in a 26 footer after his tee shot embedded in a mogul left of the fairway and his second shot came up well short of the green after punching through the trees.
But then came his final hole of the day, the par-5 ninth. A day before, he made a routine par. But Friday had other plans. Spieth pulled his tee shot left into the pine straw and his ball came to rest near a tree that prevented him from taking a full swing. After an abbreviated punch shot back into the fairway, Spieth hit a 3-hybrid left of the green and also ended up behind a tree. He hit a provisional, thinking the ball went out of bounds because he hit it so far left.
It took two more shots to end up on the green, but he couldn't make the putt, ending another round with a double bogey.
"I toed a drive on 18 yesterday and then on one of the easiest holes I made a 7 today, and it's just a bit of a bummer to finish that way," Spieth said. "They don't tell the story of how I'm really playing; those were just two swings that I just needed to miss on the other side."
Spieth's performance at TPC Sawgrass on Friday was vintage Spieth: The young, fearless kid who dominated the PGA Tour and captured three majors and double-digit wins in the blink of an eye. Then there were moments of the grizzled, scar-laden veteran who has struggled to recreate the magic he so often experienced in the early days of his career. In recent weeks, there has been a lot more of the former, though there remain too many instances of the latter for Spieth to plot his way to victory again.
For those who got to experience the roller-coaster ride that is Jordan Spieth on Friday at the Players, they were taken back in time to the days when Spieth was world No. 1. This is only Spieth's fifth made cut at TPC Sawgrass since his T-4 debut in 2014. His best finish in that span is T-19. His mantra this weekend? Attack mode.
"I'm doing everything well," Spieth said. "The stats aren't necessarily showing exactly how solid things are. The last two or three tournaments, just feels like things are getting better and better each week."
And on Friday, Spieth was doing everything well. That is, until TPC Sawgrass got the best of him yet again.
Jacksonville Jaguars' free agent wide receiver Dyami Brown will be playing elsewhere in 2026.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Brown is returning to Washington, where his NFL career began, on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.
When the Jaguars signed Brown to the offense, he immediately added another vertical presence to the offense with his speed. The Jaguars also thought he had the upside to attack other levels of the field and get the ball on designed touches out of the backfield.
However, as the season progressed, Brown's role was reduced and eventually became nonexistent, with him even being a healthy scratch in some games.
Veteran WR Dyami Brown is going back to Washington on a 1-year deal worth up to $3 million, per source. pic.twitter.com/uXgw24hkDv
Brown was unable to carve out steady playing time, and he was eventually jumped on the depth chart by Tim Patrick. He finished the season catching 20 passes for 227 yards with a touchdown.
On a night dedicated to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for breaking a notorious NBA record, Jaylen Brown ripped the mic out of his hand to steal some of the national spotlight — but for devious reasons.
The Oklahoma City Thunder came away with a 104-102 win over the Boston Celtics. In a game within a game, Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history as he usurped Wilt Chamberlain for the longest 20-point streak ever at 127 consecutive games.
It was a classic back-and-forth affair on national TV. Those have become the norm during this homestand as several heavyweights have visited OKC to see if they can match up with the reigning NBA champions. As Payton Pritchard's Hail Mary attempt fell short, the Thunder survived a thriller that saw Gilgeous-Alexander and Brown exchange bucket for bucket in crunch time.
Afterward, Brown became the latest NBA figure on a long list to complain about miscellaneous items — such as what warrants a foul and what doesn't.
Brown finished with 34 points on 10-of-25 shooting. He went 13-of-14 on free throws. That included seven attempts in the fourth quarter alone as he barrelled through several Thunder defenders to draw contact. For comparison, OKC only took 17 free-throw attempts as a team. Gilgeous-Alexander had just eight.
Despite all of those receipts, Brown went to the complaining route. He brought up social media's favorite water-cooler talking point — ethical basketball. The buzzword has gained relevance in recent years. Fair or not, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have become the poster child.
The drive-heavy scorer has caused an uproar over the years. You can guarantee a few clips will make the rounds on social media about his foul-drawing ability and selling contact. Never mind the fact that he's not the first or last guy in NBA history to do that. After all, you gotta typically get a ton of free throws to average 30-plus points.
"I don't know, maybe it all works in the end, but I just don't foul bait," Brown said. "I'm not looking to flop or anything like that, but it's almost like you got to. There's a couple of plays in the fourth quarter where I felt like I drove strong, went up strong and I didn't get the benefit of the doubt. But maybe if I would've flopped, maybe I would've been able to sell that call. And those decide games."
While Brown didn't explicitly mention Gilgeous-Alexander, his smirk when he uttered his comments was a telltale sign that it was a shot at the Thunder. He's not the first or last guy to bring this talking point up after a loss to OKC. Alas, other teams downplaying their dominance comes with the territory of what they've done over the last two seasons.
Just funny to hear Brown say that, of all people. Especially on a night when he made the same foul-baiting moves all night to get to 34 points — because he certainly wasn't doing it from the field as the Thunder did a stellar job at forcing him to put up difficult shots that badly missed.
"We commend players for playing the game the right way, but we give the benefit to those who necessarily are trying to manipulate the game into their advantage," Brown said. "I just don't think it's basketball. Let's just play basketball. All the foul baiting, I think it's whatever for me."
Wayne Rooney not convinced Arsenal can win title but is sure of one thing
Wayne Rooney may not be entirely certain that Arsenal can secure the Premier League title at the conclusion of this season due to the continued threat from Manchester City, but he has no doubts that they have been the best team in England so far.
The Gunners have spent more time at the summit of the league table than any other club since the start of the campaign, demonstrating remarkable consistency under the management of Mikel Arteta, who is working tirelessly to guide the team to the championship, just as many observers expect.
Rooney’s Assessment of Arsenal
Rooney has expressed admiration for Arsenal’s performances this term and commented via Metro Sports:
‘For me it’s different, I think Arsenal are the most consistent team, whether they win it or not, I’m still not sure because of City, I don’t know.’
His statement highlights the challenge posed by Manchester City, who remain serious contenders for the title, but it also underscores the recognition of Arsenal’s quality and resilience throughout the season.
Domestic and European Form
In European competition, Arsenal have also impressed, advancing smoothly through the league stage and now reaching the round of 16, where they continue to be considered one of the strongest sides remaining in the tournament. Domestically, winning the Premier League remains the primary objective for their supporters, and the team still has a handful of crucial fixtures left to secure the top spot.
As Arsenal approaches the final stages of the league season, the margin for error is minimal. Every point matters, and maintaining focus will be essential if they are to convert their long-standing position at the top of the table into a title triumph. Rooney’s assessment captures both the promise and the challenge facing the club as they aim to finish the season on the highest note.
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There’s now less than two weeks to go until Opening Day, and things are definitely beginning to come into focus. We’ve lost our Opening Day starter, with Merrill Kelly’s nervous back ruling him out for that role. However, he started today’s game. Let’s start off with that section of the roster in more detail, shall we?
Starting rotation
Zac Gallen ($22m)
Brandon Pfaadt ($3.4m)
Ryne Nelson ($3m)
Eduardo Rodriguez ($21m)
Michael Soroka ($7.5m)
No changes in personnel here, but a move of Soroka back from the bullpen is in order, due to the Kelly situation hinted at above. It’s uncertain when Merrill will be considered adequately stretched out in order to return to the rotation: that should become closer as we move towards Opening Day. It may not require a stay on the 10-day injured list, but I suspect it will. The D-backs do not need a fifth starter until their ninth game on Saturday April 4. This is due to the (weird) off-day the first Sunday of the season. However, if the team IL Kelly on Opening Day, and backdate this the maximum permitted three days he wouldn’t be able to come off until April 7.
Alternatively, they could keep the rotation on point, and use Soroka for spot starts on March 31st and April 5th. Or not IL Kelly at all: there’s a case to be made that four innings of Kelly is better than no innings at all. Or, if you’re feeling less charitable, better than four innings of Soroka. That pair could just piggy-back when needed for a start or, at worst, two. We’ll likely know more as we see how long Kelly pitches in his upcoming Cactus League outings, which would be March 18 and 23, if he maintains a normal five-day rotation. It’s all uncertain for now.
Gallen has been anointed as Opening Day starter, his fourth consecutive year in the role. Though both this year and last, he backed into the role after the original candidate was unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. After him, Jack has mapped out the most likely order. Pfaadt, for example, has been pitching the day after Gallen this spring, so it make sense he’ll follow him once the regular season starts. Things thereafter do become a little more flexible, and the World Baseball Classic also affected things, with uncertainty around Eduardo Rodriguez
Bullpen
Ryan Thompson ($3.95m)
Kevin Ginkel ($2.725m)
Taylor Clarke ($1.55m)
Kade Stroud
Paul Sewald ($1.5m)
Jonathan Loáisiga
Brandyn Garcia
Andrew Hoffmann
Moving Soroka into the rotation opens a spot in the bullpen. Albeit probably a relatively short-term one. but it’s not a major issue, since the like of Stroud, Garcia and Hoffman all have minor league options available, when Soroka goes back to long relief. I’m no longer convinced that Drey Jameson will crack the roster. While his velo has been up, he has had his struggles this spring (an 8.44 ERA, on eight hits and five walks over 5.1 IP). Oddly, it seems like the team has been stretching him out a little, with his more recent spring outing lasting thirty pitches. He only reached that figure in one of his 19 appearances last year. May be significant, may not.
Garcia is still my pick for the left-handers spot, but had a bit of a blow-up yesterday, to put it mildly. Until then both he and Philip Abner had put up decent numbers in spring. Abner has allowed one run over six innings, on three hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. Garcia had given up no runs over 4 IP, with a K:BB of 5:1. But Thursday’s rough outing (BB, HBP, 1B, HBP, BB – 26 pitches without recording an out) was definitely a concern, and his ERA went from zero to 11.25. The pessimist in me is predicting an elbow specialist in his future, naturally. Even if that isn’t the case, the door is certainly still open for Abner.
It’s possible the team could go with both, if Torey Lovullo wants two lefties. But I like the chances of Hoffmann, who has had an excellent spring. He has allowed one run over 4.2 innings on four hits, with a K:BB of 7:1. If he sustains that over the remaining couple of weeks, he could fill the final spot. It would, however, perhaps be between him and Stroud for who gets the short-stay token, and goes down to Reno when it is time for Merrill Kelly to rejoin the rotation, pushing Soroka down.
Starting line-up
Catcher: Gabriel Moreno ($2.55m)
First base: Carlos Santana ($2m)
Second base: Ketel Marte ($15m)
Shortstop: Geraldo Perdomo ($6.25m)
Third-base: Nolan Arenado ($5m)
Left field: Alek Thomas ($1.96m)
Center field: Jordan Lawlar
Right field: Corbin Carroll (10.635m)
Designated hitter: Pavin Smith ($2.25m)
The good news about Carroll has certainly made a tricky situation in the outfield a lot more bearable. He didn’t just make it back in time for Opening Day, he did so with two weeks to spare. That should give him plenty of time to get ramped up, and there are backfield opportunities should more at-bats be needed. Lawlar has also played encouragingly well this spring. He has a .323 average and 1.174 OPS going into play this afternoon, while not embarrassing himself in center [despite the near miss the other day]. We haven’t seem much of Thomas, due to the WBC, but with Mexico now eliminated, he should be back in camp.
This has all removed the need for Ryan Waldschmidt to be rushed out of the majors for Opening Day. While we may still see him in 2026, service time elements – not just direct years, but a desire to avoid potential Super 2 status – will become a factor. While he played well enough, I’m fine with letting him mature in Reno for a bit. His time will come, and it may not be far off. Elsewhere on the diamond, things are progressing as expected. Nobody has got hurt, and nobody has done much in terms of performance – either to play their way out of a starting spot or into one.
Bench
James McCann ($2.75m)
Tim Tawa
Jorge Barrosa
Ildemaro Vargas
The supposed deal for a utility player discussed last time still has been notable by its absence, but the need still seems to be there. However, every day which passes makes it seem more likely the team is going to be comfortable going with the quartet above, or something close to it. I’m a lot happier with Barrosa as a fourth outfielder than I was when it seemed like he might become an everyday left-fielder. With him being out of options, it will get a little tricky when Lourdes Gurriel comes back and a spot needs to be found. What happens may depend on how Lawlar fares in center: he does still have a minor-league option left, if needed.
Meanwhile, Vargas comes into play today batting .345, though has yet to take a walk. I suspect that batting average is not sustainable, but he really isn’t going to be on the roster for his bat. What Vargas does have, is over 100 MLB innings at each infield position, as well as in left-field, so he offers a lot of positional flexibility and experience. Between him, Tawa and Barrosa (plus, in a pitch, Pavin Smith can play the outfield – albeit for some loose definition of “play”), I feel like the D-backs have adequate coverage around the diamond.
Indiana's Reed Bailey (center) and the Hoosiers cheer a 3-pointer during the Indiana versus Northwestern men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Are you tired of talking about the NCAA Tournament bubble? I certainly am. Unfortunately for us Indiana men’s basketball is still on it and there’s probably a universe in which the Hoosiers do, in fact, receive a bid.
Will that happen? Almost certainly not. Indiana collapsed nearly as badly as it could’ve to (likely) close Darian DeVries’ first season as head coach with six losses in its last seven games, with only one of said losses coming by double digits. Two of those losses were to the same team, Northwestern, which is firmly out of the tournament picture. The Wildcats still not only beat the Hoosiers twice, but did so by an even greater margin the second time. Neither game was on the road.
Anyway,
If you think Indiana doesn’t go dancing, there’s several people who agree with you. Including the fans surveyed by SB Nation:
What else agrees with you? Vegas. Indiana’s odds entering the final stretch of the season were favorable to land a bid before completely flipping during the Hoosiers’ collapse. Unlike other bubble teams, Indiana is not listed in FanDuel Sportsbook’s national championship odds.
Another rough March in Bloomington for the men’s basketball program looks inevitable.
Patrick Ricard doing what he does best. | Getty Images
Pancake Pat blocking for Skat.
Like the sound of that, New York Giants fans? That is a likelihood the New York Giants have created by signing former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard to lead block for a backfield that includes head-banging running back Cam Skattebo.
The Giants gave Ricard a market-setting two-year, $7.63 million contract this week, making his $3.815 million average annual value the most ever paid to a fullback.
Why did they do that? Because Ricard is a 6-foot-3, 300-pound wrecking ball who has been named to the Pro Bowl six times in nine seasons.
“I’ve garnished the nickname Pancake Pat because I pride myself in how physical I am, the point of attack and pancaking defenders, and if I can continue to do that, that’s all I care about,” Ricard said. “It does not bother me if I don’t get the ball at all. Sometimes I’d rather have these other guys get the balls because they’re just, to be honest, they’re better. They’re more explosive. They can run a lot faster than me. I’m 300 pounds. So, I’d rather have the ball in their hands and me blocking for them.”
‘Physicality all over the place’
Ricard was, of course, asked what it would be like blocking for Skattebo, a player who spent time as a kid running into telephone poles for fun.
“It’s going to look like a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns,” Ricard said. “It’s going to be just physicality all over the place. It’s going to just be exactly what the people want to see.”
What does Ricard know about Skattebo?
“I loved watching him last year, and I was just thinking to myself, I’m like, man, that guy has a lot of fun. And you can just tell by how he plays and the juice he brings to the team,” Ricard said. “I’ve had a couple conversations with him. He was recruiting me to come here. I’m close with Jermaine Eluemunor, both in the same draft class in Baltimore. Jermaine was FaceTiming me, and right in the background there’s Skatt just saying what’s up to me. So, I’m excited to work with them and get to know him more.”
“If you look at Jermaine’s journey, I mean he’s trying to find a home, kind of bouncing around, and that whole time, I was in Baltimore for the last nine years. He’s kind of bouncing around, and I’m in Baltimore, and for us to now finally be together again is just a full-circle moment,” Ricard said.
“And he was just telling me how great this place is and how much I’m going to love it and how much I’m going to love my teammates, the city. And he couldn’t have said anything better about this place. So, I’m just excited to be with him once again and to enjoy and see what the city is all about.”
A career rooted in defense
Ricard wasn’t always a fullback. He played defensive tackle at Maine, and split time his first two seasons in Baltimore between offense and defense. he has been a full-time fullback since 2019. How does having been a defensive tackle help him now?
“I think it’s the physical part of defense. Defense, you’re always on the attack. You’re always trying to be as physical as you can. You have to beat a offensive linemen. You have to chase down a quarterback. You have to do all these things to where for me playing fullback, I think it translated really well, on top of also understanding how defenses work, how a defensive line, how a front plays, how their gaps sound, how they blitz, how they pass rush, and I think I was able to take all those things that I learned from playing defense and use it in my game on offense,” Ricard said.
“And I think that helped me really understand and really learn, because I didn’t play offense in college. So for me to try to block and play in an offense against the best in the world, it was a huge learning curve, and I was just thankful for great coaches to help me, and the coaches here now, Coach [John] Harbaugh and Coach [Greg] Roman. So, I’m just grateful to be back with them again and continue my journey with them.”
Following his coach
In the end, Ricard just wanted to be wherever the only NFL head coach he has ever played for was.
“I’m just very grateful for Coach Harbaugh. I mean, he’s been in my corner my whole career. He’s believed in me,” Ricard said. “And as soon as I saw he got the job here, I was definitely interested. I even told him, like, look, if you were coaching a Pop Warner football team, I’m interested. I’m there doing something. I don’t even know if I’m like the water boy, you know what I’m saying?
“So, as soon as he was interested in me coming here, I was all in. I was just ready to just sign the contract and let’s get going.”
Ricard admitted that the Cleveland Browns, now coached by former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, tried to sway him.
“Ultimately, I made the decision to sign here. Felt like it was a better fit for me and my family, I felt like my history with Harbaugh,” Ricard said. “I obviously love Coach Monken, with him for the last three years now, I think it was. And just a ton of respect for him, and I know he’s going to do a lot of great things there. So I’m excited for the Browns, but I’m more excited for the Giants.”
Giants fans are excited for some Pancake Pat highlights.
Names, noise and no clear blueprint: Barcelona presidential candidates have disappointed ahead of the elections
The lead-up to FC Barcelona’s presidential elections should have been a debate about where the club was headed in the next five years.
Instead, it has petered out into a smear campaign built on old wounds, politically exploiting club legends and a general sense of lack of direction.
The election that should have been about 2026-2031
On Sunday, 15 March, 2026, Barcelona’s members will choose between Joan Laporta and Victor Font for the presidency through 2031.
More than 1,14,000 members will be eligible to vote, which is exactly why these presidential debates should have been one of the most serious conversations regarding the club’s future.
This isn’t an exercise to choose the mascot, a campaign slogan or the most familiar face in the room. They are choosing who gets to shape the sport, financial and institutional direction of one of Europe’s best clubs for the next five years and beyond.
And, this is precisely what makes the tone of this campaign so far so disappointing.
A club still dealing with debt due to financial mismanagement of the past, navigating through the consequences of financial levers while still trying to remain competitive and do so playing an attractive brand of football, deserved a battle of blueprints from the two candidates.
It deserved a real argument about governance, sporting continuity, Camp Nou revenues, member protections, and what Barcelona want to look like by the time this next presidential cycle ends. Instead, the campaign has too often sounded like a feud with microphones.
To be fair, neither Joan Laporta nor Victor Font are running without promises. Both have policies and campaign talking points. The issue, however, is the emphasis.
Instead of asking for votes through their policy positioning, both have resorted to a concocted smear campaign of who lied, who manipulated, who used whom, who damaged the club, who resembles Donald Trump, who is a good Barça fan, and who represents the true Barça spirit.
All this is a poor substitute for vision.
Laporta’s campaign of assumption
Will Laporta triumph again? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Laporta has entered this race with the confidence of a man who believes recent history is on his side. To be fair, he has earned that degree of assumption.
He returned to office in 2021, beating Font to the throne and has successfully navigated the club through extreme financial pressure, a revival under Hansi Flick and a feeling that he still remains the best option to run a club of this magnitude. There is substance to this narrative.
But what Laporta should have done is use this to his advantage and campaigned from a position of strength. Instead, he seems to be campaigning from a position of assumption.
Too often, he has sounded like a man asking for continuity on the basis of aura, memory, and emotional ownership of the institution. He often tends to argue that he understands Barça in a way that not many others can and that this should be sufficient to see him retain presidency.
He has spent much of his time in this electoral period sweeping the stadium, cooking in a restaurant and driving a tractor.
Laporta has often projected the air of a man who assumes the office remains his unless somebody produces a dramatic enough reason to take it away. That is powerful politics. It may even be effective politics. But it is not ‘Mes Que Un Club’.
Font’s opposition that has become obsession
If Laporta’s weakness has been his confidence often becoming complacency, Font’s has been his over-obsession in destructing his rival’s stature.
Yes, opposition candidates in a presidential race must attack. It is a part of the job. However, what Font has failed to understand is that it is not the entire job.
The 53-year-old’s campaign has too often heavily relied on being anti-Laporta, and it has overshadowed what plans he has for the club.
The clearest example of this is how he has dragged in club legends like Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernandez into this final stretch of the campaign.
Will Victor Font succeed in overthrowing Laporta? (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
While that may be legitimate political ammunition, what it also tells you is that a candidate who claims to represent the future of the club has spent crucial days in the build-up trying to turn the pain of the past and names that still carry a lot of emotional influence at the club into weapons for his own selfish ambitions.
This is where Font has arguably disappointed the most. In 2021, he presented himself as a method man, a project man and a person with an eye on the bigger picture. He presented himself as the antidote to presidentialism by instinct and to governance by charisma.
Yet, this time, he has continually contradicted the same. He has leaned on wounds, on old fractures, on the vulnerability of Xavi and the unfinished romance of Messi, as if those names could do for his candidacy what a fully convincing public vision has not yet done on its own.
That is not just tactical. It is a betrayal of his original promise.
The real questions are still unanswered
And, meanwhile, the real presidency sits elsewhere and remains unanswered.
How will Barcelona manage debt over the next cycle? What governance safeguards will protect the member-owned model? What should Espai Barça become once the applause around construction gives way to the harder questions of use, cost, and development?
How does the club keep La Masia central without turning it into their only source of talent? What is the plan for Hansi Flick to take this project to the next level?
This is where the substance lies. The main reason this election has felt unsatisfying is that these hard truths have been drowned by more glamorous arguments that have no value with regard to the future of the club.
On Sunday, the members will still make their choice, and one of these men will still inherit the responsibility of carrying Barcelona into the next cycle. But whoever wins should hear the underlying truth.
Messi’s name is not a strategy. Xavi’s hurt is not a blueprint. Laporta’s aura is not a plan. Barcelona deserve a future, not a feud. They deserve a president who can describe the next five years in a rock-solid manner.
This election was supposed to be about architecture and the future. Instead, often it has been about ash.
The Dallas Cowboys made a pair of trades on Wednesday, but unlike their previous trade this week to bring in defensive lineman Rashan Gary, both of these latest trades involved the Cowboys trading away defensive linemen and receiving draft compensation instead. More specifically, the Cowboys traded away a pair of defensive tackles in Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas that started a combined 15 games in 2025.
Dallas trading away from a position of strength to address their positions of need was always in the cards as a possibility this offseason. Before reality could set in that defensive tackle was one such position after such an extended time where the Cowboys were perpetually undermanned there, the Cowboys parting with two rotational interior linemen has many fans worried they’ve swung the pendulum too far in the opposite direction.
The rumblings that in some way, shape, or form, last offseason’s priority re-signing in Odighizuwa could be the most notable ‘odd man out’ from the Cowboys transitioning to a 3-4 defense under Christian Parker compared to last year’s 4-3 with Matt Eberflus were already in place prior to being traded to the 49ers.
New defensive coordinator Christian Parker brings a new scheme to Dallas, and how Odighizuwa fits will loom large in their decision-making. For starters, a transition to a straight 3-4 defensive front makes Odighizuwa a fish out of water. He’s undersized for a 4i defense end, nor does he possess the traits of an outside linebacker on the edge.
Parker also asks his defensive ends to use gap-and-a-half principles, where he’ll be asked to hold at the point of attack and read the play before reacting. Osa is a pass-rushing 3-tech. He has a quick first step and is a one-gap penetrator. Odighizuwa is an effective pass-rushing defensive tackle, but isn’t a stout run defender. For a defense that wants to roll with lighter boxes, its defensive tackles must be capable of handling their run game assignments.
How Odighizuwa fits into the new scheme is an important consideration, especially given his cost. It would be great to keep him on the team, but not as an overpriced rotational player with a reduced role on the defense. After several big trades, the Cowboys are now handing out big chunks of cash to several players, so they need to be smart about where this money is being allocated.
The Cowboys received a third-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers in the deal, bringing their total number of top-100 picks in this year’s draft to three. The Cowboys still hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round, still are without a second-round pick, and now have a third-round choice thanks to the 49ers. This compensation still does not tell the full story of the changes the Cowboys are going through defensively though.
Odighizuwa landed back with last year’s one-and-done defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in Matt Eberflus, who is now the 49ers assistant head coach of defense.
The Solomon Thomas trade, where the Cowboys also gave the Tennessee Titans a seventh-round pick and received the Titans’ seventh-rounder in return, also follows a similar script. Thomas played for head coach Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton for the New York Jets prior to joining the Cowboys, where he was also coached by Whitecotton, who now along with Saleh are both reunited with the Titans.
Zoom out even further around the league and this type of transaction is common place. Within the Cowboys own division, the New York Giants have been busy bringing in a flock of former Baltimore Ravens under former Ravens and current Giants head coach John Harbaugh. Former Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle is back with Mike McCarthy with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Malik Willis was a significant domino to fall in the quarterback market, following former Packers coach Jeff Hafley to Miami where Hafley is now the Dolphins head coach.
All of this is to say that while the Cowboys have earned their fair share of praise for some coaching hires under HC Brian Schottenheimer, most recently choosing Parker as DC and allowing him the autonomy to build his staff. The outlying move from a year ago to hire the safe, familiar face to the organization in Eberflus is still going to hold them back in how quickly they can actually rebuild thatside of the ball. Having Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator the season before Eberflus can be considered an extension of this same issue that’s only compounded it further. In the wildly fast-paced National Football League, not all mistakes are created equal, and the Cowboys defensive mistakes when it comes to recent coaching hires are creating a seismic lasting impact.
While other teams are using either their coaching continuity or, at very least, the connections to players their coaches have that are best forged through years of experience, the Cowboys have put themselves in no position to benefit from either of these on defense ever since Dan Quinn’s departure for the Commanders head coaching job.
Obviously, just because both Odighizuwa and Thomas have strong ties to the teams they were traded to does not mean the Cowboys had to part with them, as both were still under contract. But it also stands to reason that these connections helped put Odighizuwa on the 49ers radar and Thomas on the Titans’, helping the Cowboys get compensation for players that Parker apparently does not see as fits.
Eagles DTs Jordan Davis – 336 lbs Jalen Carter – 314 lbs Moro Ojomo – 292 lbs
Former Cowboys DTs Osa Odighizuwa – 280 lbs Solomon Thomas – 285 lbs
The only defensive tackle the Cowboys have added this offseason to provide insight into what Parker is looking for at the position is Otito Ogbonnia, a true nose tackle that came over from the Los Angeles Chargers. Rashan Gary as a pass rushing addition also stands out as more of the 3-4 linebacker type that will have rush responsibilities in Parker’s scheme compared to the types of traditional, hand-in-the-ground defensive ends the Cowboys would have targeted in the past with other 4-3 coordinators.
If these moves stand as the only personnel acquisitions in the front seven that show the Cowboys are going to give Parker the time to build this defense in his image, that general premise is a good one. Still, the overall sense of urgency falls well short of matching where this team should be on defense to catch up to an offense with so many stars on big contracts and top-paid QB that’s been on the outside looking in at the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Even the idea of playing Odighizuwa and Thomas as scheme misfits and allowing their talent to compensate for it the best it can was a more comforting idea for some fans than now having neither on the roster with no players in return in either trade. There are concerns along the front seven going into a draft where the secondary was always going to be a priority as a position group still with glaring needs.
The 2025 Cowboys defensive experience with Eberflus was an abject failure, a brutal way to create yet another lost season for an offense that played well, and something that left the team no choice but to move on swiftly after one season. At this junction of the 2026 offseason though, it feels like some of the doldrums this experience created have yet to be realized, the scope of the defensive rebuild needed is larger than what the Cowboys can fully achieve before week one of this season, and this team’s path to victory will again be lopsidedly dependent on one side of the ball compared to the other.
Names like Trey Hendrickson and Bradley Chubb both also came off the available free agent board on Wednesday, pushing the Cowboys further into their old ways of needing to sell mid-tier acquisitions as star-level moves. These moves will carry the unfair expectation of creating a defensive turnaround that has a serious lack of name brand, blue-chip players to rally around at the moment, in the absence of both Odighizuwa and Thomas.
Even if the Cowboys are content to line up with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Ogbonnia as the defensive tackles that will have to eat up the majority of snaps, the depth behind these scheme-friendly players was an asset they could have used following the addition of Rashan Gary to round out their EDGE group. Coming away with only the unrealized potential of draft picks in a draft where premier pass rush talent is expected to be off the board by the 12th overall pick Dallas holds has painted the Cowboys into a corner that fans will understandably have little patience to watch them get out of.
Manchester City poised for major cash boost through Serie A midfielder’s sell-on clause
Hugo Viana and Manchester City could receive a significant cash boost this summer thanks to a 30 per cent sell-on clause in Máximo Perrone’s Como contract.
When City let Perrone leave permanently in 2025 for around €13 million, it was made sure that the deal was structured with future financial incentives, with the player having already spent time on loan in Italy where performances convinced Como he could be a key player.
City’s choice made sure they did not lose complete control over the player’s future, retaining both a buy-back and 30 per cent sell-on clause relevant to a future transfer – a common feature of the club’s transfer strategy.
The midfielder’s progress since moving to Italy full-time has been favourable for both the club and the player, with Como having had a great season and as they build a fight for a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Maximo Perrone has been one of their best players, and his calmness on the ball and ability to control the pace of a game from deeper midfield positions proving to be essential components of Cesc Fabregas‘ tactical system.
Juventus and Inter Milan Eye Perrone
As such, interest from bigger clubs has followed, and according to reports from Calciomercato – translated and relayed by Sport Witness – both Juventus and Inter Milan have been monitoring the Argentine closely in recent weeks.
The former have one eye on strengthening midfield options during the coming summer, while Inter are looking at options in case Hakan Çalhanoğlu leaves the San Siro at the end of the ongoing campaign.
The report asserts Perrone could be worth around €50 million – a valuation partly shaped by contractual clauses retained by Manchester City, with Como knowing that any big sale would mean giving a share of the profits over to the Etihad stadium.
How Much Could City Earn from a €50m Deal?
Should Perrone be sold for around €50 million, and having bought the midfielder for a reported €13 million, Como could generate roughly €37 million in profit and 30 per cent of that profit meaning €11 million would head in the direction of Manchester.
For a player who did not get the opportunity to feature regularly at Manchester City, this kind of financial return would be an enormous incentive, and instead of blocking development or letting value stay the same, City chose a path that included loans to Como and Las Palmas.
From a recruitment and squad-building perspective, the situation shows a larger objective in Manchester City’s model, in that while not every promising player will end up getting a long-term spot in Pep Guardiola’s team, well-planned transfers can still help the club.
As Italy’s top clubs continue to show interest, Maximo Perrone’s future could become one of the most interesting stories of the upcoming transfer window, and a result could show healthily on Manchester City’s balance sheet and aid their own upcoming investments.
There is no time for Manchester City to feel sorry for themselves as West Ham await
Manchester City continue their bid to keep pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side travel to London to take on West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday night. It is a must win match for City if they are to have any hope of winning this season’s Premier League title. City were well beaten by Real Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. That result has taken away a lot of the positive momentum after they had gone eleven games unbeaten before Wednesday night’s match. Up next for Manchester City is West Ham. It is a match that City simply must win, and they have no time to feel sorry for themselves after their disappointing result and performance in Madrid.
Manchester City will continue their fight for the Premier League title against a desperate West Ham side.
Following Wednesday night’s horror show from Manchester City against Real Madrid, it does feel like the air has come out of City’s season, so to speak. The manner of City’s defeat at the Bernabeu and how the match unfolded has cast doubt over whether or not City can maintain their chase to win the Premier League. One bad result doesn’t make a season. But how Pep Guardiola’s side was beaten in Madrid and all that surrounded it has taken away all of the positive momentum that surrounded Manchester City.
Up next for City is a West Ham side who are fighting for their Premier League survival. The Hammers sit 18th in the Premier League table with 28 points. They are level on points with Forest, who are 17th. West Ham have everything to play for at the London Stadium. Nuno Espirito Santo has turned around the Hammers’ fortunes. They will be up for the visit of City and will fancy their chances of getting something out of Saturday night’s match, especially considering that City will enter the match wounded after their horror show against Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola has vowed that his team will continue to fight for everything.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference earlier today, Pep Guardiola has vowed that his team will continue to fight for everyone this season. He also said that he has quickly moved on from City’s poor performance against Real Madrid. He explained: “When you have won a lot of titles, every game is important. We have been struggling for many months for the Premier League, and we will not give up fighting until the end.”
“We cannot play the same eleven every three days, but I’m not thinking about Madrid. It would not be possible to win all the Premier League titles we have if we were not thinking about every single game.”
“The day after Madrid when I woke up was Nuno, West Ham and what we have to do. Tomorrow we have an important game for our Premier League position and then the second leg on Tuesday.”
“We are used to living these situations for many years and it’s a pleasure to be here because last season we could not live on that stage so it’s nice.”
Manchester City have to pick themselves up quickly from their loss to Real Madrid. There is no time to dwell on that performance for Pep Guardiola’s side. They will face a tough and desperate West Ham side at the London Stadium tomorrow night. It is a game that City have to win. They can’t afford to drop points again on Saturday night. Perhaps a win over West Ham will be the tonic for City to inject some life back into proceedings after a bad night at the Bernabeu.
World Baseball Classic pool play wrapped up on Wednesday night with one of the most exciting games of the tournament to date as the Dominican Republic beat Venezuela 7-3 in Miami. There were a lot of great moments like this epic Fernando Tatis Jr. blast:
Juan Soto, also playing for the Dominican Republic, described it as the perfect bat flip. I must say I agree, honestly the whole show from bat flip to the slow, exaggerated trot around the bases was a 10/10 no notes type of performance. Don’t believe me, take a look at the reaction in Santo Domingo:
Last night in Santo Domingo’s Malecón 🇩🇴, thousands watching 🇻🇪 vs 🇩🇴 on a big screen by the ocean.
It’s going to be exceedingly difficult for anyone to top the swagger or caliber of play the Dominicans are bringing to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but I have to believe the Contrerii playing for Venezuela, the Boricua who will be making their debut in Houston tonight and Japan, anchored by Cubs rightfielder Seiya Suzuki and the one and only Shohei Ohtani will give it a go as they make their debut against Venezuela in Miami on Saturday.
As much as my heart is shattered that Mexico missed the elimination rounds, I can’t take anything away from the incredible showing Italy and their espresso machine has put on so far this tournament. You can see the whole bracket below:
On paper this is a mismatch with a stacked Dominican team featuring a Latino murderers row of hitters that would strike fear in the hearts of the 1927 Yankees. Tatis & Soto are joined by Junior Caminero, Manny Machado, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Oneil Cruz, Julio Rodríguez y mas. Just look at this swagger:
Juan Soto, Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. all homer as Team Dominican Republic secures the top seed in Pool D! 🇩🇴 pic.twitter.com/rIw4CCBYrE
Oh, did I mention they can pitch? They can pitch. Former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara heads up a pitching roster that includes Red Sox starter Brayan Bello and at least four guys with MLB closing experience in Dennis Santana, Seranthony Domínguez, Camilo Doval, Carlos Estévez, Gregory Soto and Abner Uribe. Don’t fall behind against La República Dominicana.
But the beauty of a single elimination baseball tournament is that on any given day anyone can win, just ask Mark DeRosa and Team USA. Korea qualified for the elimination rounds for the first time in four tournaments. Former MLB pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu will toe the rubber for Korea tonight in Miami.
The Kings in the North: Canada vs. USA
Later tonight in Houston, a scrappy Canadian team will hope to repeat Italy’s performance and stun a stacked US team that ranks second in the ESPN power rankings. The Canadians are coming off a surprise win against team Puerto Rico in San Juan (admittedly, on a night where Puerto Rico’s manager Yadier Molina was resting many of his regulars after clinching a spot in the elimination rounds). The Americans are coming off a surprise loss against team Italy in Houston (admittedly on a night where USA manager Mark DeRosa maybe thought he clinched when he hadn’t but says he knew he hadn’t?).
Pete Crow-Armstrong was the star in a losing effort against Italy, but has generally been backing up Twins centerfielder Byron Buxton. Lineups are not out yet, but keep an eye out to see if PCA is in the game or on the bench.
The Canadians will have Giants ace Logan Webb on the mound while the Americans will counter with former Cub Michael Soroka.
Not gonna miss their shot: Puerto Rico vs. Italy
The middle of the bracket features two teams with MLB regulars and a few lineup flaws. Puerto Rico is without some of their heaviest hitters, but had a strong second place finish in San Juan. They’ll look for a strong outing from staring pitcher Seth Lugo, who’ll likely partner with defensive catcher extraordinaire Martín Maldonado behind the plate. Manager Yadi Molina will look from strong offensive performances from Nolan Arenado, Heliot Ramos and walkoff hero Darrel Hernaiz:
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 8, 2026
The Italians will hope their espresso powered vibes and young electric bats like Jac Caglionne, Vinnie Pasquantion, Jakob Marsee along with former Cubs Jon Berti and Miles Mastrobuoni can score enough runs to make up for their lack of deep pitching. They’ll send Sam Aldegheri or Michael Lorenzan to the mound Saturday afternoon in Houston.
A League of Their Own: Japan vs. Venezuela
Japan will send the greatest baseball player on the planet, Shohei Ohtani and Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki to anchor their offense with pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Yusei Kikuchi into their debut in Miami hoping to start yet one more run to the World Baseball Classic Championship. There will be incredible cheers, there will be vibes. There will be Ohtani:
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 6, 2026
Ohtani may be a unicorn but these are evenly matched teams with Venezuela countering Yamamoto with the pitching prowess of Ranger Suárez, backed up by a fierce offense featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., catching legend Salvador Perez and my favorite Contreras brothers for the nightcap on Saturday in Miami.
It’s a fascinating matchup with both teams offering star-studded MLB rosters, including All Star pitching.
There will be a game thread for tonight’s two games here at 5 p.m. CT.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 06: Belal Muhammad prepares to fight Gilbert Burns of Brazil in a welterweight fight during the UFC 288 event at Prudential Center on May 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Belal Muhammad has a grim comparison for what he expects to see at UFC White House.
The lineup for the historical June 14 event is official, and reactions have been mixed, with some arguing that title fights at the top featuring stars Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira make it a strong card, while others have complained that the announced bouts failed to live up to the hype.
Reviewing the lineup on his YouTube channel, Muhammad believes that what has been booked is appropriate for the audience that will be in attendance, which will strictly be comprised of high-ranking officials and VIPs, not the average UFC fan.
“Obviously, people are going to hate, people are going to argue, but they’re fighting at the White House,” Muhammad sasid. “I mean, it’s not open to the public, it’s not open to real fans. When I picture the people that are there watching, I picture, like, The Hunger Games. The first one when Katniss is at the tryout and all the rich, snobby people are at the top not paying attention to her and they’re just talking, and she had to shoot the arrow through the pig. That’s what I feel like it’s going to be.
“They’re just going to be not really paying attention to what’s happening in the cage. If they see a little blood, they don’t see knockouts, but they’re not real fans, so who cares? They get what they get.“
It’s not the kindest comparison, given that The Hunger Games is a science fiction parable depicting a dark future in which adolescents from poor districts are annually pitted against one another in a lethal competition for the amusement of the powerful and privileged. But Muhammad’s broader point is that he doesn’t expect President Donald Trump’s invited guests to necessarily be hardcore fight fans.
It’s Trump who is responsible for some of the backlash to the UFC White House lineup, as he previously stated the card would have “eight or nine championship fights.”
“My thoughts initially was surprised,” Muhammad said. “Definitely not the card that I thought they hyped up. You had Trump saying, ‘10 title fights.’ What is there, two title fights on there?”
Muhammad acknowledged that both June 14 title fights make sense, with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria facing interim champion Justin Gaethje in a unification bout, and Alex Pereira making a highly anticipated move up to heavyweight to fight Ciryl Gane for an interim belt, but that they weren’t exactly what fans wanted with names like Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones also rumored to be part of the card.
Numerous American fighters had stated their desire to be on the card, including Colby Covington, who has long touted himself as Trump’s favorite fighter. Muhammad is greatly amused by his exclusion.
“For somebody like Colby, who says that he’s Trump’s BFF and Trump loves him, Trump didn’t ask for him to be on the card,” Muhammad said. “So this dork is going back to RAF and wrestling Dillon Danis, who’s a jiu-jitsu guard puller, so that’s a funny one, funny matchup for RAF to make. Obviously, what’s-his-face tweets a lot of dumb stuff, so there may be buildup with that one, but for Colby to keep talking like he’s the man, it’s kind of funny that he wasn’t on the card.”
Muhammad’s next assignment sees him headline at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas as he takes on Gabriel Bonfim at a UFC Vegas event on June 6.
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19: Milan Tolentino #78 of the Cleveland Guardians poses for a portrait during photo day at Goodyear Ballpark on February 19, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 College Basketball Invitational has been canceled, leaving the College Basketball Crown as the only men's postseason tournament besides the NCAA and NIT.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the CBI will not be held this year,” the CBI announced in a social media post Thursday. “We will see you next year!”
Messages seeking comment were left with the Gazelle Group, the New Jersey-based sports marketing firm that has put on the CBI since 2008.
The CollegeInsider.com Tournament folded last year.
Teams participating in the CBI and CollegeInsider.com tournaments were required to pay an entry fee.
The CBI had 16-team fields from 2008-19 and was considered the third-best postseason tournament behind the NCAA and NIT. The tournament was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, had an eight-team field in 2021 and was back to 16 teams for 2022 and ‘23. There were 14 teams in ’24 before dropping to 11 in '25.
The Crown had a 16-team field for its inaugural tournament last year but will have eight teams this year. The Crown is an attractive option for teams that miss the NCAA Tournament because participating teams receive name, image and likeness payments to divide among their players.
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. At least, that was the case as free agency began.
In the early goings of the offseason, the Bengals have made a few key additions. Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe are massive pieces to bolster the defensive line, but the secondary also needed some work.
They made a splash, signing Bryan Cook, formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, to a $40.25 million three-year deal. That signing, according to Matt Okada of NFL.com, was a "smart" decision by the Bengals front office for one reason: It was the best way to fill their need.
Bengals $40.25 million Bryan Cook signing called 'smart' by NFL writer
"Not only did the Bengals directly 'address the safety debacle' - following my suggestion with a player I listed - but they landed Cook on an extremely reasonable deal that comes in at just 13th in average annual value at the position," Okada writes.
Cook's $40.25 million three-year deal is not a bad one for the Bengals. It's just a hair above $13.4 million per-season, and while it's a bit expensive for a safety compared to players like Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, it's a much more stable presence than those options.
He's a great tackler and is also good in both run defense and pass coverage. The two-time Super Bowl champion has started 47 games in his NFL career, 46 of which came in the last three seasons.
Cook has three career interceptions, 15 passes defended, one sack, 238 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
He's not the top safety in the NFL, but by paying him the 13th most money among the position for 2026 and beyond, it's a very reasonable contract to hand out to fill a need.
While pass rusher might've been the bigger issue for the Bengals, they desperately needed a safety to pair with Jordan Battle next season, other than Geno Stone.
There is still more work to be done on the defensive side of the ball for the Bengals, but this addition of Cook at $40.25 million over three seasons was a "smart" move for the Bengals in Okada's opinion. And with how great a fit this is, it's hard to argue that point.
After a humiliating night in the Champions League, Manchester City will shift their focus back to the Premier League title race on Saturday (20:00 GMT) against a rejuvenated West Ham United.
Real Madrid hammered Pep Guardiola's side 3-0 at the Bernabeu to put City's hopes of European glory in major doubt. They could potentially find themselves with a 10-point gap to make up at the top of the table come kick-off on Saturday too, as Arsenal play at home against Everton earlier in the day.
They may start the weekend in the bottom three, but there is momentum behind West Ham. They have won seven of their past 11 games and can move out of the bottom three with a positive result on Saturday.
Hammers seek alternative attacking plan
The positive feeling around London Stadium reached its high point on Monday night as the team progressed into the FA Cup quarter-finals after a penalty shootout win over Brentford. But it was punctured the day after by some injury news.
Crysencio Summerville has been key to the team finding some form in recent months, although he will not be available for this weekend's game because of a calf problem.
The Dutch winger has scored seven goals and registered one assist across his past 13 games, and West Ham's record without him in the side this season leaves a lot to be desired. They have won none of their five league games without him in 2025-26.
[BBC]
Summerville has also been crucial to West Ham getting into good positions in games. Four of his goals this season have put the Hammers 1-0 up, the highest proportion of opening goals of any player to score at least four times this term.
Even with their star winger, City would represent a big test for West Ham. They have not beaten them at London Stadium in nine attempts in the top flight, losing seven and drawing two. City are unbeaten in 20 Premier League games overall against the Hammers.
Haaland hindered by Semenyo arrival?
Wednesday's heavy defeat in Madrid will be tough for City to brush off. But they have no choice if they are to keep pace in the title race.
Although City have lost only one of their past 17 Premier League games, there is still a sense that the team is lacking balance. Since the arrival of Antoine Semenyo, there has definitely been a shift in style too.
City have started with a two-man strike force in eight of their past 10 matches. Guardiola has gone with two strikers in seven league games this calendar year; he had previously played with two up front just 10 times in the competition since joining City in 2016.
While Semenyo has been a big hit at City - he has seven goals and two assists already - he has yet to gel with star forward Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian scored 20 of his 22 goals this season before Semenyo joined and made his City debut, but he has netted only two goals in matches in which the January signing has also started since.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 21: Bradley Chubb #2 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills are starting to reshape the defense with a pretty significant signing from their southern rivals, the Miami Dolphins. Defensive end Bradley Chubb, who knocked quarterback Josh Allen down a few times last season, is coming to Buffalo.
Not considered one of the premier names at the position by most despite being a former fifth-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb is then a bit more of a gray area signing. Let’s crack open a nice, cold can of film and see how we think Chubb did against some familiar faces.
The Film
For my overarching thoughts, I think the headline gives it away. Bradley Chubb is a capable defender with most of his wins coming through sheer power. Chubb is good at gaining leverage and using it. Some bursts of speed show up on film for Chubb too, though I’m not counting on him to win too many footraces at this point in his career.
I didn’t see much in the way of finesse techniques. The occasional spin attempt and rip make their way in. On most plays Chubb isn’t about to bend around the edge like Jerry Hughes used to, win a complex hand-fight competition, or the like.
Ultimately, I don’t expect the buzz around Chubb to be as hopeful as Von Miller or Joey Bosa. If Chubb does one thing neither Miller or Bosa did, stay healthy, it’s possible he creates the bigger ripple on the team of the three. Chubb is a steady hand who can get the job done on a routine basis.
Play notes
This is a good representation of what Chubb can do. You know who Dion Dawkins is and Chubb is walking him backwards. The pair went back and forth pretty well in the two games last season.
Reggie Gilliam knows how to block, but couldn’t handle Chubb here.
The same for Jackson Hawes.
Remember how I suggested he might not excel at finesse techniques? Here’s an attempt at a rip move to get free of Dawkins.
There’s a little finesse here as Chubb uses his hands a bit to wade through the mess, but it’s more staying steady than any intentional method to get free of a block. I grabbed this play because it shows a little agility but mostly Chubb is able to get free because the offensive line was distracted to some degree elsewhere.
On this sack, Chubb shows off a long arm which he does have some skill with, and then some speed to cut back inside of Dawkins.
Run support is a little shaky in my opinion. I saw several plays were Chubb seemed to over or under shoot the mark, not see the play develop as quickly as I might like, or miss a tackle (there’s a couple just in the clips above).
On Friday, Miami announced that they've signed punter Seth Vernon.
Vernon played collegiately at Portland State from 2019-21, averaging 44.6 yards per punt before he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 2025, Vernon moved to the UFL and spent the season with the Michigan Panthers, punting 23 times for a 45.4-yard average with eight punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
On Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the signing of running back Rico Dowdle official. Dowdle was in the building, signed his contract and addressed the media as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And on social media, Dowdle announced what his jersey number would be as a member of the Steelers.
According to Dowdle, he will wear No. 13 this season for the Steelers. This will be the fourth different number Dowdle has had during his career. When Dowdle played for the Carolina Panthers, he wore No. 5, and when he was with the Dallas Cowboys, he wore both No. 23 and No. 34.
Most recently, wide receiver Scotty Miller wore No. 13. Miller was in Pittsburgh the last two seasons. Before Miller, wide receiver Myles Boykin wore No. 13 in 2022 and 2023 and before him, wide receiver James Washington wore it from 2018-2022.
Pittsburgh signed Dowdle after losing running back Kenneth Gainwell to free agency. Dowdle's rushing style meshes well with starter Jaylen Warren and his history with head coach Mike McCarthy will serve him well with the Steelers.
Brighton make the long trip to Sunderland, where they have lost on their five visits. Meanwhile, the Black Cats will be happy to return their focus to the league after last week's shock FA Cup defeat by Port Vale.
Domestic knockout competitions have been a sorry story this season for Sunderland, who have been dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup by League One sides. However, fans can still take comfort from their top-flight status – and hope that it could even result in qualifying for a European competition next season.
The Black Cats' win over Leeds in their most recent Premier League game took them to the 'magical' 40-point mark. While mathematically not yet safe, relegation is very unlikely - only three teams have ever gone down at the end of a 38-game Premier League season with 40 or more points.
Sunderland were actually one of those sides in 1996-97, when they were relegated with 40 points. But the last occasion it happened was back in 2002-03 when West Ham went down with 42 points.
It is an impressive achievement by Sunderland, given all three promoted sides have been relegated in both of the past two seasons. Furthermore, the Black Cats finished 24 points behind the Championship's top two last season and required stoppage-time winners in both their play-off semi-final and final to reach the top flight.
The club weren't afraid of overhauling their squad - they recruited 15 players over the summer, spending more than £160m, a record for a Premier League promoted club - and the gamble appears to have paid off.
Since 2009-10, only two promoted teams have earned more points at this stage of the Premier League season. But the job isn't quite done, and head coach Regis le Bris admitted that his side "didn't show enough" in their abject performance against League One bottom side Port Vale last weekend.
And after only losing five of their opening 24 matches of the season, the Black Cats have since lost five of their past nine.
[BBC]
Brighton remain three points short of the '40' mark – it's comfortably their lowest points tally and position at this stage for the season in four years, although given the tightness in the middle of the table, even at 14th they are still nearer the European spots than the relegation zone.
Their current relatively low standing is mainly the result of a mid-season lull, during which they won just one of 13 league games. Things have improved in recent weeks, which have included two wins and three narrow 1-0 defeats, including a somewhat unlucky loss to Arsenal 10 days ago.
In that game, Brighton didn't take their chances, and lack of goals has become a familiar story – after scoring 28 in their first nine league games, the Seagulls have scored just eight in their past nine.
But at least they haven't been conceding either – only leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer than Brighton's nine in the past 10 league games.
All of which doesn't necessarily make happy reading for neutrals, with Brighton's past 15 Premier League matches having included 30 goals, fewer than any other side in this period.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 1: Pedro Neto of Chelsea reacts after referee Darren England shows him a red card during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 1, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) | Visionhaus/Getty Images
Pedro Neto’s behavior after receiving his second yellow in the match against Arsenal a couple weeks ago has been deemed egregious enough for our winger to be hit with an additional one-match ban, which he will serve this weekend, thus ruling him out from our game tomorrow against Newcastle United.
“Pedro Neto has been given a one-match suspension and a £70,000 fine for misconduct that occurred after he was sent off in Chelsea’s Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday 1 March. It was alleged that the player acted in an improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match official/s following his dismissal in the 70th minute.
“Pedro Neto subsequently admitted the charge against him. An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing, and the written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
Neto served his original one-match ban against Aston Villa ten days ago, before starting against both Wrexham in the FA Cup and against PSG in the Champions League. He picked up an excellent assist in the latter, setting up Enzo Fernández’s equalizer. But he also got into a bit of an altercation with a ball boy later on, and though he’s apologized for his own behavior and made good with the kid with some swag, UEFA are now looking into potential disciplinary action as well.
After late heartbreak in the Champions League for both Chelsea and Newcastle United, each side will be looking to bounce back when they meet in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (17:30 GMT).
Chelsea competed well for long spells against Paris St-Germain, only for a late capitulation to cost them three goals. They have a 5-2 deficit to overcome in the second leg next week back in London.
Newcastle were hit by a sucker punch at home to Barcelona in their own last-16 first leg. Having been the better side for much of the contest, an 86th-minute strike from Harvey Barnes was cancelled out by Lamine Yamal's penalty deep into injury time.
Joao Pedro and Fernandez cover up Chelsea defensive concerns
Head coach Liam Rosenior may still be struggling to find a balance at the back for Chelsea, but he has been able to get the best out of a number of attacking players - Joao Pedro especially.
While former head coach Enzo Maresca used the Brazilian in different ways, under Rosenior his focus has clearly shifted towards being at the point of the attack.
Under the new boss he is averaging more shots per game - up to 3.17 from 1.92 - and creating fewer chances as a result - 0.62, down from 1.32. He is also making more runs in behind the opposition defence and is coming short for the ball less often.
The end result has been a huge uplift in his goalscoring threat.
[BBC]
Chelsea also have one of the most productive midfielders in European football on their books in Enzo Fernandez.
Since the start of last season, only Bruno Fernandes (59) has more goal involvements among midfielders for Premier League clubs in all competitions than the Blues star. Fernandez was superb in Paris, grabbing a goal and an assist in a losing cause.
Chelsea need all the goals they can get as there are big problems at the back.
Rosenior is yet to name the same defence in any of his games in charge at Chelsea and they have kept only three clean sheets from his 16 games.
No forward momentum for Newcastle
At times this season there have been sections of the Newcastle team that have worked well. But in the final third they remain a puzzle.
Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have both struggled since big-money moves in the summer. Eddie Howe handed an opportunity to William Osula to lead the line against Barcelona despite his inexperience, and at times he has opted against fielding a striker at all.
The search for a formula that works is no surprise given the respective performances of the players. The trio have made a total of 44 appearances between them this calendar year and have only six goal contributions to show for it - three goals and three assists.
It has been a running theme for Newcastle throughout the season. Of all the teams in the Premier League in 2025-26, their percentage of goals from forwards is the lowest in the division, with just a third of their 42 goals coming from attackers.
[BBC]
Even some of their best technical midfielders have struggled to find the back of the net. Sandro Tonali has had 28 shots without scoring in 2025-26, more than any other player in the league.
Stamford Bridge has not been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle in recent years either. They have lost 11 and drawn one of their past 12 games there since a 2-0 win in 2012.
Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht broke a bit of free agent news on Friday.
Licht announced on social media that the team has agreed to terms on a new contract with tight end Ko Kieft. Licht also made Kieft a fifth-round pick in 2022.
Kieft only missed one game during his first three seasons in Tampa, but he suffered a leg injury in Week 3 last season and was not able to return to the lineup. He has eight catches for 82 yards and two touchdowns when he has been in the lineup.
The Bucs also re-signed Cade Otton this week. He joins Kieft, Payne Durham and Devin Culp on the roster at tight end.
Arsenal have the chance to temporarily go 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday when they host away-day specialists Everton at Emirates Stadium (17:30 GMT).
The Gunners are in action before title rivals Manchester City - who travel to West Ham United later in the day - and can put the pressure on Pep Guardiola's side. Even with two games in hand, a double-digit deficit would feel like a lot for the chasers to claw back.
Everton represent stern opposition though, especially when they are on their travels. They have the fourth-best away record in the division this season and a European push is very much on the cards for David Moyes' side. They sit eighth going into the weekend fixtures.
Stacked Arsenal squad can crank up the pressure
It is Arsenal's turn to try to put the heat on City this weekend. After Pep Guardiola's side were annihilated 3-0 by Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek, they could be a little fragile heading into their fixture at London Stadium.
Arsenal, by comparison, seem to be settling well into the run-in grind and will be buoyed by their 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen thanks to a late Kai Havertz penalty.
If the Gunners were to win on Saturday then it would be their biggest advantage at the top so far this season. The nine-point gap they had on 7 February over City and Aston Villa was their largest, although City had played a game fewer at that point.
With the matches coming thick and fast, there will be an onus on Mikel Arteta to use his squad effectively. It is something he has done well so far, especially in terms of his in-game changes.
This season, the Gunners have more goal contributions from substitutes than any other team.
[BBC]
One player who could relish this encounter is Gabriel Jesus. He has eight goals and one assist in 15 appearances against the Toffees, meaning they are his favourite opponent since moving to the Premier League.
Can Everton continue remarkable away run?
While Everton have found it tough settling into life at their new stadium, Moyes has found a formidable formula on the road.
Since he returned to Merseyside to manage the club last January, only Arsenal have earned more points from away games. This season, it is also only the Gunners who have picked up more wins on the road.
Crucially, Everton may be the team best placed to cope with Arsenal's set-piece effectiveness. So far this season, the Toffees have not conceded a goal from a set-piece away from home; they are the only team in the league who have not.
The Blues' blueprint is clear in their away matches. They sit deep, look to remain tight and then try to pinch something from their attacking forays.
They do not mind surrendering the ball either. Everton have averaged the lowest amount of possession of all Premier League teams in away games this season.
[BBC]
Counter-attacking isn't something they rely on often, although they are effective when they do.
No team has produced fewer fast breaks than Everton's 13 this season, but the Blues have scored three times from them, which is the joint-seventh-best tally in the league.
For a second straight year, No. 1 seed Michigan State and No. 5 seed Ohio State will meet in the Big Ten Tournament at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, Mich.
In a rematch of last year's Big Ten Tournament Championship Game, the Spartans will host the Buckeyes on Saturday night in the semifinals of this year's conference tournament. Michigan State beat Ohio State last year in overtime to win their second straight conference tournament championship, and will look to book their trip to the championship game again this year with a win over Ohio State on Saturday.
Michigan State comes into this matchup as the regular season Big Ten champs and looking to lock up a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans finished the regular season with an overall record of 25-7-2 and Big Ten mark of 16-6-2.
Ohio State picked up a blowout victory at Wisconsin on Wednesday to advance to Saturday's semifinals matchup against the Spartans. The Buckeyes are 13-20-2 overall and 8-15-1 in Big Ten play, and will need to win the conference tournament to earn a spot in this year's NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State was one of the few teams this season to experience success against the Spartans during the regular season. Michigan State went 1-2-1 against Ohio State in their four regular season games, which included a blowout loss for the Spartans at Munn Ice Arena just a few weeks ago.
The other semifinals matchup in the Big Ten Tournament pits No. 2 seed Michigan against No. 3 seed Penn State. That game will face-off prior to the Spartans-Buckeyes down the road in Ann Arbor, Mich., with the winners of these two games meeting in the championship game next Saturday.
Here's how to watch the Michigan State hockey game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
What channel is the Michigan State vs. Ohio State on Saturday? Time, TV schedule
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
The men's college basketball coaching carousel is spinning.
As of Friday, March 13, six Power conference jobs are already open — Georgia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse, Arizona State, Providence and Cincinnati. They aren't blue-blood jobs, but some of them should be intriguing to potential candidates, while others are a daunting task to take.
As Power coaching positions become more available, here's a ranking of them from being great opportunities to tough jobs.
1. Syracuse
A program with a national title and multiple Final Fours should be an incredible opportunity, right? Well, there are a lot of unknowns in Syracuse.
The Adrian Autry experiment really set the Orange back, far away from the success of Jim Boeheim. The main issue is Syracuse lost its identity and has to figure out where it wants to be. It has a new president and a new athletic director coming in the summer, really setting the stage for how much it values the program. It does have investment, but not anywhere near the top of the ACC.
While there are questions, Syracuse does have a fan base tired of its shortcomings and ready to do what it takes to change that. There is a real chance to bring life into the JMA Wireless Dome. The sport is better with Syracuse contending, and it has a viable shot of happening compared to other ACC teams.
2. Cincinnati
Cincinnati lost its magic with no tournament appearances in five seasons under Wes Miller — and happened at a critical time. The Bearcats thrived under Mick Cronin to remain a contender in the American Conference, but it hasn't been able to replicate it since his departure and the move to the Big 12.
It was strange because Miller had the pieces to be successful, it just wasn't panning out. It's been mostly shoved around in the three seasons with the league.
There's a concern whether it fell behind too much to catch up in a loaded Big 12, but there is potential. With a rich history and dedicate fan base, Cincinnati can get behind a guy that can bring a spark to a program in need of it. It doesn't seem likely, but it won't take a lot to bring excitement back in.
3. Georgia Tech
It feels like ages ago Georgia Tech was 40 minutes away from a national championship in 2004. It's only won two games in four NCAA Tournament appearances since.
What's been the problem is the entire college basketball world ran past the Yellow Jackets while it stood still. It hasn't poured funds toward the program, Damon Stoudamire didn't adapt and it led to some down times for a team that shouldn't be as bad as it's been. It does have history it can lean on, and is right in a major hotbed for talent in Atlanta. Its next coach would need to make that a priority to keep local talent close.
4. Arizona State
Bobby Hurley couldn't get the Sun Devils acclimated to the Big 12, winning just 11 conference games in two seasons, leading to his departure after 11 seasons in Tempe.
Tempe has been a tough place to coach, with no Sweet 16 appearance since 1995. Its in-state rival Arizona is a major player, and the Big 12 move only made it harder to navigate. However, there are pieces that make it possible to get out of the shadow of the Wildcats.
First, the location is a major bonus, in a top market that can generate revenue. The athletic department has shown an investment in sports — largely football and women's basketball — and a reset is what men's basketball needs. The fan support is pretty solid for a middling program, and would explode with actual success. Look no further than the excitement Molly Miller has generated on the women's side.
Even though Arizona State hasn't been to the tournament since 2023, there's plenty available for the next coach to find some success it has been seeking since the turn of the century.
5. Providence
It's always interesting to see how schools where college basketball is king handle searches, especially in the Big East. Providence is on the hunt again, trying to get itself out of the bottom half of the conference.
The Friars aren't major title contenders, but they have history that shows it can be a successful program, evident in the 2022 Sweet 16 run. NCAA Tournament spots should be consistent. Providence is 47-51 in Kim English's three seasons. When you have rivals like Connecticut, St. John's and Villanova miles ahead, it makes it very difficult to climb the standings.
The money appears to be there for the Friars, and they have a loyal fan base that makes things a bit easier for a new coach. You just can't help but wonder if it's going to be a multi-year task to get back to the expected contending level.
6. Boston College
It is quite the task to be in charge at Boston College.
The Eagles haven't been much of a contender in nearly two decades. Their last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2009, one of the longest droughts of any Power conference school. Basketball hasn't been a priority in Chestnut Hill. There aren't NIL funds or huge amounts of money coming in for staff. There's also the added task of having to get people to just show up to games, as Conte Forum often resembles a ghost town.
If there's one positive, Boston College is still in the ACC so that should draw some interest. But it comes with a major warning label: It doesn't get much tougher than this.
One of Denver’s defensive backs is officially back in the fold.
The Broncos announced on Friday that corner Ja'Quan McMillian has signed his second-round restricted free-agent tender.
McMillian is now set to earn $5.767 million on his one-year deal with the club.
The Broncos and McMillan are still able to negotiate a long-term deal for the time being.
McMillian, 25, appeared in 17 games with three starts for Denver in 2025. He recorded 56 total tackles with five tackles for loss, nine passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 4.0 sacks.
In his 51 career games with 16 starts, McMillian has tallied six interceptions, 24 passes defensed, and 7.0 sacks.
I was really disappointed by Sunderland's defeat at Port Vale in the FA Cup, and not just because that was another prediction I got wrong.
It felt like an absolute gimme for Regis le Bris' side, and I wanted to see them have a decent cup run.
They have still had a great season and they have already hit 40 points so they will be absolutely fine in terms of staying up.
But they will still want to finish the season strongly, and that means they need to get their home form going again - after staying unbeaten there for so long, they have lost the past two at the Stadium of Light.
Brighton hit a sticky patch too around the turn of the year but they had picked up again with wins over Brentford and Nottingham Forest, before narrowly losing out to Arsenal last time out.
The Seagulls can reel Sunderland in and move above them in the table with a win but I don't think they will get one. Instead, I am going for a draw.
Thomas made another big play in Week 12 of the 2024 season, when he returned an onside kick for a touchdown.
He had a bigger role at the start of the 2025 season, making 26 tackles in seven games, before he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list as he dealt with migraines that impacted his vision.
Evidently, the Colts believe Thomas to be moving in the right direction with his health.
As far as role, Thomas is capable both of playing on the defensive side of the football or contributing on special teams.
For Indy, they get a still young, talented player with some NFL experience already. It's a good low-risk addition for the Colts.
Chelsea's recent record against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge is really good - they have won 11 of their 12 league games there since 2012, and drew the other one.
I just wonder how deflated Liam Rosenior's side will be after being pumped in Paris on Wednesday night - Paris St-Germain's fifth goal felt like a real hammer blow.
This game finished 2-2 earlier in the season when Nick Woltemade put Newcastle 2-0 up, before Chelsea fought back in the second half.
Newcastle will be hoping Anthony Gordon is back at 100% after his illness that meant he was only a substitute against Barcelona on Tuesday.
But even if Gordon does start, I am still pretty confident Chelsea will win this one.
I remember going for a 2-0 Bournemouth win when these two sides met before Christmas.
Bournemouth went 1-0 up, so I thought I was on to score 40 points when I heard there had been another goal late on, but it turned out to be a Burnley equaliser.
That's the way my season has been going with predictions, but I am actually going to go for another Cherries win, and by the same scoreline too.
I've been saying for a while that Burnley have got too much to do to stay up, and it definitely isn't happening now.
I still think Scott Parker's side will be competitive, but I don't see them getting anything against his old club this time.
Bournemouth have not lost in the league since 3 January but they have drawn their past three games, so they are due a win.
PREVIEW | Lazio vs Milan - team news, lineups, predictions
Lazio and Milan go head-to-head at Stadio Olimpico this Sunday in the Serie A. The match will be broadcast live at 19:45 on TNT Sports 1.
Lazio have picked up 37 points and currently lie in 10th position. In their last game, Maurizio Sarri's team won 2-1 against Sassuolo (Serie A 2025/26).
Milan have won 60 points to date and are placed in 2nd position. In their last fixture, Massimiliano Allegri's team won 1-0 against Internazionale (Serie A 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Lazio winning 1-0.
Watch AEW Revolution this weekend on PPV, here's how. (AEW)
AEW
All Elite Wrestling will be in Los Angeles this weekend when AEW Revolution 2026 takes over the Crypto.com Arena this Sunday. The event will be headlined by a Last Chance Texas Death Match between reigning men's world champion MJF and "Hangman" Adam Page, and you can also expect to see women's world champion Thekla coming to blows with Kris Statlander to defend her title, a Continental Championship bout between Jon Moxley and Konosuke Takeshita, the men's world tag team championship, and more on this very stacked fight card.
The event will be available as a pay-per-view fight via HBO Max, Prime Video, PPV.com and YouTube. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch AEW Revolution, including the full fight card and how you can stream every match.
How to watch AEW Revolution 2026 this weekend:
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Start time: Pre-show at 7 p.m. ET, main card at 8 p.m. ET
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV channel/streaming: PPV via HBO Max, PPV.com, Prime Video, and YouTube
When is AEW Revolution 2026?
AEW Revolution is on Sunday, March 15. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with matches starting at 8 p.m.
What channel is AEW Revolution on?
AEW Revolution 2026 will be available through pay-per-view in the U.S.. You can order it through HBO Max, Prime Video, PPV.com, and YouTube. And if you have a live TV plan through DirecTV, Sling, Fubo or Dish Network, you'll also be able to access the PPV event through those platforms, here's how.
You can access AEW Revolution 2026 on these pay-per-view platforms for $49.99. (Note that the listed price on HBO Max is $39.99, but an HBO Max subscription, which starts at $10.99/month, is required for PPV purchase.)
Where to watch AEW Revolution:
AEW Revolution 2026 Match Card:
Last Chance Texas Death Match: MJF (c) vs. "Hangman" Adam Page for the AEW Men's World Championship
Two-out-of-Three Falls Match: Thekla (c) vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women’s World Championship
No Time Limit: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the Continental Championship
FTR (c) vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW Men's World Tag Team Championship
Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis (c) vs. Kevin Knight, Mike Bailey & Mistico for the AEW World Trios Championship
Birmingham City currently have 52 points and lie in 10th position. In their last fixture, Chris Davies's team won 1-0 against QPR (EFL Championship 2025/26).
Sheffield United have won 49 points to date and are placed in 13th position. Last time out, Chris Wilder's team slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Norwich City (EFL Championship 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Sheffield United winning 3-0.
Formula 1 heads to the Shanghai International Circuit this weekend for the second race of the season. The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix will also host the first sprint race of the 2026 season.
Formula 1 barely had time to catch its breath after the season opener in Australia before heading straight to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, the second round of the 2026 championship. With teams still learning the sport's new regulations and power units, the weekend promises plenty of intrigue as the paddock arrives at a very different circuit.
The sprint weekend format means teams will only have one practice session to dial in their setups before qualifying begins. Friday's running concludes with Sprint Qualifying, which sets the grid for Saturday's sprint race. The sprint itself offers drivers a chance to score points while also providing an indication of race pace ahead of Sunday's main event.
The 2026 F1 Chinese Sprint Race is scheduled for Friday, March 13, with lights out set for 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time for viewers in North America. The 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix will go green on Sunday, March 15, at 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Image: Red Bull
How to Watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Broadcast coverage varies by region. In the United States, Formula 1's primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season is Apple TV, which streams every session live.
Apple TV+ carries live coverage of the championship, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself. The event is also available through the sport's official streaming services, F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium.
For viewers catching up after the fact, Apple TV will also offer full session replays, highlight packages, and a condensed "Race in 30" format designed to recap the event without spoilers.
The service is available through the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV devices, smart televisions from brands including Samsung and LG, as well as streaming devices such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox also support the app.
A subscription costs $12.99 per month in the U.S., with a seven-day free trial available for new users.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports continues to carry full live coverage of all F1 sessions. Highlights of the race will also be available on Channel 4. In Canada, viewers can access the broadcast via TSN.
Fans worldwide can also watch F1 TV, the series' official streaming platform.
Image: McLaren F1
2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix Storylines
The Shanghai International Circuit presents a very different test for teams compared with Melbourne. Its layout includes several heavy braking zones and one of the longest straights in Formula 1, placing unique demands on energy deployment and power unit management.
The most critical braking zone comes at Turn 14, at the end of the long back straight, where drivers brake sharply before entering a tight hairpin. The area will likely become a key overtaking point-and a prime location for drivers to deploy energy from the hybrid system. Other important braking areas include Turn 6 and Turn 11, while the unusual Turn 1–2 complex forces drivers through a tightening 270-degree curve that gradually slows the car.
Mercedes left Melbourne looking like the early team to beat. George Russell led home teammate Kimi Antonelli for a dominant 1-2 finish, leading to predictions that the Silver Arrows could be title favorites this season.
Image: Alpine F1
However, the opening race also indicated the competition might be closer than the result implied. Ferrari ran strongly throughout the weekend, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finishing third and fourth, and at times challenging Mercedes' race pace. Ferrari knows their car is closer in race trim than in qualifying spec.
McLaren and Red Bull both showed flashes of speed in Australia but struggled to maximize performance from their new cars. Drivers and engineers across the grid know there is still plenty to learn about the new generation of machines. One team hoping for a stronger showing this weekend is Aston Martin. The opening race proved difficult for the squad, with reliability concerns affecting running early in the weekend.
McLaren's Lando Norris suggested the Mercedes power unit may currently be the strongest, while Ferrari appears to have one of the most competitive chassis packages.
The big question heading to Shanghai: will Mercedes maintain its advantage, or can Ferrari-or even McLaren and Red Bull-close the gap on a track with very different characteristics than Albert Park? With teams still learning how to manage the new power units and energy systems introduced this season, Shanghai could produce very different racing dynamics compared with the opener.
Image: Aston Martin F1
2026 Formula 1 Calendar
March 5-7: Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix
March 12-15: Heineken Chinese Grand Prix
March 26-29: Aramco Japanese Grand Prix
April 10-12: Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
April 17-19: STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
May 1-3: Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
May 22-24: Lenovo Canadian Grand Prix
June 5-7: Monaco Grand Prix
June 12-14: MSC Cruises Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
June 26-28: Lenovo Austrian Grand Prix
July 3-5: Pirelli British Grand Prix
July 17-19: Belgian Grand Prix
July 24-26: AWS Hungarian Grand Prix
Aug. 21-23: Heineken Dutch Grand Prix
Sep. 4-6: Pirelli Italian Grand Prix
Sep. 11-13: Tag Heuer Spanish Grand Prix
Sep. 24-26: Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Oct. 9-11: Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix
Oct. 23-25: MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix
Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Mexico City Grand Prix
Nov. 6-8: MSC Cruises São Paulo Grand Prix
Nov. 19-21: Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix
Nov. 27-29: Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix
Dec. 4-6: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Where to watch UFC Vegas 114 TONIGHT (March 14) in the United
States
The broadcast for UFC Fight Night 269 “Emmett vs. Vallejos” streams
live on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. You can view it here:
UFC Fight
Night 269 on Paramount
Emmett, 41, enters the cage in a bit of a tailspin, with losses in
four of his past five bouts. The former West Coast Fighting
Championship titleholder last saw action at UFC 320, where he
submitted to an armbar from Youssef
Zalal just 98 seconds into their Oct. 4 encounter. Wins over
Ricardo
Lamas, Mirsad
Bektic, Calvin
Kattar and Bryce
Mitchell anchor Emmett’s extensive resume. Vallejos, meanwhile,
steps into the spotlight with the wind of a six-fight winning
streak at his back. The 24-year-old Argentinian last suited up on
Dec. 13, when he bushwhacked Giga
Chikadze with a spinning backfist and follow-up elbow strikes
in the second round of their UFC on ESPN 73 clash. Vallejos has
secured 14 of his 17 career victories by knockout, technical
knockout or submission.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich preview: Hosts hoping to snap Kompany's win streak
Bayer Leverkusen
Kasper Hjulmand has managed to steady the ship for Bayer Leverkusen, but Die Werkself still have struggled to pick up wins. Leverkusen have lost only one of their last thirteen games in all competitions, but have won only one of their last six, as draws have started to pile up.
They won't be too displeased with their most recent draw. Robert Andrich stunned Arsenal by putting Leverkusen ahead on a corner just a minute after the second half started in an eventual 1-1 draw. While Leverkusen could have won if not for a debated penalty kick in the 89th minute, it was a good result against a heavily-favored side.
Leverkusen will need more of the same to pull off an upset on Saturday. Bayern scored three goals when they faced off in November, and have scored three or more goals in five consecutive games.
Team News:
Arthur, Loic Badé, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Lucas Vázquez are all sidelined with injuries. Mark Flekken is not expected to be ready as he continues to recover from a knee injury he picked up in January. Nathan Tella, who picked up an injury that same game, will return to the squad.
Alex Grimaldo will miss the game due to suspension after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Hamburger SV.
Bayern keep picking up wins, and big ones. A blip in form towards the end of January had some questioning the Bavarians, but Kompany's side have stormed back to win seven consecutive games in all competitions. They are now eleven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
Atalanta were the latest team to feel Bayern's wrath. Neither home-field advantage nor the highs of a comeback against Borussia Dortmund mattered as the Serie A club were thrashed in a dominant 6-1 win on Tuesday. That result essentially guarantees Bayern a spot in the Champions League Quarter-finals, barring a historic collapse.
Leverkusen had been Bayern's kryptonite in recent years, with Die Werkself going nearly two years and six games between losses to the Bavarians. However, under Kompany, Bayern have won their last three matches against Leverkusen.
Team News:
The notable absences come in goal, as both Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig picked up injuries over the past week. As a result, Sven Ulreich will start against Leverkusen. His last appearance came in September 2024.
Alphonso Davies returns to the sideline after suffering yet another injury against Atalanta, as do Jamal Musiala and David Santos Daiber. Hiroki Ito and Cassiano Kiala remain absent with long-term injuries.
Weston McKennie is having his best season yet at Juventus and he says it is his mental toughness that has allowed him to play through tough stretches during his time in Italy.
"My time at Juve has been an emotional rollercoaster," McKennie told The Cooligans this week. "I've always felt at home here. I've always felt like I've belonged here. I always stand by what I believe in and I ultimately believe in myself more than other people. I think that's what's gotten me through my career a lot.
"Being here, it's taught me a lot. Mentally, it's taught me a lot, backs against the wall, go forward, put your head down and work. Also, just maturity, in general. It's Italian culture — classy, mature, speak well. I think I've grown [in that aspect] as well."
The 27-year-old midfielder is second on the Serie A side with eight goals in all competitions this season. His manager, Luciano Spalletti, has played him in a more offensive role and it's paid off. McKennie's four goals in the Champions League came over the club's final six games in the competition.
Weston McKennie passes the ball during the second half against Ecuador during an international friendly at Q2 Stadium. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images
Success in Europe is something that McKennie has brought with him during international windows while representing the United States. He has 62 appearances for his country and will be part of Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup team this summer when the final roster is announced at the end of May.
The men's team has only advanced beyond the Round of 16 once since 1990 when they reached the quarterfinals in 2002. While there is talk of lofty expectations for the USMNT this summer, McKennie is keeping all that noise to the outside.
"I'm not someone that thinks so much ahead, I'm someone that takes it day by day and game by game," McKennie said. "I wouldn't say that I have an expectation of where we should finish because ultimately our goal at the end of the day, just like any team playing in that tournament, is to go out there and try and win it. As athletes and as competitors that's what we're going there to try and do.
"I think our expectations as a team is probably higher than what other people have for us. Because we've been together for so long, there's been new faces, new additions, but as a team we know what we're capable of and we understand the game and what's happening when we're on the field better than anyone. So I think our expectations for ourselves is high and we don't really try to let the outside criticism or outside talk try and affect us as much because at the end of the day it's going to be that 26-man roster and the staff that are going to be there and ultimately the 11 players on the field are going to have to make the difference and it's not words on the outside that's going to be able to do it.
"So, you can talk all you can talk, but it depends on how you walk the walk."
The Oklahoma City Thunder won their seventh straight game Thursday night, defeating the Boston Celtics in a tight game, winning by a score of 104-102.
With Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, it was all Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Last year's MVP scored 35 points to go along with nine assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
On the season, Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up another MVP-caliber campaign, averaging 31.8 points, 6.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
If the number holds, this would be Gilgeous-Alexander's fourth consecutive season averaging 30 points or more.
During the win, Gilgeous-Alexander also broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for the most consecutive games scoring 20 points or more (127).
Following the game, the four-time All-Star spoke on the team's current win streak and the new record.
“The streak is a streak, the awards are the awards. But the thing I’m most proud of is winning.”
This season alone, Gilgeous-Alexander ranks third in Player Efficiency Rating (PER), trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Oklahoma City now sits at 52 wins, the highest total in the NBA, leading the next closest team by four victories.
This comes after an incredible season last year, where the Thunder went 68-14 and won an NBA Championship against the Indiana Pacers.
The Thunder are just 15 games away from another No. 1 seed this season.
They'll return to action Sunday after two days of rest, hosting Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Michael Pittman spoke to the media for the first time since becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler, and he shares one thing in common with potential 2026 starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers — he trains at the same facility in California.
When speaking with reporters, Pittman admitted that while he hasn't caught passes from Rodgers, they've talked a little bit in the past, and he plans to text him when he gets back to California.
Pittman also added that he knows Rodgers loves football and knows that he'll certainly consider playing for the Steelers in 2026.
Michael Pittman Jr. said he doesn't know what Aaron Rodgers is going to do, but: "Just knowing him, I know that he loves football and that he's going to consider it." https://t.co/De8OEibkeH
On Wednesday, the Steelers officially completed a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire Pittman and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round selection.
Rodgers hasn't given the Steelers a definitive decision as to whether or not he'll return in 2026, but there are rumors that Pittsburgh has a few different options in mind if the plan falls apart. Hopefully, a new receiving corps featuring Pittman and DK Metcalf could entice Rodgers to give it one more season.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2025 regular season with a 12-5 record. They were one of three NFC West teams to make the postseason, but watched as their rival Seattle Seahawks not only made it to the Super Bowl, but won it, beating the New England Patriots.
The 49ers have questions to answer for wide receivers after the relationship with Brandon Aiyuk has deteriorated. He missed the 2025 season due to injury and is not expected to be back with San Francisco. Similarly, without a long-term extension, offensive tackle Trent Williams could be on the outs with the franchise, too.
The 49ers are expected to be a top contender in the NFC in 2026, but still have plenty of needs to address through free agency to make sure they can compete alongside the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in their division.
The Sporting News is tracking all of the live rumors, news and updates for the 49ers' 2026 free agency.
12:25 p.m. -- ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported that the 49ers plan to release WR Brandon Aiyuk after the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The release could come on Wednesday, but Wagoner said regardless it will happen soon. Aiyuk will come with a post-June 1 designation and will cost the 49ers $13.325 million in dead cap this year and $21.247 million in dead cap next year.
March 9
2:30 p.m. -- Free agent wide receiver Mike Evans is joining the 49ers on a three-year deal worth $60.4 million, per Adam Schefter.
12:16 p.m. -- Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that San Francisco is expected to lose Jauan Jennings as he is predicted to sign elsewhere. Jennings had the most receiving yards for a wide receiver for the 49ers with 643 in the 2025 season, and led the entire team with nine receiving touchdowns.
12:06 p.m. -- The 49ers were interested in signing free agent WR Alec Pierce. He wasn't tagged by the Indianapolis Colts and was allowed to pursue free agency. Pierce returned to the Colts on a massive four-year, $116 million deal.
11:54 a.m. -- The 49ers are open to trading Williams, per Ian Rapoport. The offensive tackle is entering the final year of his current contract and has been seeking an extension. From the reporting, Williams has been frustrated with the process, and both sides could decide to just move on.
March 7
5:58 p.m. -- The 49ers are signing veteran kicker Eddy Pineiro to a four-year, $17 million extension, per Eric Branch.
Chicago — It’s often said that it’s hard to beat the same team three times in one season, let alone a rival.
The Wolverines didn’t get the memo and had no issue.
After sweeping the home-and-home series, top-seeded Michigan sent No. 8 seed Ohio State packing with a 71-67 win in Friday’s Big Ten tournament quarterfinal at United Center.
Aday Mara had 17 points and seven rebounds, Elliot Cadeau had 15 points and seven assists and Trey McKenney scored 12 for Michigan (30-2), which scored 19 points off 10 Ohio State turnovers.
Michigan advances to face the winner of No. 4 seed Illinois and No. 5 seed Wisconsin in a semifinal at 1 p.m. Saturday, with a spot in Sunday’s championship game on the line.
Michigan beat Ohio State by 12 at home and by 21 on the road in the first two matchups this season. Round 3 was a much tighter affair.
The Wolverines led by as much as 11 in the first half before the Buckeyes chopped it down to four at halftime and erased the deficit. Michigan sputtered on offense and turned it over a couple times out of the break. Ohio State made its first four shots of the second half and knotted it at 44.
Michigan responded with a 7-0 spurt during a stretch where Ohio State missed seven consecutive shots and went scoreless for five minutes. Cadeau scored on a driving layup before he lobbed a pass to Mara, who had an and-1 finish at the rim, and made two free throws to make it 51-44 with 12:45 to play.
The Buckeyes cut the deficit to one before Mara made a string of plays. Mara threw down an alley-oop slam and knocked down a deep jumper. Then after he blocked a shot on one end, he drew and foul and made two free throws for a 59-52 lead.
Michigan couldn’t stave off the Buckeyes as they kept hanging around and broke through with a 10-1 spurt. The Wolverines went six minutes without a made basket. Roddy Gayle Jr. missed the front end at the foul line. A foul by Yaxel Lendeborg on a defensive rebound put Ohio State in the bonus and led to a free throw. Ohio State took its first lead, 62-60, with 5:08 remaining.
The Wolverines countered with their own string of points to pull back in front. Cadeau drew a foul on a driving layup and made two free throws. Mara blocked a putback attempt that led to Morez Johnson Jr. (11 points) snapping the field-goal drought on a fast-break layup that was goaltended. A steal by Gayle turned into another fast-break opportunity that ended with a Cadeau free throw for a 65-62 advantage with 3:35 to go.
Michigan hung on from there. Mara made a key basket at the rim. Lendeborg was fouled battling for an offensive board and split two free throws. The Wolverines strung together stops on defense before, held the Buckeyes to one made shot over the final five minutes and made enough free throws down the stretch to seal it.
Bruce Thornton had 22 points, Devin Royal had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and John Mobley Jr. scored 12 for Ohio State (21-12), which trailed most of the way and led for less than a minute.
Michigan got off to a fast start in the third installment between the rivals, scoring the first seven points, scoring on seven of its first nine possessions and jumping out a double-digit lead.
Johnson took advantage of a mismatch in the post and scored at the rim. A steal by Mara led to another bucket in the paint by Johnson. Nimari Burnett hit a 3-pointer in transition. Lendeborg deflected a post entry pass for another turnover that led to a deep ball by McKenney. The Wolverines took a 15-5 lead with 14:47 left in the first half.
The Buckeyes put together a string of six unanswered points before McKenney stuffed their run. He buried a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer. He finished through contact on a tough drive and finish over Thornton.
The Wolverines got out in transition to push the lead back to double figures. McKenney broke up a pass that led to a fast-break dunk by Burnett. After another stop, Cadeau drained a pull-up 3-pointer. Michigan went up, 25-14, at the 8:36 mark.
Even after Johnson picked up his second foul at the 8:06 mark and sat for a stretch, Michigan kept turning defense into offense. A steal by Cadeau led to a thunderous fast-break dunk by Lendeborg. After McKenney blocked a shot from Royal from behind, Mara scored on a hook shot to make it 31-21.
Ohio State punched back with a 12-4 spurt to make it a one-possession game, as Thorton started to heat up. He fueled the run with seven points and ended it with a 3-pointer late in the shot clock to cut the deficit to two.
The Buckeyes had a chance to pull even when they blocked a layup by Gayle to spark a fast-break opportunity. But the Wolverines broke up an alley-oop attempt and scored the other way on a Mara alley-oop slam en route to taking a 39-35 advantage into the break.
If there’s one division among NBA players these days, it’s about foul baiting.
The tactic, which essentially is when players seek unnecessary contact or exaggerate existing contact with flops, can be an effective tool to draw whistles and get to the free throw line.
And on the night when the Boston Celtics lost a close game to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Celtics star Jaylen Brown called out players who foul baited and expressed frustration over the way officials reward that behavior.
“I just don’t foul bait,” Brown told reporters after Boston’s 104-102 loss. “I’m not looking to flop or anything like that, but it’s almost like you got to. Cause there’s a couple of plays in the fourth quarter where I felt like I drove strong, went up strong, and I didn’t get the benefit of the doubt. But maybe if I would have flopped, maybe I would have been able to sell those calls. And those decide games.
“So it’s like, we commend players for playing the game the right way, but we give the benefit to those who necessarily are trying to manipulate the game into their advantage. I just don’t think it's basketball. Let’s just play basketball. All the foul baiting, I think it’s whatever for me.”
Brown didn’t mention any player by name, but Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the players most effective at drawing contact and getting to the line. He ranks first in the NBA in free throws made per game (8.2) and third in attempts (9.2).
During one sequence midway through the third quarter Thursday night, Gilgeous-Alexander was driving down the left side of the paint when he crashed into Celtics center Luke Garza, drawing the foul.
On-court microphones from the Amazon Prime broadcast clearly picked up Brown shouting at officials in response to the whistle: “That’s not basketball.”
Gilgeous-Alexander would convert both free throws.
“Just accentuating contact,” Brown said when asked to characterize foul baiting. “It’s one thing to get fouled, but it’s like when you’re not even trying to score when you’re driving and flailing your body just to make it look like you’re getting fouled. I think that’s the part where it’s like, all right, come on. But I mean, that’s where our league is at. That’s where the NBA is at. So it’s like, get down or lay down. So maybe I need to flop a little bit more.”
Part of Brown’s frustrations stem from his ejection in a game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, March 10. Brown played just 14:42 and was ejected for arguing an apparent no-call when Spurs guard Stephon Castle made contact with Brown as he dribbled the ball near the sideline, eventually losing it in a turnover. Brown was assessed two technical fouls. The Celtics would go on to lose 125-116.
Brown said he was especially “pissed” about the ejection because he had circled this game on his calendar, given San Antonio’s positioning in the standings.
“I felt great,” Brown said of his ejection against the Spurs. “I felt like I was ready to have a big-time performance, and my night got ended short. In certain spots, maybe I could have been a little bit better, but you’re passionate. It’s a big game. You want to see emotion. You want to see your star players showing that emotion. I don’t think I deserved to get tossed. And I think the NBA agreed, because I didn’t get fined or anything like that. So it is what it is. It happens. People make mistakes, but I’m just looking forward now.”
What's better than beating Ohio State two times in a season? Beating the Buckeyes three times. And Michigan basketball had that chance on Friday afternoon in Chicago.
After having a double bye as the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, the Wolverines drew 8-seed OSU in the quarterfinals. The maize and blue jumped out to a 10-point lead at 15-5, but the Buckeyes weren't content to let Michigan blow it out, either. Even so, the Wolverines opened up by shooting the lights out, hitting on the first three 3-point attempts (with reserve guard Trey McKenney hitting two of them), with a 70% overall shooting percentage in the first half of the first half.
The maize and blue had some miscues, allowing OSU to get back within six, but a Nimari Burnett breakaway dunk and an Elliot Cadeau 3 (the Wolverines were 4-for-4 at this point) pushed Michigan to being up 11 with 8:36 remaining in the first half.
Michigan kept extending the lead to 11 while Ohio State continued to keep the game within distance. The Wolverines finally missed from beyond the arc when Cadeau couldn't hit, nursing an eight-point lead, 29-21, with 5:30 remaining in the first half. But the defense continued to hold the Buckeyes to just 33% from the floor; the only saving grace for OSU was that it was getting to the foul line and was dominating the offensive boards and getting second-chance points.
Even still, Michigan couldn't pull away, and moments later, that 11-point lead was down to just six at the under-four media timeout, with Bruce Thornton heading to the foul line. He hit both, making it a four-point Wolverines lead, and with Michigan missing on the other end, the defense was going to have to hold. It did, as McKenney's hot hand continued, pushing the lead back to six. But Amare Bynum hit a 3 after a missed jumper on the other end, and what was 11 was now just three.
McKenney had his first miss, but former Buckeyes guard Roddy Gayle stemmed the bleeding after collecting the miss and putting it back. However, Bruce Thornton responded with a 3, narrowly beating the shot clock, and it was a two-point game. After OSU missed an opportunity with a three-on-two, Yaxel Lendeborg threw it ahead to Gayle, who hit Aday Mara on the alley oop.
The press on the inbound led to Cadeau getting a steal and ultimately getting to the line, where he hit both shots. Thornton added two at the end of the half, so Michigan went into the locker room up 39-35 at halftime.
The second half started with a miss from Cadeau and a make for Ohio State guard John Mobley Jr., making it a two-point game. Mara and Mobley traded baskets before Morez Johnson Jr. hit a 3 to put the Wolverines back up by five. But Mobley answered with a 3 of his own, so the maize and blue still had some work to do. After Cadeau lost the handle, the turnover resulted in a Christoph Tilley layup, and the game was tied for the first time since the game was 0-0.
After a couple of errant 3-point attempts, not only were the field goal percentages growing close to even, but Michigan gave the ball back to the Buckeyes, giving Ohio State a chance to take their first lead of the game. Both teams missed 3-point attempts, and the game was tied 44-all at the under-16 media timeout. The Wolverines were shooting 33% in the second half while Ohio State was shooting 57%.
Michigan turned the ball over coming off the media timeout, but a Johnson block kept OSU from taking the lead. However, another missed 3 kept the game tied, though the Wolverines turned the Buckeyes back over with a Mobley travel. Finally, Cadeau broke the three-plus-minute scoring drought to put Michigan back up by two.
At this point, OSU had gone nearly four minutes without scoring, but Michigan only really had one score in that same period. Mara got a layup with the and-one to put the Wolverines back up five. A Thornton 3 rattled in and out, and Cadeau was fouled on the other end, drilling two free throws to put the maize and blue up seven. But Gabe Cupps hit a 3 to pull back within four. Moments later, Thornton hit a 3, and it was back to a one-point game. An alley oop from Cadeau to Mara pushed the lead back to three at the under-12 media timeout.
An Ohio State turnover led to a Mara jumper from just inside the arc to stretch the lead back to five. After a block by Mara, he went back to the line and drained both, and it was a seven-point lead with 9:20 remaining. Christoph Tilly broke the Buckeye drought, and when Trey McKenney missed another 3 attempt, Nimari Burnett got a foul on the rebound.
After having just two fouls for the first 11 minutes, the Wolverines picked up four in a one-minute span. Thornton hit two free throws to get the Buckeyes back within three coming out of the under-eight media timeout. On a three-minute scoring drought, Michigan turned it over, but the Wolverines kept OSU from scoring, leading to Thornton fouling Burnett, picking up his third of the game. Burnett missed the front end, but hit the back, four-point Wolverines lead, 6:30 remaining.
Gayle picked up his third foul, putting OSU in the bonus, and Bynum hit both to make it a two-point game. It had been over four minutes since Michigan had scored from the floor, and Gayle missed a 3-pointer to continue the drought. Ohio State hit a 3 on the other end to give the Buckeyes their first lead of the game, 61-60, with 5:40 remaining. Gayle was fouled on the other end, but missed the front end of the one-and-one, and Lendeborg picked up his first foul on the other end, allowing Tilly to score one and take a two-point lead.
It had now been over five minutes without a Michigan field goal, a streak that would continue as Tilly picked up his third foul, sending Cadeau to the line. He tied the game up at 62-all, and Mara got his second block of the game. Michigan broke its six-plus-minute field goal drought with Johnson managing to get a goaltended layup on a fast break. Gayle got a block on the Devin Royal 3 attempt, and Cadeau was fouled by Thornton on the fast break, his fourth. He missed his first but hit the second to make it a three-point game.
Johnson put Thornton on the line, and he hit both, closing the gap to one point. Mara answered with a layup after Cadeau was blocked, so with under three minutes left in the game, Michigan would just need to hang on and go basket for basket. OSU hadn't scored from the floor in nearly four minutes, but the Wolverines were still struggling to get much going on offense.
Michigan held serve on defense, and Lendeborg was fouled on the other end, but missed the front end. He hit the back, and it was a four-point lead for the Wolverines with 84 seconds left.
The maize and blue had a chance to go up six, but Mara missed from underneath the basket, and with a foul on the other end, Royal hit one of two free throws to cut it to three points. Mobley fouled Cadeau to put him on the line with 20 seconds left, and he hit one to make the lead four. Royal scored with six seconds left to cut it to a one-possession game. Royal managed to foul Lendeborg, and he struck both to put the game out of reach. The Wolverines beat the Buckeyes for the third time this year, 71-67.
Mara led the Wolverines with 17 points, Cadeau added 15, McKenney had 12, and Johnson had 11.
Michigan will now face the winner of Illinois and Wisconsin on Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT for a chance to play in the Big Ten Tournament championship game, with the game to be broadcast on CBS.
Stephen Robinson wants backing rather than booing from Aberdeen fans on Saturday as he looks to make a winning start to his tenure.
The Dons were barracked by their own support for much of the dismal 3-0 defeat at Dunfermline last weekend as their Scottish Cup defence ended with a whimper.
But Robinson is hoping for a more positive mood at Pittodrie on Saturday as he attempts to lead his new side to victory over Falkirk.
"Everyone's got an opinion. Everyone's entitled to that opinion," said the former St Mirren boss.
"Some are more educated than others of course. But look, we want to hit the ground running. We want to win the game on Saturday.
"Players don't respond to criticism. Nobody in life goes to work and responds when you're told you're not very good or you get booed.
"So we ask the fans to get behind the players. We can all have an opinion after the game. Any time that I've been to Aberdeen and any time Aberdeen have come to any team I've been involved with, it's been an incredible support."
Robinson has given the underperforming squad a clean slate.
"There's a lot of injuries, a lot of injuries at the back which will dictate certain things in the system we have to play, but everyone's got a chance," he said.
"Everyone's coming in fresh. When you look at people from afar you don't get a full picture, you don't know the circumstances. We've had a meeting and we said that everybody will start from scratch.
"I demand total respect and I demand that everybody respects each other and works as hard as they possibly can and shows their talent, and we'll pick the team accordingly. Every player will get an opportunity to be the best version of themselves."
Mar 13, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes center Christoph Tilly (13) defends against Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Ohio State (21-12, 12-8) made it tough on them, but ultimately the Michigan Wolverines (29-2, 19-1) held on to win 71-67 in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals matchup at the United Center in Chicago, Ill. Michigan will advance to play the winner of Wisconsin and Illinois and Ohio State will now wait to see where they are heading for the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
No. 8 seed Ohio State defeated No. 9 seed Iowa 72-69 on Thursday afternoon behind 24 points from all-time leading scorer Bruce Thornton to earn a spot in the quarterfinals, while No. 1 seed Michigan had a triple bye.
Michigan came into the contest with the upper hand on Ohio State, as they were 2-0 against the Buckeyes in the regular season.
The Wolverines started off shooting the ball well, scoring the first seven points and ultimately taking a 13-5 lead on 5-for-8 shooting from the field at the under 16 media timeout. Ohio State Freshman forward Amare Bynum, who had a strong game against Iowa in the Buckeyes first game, picked up two fouls in the first five minutes.
However, every Michigan run was answered by Ohio State and the Buckeyes fought back from multiple runs by Michigan to only by down 39-35 heading into the halftime break after a Bruce Thornton jumper.
Brandon Noel entered the game for Bynum, his first game action since Jan. 5. He played nine minutes in the first half.
In the opening half, Thornton led all scorers with 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting rom the field. He added three rebounds and an assist. John Mobley Jr. and Devin Royal added seven points each and Royal added four rebounds.
Trey McKenney led Michigan with ten points off the bench. Elliot Cadeau and Morez Johnson Jr. added seven and six points, respectively.
Ohio State actually outrebounded Michigan 19 to 14 in the first half, but the Buckeyes had eight turnovers, including three from Thornton. The Wolverines had 15 points off the Buckeye turnovers. Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg was held to three first half points on 1-for-3 shooting.
Michigan finished the half 0-for-4 from three-point range after starting 4-for-4.
To open the second half, Mobley rattled off seven straight points and had an nice assist to Christoph Tilly to tie the game at 44 with 16 minutes remaining in the game. However, the Buckeyes went scoreless for four minutes and the Wolverines went on a 7-0 run to take a 51-44 lead.
Gabe Cupps went on a solo 5-0 run for Ohio State to cut into the lead. A Thornton three-pointer cut the Michigan lead to just three points at 55-52. Four quick Michigan points made the score 59-52.
The two teams went back and forth for the final six minutes of the game and Michigan led 68-64 with 30 seconds left. Devin Royal split a pair of free throws and Ohio State fouled Cadeau, who also split the free throws. Royal made a jumper with seven seconds left to cut the Michigan lead to two points.
Lendeborg was fouled and he hit both free throws and Michigan held on to win 71-67.
I know it is March and there are no moral victories in March, but here are some positive takeaways as we head into the Big Dance.
Brandon Noel returns
The Buckeyes have had some health issues over the past month, with multiple important guys missing extended time. No one has missed more time than Brandon Noel, who returned today and played his first game action since Jan. 5 and is a solid depth piece and a physical frontcourt player.
Bruce Thornton’s big first half
Thornton has struggled against Michigan this season due to the matchup problems they present with Yaxel Lendeborg being able to guard him in man defense, but he was 5-for-7 from the field with 13 points and kept the Buckeyes in the game in the first half, feeding off the momentum from his big second half against Iowa the day before.
John Mobley Jr. starts second half strong
Mobley came out of the locker room from halftime and scored the first seven points and had a nice assist to account for the Buckeyes first nine points. Bruce Thornton is the main scorer for the Buckeyes, but they level up as a team when Mobley is a consistent second scorer at the guard position.
Gabe Cupps makes his presence known
Cupps has not been known for his offensive output this season, but he had five straight points for Ohio State to end a five minute scoring drought. If he can provide some scoring off the bench, that will be huge for Ohio State to add to his solid defense.
The Buckeyes are off the bubble
This is more of a positive takeaway in general, but Ohio State will not have to sweat on Selection Sunday. They will hear their name called for the first time in four years and will be participating in the NCAA tournament. It is an expectation, but nice to see regardless.
It wasn't easy, but No. 1 seed Michigan basketball opened its Big Ten Tournament with a 71-67 victory over rival No. 9 Ohio State, completing a three-game sweep of the Buckeyes for the first time ever to move on to the tournament semifinals.
Michigan will play the winner of 4-seed Illinois and 5-seed Wisconsin on Saturday, March 14 (1 p.m., CBS).
The game was significantly closer than many expected it to be. Michigan came out red-hot early, scoring the first seven points of the game and led by as many as 11 in the first half, but the Buckeyes quietly chipped away, trailing by only four at the break.
Bruce Thornton, OSU's all-time leading scorer, was able to score nearly at-will at times, finishing with 22 points on 7-for-15 shooting, but Michigan found a way to slow him down late.
After scoring 27 points against MSU in the regular season finale, Big Ten Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg finished with just six points, while Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Aday Mara dominated the Buckeyes on both ends, leading the team with 17 points and thwarting many of OSU's attempts at the rim.
In the end, Michigan wore the Buckeyes down and found a way to win with some clutch free throws.
This time of the year, survive and advance will work.
Allen Park — Christian Izien knows, at 5-foot-10 and 197 pounds, he's undersized on an NFL field.
He also knows he's from New York — a state and city not exactly known for pumping out football talent — and that he didn't receive his offer from Rutgers until there were only a couple games left in his senior season at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn.
Izien was a four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights but didn't receive an invite to the combine, or hear his name called in any of the 2023 NFL Draft's seven rounds. He carved out a role for himself in his first couple of years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but lost a training camp battle last August, resulting in his defensive snaps in 2025 falling to 167, down from what he received in 2024 (697) and 2023 (780).
"I've been told, 'No,' a lot of times," Izien said Friday. "And I've worked through it."
Izien, a versatile defensive back with nickel and safety flexibility who joined the Detroit Lions this week on a one-year deal, is confident he'll again be able to prove wrong those who've doubted him. He'll certainly have opportunity with the Lions, who lost Amik Robertson to the Washington Commanders in free agency and have injury concerns related to both of their starting safeties.
"Having the ability to play multiple positions, I'm pretty sure I'll find a role," Izien said.
Most of Izien's reps as a rookie came in the slot, and he was productive with two interceptions and a forced fumble. He played more safety in 2024. His lone interception that season came at Ford Field, where Jared Goff was hit while throwing deep against Bucs in Week 2. Izien, who still has the ball as a souvenir, hauled in the errant throw, helping Tampa Bay win what he described as "probably the most intense game that I've played in my career."
Aside from his versatility, Izien pointed to his ability as a communicator as one of his top skills. "That's something I pride myself on," he said. "Football is hard. It's an 11-man sport. You're not always going to be in the best call that you want to be in or to go against the offense you're going against. ... Having guys to be able to communicate with you and have somebody out there that you trust being out there with, that's something I want to be for this team."
Izien, 25, has appeared in 45 games and has made 15 starts since signing with the Buccaneers, a solid start for someone who NFL decision-makers believed wasn't worth drafting. But ideally, that's all Izien's time in Tampa Bay was — a start to a career that's still ascending.
"Last year, things didn't go the way I thought it would or the way I wanted it to," Izien said. "I kind of put that in the past (and) use it as fuel for motivation for this year coming up. I do see myself as a starter in this league. I said that last year, and I'll say it again."
Over the past two weeks, "WWE NXT's" ratings have declined after posting numbers above the 600,000 viewer mark for 11 weeks straight. Although it was expected the program would bounce back on Tuesday following Vengeance Day this past weekend, total viewership surprisingly hit a new low instead.
According to Wrestlenomics and Programming Insider, "NXT" averaged 541,000 viewers and posted a 0.08 in the key 18-49 demographic, which is the show's lowest totals of the year. When comparing both categories to the previous week, total viewership was down by 10%, while the 18-49 demo decreased by 11%. Despite the poor rating, "NXT" also went head-to-head with the NBA matchup between the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs on NBC, which brought in 2.5 million viewers. Additionally, the developmental brand faced stiff competition from the NHL, which broadcasted 13 games on the night.
Along with posting its worst figures of the year, "NXT" has also struggled to grow its audience over the last 12 months, with total viewership dropping by 17% since March 2025. Perhaps more concerning is "NXT's" lack of improvement in the 18-49 demo, with the category plummeting by 47% since this time last year. With Stand & Deliver under a month away, "NXT" could see an increase in viewership as fans look forward to the brand's biggest PLE of the year, but it remains to be seen if this past Tuesday was an outlier, or if the decline in ratings will continue.
Veteran defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson has found a new home.
Tomlinson's agents announced that their client has agreed to terms with the Chargers. Tomlinson was released by the Cardinals earlier this week.
Tomlinson signed with the Cardinals after being released by the Browns last year and he started all 17 games in Arizona. Tomlinson had 26 tackles and a sack in those apperances.
Tomlinson spent two years with the Browns and two years with the Vikings after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Giants.
The Chargers also have Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, TeRah Edwards, and Josh Fuga under contract on their defensive line.
Most were expecting the nightcap of Friday night’s ACC Tournament semifinals to be a rubber match between rivals Duke and North Carolina, but the Clemson Tigers had something to say about that, taking down the Tar Heels, 80-79, on Thursday night to set up a rematch of the Blue Devils’ 13-point win in Cameron Indoor Stadium in February.
Jon Scheyer’s team didn’t make it to the game easy, either, surviving a last-second three-point attempt by Florida State to beat the Seminoles, 80-79, on Thursday night.
It was a two-man show for top-ranked Duke against FSU as Isaiah Evans (32 points) and Cameron Boozer (23 points) combined for 55 of the Blue Devils’ 80 points, with no other Duke player reaching double digits in the victory. The Devils might need more of that as they are missing starting guard Caleb Foster and center Patrick Ngongba, limiting the depth to just seven regular players.
Brad Brownell’s team used a complete team effort to hold off the Tar Heels’ furious rally at the end of Thursday’s game, with six players scoring at least 10 points, led by Nick Davidson’s 17 points coming off the bench.
In the first matchup, Boozer, Evans and Cayden Boozer combined for 47 points, and the Blue Devils held the Tigers to 35 percent from the field in the 67-54 victory.
Duke and Clemson are set to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Game Prediction
Thursday’s game showed how important Foster and Ngongba are to Scheyer’s squad, and the limited depth the Blue Devils have might catch up to them once and for all. Expect Clemson to come out and force Duke to get points from anyone but Cameron Boozer and Evans. If that works, it will be the Tigers’ night.
Two times this season, Northwestern lacrosse lost a game. Two times this season, opposing teams rushed the Ryan Fieldhouse turf after the final buzzer sounded, hugging each other as their cheers echoed through the indoor facility.
First, it was Northwestern’s 10-9 loss Feb. 9 against an unranked Colorado team, which celebrated by taking group photos with a giant Buffaloes flag in front of the scoreboard. Then it was No. 14 Syracuse’s 9-6 win over the ‘Cats Thursday night, accompanied by “Let’s Go Cuse” chants from the Orange faithful in the game’s waning minutes.
That’s what it means to beat a 2020s-era Northwestern lacrosse squad that doesn’t usually let up in this manner.
Of course, that’s not to discredit Colorado and Syracuse. The Buffaloes are 4-2 to start the season, while the Orange are better than their record shows, with competitive losses against No. 1 North Carolina, No. 2 Stanford and No. 3 Maryland.
But Northwestern hadn’t lost multiple home games in a season since 2020. To break that streak in the way it did Thursday night was nothing short of disappointing.
“We struggled to be aggressive in what we wanted to do,” Northwestern head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. “We have to learn from that. They’re a great team, they have a lot of athletic kids and we just got to regroup.”
The statistics tell a lot already. Northwestern committed 21 turnovers — even more than in the Colorado game, where protecting the ball was already a problem. The Wildcats’ top four scorers in Madison Taylor, Aditi Foster, Taylor Lapointe and Olivia Adamson combined for 11 of those.
Meanwhile, Taylor (who averages nearly five goals a game) was held to just one goal on four shots while Foster and Adamson were scoreless. To put Northwestern’s attacking struggles in perspective, its leading scorer with two goals was Annabel Child, a midfielder.
Beyond the numbers, Northwestern was playing catch-up from start to finish. The minute and eight seconds after Child’s opening goal with 13:25 left in the opening quarter was the first and only time the Wildcats led on Thursday — and one of the few times they even had a player cutting into the crease area.
Then, the struggle bus hit. Syracuse got going between the thirds as a result of its own transition play speed and Northwestern’s inability to recover loose ground balls on the attack. Molly Guzik scored three goals in under four minutes, giving the Orange an early 3-1 lead. That lead would have been even larger had the goalpost beside NU keeper Jenika Cuocco not robbed Syracuse of multiple scoring chances in the first frame when it outshot the Wildcats 12-4.
Amonte Hiller said Northwestern switched its defensive coverage after Guzik’s early hat trick, and to her credit, it worked. The Wildcat defense performed much better from then on, not allowing a Syracuse goal in the final eight minutes of the first quarter. However, the offense couldn’t replicate the same success to end the initial quarter, and then into the second.
Sure, Lapointe found the net at the end of the first. In the second quarter, a Maddie Epke free position and an acrobatic Child shot (made while a Syrcause defender rammed into her) helped negate goals from Guzik and Bri Peters that opened the frame. But even as Northwestern headed into halftime down just 5-4, the offensive problems that plagued it to start the game weren’t going away.
Taylor, the player who usually leads Northwestern’s offense in both scoring and playmaking, barely got the ball and finished the first half without taking a single shot. In fact, none of the Wildcats’ primary attackers were receiving the ball all that much, with players like first-year Kyle Finnell and Jenna Soto recording more touches than they typically get. The ‘Cats constantly passed to each other on the outskirts of the attacking third or behind the net, but rarely within the fan.
“They played great zone defense. They were pressuring us out, pinching in areas, containing our players,” Amonte Hiller said of the Orange.
If the halftime score gave Wildcats fans hope of a comeback, the second half extinguished it. Syracuse scored four goals unanswered in the opening 25 minutes of the second half, going up to a 9-4 lead with 4:54 left in the fourth. While Guzik, who led all players with six goals, nearly outscored the Wildcats herself, the problem again wasn’t the defense (the Orange scored just one more goal than it did last season, when Northwestern beat them 12-8). Instead, the issue was the turnovers continuing to pile up, while the Wildcats struggled to capitalize on their opportunities — passing off free position shots or firing way wide.
Northwestern attempted to make one final push at the end of the fourth quarter after Noel Cumberland broke her team’s scoring drought with 3:57 remaining. A quick Syracuse turnover then helped Taylor avoid going scoreless for the first time since the 2025 NCAA Tournament, as she made the score 9-6 Syracuse with a gritty goal through contact. It was too little, too late for the Wildcats, though, as the Orange defense did just enough to run out the clock and secure their upset.
The adage for perennially winning teams is that occasional losses are supposed to be turning points, the pivotal moment that motivates them toward a long winning streak. But between Thursday, the Colorado loss and the match against No. 13 Stony Brook that was decided by one goal, it’s clear that Northwestern is struggling against top opponents in a way that it didn’t in years past.
The road isn’t going to get any easier, either — in the coming weeks, the ‘Cats still have Maryland, North Carolina and No. 8 Johns Hopkins on their docket. If the Wildcats are struggling to produce against top-ranked teams right now, Big Ten play is going to get a lot more complicated.
Amonte Hiller wants her squad to move on, win or lose, to Sunday’s matchup against Ohio State, and that’s the mentality it needs to avoid spiraling. But Northwestern’s struggles, especially its stagnancy on offense, are consistent issues that need to be addressed.
“The season brings you what you need,” Amonte Hiller said. “Obviously, we needed to be tested today, and hopefully, we get some growth from it.”
On Thursday night, and against Colorado before that, Northwestern lacrosse put up an uncharacteristic performance. The goal now is to ensure that said performances don’t become the new norm.
Jelly Roll sitting on a throne - Taylor Hill/Getty Images
Grammy Award winner Jelly Roll has so far competed in one pro wrestling match, when he teamed up with Randy Orton to take on Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul on the first night of last year's WWE SummerSlam. Jelly Roll impressed Paul "Triple H" Levesque, and it may only be a matter of time until he returns to the ring.
As advertised by WWE themselves, Jelly Roll is set to appear during tonight's "SmackDown." However, a report from Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select states that there have been talks between Jelly Roll and WWE for a WrestleMania appearance. That means his presence on "SmackDown" could be setting up further involvement on the "Grandest Stage of Them All."
In the past, Jelly Roll has expressed the desire to not only wrestle again but even stick around for an extended run with the promotion. He noted that he understands why Bad Bunny felt the need to return to wrestling after his first match, insisting that he'd be up to perform every Friday for his proposed run with WWE.
Jelly Roll's foray into pro wrestling was a catalyst for his extreme weight loss journey over the last several years. During a clip on "WWE Unreal," the artist revealed that his nickname came from his size, and that his mother used to call him Jelly Roll in an endearing way. However, seeing his SummerSlam 2024 segment on television gave him a jolt of reality regarding his physique, kickstarting a 160 lb. weight loss journey.
“Celtic is a much bigger club than many people imagine,” Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda has reflected on reaching 200 appearances for Celtic, in an interview with a Japanese reported which has been posted on Celtic TV…
Daizen Maeda celebrates as Benjamin chases. Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Amid the intense recent schedule for Celtic, Daizen Maeda reached the 200th appearance mark for the Hoops and his teammate Yang made it to 100 games for the club, in the crucial 2-1 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie last Wednesday night.
You can watch the interview, which is in Japanese with English subtitles below. Daizen’s answers are short and to the point and he talks fondly about the brilliant support he has had from the Celtic fans.
Daizen Maeda has scored 70 goals for Celtic with 36 assists, giving the 28 year-old forward a grand total of 106 goal contributions. With Celtic having 10, or maybe 11 matches remaining this season, depending on how the Scottish Cup semi-final goes against St Mirren, it very much looks like it’s a countdown to the Daizen’s inevitable departure.
Last year he had cleared his dressing room locker and said his goodbyes to his teammates only for Celtic to cancel his £10m transfer to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg due to the Board’s failings in the transfer market. To his credit Daizen simply got on with things and even expressed his willingness in January to remain until the end of the season.
With Japan heading to the World Cup this summer, Daizen’s pressing and all-action approach will be there for all the world to see and a big money move seems inevitable.
“To be honest, I never imagined that I would play this long overseas and make so many appearances for one club,” Daizen said. “So, I feel very proud of myself.”
Danny Finlayson of Livingston battling with Daizen Maeda of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Daizen admitted that he had no idea that he’d reached 200 appearances for the club, explains that he was celebrating Yang Hyun-jun’s 100th appearance when he was itoild he had reached 200. “I actually had no idea,”Daizen admitted. “Somebody told me, ‘You’re actually at 200.’ That’s when I found out for the first time.”
Asked for a favourite moment at home, away and in Europe he chose his debit goal at Celtic Park against Hibs, an away goal at Ibrox and a Champions League goal against Club Brugge at Paradise.
Daizen Maeda. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Daizen acknowledged the role of his family for their brilliant support during his time at Celtic. He said: “My family has supported me throughout this journey, and without their support, I don’t think I would have been able to perform well here, score goals, and play so many matches. I am really grateful for them.”
The Celtic forward also spoke about the magnitude of Celtic as a football club and acknowledges the attention and pressure that comes with it.
“Celtic is a much bigger club than many people imagine,” he pointed out.
Daizen Maeda modelling the brand new Celtic FC x adidas Terrace Icons collection
“There is a lot of attention and pressure around the club, and it is very difficult to keep playing regularly, so you need to come with strong determination, not just for Celtic, but to compete in world football.
“I hope young players will take on that challenge with the right mindset.”
Quick Tip – Add thecelticstar.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
Barcelona top target ‘fascinated’ by the possibility of summer Camp Nou switch
As is becoming apparent with each passing day, FC Barcelona intend to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window.
And, everything indicates that Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan is seen as the top target for the position.
The 26-year-old Italian international is a left-footed centre-back, adept at playing the ball out from the back, possessing good ground speed as well as physicality, checking a lot of boxes for Barça.
Now, according to Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA, Bastoni himself is aware of Barcelona’s interest in signing him and is not closing the door on a move.
Bastoni is a top target for Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The report states that the Blaugrana sporting director, Deco, is intent on signing the Inter Milan defender and sees him as the ‘main’ target for the summer.
Bastoni, for his part, has not said ‘yes’ to Barcelona so far but is ‘fascinated’ by the possibility of joining the club.
This bodes well for the La Liga champions as the player’s willingness to join could help them in negotiations with Inter Milan when things start to heat up.
A transfer fee of €70 million could be seen as steep, considering that Barça are also planning to sign a top centre-forward in the summer, while a permanent move for Marcus Rashford is also in the works.
So, it will be interesting to see how Barcelona opt to move forward with their interest in Bastoni, who appears to be open to the idea of a summer move to Camp Nou.
We all knew it was coming. The writing has been on the wall almost since he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024. The Titans have officially cut cornerback L'Jarius Sneed.
Titans are releasing CB L'Jarius Sneed, which will save Tennessee $11.4 million against the cap, per sources. Titans informed Snead’s agents, the Katz Brothers, of their decision today; Sneed now will become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/fj4JPvZiSf
In his two seasons with the Titans, Sneed has played in just 12 games. He's recorded 49 tackles (35 solo), three passes defensed, and 3.5 stuffs. That's it. He hasn't had much of an impact on this team whatsoever, and he's more of a liability than an asset. With the way the last two seasons have gone, it's not a surprise that the Titans want to part ways with the veteran cornerback.
During free agency, the Titans brought in cornerbacks Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor, and this year's draft class is saturated with young cornerbacks looking for a role. Mike Borgonzi is a fan of building through the draft, so look for them to add youth to the secondary in April.
Sneed has played six seasons in the NFL, but only once has he made it through the season without missing a game. He is often injured, and at 29 years old, his upside is dwindling. He will find a spot somewhere, but the Titans are moving on.
With his release, Tennessee frees up $11.4 million in cap space for the 2026 season.
The New York Jets came into the 2026 offseason with a lot of question marks about their future. Aaron Glenn is seemingly on the hot seat, and the team needed to revamp the defense and find a new starting quarterback.
So far this offseason, they've done just that. Darren Mougey and the Jets have added a ton of talent to this roster, including Geno Smith at quarterback and a few big additions on the defensive side of the ball.
After all of those offseason additions through the first week of the new league year, Mason Cameron of PFF.com shared that, according to PFF WAR, the Jets' offseason has been the most valuable in the entire NFL so far.
Jets have had NFL's most valuable free agency
"Geno Smith pushes the Jets into the top spot: Quarterbacks surpass all other positions in PFF WAR, hence why Smith's 0.82 mark - plus the additions of several other players - gives New York the edge over the other 31 teams this offseason," Cameron writes.
The Jets' "PFF WAR Added" this offseason is the most in the NFL at 1.99. The Indianapolis Colts at 1.85 are second, while the Tennessee Titans at third are at 1.75, and the Atlanta Falcons in fourth are 1.58 PFF WAR Added.
Smith's addition to the offense was a big one, and it's made even better with how cheap he was to acquire. But he's not the only reason why this offseason has been great for the Jets.
This offseason, the Jets have added Joseph Ossai, Demario Davis, Kingsley Enagbare, Nahshon Wright, Dylan Parham, David Onyemata, Dane Belton, Andrew Beck, Max Mitchell, Cade York, and Xavier Newman-Johnson in free agency.
But that's not all. Along with Smith, the Jets have traded for two key defenders: All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for a late-round pick, and nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat for Jermaine Johnson.
All of these massive additions have led to a completely overhauled defense, a bolstered offense, and, at the end of the first week of free agency and the new league year, the most valuable offseason class of any team by PFF WAR.
It's been a great offseason for the Jets so far, and with four picks inside the top-45 and plenty more cap space, there could be a lot more value added to this roster in the coming weeks and months before the 2026 season gets underway.
Rounds four and five of the 2026 season, scheduled for 12 April (Sakhir) and 19 April (Jeddah), will no longer take place, with F1 set to cancel the grand prix events in the next 48 hours, a source has told The Independent.
Iranian missiles have attacked locations in the Middle East, including the Bahraini capital of Manama as recently as Monday after a drone attack resulted in 32 injuries. Locations in Saudi Arabia have also been targeted since the war began two weeks ago.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for 12 April, has been cancelled (Getty Images)
Replacing both F1 events with European circuits was considered , but given the logistical challenges presented with such a last-minute alteration, F1 has decided to simply wipe the events from this year’s calendar, which is now set to be 22 races long. It is highly unlikely they will be rescheduled for later in the year.
With no race in April, it means there will now be a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (29 March) and the Miami Grand Prix (3 May).
A double cancellation has looked inevitable since the US-Iran war broke out on 28 February, with retaliatory Iranian airstrikes hitting major hotels in Manama, which often house F1 personnel.
Major international travel hubs in the region, such as Doha and Dubai, also remain impacted – though some have at least partially reopened.
F1 has already overcome obstacles presented by airport closures in the Middle East in the transfer of personnel to the season-opener in Melbourne, using chartered planes via Singapore and Tanzania.
However, with freight due to be moved to the Middle East after this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, a decision will be confirmed in the coming days that the sport will not race in Bahrain and Saudi next month. It is estimated to cost F1 at least £100m in hosting fees.
It is understood Saudi pays the joint-most of any race, alongside Qatar, at approximately £55m ($72m). Bahrain, which hosted the first-ever race in the Middle East in 2004, pays F1 an estimated £45m ($60m) for the right to host a grand prix.
Not only are the Middle Eastern races significant financial contributors to F1, but both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have deep ties to the sport; Bahrain owns McLaren, while Saudi Arabia is a prominent sponsor and investor via state-owned oil company Aramco.
Speaking in Shanghai on Thursday, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed F1 to make the right decision.
The race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, set to take place on 19 April, has also been cancelled (Getty Images)
He said: “I know that (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) will do what is right for all of us and the sport. That is the great thing with having a great leader like him.”
Various F1 team bosses have emphasised that safety is paramount and have placed trust in F1’s executive team to make the appropriate call.
When asked by The Independent about the situation at the season-opener in Australia, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “Formula 1 in a way becomes the second priority. It’s such an important topic in the region that it’s even quite difficult, I guess, to talk to the local leaders and say: ‘What about the grand prix?’
“I think this is up to Stefano [Domenicali, CEO] as a promoter and the FIA to manage that situation while respecting the current challenges that they have. My hunch is: I would very much hope we race. Is it realistic that we race there at the moment? I’m not quite sure.
“But again, I leave it to Stefano to manage that situation. I hope generally it gets better there so we are able to come back as soon as possible.”
Other motorsport series’ have already been impacted. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) event in Doha, originally set for 26-28 March, has already been postponed and rescheduled for October.
MotoGP’s Qatar round at Lusail, near Doha, on 12 April is facing significant difficulties and is unlikely to be rescheduled.
Formula Two, F1’s key support series, has its freight still in Melbourne after the season-opener. Should the Bahrain and Saudi F2 rounds be cancelled without replacement, the championship’s second race would not occur until Monaco in June.
STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Tarleton State has named Utah State associate coach Eric Haut to replace Billy Gillispie, who resigned last month because of medical issues.
Haut, whose hiring was announced Thursday, was on Utah State's staff for two seasons after five as an assistant at Northern Kentucky.
Utah State won the Mountain West regular-season championship and is bidding for a fourth straight NCAA Tournament bid and second in a row under Jerrod Calhoun and Haut, who also has made coaching stops at Kent State and TCU.
Tarleton State was 15-18 and tied for last in the Western Athletic Conference with Glenn Cyprien serving as acting head coach after Gillispie stepped away Jan. 30.
The 66-year-old Gillispie told The Dallas Morning News he was dealing with heart and blood-pressure issues that have plagued him for years. The former Kentucky coach had a kidney transplant in 2018, but told the newspaper his kidney was fine.
After a rookie year to remember, Kevin Knight is fast proving he belongs among AEW's best. (Lee South, AEW)
Stack Kevin Knight’s first year in AEW against almost anyone in the world, and he’s right near the top. As one of a select few stars to register a pinfall victory over the legendary Kazuchika Okada, Knight’s stock has never been higher.
He’s stood toe to toe against the likes of Darby Allin and Swerve Strickland, and pushed AEW World Champion MJF to the brink. He’s also tasted AEW gold alongside “Hangman” Adam Page and “Speedball” Mike Bailey as part of a championship trio.
Knight’s mentality centers on trusting the process, understanding his moments are coming and that no two journeys to the top look the same.
“I practice manifestation, just a different mindset," Knight tells Uncrowned ahead of Sunday's AEW Revolution pay-per-view. "I practically already live as if I am a world champion or a tag-team champion, already having that feeling. So by the time we do win those golds, I already know how to act. I’m already in that mental headspace. I’m already working like I’m a champion.
“That’s how I stay ready. When it comes, it’s not overwhelming, and that keeps the journey going. When things happen for you, you take that opportunity as best you can and make the most out of it. That’s how I stay patient.”
Just a week after dropping the trios titles to the Don Callis Family — a villainous group comprised of Okada, Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis — Knight, Bailey and their new trios partner Mistico will attempt to reclaim their gold at AEW Revolution this weekend inside Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena.
Knight says he and Bailey are privileged to partner with CMLL superstar Mistico, who is “one of the best luchadors” of all-time. But as a team and as individuals, the opportunities are coming fast and furious for Knight and Bailey. Knight wrestled MJF for the world title just last week, and Bailey was unsuccessful in his TNT championship tilt against Kyle Fletcher this past Wednesday.
“It’s a lot being thrown at you, but when a lot of things are thrown at you, that happens because they know that you can handle it," Knight says. "The fact that as soon as we won the trios titles, we all went in our singles direction aspirations shows that the company has a lot of confidence in all three of us [Knight, Bailey and Page] as performers.
“I take it as a challenge and as a positive thing. Even when we have gold, we’re still looking for more. It’s not impossible to be a double, even triple champion in this company. The possibilities are endless, and me and 'Speedball' are hungry. When we see one opportunity, we want to go for the next as well, while still staying focused on our trios aspirations.”
Opportunities on increasingly larger stages, against main-event caliber opponents, have given Knight an ultimate confidence over the past year. And by the time he wrapped his first world championship match, there wasn’t any self-doubt left. Instead, it was replaced by a sense of belonging.
It’s no longer a question of when Knight will be ready for the main-event scene. He’s already arrived.
Kevin Knight and "Speedball" Mike Bailey have proven to be an electric tandem. (Lee South, AEW)
“It was definitely a good test because when I was out there, I didn’t feel out of place. I didn’t feel like I had to prove myself to be there," he says. "I already felt like I was in the right place and ready for that spotlight. And as we saw in the match, I had the championship for what, 10, 12, 13 seconds. So if it wasn’t for some short way out, I’d be a world champion right now.
“I’m eager to get back in there, whether it’s MJF or 'Hangman' in the next world title match, because I didn’t feel out of place, I didn’t look out of place, and each and every week I’m getting better and better. So when the opportunity comes again, I want to be looking out for those short-handed tactics. Whether it’s MJF or 'Hangman,' whoever the champ, I want that title shot again.”
Days after his championship match, an intentional interaction between former world champion Swerve Strickland and Knight on "AEW Collision" planted the seeds for where the rising star goes next. Strickland used cutting words, implying the Knight lacked a killer mentality in his approach. Knight, however, pushes back on that notion and is determined to find his own path to the top.
“You can learn a lot from everybody, but from Swerve specifically, he transforms himself right in front of our eyes. Was he world champion material when he first got to AEW? I don’t know, but he worked himself into being undeniable,” Knight says.
“It was cool to see his journey going from a former ex-WWE guy to tag champion to becoming a world champion. You can see the transformation. So I can see the things that I need to work on to transform myself."
Strickland's journey, Knight says, is something he can learn from.
“Maybe not the way he went about it,” Knight continues.
“Him and 'Hangman' went to crazy standards, he got his house burned down in the process, a lot of staple guns involved, a lot of blood. So maybe I could find a little bit safer way to get to that world championship. But it was cool to see his journey from just entering to getting there. So it’s a lot to learn, doing it in my own way.”
"You can learn a lot from everybody, but from Swerve specifically. Was he world champion material when he first got to AEW? I don’t know, but he worked himself into being undeniable." (Lee South, AEW)
As good as Knight is, he doesn’t claim to be a ready-to-ship world champion. He says he takes every match or segment as a learning opportunity to get incrementally better. The work never stops.
“I feel like there’s a moment where one thing clicks, but then there’s five other things that you've got to work on," Knight says. "You may have mastered one thing in this match, but now it’s like you make it to a new level of a video game. You made it to this new level, now it is five harder opponents or new things you've got to consider on this new level.
“With each and every match, each and every situation — whether it’s a promo segment, backstage, or a match — that’s an accomplishment. But then there’s something you can learn from that segment and take to the next. So it’s a constant learning process.”
Knight credits strong locker room leadership from the Hurt Syndicate, Dustin Rhodes, Jerry Lynn and Katsuyori Shibata as crucial to his development.
As he continues to rise up the roster, the more opportunities he’s afforded, the more the pressure rises to perform. But these are the moments Knight was made for. Pressure, he says, is a privilege.
“If you’re mediocre, if you’re kind of eh, there’s not much pressure to be OK," Knight says. "When people say there’s a lot of pressure, that means they have high expectations. They have high standards. They expect a lot of you. I honestly work out with that pressure when I train, preparing for those moments so that when those moments come, I’m not overwhelmed. The nerves are always going to be there. If they’re not, you should probably get out of the business.
“I just take those nerves, take that feeling, and put it into my work. Because of course there’s pressure to perform, but that just means a lot is expected out of you. That’s a good thing. If people didn’t expect much out of you, there would be no pressure. That means you’re an afterthought. The fact that there is pressure, that there are people watching, it only helps me perform better.”
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 23: Michael Pittman Jr. #11 of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After two years, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally solved their WR2 dilemma by trading for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The two-time 1,000-yard receiver was introduced today and held his first press conference with Steelers media that featured an unexpected moment of vulnerability.
Pittman struggled to get Mike McCarthy’s name out after a question was asked, and he was quick to explain why.
“For those of you who don’t know, I stutter a lot,” Pittman said. “So it’s not because I’m nervous, it’s just. thing that I’ve done since I was a kid. I’ve actually worked with the NSA on it, National Stuttering Association, so there’s my plug for them.”
Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked Pittman to follow up on his journey to work on his stutter and how it felt to see prospect KC Concepcion also open up about his own stutter.
“It was definitely tough,” Pittman said. “Especially as a young kid where there were moments that I wouldn’t even talk. I would just point at stuff because I just couldn’t get words out. And through speed therapy and lots of other things, football has forced me to speak and do things I used to try to avoid. Like I would never be able to speak in front of people like this if it wasn’t for football forcing me into those situations.”
Pittman then noted that those with stutters struggle with how people perceive them.
“You think that people think that you’re dumb or unintelligent or something like that, and it makes you afraid of situations like [speaking publicly].”
Pittman adds that he thought it was “awesome” that Concepcion would share his own struggles with stuttering.
“I didn’t know that he also stuttered. It’s just good to show kids because when I was a young kid… I would be deathly afraid of popcorn reading [in school] and stuff like that. Just showing kids you can get through that, you’re gonna go through it, everything is going to get better. Just keep on working on it.”
It became very evident very quickly to everyone in Pittsburgh why Pittman won the Good Guy award in Indianapolis, which goes to the player who is most cooperative and well-spoken with the media.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
The flurry of NFL free agency moves is nearly over, with some cash-poor teams doing what they could with limited cap space and other teams with plenty of cap room spending extravagantly on players that might — or might not — improve their 2026 prospects.
Below are my free agency grades for every AFC team. I based these grades on individual team needs and whether the teams reached on signings or secured good value in their various free agency moves. Please remember at all times that I do not hate your favorite team. I am and have always been NFL agnostic.
RELATED: Check out Kyle Dvorchak's NFC Free Agent Grades here.
Getting tricky with the Maxx Crosby business, the Ravens landed Hendrickson to bolster a defensive line that last year had a middle-of-the-road 22 percent pressure rate. Hendrickson had 35 sacks and 29 tackles for a loss from 2023 to 2024, before his injury-marred 2025 campaign.
The Ravens appear to have replaced Isaiah Likely with Durham Smythe, who has precisely 13 receptions over his past two seasons. That seems like a downgrade unless the team plans on deploying Smythe strictly as a blocking tight end and leaning on Mark Andrews for pass-catching purposes.
Simpson was middling both as a run blocker and as a pass blocker in 2025. He’ll return to a Baltimore offensive line that sported the NFL’s seventh best pass blocking win rate and the 17th ranked run blocking win rate.
Though it wasn’t technically a free agency signing, acquiring Moore from Chicago should be a marked boost for Josh Allen and the team’s passing attack. Khalil Shakir is no one’s idea of a No. 1 wideout and the Keon Coleman experiment is all but over after Coleman predictably flamed out as a pro. Moore in 2025 was not fantasy relevant in the run-heavy Bears offense, in part because of his quality of targets. Almost no one saw a lower rate of catchable balls thrown his way. He now gets to play alongside Allen, who over the past two seasons ranks third in catchable ball rate. That, along with his place atop the pass-catching hierarchy, should make Moore a significant upgrade for Buffalo’s offense.
The Fantasy In Bio folks — myself included — are disappointed to see Knox back in the fold. His return all but guarantees Dalton Kincaid, one of the most efficient tight ends of the past two seasons, will remain a part-time player at best. Knox in 2025 was PFF’s sixth best pass-blocking tight end, however. It’s a good move for real football purposes.
The Bengals signed Mafe from Seattle a year after Mafe was graded by PFF as the league’s 18th best pass rushing EDGE out of 60 qualifying players. Mafe will be a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, who left for the Ravens, and should provide a needed boost for a Bengals defensive line that in 2025 ranked dead last in pass rush win rate.
The Browns, under new head coach Todd Monken, were intent on improving an offensive line that last season ranked 25th in run blocking win rate and 20th in pass blocking win rate. The results were a bit uneven. PFF last year ranked Zion Johnson as a bottom-half run blocker and pass blocker, while Tytus Howard received the 11th lowest pass blocking PFF grade in the NFL last season as a member of the Texans. Howard allowed 14 quarterback hurries and 18 pressures over seven games. It’s not the best profile.
Elgton Jenkins, meanwhile, was graded as a top-25 pass blocker among 200 qualifying offensive linemen. Entering his eighth NFL season, Jenkins, 31, should have some positional flexibility for a Cleveland offensive line that might need it.
The Broncos, under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, will continue with a relatively low-octane rushing attack with the re-signing of Dobbins, who last season functioned as the Broncos’ clear lead back before a foot injury ended his season in Week 10.
Dobbins before the injury had logged 153 rushes to just 50 carries for rookie RJ Harvey. Dobbins had a far higher explosive run rate than Harvey and functioned as Denver’s primary inside-the-ten back. Dobbins was, in short, the more effective rushing option for Sean Payton’s offense in 2025. His 54 percent rushing success rate was miles ahead of Harvey’s 34 percent success rate through ten games. He was not exactly a difference maker, however. It would have made sense for the Broncos to pursue a more explosive back in free agency, someone like Ken Walker or Keaton Mitchell.
Acquiring David Montgomery from Detroit made a lot of sense for a Houston offense that managed to get along in 2025 without a true lead back. Nick Chubb was a shadow of his formerly elite self and Woody Marks appears to be — at best — a change of pace option. Montgomery, who checks a lot of key efficiency metrics boxes, should allow the Texans to be more balanced on offense a year after they ranked tenth in pass rate over expected. A solid rushing attack should allow the Texans to hide CJ Stroud and his deficiencies exposed in Houston’s playoff drubbing at the hands of the Patriots.
Securing Schultz for another season should give Stroud a reliable check down option. Not only was Schultz second on the team in target rate last season (18 percent); he was also second in first read target share (19 percent) with a bottom-barrel average depth of target (6.3).
Making Fairbairn the league’s highest-paid kicker after he connected on 44 of his 48 field goal tries in 2025. He remains an elite kicker for a Texans team keen on taking the points in the red zone.
The Colts get this offseason’s Fell For It Again Award by bringing back Daniel Jones after Jones went down late last season with an Achilles tear. While I doubt Colts fans and football enjoyers will look back fondly on the re-signing of Jones, I’m happy for Jones and endless generations of Jones’ family who will enjoy generational wealth because Danny was exactly the right kind of bad quarterback.
Perhaps, like Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers before him, Jones will be rushed back in time to start Week 1, play miserably, and force Riley Leonard into action (after Leonard was not half bad in the final couple games of Indy’s lost 2025 season). His best case scenario is being fully ready at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. We have to stop pretending players come back from Achilles explosions good as new. I like Colts head coach Shane Steichen and trust him as a schemer and play caller, but even Steichen can only scam Jones to viability for so long.
Alec Pierce is a fun, productive downfield threat with a knack for high pointing the football and fighting for possession in crowded spaces. That’s good. We like that. The Colts appear ready to shoehorn Pierce into a WR1 role, and I don’t think that’s what he is, or ever will be. Last year’s 17 percent targets per route run and his bottom-10 ESPN open score - measuring a wideout’s ability to create separation - make me skeptical of Pierce as anything more than a WR2 for real football purposes. For fantasy, a bunch of intermediate targets to go along with the deep shots should make Pierce a little less high variance in 2026.
Jacksonville’s free agency haul was good enough for a team without any glaring holes. Signing Rodriguez, sneakily one of the NFL’s most efficient backs last season, is a smart backfield booster after losing Travis Etienne, as expected.
Montaric Brown was PFF’s 14th best cover corner in 2025. He allowed a reception on just 53 percent of targets that went his way. With Brown as a starter, the Jaguars secondary — which gave up the league’s fourth lowest drop back EPA in 2025 — could be frightening in 2026.
Kansas City did what they had to do and added a running back who can create yardage — sometimes a lot of yardage — on his own. It’s something last year’s Chiefs backs could not do, as Patrick Mahomes was somehow the team’s most effective rusher. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco in 2025 combined for the lowest rate of missed tackles of any backfield in the NFL last season and the fifth lowest rate of yards after contact per carry. It was bad.
The lack of a legit run game hamstrung the entire KC offense, which ended the 2025 season with an EPA per play outside the top ten (in case you’re mad at me and demanding to know where the Chiefs stood before Mahomes’ knee injury, the answer is ninth, just below the Colts). Walker’s explosiveness should add a much-needed element to a stale KC offense in 2026. Eight percent of Walker’s rushing yards in 2025 came on runs of at least 15 yards; that was the fourth highest rate in the NFL behind De’Von Achane, Keaton Mitchell, and Emario Demercado. Defenses respecting Mahomes and unable to use stacked boxes should create plenty of running lanes for Walker.
Travis Kelce apparently was never considering calling it quits after the Chiefs’ dismal 2025 campaign. And who can blame him? No great pass catcher should go out with XFL quarterbacks throwing him the football. It would have been cosmically unfair. Or maybe totally fair, considering the other aspects of Kelce’s life.
Anyway, he’s very much a reliable check down option for the check down-enjoying Mahomes. Kelce, 36, maintained a healthy 21 percent target per route rate in 2025 and had the sixth most receptions among tight ends, suggesting he’s not totally washed. Only three tight ends had more receiving yards than the wily veteran in 2025.
By nearly every metric Thornton was a far better downfield option than Xavier Worthy in 2025. The Chiefs did well to retain Thornton and should consider playing him over Worthy, who stinks.
The Raiders pulling Linderbaum out of the Harbaugh universe was one of the bigger surprises of free agency. The addition of Linderbaum is an outsized development for a Vegas offense line that last year ranked 22nd in both run blocking and pass blocking win rate, often leaving Geno Smith (and other Raiders quarterbacks) with no time to let a play develop. Out of 199 qualifying offensive linemen, Linderbaum in 2025 was graded by Pro Football Focus as the league 121st best pass blocker. He was ranked 19th in run blocking. After being regularly hit behind the line of scrimmage in a miserable rookie season, Ashton Jeanty could have room to run behind a Linderbaum-led Raiders line in 2026. It’ll be a nice little change for the Silver and Black.
Jalen Nailor, meanwhile, turned 444 yards and four touchdowns into $35 million over three years as a starter for the new-look Vegas offense. Nailor made the most of his limited opportunities last season in a Minnesota passing offense dominated by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. His 14 percent broken tackle rate ranked 11th among receivers who saw at least 40 targets. Nailor profiles as a potential big play guy in a Raiders offense in desperate need of such guys.
Walker and Dean could make for a downright respectable Raiders linebacker group, a marked shift from 2025, when Vegas linebackers were regularly burned in coverage and on the ground. Last year no Raiders linebacker had a PFF tackling grade in the top half of the league.
Khalil Mack will return for his age-35 season after signing a one-year deal with LA. Mack in 2025 managed 5.5 sacks and six tackles for a loss over 12 games with the Chargers, a far cry from his prime-years production. Mack’s veteran presence and on-field leadership is likely what kept him around for one more season.
The signing of Ingold tells us the Bolts are ready to go all in on a Shanny-style offense under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Look for the Chargers to be a run-first offense in 2026 after regularly leaning hard on the pass in 2025. That could be good for Keaton Mitchell, a member of the Harbaugh Universe who landed with Jim after four years with John in Baltimore.
The insanely fast and shifty Mitchell was 11th last season in yards after contact per carry. In 2023, before a catastrophic knee injury, he led the NFL in yards after contact per carry. This is nothing new for Mitchell, who, according to Rotoworld’s Zach Krueger, has the ninth highest yards per touch in league history. His production profile coming out of East Carolina largely went under-discussed. In Mitchell’s final college campaign he totaled 179 carries and averaged a hefty 7.8 yards per rush. PFF graded him as the nation’s third best rusher behind Blake Corum and Bijan Robinson. What I’m saying is he might be good. And McDaniel, if his work in Miami is any indication, knows exactly what to do with the fastest guy on the field.
I may have gotten a little worked up on Thursday’s Rotoworld Football Show while bandying about Mitchell’s prospects in LA with RotoPat and Kyle Dvorchak. While I concede his weekly touch total has a hard cap — maybe something around eight or ten — a back as explosive as Mitchell can do a lot with a little. That’s assuming, of course, his oft-injured knees hold up in 2026. Consider me fully intrigued by what McDaniel can do with a player of Mitchell’s skill set.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Healy and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, pried from the frozen tundra of Green Bay, are going all in on remaking the Dolphins a tough-nosed, cold-weather team in 2026. So I guess it’s no surprise they outbid everyone else on Malik Willis, who made the spreadsheets hum with Matt LaFleur calling plays for him over the past two seasons.
The South Florida Packers will be led by Willis in 2026 after he led all quarterbacks in EPA per drop back last season over just 58 plays last season. Willis was extraordinarily accurate in 2025, completing 86 percent of his pass attempts, 22 percent over expected. Can the Dolphins recreate this hyper-efficiency? I doubt it. They don’t have any close to the play designing and play calling caliber of LaFleur. Can Willis still be fun for fantasy? Of course. Any mobile QB can be interesting for fantasy purposes.
The Dolphins, like one Rotoworld analyst, liked what they saw from Greg Dulcich near the end of 2025. He's a big slot receiver who could be interesting if he gets a decent route rate in 2026.
Recovering from the Tua Apocalypse — a salary cap catastrophe as predictable as any in recent memory — might take years for the Dolphins. This year’s free agency signings were fine. There wasn’t much else they could do after blowing up the Tua-Tyreek offense that brought them absolutely nowhere over the past few years.
The Patriots have operated as a Smart Team since booting washed Bill Belichick a few years ago and moving on into the modern age of football. The Super Bowl runners up continued being quite smart with this year’s free agency signings and have positioned themselves as a perennial contender under head coach Mike Vrabel.
Bringing in Vera-Tucker could be important for an offensive line that struggled mightily down the stretch to protect Drake Maye in the pocket. The former No. 14 overall pick played at every offensive line position other than center while on his rookie contract with the Jets, though most of his reps have come at the two guard spots. He most recently started all 15 games of his 2024 campaign at right guard. Vera-Tucker missed the entire 2025 season with a torn tricep. He allowed four quarterback hits and four sacks over 15 games with the Jets in 2025.
Romeo Doubs for now looks to be the Stefon Diggs replacement for Maye. Doubs, who can play from the slot or the boundary, is a reliable receiver who was targeted relentlessly in the red zone during his time with the Packers. I wouldn’t be surprised if that continues in New England. Doubs is not a WR1, but he’s closer than you might think. He’s certainly an upgrade over the fading Diggs. I like the Patriots’ chances of repeating as EPA kings in 2026.
Geno Smith entered the league tainted by the stench of the Jets and he’ll go out the same way. Poor guy. Every spreadsheet nerd’s favorite quarterback deserved better.
I will say this about Geno playing for the Carrol family’s make-work program in Vegas: He was deeply unlucky. He ranked 21st out of 41 QBs in completion rate over expected (better than Mahomes) and was seventh among all quarterbacks in on-target rate (71 percent). Geno constitutes a massive quarterback upgrade for the Jets, but to what end? The move makes precious little sense for the team and the player.
The Jets kept Breece Hall in Jets Jail for another year — unless, of course, they work out a trade in the coming weeks or months. Hall was relatively efficient as a pass catcher and a rusher in 2025 considering the state of the New York offensive line and the bleakest QB situation since Ian Book started for the Saints during the COVID season. They should have gotten what they could for Hall and moved on to yet another total rebuild.
The most brutally mismanaged team in the NFL spent a bunch of free agency cash on aged veterans who used to be good and were seeking one last solid payday from the big, dumb ATM Woody Johnson runs as a hobby. The Jets defense, after allowing the NFL’s third highest EPA per play and sixth highest success rate in 2025, could be even worse in 2026, which will surely be Aaron Glenn’s final season as an NFL head coach.
The Steelers are mostly getting the band back together for 2026. That could include Aaron Rodgers if and when the mercurial elder millennial decides to come back for one more mediocre season before living out the rest of his days in the woods.
Steelers beat writers expect Dowdle, who played for head coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas, to function as the lead back this season. That would mean Jaylen Warren would be a change of pace option, and a good one at that. Hardly any back in 2025 was more efficient than Warren as a pass catcher. For real football, a Dowdle-Warren backfield could be one of the league’s best. For fantasy it might stink. So it goes.
Pittman is a willing blocker and a tough guy overall, perfect for Steelers culture, which values tradition over winning. It’s whatever. Pittman will probably be a solid target for Rodgers if Rodgers is under center again for the Steelers. Rodgers in 2025 had the second lowest air yards per attempt, intent on getting the ball out quickly and saving his aged body.
McCarthy’s Steelers should have every chance to have a top half offense and defense in 2026, barring injury.
The Titans went out and got Wan’Dale Robinson, a proven target commander, for Cam Ward in what will hopefully be a much improved sophomore season. Robinson in New York last season saw a target on nearly 30 percent of his pass routes over the final seven weeks of the season. His ability to win in the short areas and downfield make Robinson a weapon who can be targeted anywhere on the field. While he doesn’t look like a typical WR1, I think he can suffice as one for Tennessee in 2026.
Taylor, Flott, and Franklin-Myers should be big-time upgrades for a Titans defense that last season allowed the league’s fifth highest EPA per play and was regularly picked apart by opposing passing attacks. Incoming head coach Robert Saleh showed in San Francisco last season that he can turn an undermanned defense into a formidable unit.
Highlights from Thursday, March 12, in high school spring sports:
BASEBALL
Zachary Partee struck out three in four scoreless innings and Tyler Starling struck out two in one inning as the two combined for a five-inning no-hitter to lead Agoura to a 16-0 win over Canyon in a nonleague game. Starling and Kendall Graves each had a home run, triple and three RBIs, Christian Maher had two hits and three RBIs, Cooper Stutler had a hit and two RBIs, Jordan Tagawa had a hit and two RBIs, and Dylan Cittadino had a double and an RBI for the Chargers (6-2).
Jakob Zarate and Rob Rodriguez each went 2 for 3 with an RBI and Daniel Puebla had a triple and two RBIs to lead Rio Mesa (4-6) to a 9-3 win over Skyline of Idaho in a nonleague game.
Evan Barak was 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs, Nathan Rosenfeld went 2 for 5 with a homer and two RBIs, Josh Feder was 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI, Harrison Beck went 3 for 6 with a double and an RBI, and Julian Bray had a hit and two RBIs to lead Calabasas (6-1) to a 19-1 win over Foothill Tech in a nonleague game. Cooper Casey had a hit and an RBI for the Dragons (3-4).
Dylan Sezzi struck out 15 while pitching a one-hit shutout and Ija Burton drove in the game's only run to lead Villanova Prep to a 1-0 win over Ojai Valley in a nonleague game. Sophomore Archer Moller allowed just one hit while striking out 10 in four scoreless innings for the Spuds.
SOFTBALL
Cali Howe went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs, Khloie Hartman had a double and an RBI, Sam Lambert was 2 for 3, Sophia Torres was 1 for 2 with an RBI, Jadyn Claycamp allowed two runs in five innings, and Janelle Rillo-Figueroa allowed one run in two innings to lead Camarillo (7-2) to a 4-3 win over Thousand Oaks in a nonleague game. Shelby Kaiser, Kaylynn Dawson and Olivia LePage each hit solo homers and Madison Jauregui went 2 for 4 for the Lancers (3-3).
Rylie Cregut went 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs, Payton Holliday was 3 for 4 with two RBIs, Allie Pugliese was 2 for 3 with three runs scored, Emma Greenlinger went 2 for 4 with two runs scored, and Kiley Finnerty struck out six in a complete-game effort in the circle and had a double and two RBIs at the plate to lead Moorpark (4-1) to a 13-3 win over Rio Mesa in a nonleague game. Jaslene Rios was 3 for 3 with a double and an RBI and Keira Barry had a double and an RBI for the Spartans (4-3-1).
Aaliyah De Alba went 3 for 4 with two home runs and four RBIs, Aubreona Hernandez finished 3 for 4 with two doubles and four RBIs, Sophia Pimentel was 2 for 4 with an RBI, Riley Hotzler had a double and two RBIs, Jessie Sebek pitched three scoreless innings and went 2 for 4 with two doubles and two RBIs, Annie Wargo went 2 for 3 with three runs scored, and Khloe Flores pitched two scoreless innings to lead Ventura (5-4) to a 13-0, five-inning win over Fillmore in a nonleague game.
Elle Samuels allowed just one hit in five scoreless innings, Arika Innis allowed three hits and no earned runs in two innings, Sophia Casella went 2 for 3, and Isabella Jauregui and Julia Katz had RBIs to lead Oak Park (4-5) to a 2-1 win over Sierra Canyon in a nonleague game.
Brooke Burns went 2 for 3 with a two-run homer, Lucy Salazar hit a solo homer and pitched a scoreless inning, Grace Maguire had a double and two RBIs, and Rosy Salazar didn't allow a hit while striking out eight in four scoreless innings to lead Grace (2-4) to an 8-0, five-inning win over Arrowhead Christian in a nonleague game.
Sydney Katz went 3 for 3 with a solo home run, Liv Tirsch was 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs, Ava Ackourey went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Kaitlyn McDuffee was 2 for 4 for Westlake (6-2) in its 12-7 loss to Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks in a nonleague game.
Sydney Cardino struck out eight in four innings and Jordy Charash went 2 for 4 for Agoura (8-6) in its 5-1 loss to Granada Hills Charter in a nonleague game.
Quinn Reynolds had a hit and an RBI and Nikki Kennedy had a double for Newbury Park (8-2) in its 3-2 loss to Louisville in a nonleague game.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Fletcher Duffey finished with 13 kills, 12 digs and five aces, Aidan McMeekin had 13 kills, four digs and two aces, Theo Souther-Pasquarella contributed 29 assists, five digs and four kills, Osvaldo Robles had 15 digs, and Louie Nacu added five kills and three aces to lead Ventura to a 25-10, 25-10, 20-25, 25-15 victory over rival Buena in a Channel League match.
Levi Martinez had 35 assists and eight digs, Caiden Aguilar had nine kills, and Gavin Liston added eight kills to lead Oxnard (8-7, 2-1) to a 25-18, 25-16, 25-19 sweep of Pacifica in a Channel League match.
BOYS GOLF
Grant Golden, Issac Garcia and Haeden Weber each shot a 73 to lead Ventura to a 381-426 win over rival Buena in a Channel League match at Buenaventura Golf Course.
Darsh Patel shot a 1-over 72 and Tajo Gomez and Rishabh Sharma each finished with an 80 to lead Royal to a 418-469 win over Pacifica in a nonleague match at Simi Hills Golf Course. Jacob Ayala shot a 79 for the Tritons. On Tuesday, Gavin Hill shot a 72, Sharma had a 76 and Chaley Mols had a 77 to lead the Highlanders (4-1, 1-1) to a 383-420 win over Oak Park in a Coastal Canyon League match at Simi Hills. Alexander Cheng shot a 76 to lead the Eagles (2-1, 0-1).
Raj Hundal fired a 3-under 68 and Ashton Yamamoto shot a 75 to lead Camarillo to a 382-402 win over Simi Valley in a Coastal Canyon League match at Spanish Hills Country Club. Evan Flores, Gunner Schmidt and Nathan Ide each shot a 78 for the Pioneers.
BOYS TENNIS
Oaks Christian defeated Thousand Oaks 14-4 to improve to 4-0 in the Marmonte League and 5-2 overall.
Newbury Park defeated Agoura 13-5 in a Marmonte League match.
GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL
The pairs of Grace Canavan and Fiona Holt, Lilac Reyes and Sam Jacobson, Emily Turner and Peyton Fox, Makayla Harris and Jaelisa Lozano-Rivera, and Kaylee Harrell and Lily Farber won their matches to lead Foothill Tech to a 5-0 victory over Santa Clara in a league match.
Via Dan Graziano of ESPN, Miami is signing Tucker Addington.
Addington, 28, previously played for Miami in 2024, appearing in three games. He’s appeared in regular season games for New England, Washington, and Miami since 2022.
After going undrafted out of Sam Houston State, Addington has spent time with Dallas, New England, Jacksonville, Washington, Miami, Houston, and Pittsburgh in the league.
NFL free agency can often offers fools gold, but the best organizations know how to read the market to acquire great values.
Just because a contract is large doesn't necessarily mean that deal can't be a value contract. Last year, the most notable free agent signing was Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks, who proved to be a bargain despite making over $33 million a year.
It'll be a while until it's clear which free agent contracts were smart, and which ones were silly. Still, there are some contracts that could have head starts based on their comparable markets.
Here's a breakdown of the six best deals in NFL free agency thus far.
Evans' age and desire to win likely helped him give the San Francisco 49ers a reasonable three-year, $60 million deal. Evans' contract is less than that of Alec Pierce, in both total and AAV, and not that different than contracts for Rashid Shaheed, Romeo Doubs and Wan'Dale Robinson.
Of course, Evans' issue will be health, since he played just eight games in 2025 and will be 33 in 2026. But as long as Evans can stay healthy, he is an impact player with proven experience in the biggest games.
Tyler Biadasz, OL, Chargers
With Tyler Linderbaum re-setting the center market for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers did well in adding Tyler Biadasz to the offensive line. Biadasz isn't the player that Linderbaum has been, but the Chargers got the former Washington Commanders center for $51 million less overall.
The Chargers need stability along their offensive line, something that Biadasz should be able to bring in 2026. Los Angeles should be able to get that without wading into the waters of the top center on the market.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Cardinals
There were a handful of quality running backs available, and the Arizona Cardinals got perhaps the best deal with Tyler Allgeier. Arizona signed the former Atlanta Falcon on a two-year deal worth just over $6 million per season.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker and Travis Etienne both signed contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints, respectively, for $14 million and $13 million per season. Even including Breece Hal, who was given the franchise tag by the New York Jets for over $14 million in 2026, and Allgeier's price could prove to be the best value.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Falcons
Tagovailoa is not the player he once was with the Miami Dolphins, but he is certainly worth the salary minimum that the Falcons are paying him in 2026. Tagovailoa is a solid veteran to pair with Michael Penix, and Atlanta doesn't have to dive deep into the cap to do so.
Tagovailoa's $1.3 million contract should provide more value than other deals of similar ilk, including Kenny Pickett's $7.5 million deal and Gardner Minshew's $8 million deal. Even if Tagovailoa ends up as a backup, the Falcons are unlikely to regret this deal.
Devin Bush, LB, Bears
The Chicago Bears released Tremaine Edmunds and replaced him with Devin Bush on a three-year, $30 million deal. Meanwhile, Edmunds went to the New York Giants for three-year, $36 million, despite Bush having the better season in 2025.
In fact, Bush's deal is less than those of Devin Lloyd an Nakobe Dean, and less AAV than that of DeMario Davis. If Bush can build off a career-best season from 2025, the Bears will prove to have gotten a steal.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, Patriots
Alijah Vera-Tucker is a proven quality starter on the offensive line, but injuries limited his play for the New York Jets. Vera-Tucker had three separate season-ending injuries, which prevented him from being a stalwart along the Jets offensive line.
The New England Patriots took advantage of a player seeking a fresh start, giving Vera-Tucker a three-year, $42 million deal. If Vera-Tucker's injury history can subside, he will become one of the best values in the league.
Kyler Murray, QB, Vikings
Like with Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray's value comes largely from the ability to play on the league minimum for the Vikings. As Murray is still making a significant amount of money from the Cardinals, Minnesota got the quarterback for just $1.3 million.
Murray is a quality starting quarterback when he's going well, and he should steady a Vikings quarterback room that had issues last year. Despite Murray's limitations, Kevin O'Connell should be able to get the most out of a talented quarterback still in his prime.
Riq Woolen, CB, Eagles
While Riq Woolen was a key member to the Seahawks' Super Bowl defense, the Eagles got the cornerback on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. Woolen has certainly had his ups and downs in the NFL, and his inconsistencies on the field is why he signed for just one year.
Still, Woolen's career includes a stellar rookie season with one Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro appearance, and just 26, he still has a chance to play at a high level. This is a classic move that Philadelphia should maximize in its top-tier defense.
Rachaad White, RB, Commanders
The Commanders add an experienced running back for a reasonable one-year, $2 million to add depth to the running-back room. Washington lost Chris Rodriguez to the Jaguars in free agency, but gave White a deal worth $3 million less-than what Rodriguez got.
White has played on winning teams and is a reliable running back option for QB Jayden Daniels and a Commanders offense that needs stability. Not only is White a quality back, it's not hard to envision White being one of the best fantasy football values in the 2026 season as well.
ALLENTOWN, PA - MARCH 30: Penn State Nittany Lion students show their support for their hockey team during the second period of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Regional Final game between the UConn Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on March 30, 2025, at PPL Center in Allentown, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Women’s Hockey (32-5)
The women’s hockey team defeated Mercyhurst 3-2 to win their 4th straight AHA tournament title. The Nittany Lions withstood a furious rally from Mercyhurst in the conference title game after leading 3-0 going into the third period. Mya Vaslet, Nicole Hall, and Katelyn Roberts scored Penn State’s three goals, and Katie DeSa made 29 saves to secure the win.
Penn State is looking for its first ever Frozen Four against UConn tomorrow (2pm on ESPN+). Where have we seen that before…
Women’s Lacrosse (9-0)
The women’s lacrosse team rolled their unbeaten start to nine games with an 18-6 win over San Diego State and a 19-8 win over USC. The offense was dominant on the West Coast road trip. Penn State’s depth shone through against San Diego State, with 13 different players tallying a goal. Payton Wainman and Kelly Mackinney each scored four goals against USC, and Delaney Radin added a hat trick of her own.
Penn State returns home for a matchup with Princeton on Sunday (noon on Big Ten Plus) before a well-earned week of rest.
Men’s Lacrosse (4-2)
The men’s lacrosse team destroyed Cornell 19-7 on Saturday for their second straight win. The Nittany Lions led 7-0 after the first quarter and 17-4 at the end of the third in the blowout. Kyle Lehman scored six goals in his most dominant performance of the season to lead the offense. Preston Hawkins made nine saves in net for Penn State.
Penn State will face North Carolina tomorrow (6:30pm) in another tough non-conference game.
Softball (19-6)
The softball team defeated Radford and Boston College before losing to Virginia Tech and James Madison at the Hokie Invite. The offense was instrumental to the two wins, combining for 23 runs. Breanna Hanik went 4 for 6 with a double, triple, and home run in the two games. Penn State led Virginia Tech entering the fifth inning but could not hang on for the win. The Nittany Lions have been competitive in their games against nationally ranked teams but have not found a way to close just yet.
Penn State begins conference play with a three-game set against Oregon (Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 3pm). All games will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus.
Men’s Volleyball (11-6)
The men’s volleyball team dropped both matches last week, a sweep at Long Beach State and a 3-1 loss to Pepperdine. The offense struggled mightily against the two Top 10 opponents, including just a 0.174 hitting percentage against Pepperdine and .113 against Long Beach State. Sean Harvey had 12 kills against Pepperdine, and the Nittany Lions took the third set after falling behind 0-2, but the Waves were too much for Penn State to handle.
Penn State will face USC tomorrow (8pm on Big Ten Plus).
Baseball (4-11)
It’s getting late early for the baseball team, who went 0-5 against Texas Tech and Georgetown this week. Penn State allowed at least eight runs in four of the five games and gave up double digits in all three games against Texas Tech. After a couple of seasons of positive momentum for a program that has not made the NCAA Tournament in 26 years, the ugly start to this season has been worrisome.
Penn State hosts Iowa in its first conference series (Friday at 3:30pm, Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at 1pm). All three games will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus. The Nittany Lions will then travel to West Virginia on Tuesday (6:30pm on ESPN+).
Usually, when a top-rated recruit commits to a team, it's met with a ton of fanfare and excitement leading up to national signing day. However, one incoming Wolverine had a bit of a different path to Ann Arbor, and thus doesn't have nearly as much hype as he might have had otherwise.
Though considered a player who could play on either side of the ball, athlete Salesi Moa is thought to be likely to start his career at wide receiver. The athlete was highly sought after, with Michigan working after him in the previous regime. However, he committed to Kyle Whittingham and Utah, before enrolling in Salt Lake City, and ultimately transferring to Michigan during the portal window.
New offensive coordinator Jason Beck is very multiple with formations, shifts and motions, and Moa needs to carve out a role as a movable player in that West Coast/spread blend. He has good size but isn't a pure speedster, so he must keep growing his feel for zone coverage, timing on option routes and how to work underneath and intermediate areas on play-action concepts.
He has reliable hands, likes to compete and has also played defense, which shows up in his toughness as a blocker and willingness to mix it up on the perimeter -- a necessity given Michigan's physical identity. With solid returning depth and Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench arriving, Moa will have to battle to see the field early, but his versatility and toughness give him a path on special teams and multiple receiver groupings.
Moa could be deployed as a bit of a weapon, capable of handling all kinds of offensive roles. Given that he is a reliable blocker, he's the type of player who can remain on the field on both running and passing plays.
While it's good news that the Wolverines have one signee on the list, there is some insult to injury. Zion Robinson was a former commit who flipped to Stanford, and Brady Marchese was a signing day flip who ended up at Auburn during the coaching change. Calvin Russell was considered a Michigan lean before he ultimately committed to and signed with Syracuse.
Less than five years after he was hired, the University of Cincinnati has less Miller.
Warren Weston Miller, hired on Pete Rose's birthday, April 14, back in 2021, has been relieved of his coaching duties with the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball program. The decision was made on Friday, March 13, after Miller met with UC Athletic Director John Cunningham and Senior Deputy AD John Daniel in the Lindner Center.
Contractually, before March 31, Wes Miller's buyout is $9.9 million. Assumably there could be a negotiation of those terms.
Miller had no comment for The Enquirer as he departed Cunningham's office. Minutes later, Cunningham left with Executive Senior AD Brad Pike and likewise had nothing official to say.
By waiting for April Fools Day, the Miller buyout would drop to $4.69 million. But, after going 0-for-5 in NCAA tournament appearances, most experts agreed waiting would be foolish.
The final nail in the coffin came in familiar style for those who have followed UC basketball in March. Defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory as the Bearcats became unhinged against UCF in the Big 12 tournament. They led by a dozen with under 10 minutes to go and by eight at 2:17.
The Bearcats finished 18-15 with 12 of those losses coming against Quadrant 1 teams. Their three Quad 1 wins were vs. then-No. 2 Iowa State, then-No. 8 Kansas and vs. BYU.
The March 11 loss to UCF was just UC's fourth loss when leading at halftime; they also fell short against then-No. 6 Louisville, then-No. 2 Houston and West Virginia. They only won a single game when trailing at halftime: a Nov. 16 buy game with Mount St. Mary's.
The Feb. 8 home loss to West Virginia featured a 14-point halftime lead that disintegrated, causing Miller to apologize on the radio, in his press conference and to those waiting for a phone response by the locker rooms.
@GoBearcatsMBB Coach, Wes Miller after the 65-59 loss to West Virginia.
The Bearcats were 11-12 on Feb. 5, then won seven of their next 10, but late losses at TCU and in the March 11 meltdown vs. UC featured 19 turnovers, an excessive amount for an alleged tournament team this late in the season.
"If it's about the best teams at this point, we're one of the best teams in the country," Miller said post-UCF collapse. "We're an NCAA tournament team. I think we've won seven of our last 10 Big 12 teams. When's the last time someone won seven out of 10 in the Big 12 and didn't play in the NCAA tournament? I certainly feel we belong. I know tonight (vs. UCF) would have helped. It wasn't like we got run out of the gym. We had a three or four-possession lead late in the game."
That the lead fizzled in the final moments left a sour taste in UC fans who haven't had a sniff at the NCAA tournament on a floor, glass or wood.
After his initial season in 2021-22, Miller's contract was extended through 2028-29 by UC AD John Cunningham, who saw him as the man to lead them into the Big 12.
In the American Athletic Conference, Miller was 18-18 in two seasons and 41-28 overall. In his first two Big 12 seasons, UC was 14-24 and 41-31 overall. In his fifth and final season, UC went 9-9.
Miller math
Wes Miller was 100-74 at UC, a winning percentage of 57.5%. He was 185-135 at UNC-Greensboro for 57.7% and 285-209 overall for 57.8%. That's who was hired and that's what was delivered. Two NIT appearances, one in the Crown and presumably a Crown invite this season.
By comparison, in two seasons, John Brannen won 60.4%, Mick Cronin won 66.8%, Andy Kennedy (one season) 61.8%, Bob Huggins 75.9%, Gale Catlett 74.1%, Tay Baker 67.6%, Ed Jucker 80.1% and, George Smith 73.3% and John Wiethe 69.3%.
Since the 1950s, the only two coaches who won less than Miller were Ed Badger 48.9% and Tony Yates 41.2% in a disappointing stretch between 1978-1989.
In 2021, Miller was viewed as 'good hire'
In 10 years at UNC-Greensboro, Miller won over 20 games in his last five seasons in a row and made two NCAA tournaments. Upon hiring Miller, John Cunningham talked of his program-building skills.
"He's a proven winner as a head coach and was able to rebuild a program and lead a remarkable turnaround at UNCG over the last decade," Cunningham said in April 2021. "We cast a very wide net in this search, and Wes emerged as the right coach to lead the Bearcats into the future."
He came with the hearty endorsement of his former coach, Roy Williams. Miller helped the Tar Heels win a national championship and went from a walk-on transfer to a starting position during his playing career.
"Wes Miller is one of the most outstanding young coaches in our game and what he did at UNC- Greensboro makes me believe he is the most outstanding," Williams said.
Even Mick Cronin, who departed for UCLA after UC's last NCAA tournament appearance in 2019, endorsed Miller.
“Wes Miller is a good guy and a great young coach," Cronin told The Enquirer.
Winning numbers crucial in Power Four conferences
At UC, Miller reached 20 wins twice in five seasons and was shut out of the NCAA tournament. The Bearcats had one winning conference record, an 11-7 finish in 2022-23 in the ACC for fourth-place.
Miller did rack up more wins before his 40th birthday than many successful coaches with 217. Phog Allen and Bob Knight had more, but Miller's total was more than what Rick Pitino, Bob Huggins, Shake Smart, Bill Self, John Calipari and Jim Boeheim had at that age.
Other factors leading to change
Miller's teams had winning records in Quad 2, 3, and 4 games, but couldn't secure an impressive number of Top 25 wins. They were 2-6 this season and 8-26 overall. In five years, when trailing the game with five minutes left, they were 4-61 and when down with two minutes to go they were 2-62. One of those wins was against the last-place Big 12 team, Utah at Fifth Third Arena.
Season-by-season highs, lows
2021-22 (18-15, 7-11 AAC)
Biggest win: In the Hall of Fame Classic Nov. 22 in Kansas City, UC took down No. 14 Illinois 71-51
Bad losses: After the trip to Kansas City, UC came home and lost to Monmouth 61-59. On Dec. 11, Xavier won the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout at Cintas Center 83-63. The regular season ended with five straight losses, including a Senior Day 56-54 defeat to USF who was 8-20.
2022-23 (23-13, 11-7 AAC)
Best win: On Feb. 19, 2023, David DeJulius hit a buzzer-beater at UCF for a 73-71 victory that was a Quad 1 win. The Bearcats played the game without an injured Viktor Lakhin.
Bad losses: Before going to the Maui Invitational, UC lost its first-ever game to NKU in their arena, 64-51. The Bearcats scored just 11 second-half points. They made a valiant comeback but lost the Crosstown Shootout at Fifth Third Arena 80-77 to Xavier. On Feb. 16, 2023, with Roy Williams in attendance, UC lost to East Carolina, blowing a 16-point lead with 10:06 to play. Unfortunately, Miller never won a UC game that Williams attended.
2023-24 (22-16, 7-11 Big 12)
Best wins: UC won at No. 15 Texas Tech Feb. 3, 2024, 75-72 and defeated No. 16 Kansas in the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, 72-52, sending the Jayhawks home after one game.
Bad losses: Another loss at Xavier, 84-79 on Dec. 9, plus a loss to the Dayton Flyers whose fans outnumbered UC's at Heritage Bank Center, 82-68.
The Bearcats had a run of ranked teams, losing to No. 25 Texas 74-73, No. 14 Baylor 62-59, winning against No. 19 TCU 81-77, losing at No. 15 Oklahoma 69-65, and at No. 7 Kansas 74-69.
2024-25 (19-16, 7-13 Big 12)
Best wins: Miller finally beat Xavier 68-65 at Fifth Third Arena, then downed No. 22 Dayton 66-59 at Heritage Bank Center. Up until their Jan. 17 takedown of No. 2 Iowa State this year, the 2024 Flyer win was UC's last win over a ranked team.
Bad losses: The Big 12 season started with a lethargic loss at Kansas State 70-67, which led into a rough January. UC had a halftime lead on Kansas, then couldn't score (15 points) in the second half and lost 54-40 to the Jayhawks. In a rematch with 15-15 Kansas State, they lost 54-49 when leading at halftime, then lost on the road to a 15-16 Oklahoma State team, 78-67. In the Crown tournament, after beating DePaul, they faced a UCF team that had lost eight players in the portal, but the Knights prevailed 88-80.
2025-26
Best win: Easily the Jan. 17 win over No. 2 Iowa State, 79-70 that featured a court storm. It was the highest-ranked win of Miller's time. It was the highest-ranked win since UC beat No. 2 Syracuse in the Big East tournament in 2012.
Bad losses: None were worse than the Nov. 26 Quad 4 loss to Eastern Michigan 64-56. Baba Miller and Jalen Celestine didn't play and Jizzle James wasn't yet on the roster, but it should never have mattered.
Wes Miller brought players, but not results
Wes Miller had entertaining players like Landers Nolley II, Dan Skillings Jr., Simas Lukošius, John Newman, Day Day Thomas and Jizzle James.
From the portal, he lost to Utah Valley State, then brought in 7-footer Aziz Bandaogo. He lost to UCF in the crown, but convinced 7-foot-2 Moustapha Thiam to be a Bearcat.
The 2024-25 team was preseason No. 20 and as high as No. 16, but diminished despite having Dillon Mitchell and several key returners. Adding Thiam this season, along with Baba Miller, Kerr Kriisa, Jalen Celestine and Sencire Harris, seemed to be a step up. But, Jalen Haynes from George Mason was injured all year and Shon Abaev and Keyshuan Tillery had freshmen moments.
Saddest of all is that Day Day Thomas finishes his career never having played in an NCAA tournament.
After a fast and furious week of comings and goings for the Dallas Cowboys, we have yet another player heading out of Dallas. Today, we learned that wide receiver Jalen Tolbert will be joining the Miami Dolphins.
Former Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert is headed to the Miami Dolphins, according to @Schultz_Report. Tolbert was in the No. 3 WR mix for Dallas entering last season, but Ryan Flournoy made the most of his opportunities
Tolbert’s career never panned out the way some hoped when he was drafted in the third round in 2022. Upon being selected, quarterback Dak Prescott heaped effusive praise on the small-school receiver. However, Tolbert could never put everything together. In his rookie season, Tolbert committed some costly penalties, which were expected for a first player making the leap from Southern Alabama to the NFL. At times, Tolbert showed flashes.
In 2024, he had his best season as a professional, recording 49 receptions for 610 yards and seven touchdowns. However, that wasn’t enough to entrench him as the number two receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. After the team traded for George Pickens last season, the writing was on the wall. Tolbert was now competing for snaps with Ryan Flournoy, Jonathan Mingo, and KaVontae Turpin, sometimes not dressing for games.
Now with Miami and signed to a one-year contract, Tolbert looks forward to a fresh start with a Dolphins team that has shaken up their front office and their roster. The team dismissed their general manager and head coach, and also released Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. Tolbert does have a pre-existing relationship with new Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, so maybe he can carve out a role for himself before being back on the open market a year from now.
The death of a Manx Grand Prix rider who crashed after lost control of his bike due to water seepage on the road during a qualifying session was an accident, a coroner has ruled.
Louis O'Regan, 43, from Waterford in Ireland, crashed during the opening session of the event at about 16:50 BST on 18 August 2024 in the area of Kate's Cottage.
The inquest had heard that rider Jamie Williams had lost control in the same spot and suffered a significant crash just two hours earlier.
Evidence from marshals based on that stretch of road, stated that there had been an unusual number of riders "wobbling on their bikes" that day.
Coroner Rebecca Cubbon found the crash was not caused by any mechanical defects or rider error.
Instead, she said that as the 43-year-old crossed the double white line in the road there was a lack of grip caused by water seepage, which resulted in him losing control and crashing into the hedgerow.
O'Regan, an electrical engineer based in Oxfordshire, was pronounced dead at about 17:05. A post mortem examination found he would have died of multiple injuries "pretty quickly after impact".
The coroner said that while there had been concerns amongst marshals about a water patch on the margin of the racing line, and that it had been discussed, it was "unclear how far up the chain" that information was relayed.
The inquest had previously heard that water patch was believed to be contaminated with peat, which meant that it was "very slippery underfoot".
The inquest had heard that O'Regan's bike was found in second gear, which was unusual for the area as riders tended to travel at between 120mph and 130mph (193km/h to 209km/h) in third or fourth gear.
However, the coroner said she considered that "loss of control was at the point of the wet patch" and it was "more likely than not that to assist himself he changed to second gear".
She also found that a lack-of-adhesion flag had likely had been put up at Keppel Gate following Williams' crash to warn riders.
Ruling that O'Regan's death was accidental, she said that although taking part in the Manx Grand Prix was an inherently risky act, losing control over a water patch was an "unintended consequence".
She said she would now consider whether to make any recommendations in relation to the incident.
'Experienced rider'
In a statement, race organisers the Auto Cycle Union (ACU) said: "Our thoughts remain with Louis's family, friends, team, and all those closest to him. Every loss on the Mountain Course is deeply felt.
It said the course was "a unique and demanding environment, and road racing carries an inherent degree of risk", which needed to be met with "responsibility, thorough preparation, and the careful management of all risks".
"We remain committed to a robust safety framework and to continually strengthening our risk management systems, procedures and operational practices that support the safe delivery of all events that take place on the Mountain Course," it added.
The Department of Infrastructure has declined to comment at this time.
In a statement, O'Regan's family said he was "an experienced rider who loved Isle of Man road racing and fully respected the course".
"Louis left his Oxfordshire home in August, telling his family that he knew his limitations and would be back. Tragically he did not return," they said.
"Since losing Louis on 18 August 2024, there have been so many questions, at least some of these have been answered."
Como coach Fabregas insists ‘Man City don’t build up from the back’ & provides selection update
Cesc Fabregas held his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s crucial Serie A clash with Roma, and the Como head coach was in characteristically thoughtful and candid mood, touching on tactical philosophy, squad selection and the remarkable position his side find themselves in with ten games remaining.
Como head into the weekend sitting fourth in Serie A, and the significance of that is not lost on anyone, except, apparently, Fabregas himself.
When asked whether he thinks about his side’s Champions League position, his response was characteristically grounded, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“If we get there, great, if we don’t, we continue to build. I would get angry if my players talked about Champions League right now. Not because of the subject itself, but because it’s not the moment. If it doesn’t happen, what are we, failures?”
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Fabregas: ‘Roma improved more than anyone in January’
On Roma, Fabregas was respectful but confident.
“They had an extraordinary transfer window, they have raised their level more than anyone. We need the perfect game,” he said.
“Like when we won at Napoli or against Juventus. We must play our way, and then the pitch will speak.”
He dismissed the suggestion that the match was a must-win, describing it simply as “one more important game” rather than a defining moment.
Tactically, Fabregas offered an interesting insight into how he views Nico Paz‘s development.
Asked about potentially deploying the Argentine in a deeper midfield role, the Como coach was firm.
“Not yet. He is a trequartista, instinctive. In a deep role you need a specific way of reading the game, of analysing situations. That is not Nico yet. He is not Perrone or Baturina.”
He was equally direct when asked about Sergi Roberto potentially replacing the injured Perrone, using an unexpected reference point to make his point.
“You think Guardiola’s Manchester City always build from the back? They don’t. Sometimes the opponent presses you, sometimes you don’t have a Busquets or a Piqué. When a coach doesn’t trust his first phase, you must work hard and build that trust instead.”
Perrone himself trained individually and is expected to rejoin the group on Saturday, with his availability for Sunday still to be confirmed.
Exclusive: Jodie Hutton on ‘confidence’ at Charlton Athletic with WSL2 title in sight
Charlton Athletic star Jodie Hutton personifies her working class background. Determination by the bucket loads, humble and no hurdle being able to stop her achieving her goals.
The two-time WSL2 winner is flying high, top of the league with Charlton, and in the quarter-final of the FA Cup. The former England youth international has also previously represented Aston Villa, Bristol City and Sheffield United.
Hutton and Charlton currently sit comfortably at the top of the WSL2 table, nine points ahead of closest rivals Birmingham City. She joined the South East London club in 2024 and has since found excellent form, scoring more goals for Charlton than any other team in her career — 13 to date as a defender no less.
The Midlands-born defender took some time away from training to speak exclusively to Her Football Hub about her career goals, Charlton manager Karen Hills and her childhood.
Proving herself wrong
Hutton was always destined to make it as a professional footballer. That being said, as a ‘realist’ even after representing England at youth level, she knew not to take anything for granted and to keep working hard.
“People kept telling me, ‘you’ll make it far, you’ll go all the way’, but you have to keep yourself grounded,” Hutton said. “I just took it all with a pinch of salt and kept trying to grow as a player and develop in my own space.”
The Charlton star represented England at both U18 and U19 level. It wasn’t until playing regularly for Aston Villa in the WSL2 and eventually the WSL that she began to believe what her coaches had been telling her for years.
Football is a religion for working class families
The midlands of England is home to 71 different football clubs. This is a pattern that follows all working class cities, where the people look to collective sport as a point of celebration and community. Hutton shares this sentiment.
“My family is very football oriented. All my cousins and my sisters played football. We’re a working class family, so yeah, my family really back me. They come to my games and watch me every week, it’s nice to have that.
“If it wasn’t for my two older sisters though, I never would’ve played football I think. They both started playing football first and I just wanted to play with them all the time, so it’s all down to them.”
There is no doubt about Charlton Athletic’s successes this season. Top of the league, nine points ahead of their closest rivals, FA Cup quarter-finalists and a squad whose team sheet would look at home in the WSL.
That being said, it’s still miles away from the stellar history Charlton have in women’s football. There was a time when they were one of the biggest clubs in the country — winning FA Cups and pushing for national titles against the likes of Arsenal and Doncaster.
In 2004/05, Charlton won the FA Cup against Everton and finished second in the top division, behind only Arsenal. Current Charlton manager Karen Hills was a key part of that squad and it’s clear the passion she has for the club even from the outside looking in.
CHESHUNT, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Karen Hills in Cheshunt, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
“She knows when a player needs picking up, or who needs an arm around them and when someone needs shouting at,” Hutton shared. “I think she’s the best manager I’ve ever played for. I think from the outside, people think she looks very strict, maybe even standoffish, but she’s not like that. She is so, so passionate.
“Charlton have been so close to promotion now for several years, so now we’re working hard to maintain our lead. Karen keeps telling us not to look at social media, just focus on each game.
“Maybe it’s cliché to say but we all feel like a family here, and that’s Karen who has built that environment. We’re such a tight-knit group, it’ll be special if we can achieve this [winning the league] together as a group.”
Finding form at Charlton
As a defender, goals are rarely something expected of a player but like her teenage idol Lucy Bronze, it’s a huge aspect of Hutton’s’ play.
Contributing a stellar 13 league goals in just over 40 games at Charlton, Hutton has already surpassed her career total of 12 league goals at all her previous clubs combined.
“I honestly think it’s down to the current system that we play. I think it suits me and my ability much more than any other from the past. I’m confident too at the moment and that is a huge thing to feel,” Hutton clarified.
Liverpool forward set for showdown talks over future
Keyrol Figueroa: Situation summary
Keyrol Figueroa is regarded as one of the most natural finishers in Liverpool’s academy, leading the U21 attack and scoring consistently in Premier League 2 and youth competitions.
He profiles as a penalty‑box striker with sharp movement and instinctive one‑touch finishing, while staff still see room for growth in his all‑round link play and physical duel work before he can realistically push for senior minutes under Arne Slot.
Figueroa has been involved around the first‑team group and made at least one senior matchday squad, which underlines that he is firmly on the club’s long‑term radar.
He signed his first professional contract in May 2024, with his current deal running to June 2026.
Liverpool opened talks over an extension in early 2026, with multiple reports suggesting an offer on the table and the club keen to secure him before considering a first senior loan for 2026–27.
Porto and PSV Eindhoven have both shown strong interest, exploring loan‑with‑option and longer‑term scenarios.
From Liverpool’s perspective the plan is clear: agree a new contract, then send him out to play regular senior football and reassess his pathway; if no agreement is reached, there is a real risk he departs as a free agent in 2026.
Honduras want Figueroa to switch allegiance
In the meantime there is his international future to sort out. Figueroa was born in Honduras and spent time in the UK and the USA as a youth owing to his father’s Premier League and MLS stints.
But Honduras have got big plans for Figueroa to switch allegiance. Talks are planned with the youngster during the next international window - when a delegation from Honduras will be in Europe for an international friendly versus Peru.
“Francis Hernández, sporting director of the Honduran Football Federation (FFH), will take advantage of his trip to Spain for the friendly match against Peru on March 31 to meet with several young players with dual nationality, eligible to play for Honduras, including Keyrol Figueroa,” a report reads on Futbol Centro America.
“Hernández will present the project to them in person and speak with their parents. Several of these players are currently in Spain, representing Spain at the youth level.”
The Chargers signed defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson on a one-year, $7.5 million deal on Friday.
This move comes immediately following his release from the Cardinals, where he spent the 2025 season.
Tomlinson, 32, started all 17 games for Arizona, where he recorded 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack.
The nine-year NFL veteran has previously played for the Giants, Vikings, and Browns before his stint with the Cardinals.
Tomlinson, who is known for his ability to defend the run, provides an immediate boost to the team's interior defensive line rotation that will consist of Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, and Justin Eboigbe.
The New York Knicks will look to finish up their five-game road trip with a winning record as they visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Indiana is in a tailspin right now, which is why I’m backing the New York to cover the hefty spread in my Knicks vs. Pacers prediction.
Let’s take a closer look at how to bet tonight’s matchup in my free NBA picks for Friday, March 13.
Knicks vs Pacers prediction
Knicks vs Pacers best bet: Knicks -13.5 (-110)
“Just bet against the Indiana Pacers” may seem like a simplistic betting strategy, but it’s been an effective one.
Indiana has now lost 11 straight, and hasn’t covered in any of those games. In six of their last eight games, the Pacers have lost by 15+ points.
The New York Knicks have been one of the best offensive teams in the NBA this season. With an offensive efficiency of 116.4, they rank second only to the Denver Nuggets.
That will place especially well against a Pacers team allowing 120.0 ppg on the year. I’m taking New York to cover tonight.
Knicks vs Pacers same-game parlay
Both teams have played towards the Over in recent games, and the Knicks offense should be able to push the score up against this Indiana defense.
I’ll also take Jalen Brunson to hit his scoring total after coming off two straight 28-point performances.
Knicks vs Pacers SGP
Knicks -13.5
Over 227.5
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: All Knicks, all night
Even for my lottery SGP, I’m sticking with the Knicks to cover, as that’s my lynchpin for all the prop bets I’m backing here.
I’ll once again take Brunson to hit his points total, while also picking Karl-Anthony Towns to make Over 1.5 threes, as he’s hit three shots from deep in each of his last two games.
I’m also backing Mikal Bridges to pick up a block on the defensive end, since he’s gotten at least one in three of his last four games.
Knicks vs Pacers SGP
Knicks -13.5
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 threes made
Mikal Bridges Over 0.5 blocks
Knicks vs Pacers odds
Spread: New York -13 (-110) | Indiana +13 (-110)
Moneyline: New York -800 | Indiana +550
Over/Under: Over 227 (-110) | Under 227 (-110)
Knicks vs Pacers betting trend to know
The Pacers are 0-11 ATS in their last 11 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Pacers.
How to watch Knicks vs Pacers
Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, FDSN-IN
Knicks vs Pacers latest injuries
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Two starters have been added to the Detroit Pistons' injury report ahead of their 313 Day home game on Friday, March 13.
Jalen Duren (right knee soreness) and Tobias Harris (left hip soreness) are both listed as questionable for the 7:30 p.m. start against the Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena. They join Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain), who has been upgraded to doubtful after missing four games in a row.
Caris LeVert (left wrist sprain) has been upgraded to probable after missing three games.
The Grizzlies' injury report is lengthier. They will be without Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain), Scotty Pippen Jr. (great right toe sesamoiditis), Zach Edey (left ankle surgery recovery), Brandon Clarke (right calf sprain), Santi Aldama (right knee injury management) and former Piston Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (right fifth finger surgery recovery).
They also could be without Jaylen Wells (right shoulder contusion), GG Jackson (right foot soreness) and Taj Gibson (return to competition conditioning), who are all listed as questionable.
Both Duren and Harris appeared in the Pistons' 131-109 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, March 12. They've won two games in a row by blowout margins following a four-game losing streak, their longest of the season.
TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 17: Arizona Wildcats guard Tanyuel Welch (11) during a women's basketball game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats on February 17, 2026, at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Arizona head coach Becky Burke said players would be leaving. One has already told Talia Goodman at On3 that she’s headed to the portal as soon as it opens. Goodman reports that Tanyuel Welch will be on the move after one season in Tucson.
NEWS: Arizona’s Tanyuel Welch plans to enter the transfer portal, she told @On3.
The 5-10 junior averaged 8.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg this season.
The senior-to-be was once praised by Burke as the most Power 4 ready player that Arizona had on the perimeter, but Welch’s playing time was erratic.
She did not play in the season opener against UC Riverside and saw just three minutes against UC Irvine in the second game. She scored in double digits her next two games, then saw her minutes go down until she played just two minutes against CSU Bakersfield and 13 in the loss to Southern. From that point, her minutes went up and stayed that way for the next two months.
That stretch of increased, steady minutes spread into the first month of Big 12 play. She was on the court at least 35 minutes in six straight games to start conference play. After that, her minutes steadily declined until she played just nine minutes against Oklahoma State on Feb. 1.
Welch’s minutes then crept up until she played 40 against Cincinnati in a game that had Lani Cornfield and Nora Francois out due to “coach’s decision.” They once again went down over the final three games when she averaged just over 13 minutes on the court against Houston, Utah, and Arizona State to wind up the season and her Arizona career.
Welch came to Arizona after playing two seasons and sitting out one with a medical redshirt at Memphis. The redshirt junior will have another season to play at her third stop.
She made 28 appearances and 19 starts in her time in Tucson. She started in 19 of her final 20 games as a Wildcat.
Welch averaged 8.7 points on 46.5 percent shooting, coming in fourth on the team in scoring and third among players that played all season. Her 5.2 rebounds per game led the team.
The portal window changes this year. It will not officially open until after the Final Four in early April, but players are already charting their paths.
Pittman was a long way from home when the deal went down, though -- and he cut his vacation six days short to get to Pittsburgh and meet his new organization.
That's because Pittman was in Uganda, the African country.
He detailed his travel back when he spoke with reporters on Friday, and he said it was a 28-hour trip.
Pittman started in Uganda, then flew to Ethiopia, then Azerbaijan, then New York City and finally into Pittsburgh.
The timing may not have worked out great, but Pittman now has a fresh start in the NFL to show how good he can be.
Pittman had been a quality wideout for the Colts, but they chose to sign Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million contract to prevent him from reaching free agency. With that much money devoted to Pierce, Indy opted to trade Pittman away rather than pay him, too.
The Steelers did give Pittman a new contract after the trade -- which itself was cheap, involving just a sixth/seventh-round pick swap.
Clearly, Pittman wasn't expecting a move like this. He wouldn't have been so far away if he was.
But he'll get a chance to play for a storied organization in Pittsburgh, and with his skillset, he can make life better for whoever the Steelers' new QB is in 2026 -- and for DK Metcalf, lined up on the opposite side of the field in a newly improved WR tandem for the Steelers.
Pittman will have to find a trip back at some point so he can finish his vacation. In the meantime, he's ready to get to work in Pittsburgh.
The noise built steadily all week. By the time the 2026 championship trophies were handed out at the 3A and 4A basketball tournaments at the Tacoma Dome last Saturday night, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) had drawn its biggest crowds in nearly a decade — fueled by a superstar prospect, a hometown title run and diehard fans willing to drive over the mountains.
The News Tribune requested and received attendance totals from the WIAA this week. They paint a pretty picture: 34,540 fans attended the state tournaments at the Tacoma Dome, one of three state basketball sites across the state. The 2A and 1A tournaments are played in Yakima, while the 2B and 1B tournaments are played in Spokane.
In Tacoma, that’s an increase of 7,130 tickets sold this year after 27,410 tickets were sold in 2025. It’s the best attendance in Tacoma in nearly a decade; the WIAA sold 35,743 tickets in 2017, when the Michael Porter Jr.-led, Brandon Roy-coached Nathan Hale squad was the talk of the town.
There were three factors that likely contributed to the 26 percent jump in ticket sales this year:
All eyes were on Rainier Beach senior Tyran Stokes, the nation’s No. 1 rated recruit. Stokes moved from California and transferred to Rainier Beach for his senior year. He led the Vikings to back-to-back 3A titles last weekend, giving longtime Beach coach Mike Bethea his 10th ring.
Hometown Lincoln High School, just up the road from the Tacoma Dome, advanced to the 3A state championship game. The hometown crowd packed the Dome to see the Abes, also buoyed by the “Tacoma vs. Seattle, 253 vs. 206” narrative with the matchup against Rainier Beach.
Richland played in the 4A state championship game, beating defending champion Gonzaga Prep. Logic would dictate a matchup of two eastside schools in the championship game would equal fewer tickets sold, but Richland’s student section was the biggest and loudest in the tournament by far. Don’t count out Bombers support.
Richland won the 4A boys title, Rainier Beach won 3A boys, Davis (Yakima) won 4A girls and Eastside Catholic won the 3A girls crown.
One of the most alarming, and off-putting feelings is the realization you’ve been pronouncing someone’s name wrong — and it turns out we’ve all been doing it for years with Travis Etienne Jr. The former Jaguars running back signed with the New Orleans Saints this week, and the Jennings, Louisiana native used part of his introductory press conference to clear the air with his name.
Rather than “E-tee-ENN” as everyone has been pronouncing since, well, forever — the actual pronunciation is “AY-teean.” This makes a ton more sense considering Etienne comes from Creole ancestry, which would have made the original pronunciation much more French-sounding, likely originating from something like “AY-tu-onn.” One thing is certain: It’s going to take a lot of work to get used to pronouncing his name the correct way after all these years.
It’s painfully on-brand to imagine that Dabo Swinney was so confused with how to say “Etienne” at Clemson that Etienne just changed his name to make it easier on him. I feel this pain as a Dator. Everyone assumed it’s pronounced “DAY-ter” like “Gator” with a D, when in reality it’s “Dah-tore,” mutilated from Italian when my great, great grandfather came through Ellis Island.
I know what it’s like Travis. Hopefully everyone starts saying your name right.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Second-year Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz has agreed in principle to a long-term contract extension, athletic director Chris May announced Friday before the Billikens' game in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament.
The Billikens (27-4) tied with Virginia Commonwealth for the A-10 regular-season championship and were the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.
May locked up Schertz as the coach's name was bandied for a number of jobs in power conferences.
Saint Louis entered Friday one win away from tying its season record, and in January the Billikens made their first appearance in The Associated Press Top 25 since 2020-21. They were ranked as high as No. 18 and appeared in seven straight polls before dropping out Monday.
Saint Louis hired Schertz away from Indiana State in 2024 after he led the Sycamores to their first Missouri Valley regular-season championship since 2000.
The Billikens were 19-15 with an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament last season.
Two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongsuk Sitsarawatsuer was at his ferocious best in his bantamweight Muay Thai co-main event clash against Iranian promotional newcomer Babak Solouki.
The Thai earned a third-round finish at ONE Friday Fights 146 on Friday, March 13, live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium, but he had to dig deep to get this one done inside the distance.
Kongsuk and Solouki began by trading body shots, testing each other’s guard early. The opening frame ended with a short elbow from the Thai after a close-range exchange.
In the second round, the 25-year-old ramped up the pressure and backed his foe toward the ropes. A solid left hook staggered Solouki, and shortly after, the Sitsarawatseur man fired a left middle kick that sent the newcomer reeling into the ropes.
Realizing he was falling behind on the scorecards, Solouki increased his aggression and launched punching combinations to the body in the third canto. Kongsuk, meanwhile, responded with successive knees to the midsection.
Solouki, however, showed no fear and retaliated with an uppercut. But the Thai slipped and countered with a left kick to the back that sent the Iranian to the canvas for the first knockdown.
The Iranian beat the count, but moments later, his 25-year-old foe sealed the finish with a right punch-left hook combo.
The knockdown forced the referee to wave off the contest at 2:27 of the third round, which improved Kongsuk’s record to 69-21.
ONE Friday Fights 146 Second Half Quick Results:
Kongsuk Sitsarawatsuer defeats Babak Solouki via KO at 2:27 of round three (Muay Thai – Bantamweight)
Singharat SitKhuntab defeats Kajornklai Sor Sor Toipadriew via KO at 1:19 of round two (Muay Thai – Bantamweight)
Hearts midfielder Blair Spittal says the players are "thriving" on the pressure of chasing down the club's first top-flight title in 66 years.
The Tynecastle club, who visit Kilmarnock on Saturday night, sit five points clear at the top having finished in the bottom six last season.
And Spittal, who joined the club in June 2024, has been blown away by the turnaround at Tynecastle.
"I think you could see the strength of the squad that we've built over the summer," the 30-year-old said.
"I think it helped going into the League Cup, having that chance to build that bit of momentum as well, going into the season and things have gone really well so far. There's still plenty of football to be played, we know that.
"It's mental, considering where we were at this point last year. It's probably a different kind of pressure to what we were under last year, but it's one that the boys are thriving on.
"I've never been in this position before, but it's one that all the boys in the changing room are enjoying at the minute. Like I said, there's plenty of football still to be played, so we just need to do our job, so we can do it."
Hearts won 3-0 win at Rugby Park earlier this season but Killie have been strong at home in the league since Neil McCann and Billy Dodds took charge, beating Aberdeen and St Mirren before a last-gasp defeat to Celtic.
"I think regardless of how Kilmarnock are doing, it's always a tough place to go," Spittal added.
"We're under no illusions of how hard it's going to be. Obviously people will be looking at the last result [5-1 loss at Falkirk], but the form before that was really good.
"We're expecting the best Kilmarnock to turn up on Saturday so we need to give the best version of ourselves."
Man Utd predicted XI vs Aston Villa: ‘Frightening’ star to be dropped for first time this season
Manchester United are preparing to host Aston Villa in a vital showdown in the race for the Champions League, and Michael Carrick’s lineup might feature one or two surprises. The Premier contest will take place at the Old Trafford. It kicks off on Sunday, 14:00 UK time.
The two clubs are are tied on 51 points in third place, but Chelsea and Liverpool are breathing down theirs necks, so the loser could be thumped out of the Top 5 by the end of the weekend.
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In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Carrick confirmed Mason Mount’s return to training, but he’s still not fit enough to take part in the action. On the other hand, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Patrick Dorgu have yet to recover.
Diogo Dalot back in Man Utd starting lineup
With Lisandro and De Ligt ruled out of action, Leny Yoro should partner Harry Maguire at the heart of the backline. Ayden Heaven represents the first option off the bench.
Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui have both recovered from the knocks they suffered against Newcastle, but starting them both would be risky. Therefore, the Englishman would like get the nod on the left side of the defence, with Diogo Dalot regaining his place on the right.
Since Carrick’s arrival, there has never been any doubts iin the double pivot, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro emerging as the ultimate first choice, while Bruno Fernandes returned to operate as an attacking midfielder.
Should Carrick drop Bryan Mbeumo from his lineup against Aston Villa?
The biggest dilemma facing the Man Utd manager concerns the attacking slots. Amad Diallo has recently been reduced to a bench role to make room for the in-form Benjamin Sesko. However, the Ivorian arguably produced more in his cameos than Bryan Mbeumo, who looked out of sorts in his last two outings.
The Cameroonian has arguably been standout player for United this season alongside Bruno. Ian Wright described Mbeumo as a ‘frightening’ player ahead of the Arsenal clash. However, his recent displays, coupled with Amad’s encouraging signs off the bench, could prompt Carrick to do the switch.
When available, the former Brentford star has never been dropped from the starting XI in a Premier League contest since joining Man Utd. The only matches he didn’t start were those that occurred while he away at AFCON.
Starting with the 26-year-old on the bench wouldn’t deminish his value, as almost every Man Utd outfielder, except for Bruno and Casemiro has been dropped at one point.
Moreover, it would be interesting to see how a fresh Mbeumo would perform against tired opponents when coming off the bench.
Man Utd Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Why Juventus have an advantage over Inter in pursuit of Liverpool’s Alisson
Both Inter and Juventus have been linked with moves for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker over the last few weeks, but the Bianconeri feel that they are able to match the Brazilian’s salary demands and are hoping that Luciano Spalletti is a major convincing factor as well.
Why Juventus seem confident over Alisson Becker deal
Both Inter and Juventus could be on the lookout for new goalkeepers heading into the summer transfer window.
The Nerazzurri are expected to part ways with 37-year-old stopper Yann Sommer once his contract expires at the end of the season, and Juventus are unconvinced by the performances of Michele Di Gregorio, who has lost his no.1 status in recent weeks.
However, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday claim that Alisson is the most ‘reliable’ option for Juventus.
The Brazilian is still under contract with Liverpool until the end of the 2026-27 season, but Juventus hold out hope that the Premier League side may sanction a sale given that Alisson will be into the final year of his deal in the summer, and they already have his replacement lined up in Giorgi Mamardashvili.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker reacts during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor on September 14, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Juventus are not put off by Alisson’s salary demands either. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, he currently earns a net salary in the region of €6m per season at Anfield, which would not go beyond Juve’s current wage structure.
Aside from Dusan Vlahovic, whose hefty contract will expire this summer, Juventus aim to keep all of their players on salaries below €7m per season according to Friday’s report.
There is also the Spalletti factor for Alisson, who worked under the current Bianconeri head coach at Roma. La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that if Spalletti is able to convince the Brazilian to join this summer, negotiations with Liverpool will become a ‘downhill slope’.
With the first big waves of free agency receding, there are still a bevy of players on the open market for teams to pick up for the 2026 season.
The San Francisco 49ers have added some big pieces on both sides of the ball, but could very easily swoop in for some of those veteran playmakers still looking for a new team. One of those players could be veteran edge rusher Joey Bosa, whom ESPN's Bill Barnwell wrote would be a great fit on the 49ers defense alongside his brother, Nick Bosa.
It's the obvious call, right? The 49ers are a team that's very comfortable taking aggressive swings on talented players with upside, even if that upside comes with injury concerns. They have an opening for a situational pass rusher after Bryce Huff retired Thursday, and Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos are free agents. Bosa would join up with his brother, Nick, who is recovering from the second torn ACL of his pro career. Joey Bosa would be in a part-time role on a 49ers team that should be heavily rotating its edge rushers throughout the season.
The two things to consider here are need and situation. San Francisco does need defensive line help in 2026. As of this writing, the only healthy edge rusher on the roster is Sam Okuayinonu. The younger Bosa, as well as 2025 first-round pick Mykell Wiliams, are both recovering from ACL injuries, and Keion White is recovering from a shooting this winter.
While the elder Bosa is not a pillar of health, he would at least provide a solid floor at the position for the 49ers in 2026. Bosa had five forced fumbles, five sacks, 29 combined tackles, 16 quarterback hits and six tackles for a loss in 15 games for the Buffalo Bills this past season. He previously played nine years with the Los Angeles Chargers.
If the price is right, this is a low-risk, high-reward move for the 49ers.
There's a lot of reasons for Travis Etienne Jr. to be excited about his Louisiana homecoming. Being so much closer to family and friends in Jennings, about three hours away, is one of them. Another is knowing that he'll get to hear his name pronounced correctly. Etienne shared that story during his New Orleans Saintsintroductory press conference.
"So growing up, it's Travis Etienne. So it's like A-C-H-A-N-E, and that's how you always said Travis Etienne," Etienne began. If it helps, Etienne is pronounced the same way as Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (AY-chan). He continued, "But when I went to college I kept telling them my name like every, every day, every day. And after like four weeks they just couldn't get it. So I'm like, man, E-T-N. Like how you see it is how you say it. And that's how that became. And I guess it took off because it was easy for the announcers to say it."
Many athletes -- and many people outside of sports -- have had to go from one name to another for convenience. It's refreshing to see Etienne joining such a comfortable environment that, to some extent, he's feeling like himself again.
"I'm very much open to being Travis Etienne again," he grinned. "Just, uh, being myself. I don't have to correct people here on how to say my name each and every day. And I kind of love that. And that, just, get back to me."
Etienne was a college football star for the Clemson Tigers before turning pro, where he got to join his teammate Trevor Lawrence on the Jaguars. After rushing for 1,000 or more yards in three of his last four years, he's set to take over for Alvin Kamara on top of the Saints depth chart. Signing a top-dollar four-year contract certainly helped, but there's a lot to say for the attraction of coming home, too.
Arsenal are still in the hunt to become the first English team to win the Quadruple [Getty Images]
After Arsenal beat Chelsea with two goals from corners a couple of weeks ago, Premier League winner Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Set-piece Arsenal, again. If they get over the line, will they be the ugliest Premier League-winning team in history?"
Eleven-time winner Paul Scholes has also recently claimed that the Gunners could be "the most boring team" to win the title.
Mikel Arteta's men are seven points clear in the league, in the League Cup final, into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and still in the Champions League, with a favourable side of the draw.
So is the criticism they receive fair? And if Arsenal do go on to win the Premier League, how would their numbers compare to previous winners?
We asked Opta to dig back through the archives to find out.
Arsenal have so far scored 59 goals in 30 Premier League games this season - an average of 1.97 per game.
While that puts them on course to be the lowest-scoring champions since Leicester City a decade ago (1.79), it's a higher scoring rate than 12 previous title winners, including five Manchester United sides, all three of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea champions - and the Arsenal 'Invincibles' (1.92).
But when we look at how the goals were scored - from open play or set pieces - it seems that Arsenal's critics have more of a point.
Of the 59 goals that the Gunners have scored so far, 24 of them have come from set pieces (41%) - a far higher percentage than any Premier League champion.
It is perhaps ironic that Sutton and Scholes have criticised Arsenal's style of play given they played for the two title-winning sides that previously relied most on set pieces to score.
Sutton's Blackburn of 1994-95 and Scholes' Man Utd of 2007-08 both scored 80 goals on their way to winning the title, with 35% - the record high - of them coming from dead-ball situations (28).
Arsenal fans might say that such a high percentage simply shows how excellent their team is from set-pieces rather than how blunt they have been in open play.
But the Gunners have so far scored just 1.17 goals per game from open play and the only title winner to score as few in that manner was the Manchester United side that won the first Premier League back in 1992-93.
Having said all that, is scoring from set-pieces inherently ugly? Wayne Rooney doesn't think so.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show this week, the five-time champion said: "I've heard a lot of people talking about Arsenal and how they're playing. I think Arsenal have been brilliant.
"I actually enjoy watching them play. Set-pieces are part of football - why would you not use it?"
Even if people disagree, there are other ways of 'winning ugly' that Premier League champions have used in the past.
As miraculous as their title win was, Leicester's football in 2015-16 was not always pretty.
Ten of their 68 goals came from the penalty spot, they had the fewest shots and touches in the opposition box on record and 14 of their 23 wins were by a single goal (61%).
And while '1-0 to the Arsenal' is a well-known chant, only five of their 20 wins this season have been by that scoreline - far fewer than the 11 Chelsea eked out in 2004-05 or the 10 that Manchester United achieved in 2008-09.
And for all the talk of the dark arts, the Gunners are not playing dirty in the traditional sense.
Their 40 yellow cards in 30 games so far puts them well below the record 73 bookings that Chelsea picked up in total in 2014-15, while the Gunners are in with a chance of becoming just the fourth side to win the Premier League without having a man sent off.
So, while Arsenal are hardly Barcelona 2008-09, the football they are playing and the way their goals are being scored are not huge departures from some previous title-winning sides.
Even those that some of the fiercest critics played in.
USA Basketball is dominating to begin FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying in Puerto Rico.
But even after winning their first two group games by a combined 107 points, discontent is simmering beneath the surface for expectant Caitlin Clark fans.
After Clark marked her national team debut with a 17-point, 12-assist double-double against Senegal on Wednesday, the Indiana Fever superstar comparatively struggled in the 91-48 win over Puerto Rico on Thursday, scoring eight points on 2-of-6 shooting.
And fans on social media believe they have pinpointed the reason for Clark's "awkward" sophomore outing: Angel Reese and US teammates are "freezing out" the All-Star guard.
"Angel fights CC for the rebound, refuses to pass her the ball on the break, then immediately turns the ball over," wrote @CCMVPLoading on X. "Yikes."
A selection of four plays from the win over Puerto Rico -- in which Reese logged 10 points, 13 rebounds and two assists -- show Reese handling the ball in transition and appearing to "look off" Clark.
"It feels like the ball movement hasn’t been equal. Caitlin Clark is constantly looking to create for her teammates and keep the offense flowing, but she doesn’t always seem to get that same trust or opportunity in return," wrote @22CCNews. "At times, Angel Reese and others appear focused on handling the ball or initiating the offense themselves, which has even led to stretches where Reese is essentially bringing the ball up like a point guard."
Fans who didn't watch Reese in Chicago last season will not have noted that the two-time All-Star was tasked with "point forward" duties amid an injury crisis that ravaged the Sky's backcourt.
It stands to reason that the USA Basketball coaching staff -- which includes Fever head coach Stephanie White as an assistant -- want to see Reese handle the ball a bit more and run more sets off the ball for Clark, where she can weaponize her one-of-a-kind shooting range.
There's no controversy here. Team USA is the most talented side in their group. Experimentation is going to happen.
The Atlantic 10 Tournament is back in Pittsburgh after a year at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. preceded by two years at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Participants
All 14 teams will play in this season’s event. UMass moved to the MAC, so there’s one fewer first-round game.
Gm. 1:(13) St. Bonaventure 99, (12) La Salle (9-23, 5-13) 80 Gm. 2: (14) Loyola Chicago 75, (11) Richmond (15-17, 5-13) 65
Second Round (Thurs. 3/12)
Gm. 3:(9) George Washington 66, (8) Fordham (17-15, 8-10) 62 Gm. 4: (13) St. Bonaventure 63, (5) George Mason (23-9, 11-7) 57 Gm. 5: (10) Rhode Island (16-16, 7-11) 61, (7) Duquesne 67 Gm. 6: (14) Loyola Chicago (9-24, 4-14) 59, (6) Davidson 64 (OT)
Quarterfinals (Fri. 3/13)
Gm. 7: (9) George Washington (18-14, 8-10) vs. (1) Saint Louis (27-4, 15-3), 11:30 (USA) The Billikens won 79-76 in St. Louis on 1/27. Gm. 8: (13) St. Bonaventure (17-16, 4-14) vs. (4) Dayton (21-10, 12-6), 2* (USA) The Flyers won 72-70 in Dayton on 2/3. Gm. 9: (7) Duquesne (18-14, 9-9) vs. (2) VCU (24-7, 15-3), 5 (USA) The Rams won 93-80 in Pittsburgh on 1/3. Gm. 10: (6) Davidson (20-12, 10-8) vs. (3) Saint Joseph’s (21-10, 13-5), 7:30* (CNBC) Road split: Wildcats 62-56 on 1/3 and Hawks 70-67 on 3/4.
Semifinals (Sat. 3/14)
CBSSN will air both games.
Gm. 11: Gm. 7 winner vs. Gm. 8 winner, 1 Gm. 12: Gm. 9 winner vs. Gm. 10 winner, 3:30*
Championship (Sun. 3/15)
Gm. 13: Semifinal winners, 1 (CBS)
Mayhem Potential
Data originally posted by Bob Vetrone Jr. on Twitterin 2020 with my own additions for the seasons beyond.
The Atlantic 10 Tournament has a reputation for being one of the most unpredictable ones out there. However, the 2 seed has been shut out since the NCAA field expanded to 68 in 2011. In 2025, George Mason was unable to break the streak, but VCU—the very team that topped the Patriots in OT last March gets its own chance in 2026. Note that the 2024 final featured the 5 and 6 seeds.
The Atlantic 10 has only placed a pair of teams in three of the last five NCAA Tournaments that have been played. Making matters worse, VCU was unable to play its game against Oregon in 2021 due to COVID issues. With the quality of the bubble in 2026, the Rams should join Saint Louis in the field, with a third bid possible with some upsets.
Last Conference Tournament Titles
VCU: 2025 (1 seed) Duquesne: 2024 (6 seed) Loyola Chicago: 2022 (4 seed, MVC) Richmond: 2022 (6 seed) St. Bonaventure: 2021 (1 seed) Saint Louis: 2019 (6 seed) Davidson: 2018 (3 seed) Rhode Island: 2017 (4 seed) Saint Joseph’s: 2016 (4 seed) George Mason: 2008 (3 seed, CAA) George Washington: 2005 (West 1 seed) Dayton: 2003 (West 2 seed) Fordham: 1992 (1 seed, Patriot League) La Salle: 1992 (2 seed, MAAC)
Fordham, George Mason, La Salle, and Loyola Chicago are the only current Atlantic 10 members that have not won the conference tournament. Dayton last won in 2003, though the Flyers would have been favored had the 2020 event taken place, since they were a likely No. 1 NCAA seed.
Where can you find the best private golf courses in each state? Welcome to Golfweek’s Best 2025 list of the top private layouts, as judged by our hundreds of raters.
The members of the ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them based on 10 criteria on a points basis of 1 through 10. They also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce these rankings.
All the courses on this 2025 list are private and don’t accept daily-fee or resort play. We also publish a list of each state’s top public-access layouts. Keen eyes might notice there are only 49 states included on this list. That's because Alaska doesn’t have any rated private clubs to include among the rankings.
KEY: (m) modern, built in 1960 or after; (c) classic, built before 1960. For courses with a number preceding the (m) or (c), that is where the course ranks on Golfweek’s Best lists for top 200 modern and classic courses in the U.S.
Mar 12, 2026; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) is introduced before a game against the Providence Friars during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Welcome to the thread for Friday’s Big East Tournament semifinal game between St. John’s men’s basketball and Seton Hall. Please be respectful in the comment section and do not share any illegal streams of the game.
You can follow updates of this game on Rumble in the Garden’s official X account (formerly Twitter) at @rumbleSBN or on Rumble in the Garden’s new Bluesky account at rumbleinthegarden.bsky.social. Make sure to check out our game recap and analysis after the game.
If you want to participate in the comment section but are not familiar with the new SB Nation log-in system, you can check out the link here.
Game information
Who: 1-seed St. John’s Red Storm (26-6) vs. 4-seed Seton Hall Pirates (21-11)
Series History: St. John’s leads all-time series, 67-50. The Red Storm have won the last five meetings with the Pirates, including their last Big East Tournament matchup in 2024.
KenPom Predicted Score: St. John’s to win, 71-64 (75% chance of St. John’s win)
Injury news
There is no injury news for Friday’s Big East Tournament game.
What to watch for
Cold as Bryce: Bryce Hopkins put on the performance he needed in St. John’s’ dominant 85-72 win over his former team, Providence. Hopkins had a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double, his third of the season. Rick Pitino said after the game that Hopkins is improving in his quickness and verticality. If he can maintain this aggressiveness, it would be a boon for St. John’s this March.
TheCutting Ej’: Rinse and repeat, Zuby Ejiofor continues to dominate. The Big East Player of the Year had 21 points, ten rebounds, five assists, and three blocks versus Providence, becoming the first player to post that stat line in the 46-year history of the Big East Tournament. Ejiofor is playing like an All-American in his last four games, averaging 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals on 64.7% shooting.
Stepping Up: Dylan Darling had a performance he would like to forget, missing all eight of his shots and finishing with a donut hole in the scoring column in Thursday’s game against Providence, yet his backcourt mates covered for his off-day. Oziyah Sellers scored 14 points (6-of-12 shooting, 2-of-6 from three) and played strong defense in 32 minutes of action. Ian Jackson’s playing time was cut down due to foul trouble, but that didn’t stop him from also scoring 14 points (4-of-11 shooting, 2-of-4 from three).
Super-Dar: Seton Hall senior forward Jacob Dar went from seldom-used bench player to the reason the Pirates are playing on Friday night. Dar entered the Big East Tournament averaging 2.8 points, but scored all of his season-high 16 points in the second half to propel the Hall to a 72-61 win over Creighton. For a team that ranks dead-last in the conference in two-point and three-point shooting, the Pirates will need all of the offensive help they can get to keep their season alive.
Second-Half Swing: St. John’s closed out Seton Hall in their regular season meetings by either hitting the glass harder or out-shooting them. In their first meeting back in January, the Red Storm won the board battle by 27-19 to spark a 15-point second-half comeback. Last week in their regular season finale, the Red Storm were outplayed on the glass, but shot 65.2% in the second half to pull away. The Johnnies are capable of defeating the Hall by playing the game in their terms or the Pirates’.
Pregame links
The Old Big East is alive and well: For the first time since 1994, the Big East Tournament semifinals will feature St. John’s, Seton Hall, UConn, and Georgetown
Reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) MVP Temwa Chawinga is set to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, Kansas City Current head coach Chris Armas has confirmed.
“She’s not available yet, but she’s getting closer,” Armas told a press conference on Friday.
Chawinga has been recovering from an adductor injury that she suffered in the first half of a 1-0 defeat away to the Houston Dash on Oct. 18; it was the Current’s penultimate match of the 2025 NWSL regular season.
The Malawi international missed the final match of the 2025 regular season and the top-seed Current’s 2-1 loss to No. 8 seed NJ/NY Gotham FC in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Chawinga finished the season as the league’s Golden Boot winner with 15 goals, was crowned MVP and named in the Best XI.
On Friday, Armas said the Current were keen to give Chawinga as much time as possible to recover, and that the team had to be “intelligent” about how they managed her return to play.
“We’re seeing her out on the training pitch these days, but it’s such a demanding season for these athletes, especially the demands that she puts into games. She’s getting close. We still are managing it the right way,” said Armas.
Chawinga only recently returned to training with the Current. Armas hoped she would be unavailable on a “short-term” basis but was reluctant to give too much clarity on when she would be back playing in the NWSL.
“I’d love to be able to know myself,” he said. “Is it next month you see some action? Who knows? But that’s me trying to give you that (a timeline). It’s getting closer.”
The Current reported for preseason eight weeks ago with the two-time NWSL MVP listed on the Season-Ending Injury list. Also on that list was U.S. women’s national team forward Michelle Cooper.
Armas was more hopeful of Cooper’s imminent return, commenting that his group was boosted by her “coming back into the team.”
Despite the high-profile absences, Armas spoke highly of his attacking options. This week, the Current signed forward Penelope Hocking from Bay FC for a $350,000 transfer fee. She joins Ally Sentnor, rookie Gianna Paul, Haley Hopkins, and, recently loaned in fromHB Køge, Kyra Carusa in the forward group. Danish side Køge is also owned by Current owners Angie and Chris Long.
“We’ve had to figure out some life without Temwa for a bit,” said Armas. “It’s allowed us to try some different things and different combinations up there, we have real intelligence, real fluidity and real versatility.”
Armas, who joined the Current in January, will coach his first game in the NWSL when Kansas City opens its 2026 regular season at home to the Utah Royals on Saturday, March 14.
The Current went undefeated at home in the 2025 regular season, won the Shield, and set league records for total number points (65), wins (21) and fewest goals conceded (13).
Free agency is in full swing as many of the top available players have already found new homes. The Los Angeles Rams made their biggest splash before free agency began when they acquired Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs, but they followed that up by adding his former teammate in Kansas City, Jaylen Watson, at the start of free agency.
Since then, the Rams have been relatively quiet, focusing more on their own free agents than outside ones. But they've still made some notable additions, namely on special teams.
We're tracking all of Los Angeles' moves in free agency, from the team's signings and departures to rumors surrounding the Rams.
A.J. Brown remains a possible trade target: The Rams discussed trading for Brown before acquiring Trent McDuffie, and though talks have cooled, they remain interested in the Eagles receiver, per The Athletic.
Will the Miami RedHawks be celebrating on Sunday night? That’s up to the Selection Committee now. | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Finally, time for a full scrub and some changes from Thursday’s projection. Yesterday was just as impactful for the bubble, as expected:
The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks remain in—among the Last Four Byes—despite falling to UMass 87-83. While Miami’s metrics remain all over the place, Miami only dropped from a 7 to a 10 seed in wins above bubble (WAB), which finally seems to be getting real traction among the Selection Committee.
Auburn’s loss to Tennessee dropped them to 17-16. The Tigers would still be a 10 seed based on averaging all their metrics, but they’re the last team in according to WAB. I really don’t think the Committee is going to take a team that’s just one game over .500 despite the “WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF AUBURN’S SCHEDULE?!” protests I heard on one game broadcast last night. It’s probably moot anyway, as three of the Tigers closest rivals still have games to play.
One of those is Oklahoma (19-14, 7-11 SEC), who is the last team in right now. The Sooners have won eight of 10 after dropping NINE in a row. With two SEC Tournament wins, they’re now 9-11 against conference opposition, with a game against Arkansas tonight. (Auburn finished at 8-12.)
Oklahoma replaces SMU in the field.
Friday’s TV preview and a look at what’s at stake follows today’s full bracket and rundown. Remember to check the Blogging the Bracket feed for my insights and observations over the next three days.
NOTES:
Changes since Thursday’s bracket are noted with (★) for new entrants, (▲) for teams moving up one or more seed lines, and (▼) for teams moving down one or more seed lines.
Teams that have clinched auto bids are in ALL CAPS BOLD.
The highest-remaining seed in an active conference tournament holds its auto bid.
(1) East (Washington, D.C., Fri./Sun.)
Greenville (Thurs./Sat.)
(1) Duke (ACC) (16) Florida A&M (SWAC)/LEHIGH (Patriot)
(8) Saint Louis (A 10) (9) Iowa
San Diego (Fri./Sun.)
(5) Texas Tech (12) HIGH POINT (Big South)
(4) Vanderbilt (13) Sam Houston (CUSA)
Buffalo (Thurs./Sat.)
▼(6) North Carolina ▼/— (11) UCF/Texas
▼(3) Michigan State (14) WRIGHT STATE (Horizon)
St. Louis (Fri./Sun.)
(7) Saint Mary’s ▼(10) Texas A&M
▲(2) Iowa State (15) TENNESSEE STATE (OVC)
(4) South (Houston, Thurs./Sat.)
Tampa (Fri./Sun.)
(1) Florida (SEC) (16) LIU (NEC)/Howard (MEAC)
▼(8) Villanova (9) TCU
Greenville (Thurs./Sat.)
▲(5) Tennessee ★(12) Akron (MAC)
(4) Virginia (13) HOFSTRA (CAA)
Philadelphia (Fri./Sun.)
(6) Louisville —/★(11) VCU/Oklahoma
(3) Purdue (14) TROY (Sun Belt)
Oklahoma City (Thurs./Sat.)
▼(7) BYU (10) Santa Clara
(2) Houston (15) SIENA (MAAC)
(2) Midwest (Chicago, Fri./Sun.)
Buffalo (Thurs./Sat.)
(1) Michigan (Big Ten) (16) UMBC (AE)
(8) Clemson ▲(9) Ohio State
Portland (Thurs./Sat.)
(5) Arkansas (12) Yale (Ivy)
(4) Kansas (13) Utah Valley (WAC)
Oklahoma City (Thurs./Sat.)
▲(6) Miami (Fla.) (11) Missouri
(3) Nebraska (14) NORTH DAKOTA STATE (Summit)
Philadelphia (Fri./Sun.)
(7) Utah State (MW) ▲(10) Miami (Ohio)
(2) UConn (15) FURMAN (SoCon)
(3) West (San José, Thurs./Sat.)
San Diego (Fri./Sun.)
(1) Arizona (Big 12) (16) QUEENS (ASUN)
(8) Georgia (9) UCLA
Tampa (Fri./Sun.)
(5) St. John’s (Big East) (12) MCNEESE (Southland)
(4) Alabama (13) NORTHERN IOWA (MVC)
Portland (Thurs./Sat.)
(6) Wisconsin ▲(11) South Florida (American)
(3) GONZAGA (WCC) (14) UC Irvine (Big West)
St. Louis (Fri./Sun.)
▲(7) Kentucky (10) NC State
(2) Illinois (15) IDAHO (Big Sky)
Rundown
Last Four Byes: NC State, Miami (Ohio), Texas A&M, Missouri Last Four IN: UCF, Texas, VCU, Oklahoma First Four OUT: Indiana, SMU, New Mexico, San Diego State Next Four Out: Auburn, Seton Hall, Florida State, Virginia Tech On Deck: Cincinnati, Stanford, California, West Virginia
(3) Miami (Fla.) (25-7, 13-5) vs. (2) Virginia (28-4, 15-3), 7 (ESPN2) (5) Clemson (24-9, 12-6) vs. (1) Duke (30-2, 17-1), 9:30* (ESPN2)
With no Duke-UNC semifinal, these games got kicked to ESPN2. Everyone here is playing for seeding, with the Blue Devils trying to stay No. 1 overall, the Cavaliers looking to move up to a 3 seed, and Hurricanes and Tigers trying to get or stay out of an 8/9 game.
(5) Iowa State (27-6, 12-6) vs. (1) Arizona (30-2, 16-2), 7 (ESPN) (3) Kansas (23-9, 12-6) vs. (2) Houston (27-5, 14-4), 9:30* (ESPN)
And I think you can see why these games were slotted on ESPN. The Wildcats still have a shot at the No. 1 overall seed, but they’ll need help in the form of Duke and Michigan losses. The Cyclones will look to stick on the 2 line with a win over a team they lost to in Tucson to wrap up the final Big Monday of the regular season.
The Cougars are very much alive for the No. 1 seed in the South, and the potential of two games at the Toyota Center downtown. They can’t lose to a Jayhawk team that’s trying to hang on to a 4 seed.
(4) Seton Hall (21-11, 10-10) vs. (1) St. John’s (26-6, 18-2), 5:30 (Fox) (11) Georgetown (16-17, 6-14) vs. (2) UConn (28-4, 17-3), 8* (FS1)
Fans of bubble teams will be pulling hard for the Red Storm and Huskies. Even though the Pirates are near the Cut Line, they really need the auto bid, and of course, the Hoyas aren’t getting in without it. St. John’s can get closer to the 4 line with a win, while the Huskies are aiming to stay in the hunt for the final No. 1 seed.
Note that the second game was moved from “Bart Simpson Fox” (h/t Rob Stone) to FS1 because “Bob’s Burgers Fox” will have the U.S.-Canada World Baseball Classic quarterfinal.
(5) Nevada (22-11, 12-8) vs. (1) Utah State (26-6, 15-5), 9:30 (CBSSN) (3) New Mexico (23-9, 13-7) vs. (2) San Diego State (21-10, 14-6), 12 a.m.* (CBSSN)
The Wolf Pack meet the Aggies and will guarantee a two-bid Mountain West with a win. The winner of the second semifinal, a rubber match between the Lobos and Aztecs, would be the favorite to take that from Nevada.
(9) George Washington (18-14, 8-10) vs. (1) Saint Louis (27-4, 15-3), 11:30 (USA) (13) St. Bonaventure (17-16, 4-14) vs. (4) Dayton (21-10, 12-6), 2* (USA) (7) Duquesne (18-14, 9-9) vs. (2) VCU (24-7, 15-3), 5 (USA) (6) Davidson (20-12, 10-8) vs. (3) Saint Joseph’s (21-10, 13-5), 7:30* (CNBC)
In the opener, the Billikens really need to not give the Committee reason to leave them out, as they’re heading into the postseason having gone 3-3 in their last six games. The Rams (the only ones left in Pittsburgh) also need to take care of business against the hometown Dukes to not find themselves on the wrong side of the Cut Line.
(8) Ohio State (21-11, 12-8) vs. (1) Michigan (29-2, 19-1), 12 (BTN) (5) Wisconsin (23-9, 14-6) vs. (4) Illinois (24-7, 15-5), 2:30* (BTN) (7) Purdue (24-8, 13-7) vs. (2) Nebraska (26-5, 15-5), 6:30 (BTN) (6) UCLA (22-10, 13-7) vs. (3) Michigan State (25-6, 15-5), 9* (BTN)
All four higher seeds advanced yesterday, so there will be no bid thief in the Big Ten. In fact, the Buckeyes shored up their position by knocking out Iowa. No fewer than five of these teams rank among the top 12 in the bracket, though the Spartans dropped from a 2 to a 3 after Iowa State’s two Big 12 Tournament wins.
Keep an eye on the Badgers, who could make a late charge for the 5 or even 4 lines if they continue to win.
(9) Kentucky (21-12, 10-8) vs. (1) Florida (25-6, 16-2), 12:30 (ESPN) (5) Tennessee (22-10, 11-7) vs. (4) Vanderbilt (24-7, 11-7), 3* (ESPN) (15) Ole Miss (14-19, 4-14) vs. (2) Alabama (23-8, 13-5), 7 (SECN) (11) Oklahoma (19-14, 7-11) vs. (3) Arkansas (23-8, 13-5), 9:30* (SECN)
Thursday’s results in Nashville were a mixed bag for bubble teams. Auburn lost, but Oklahoma won. Ole Miss continued a surprising run by holding off Georgia’s late push, meaning the Rebels lurk as a potential bid thief. The Sooners really need to beat the Razorbacks to feel safer—but the job wouldn’t necessarily be done.
The top five seeds are all fighting for positioning in or near the top four seed lines. The Gators cannot lose to the Wildcats if they want to remain a No. 1 seed, particularly with UConn and Houston also in action. Vandy is trying to hang on to the final spot on the 4 line—Bama is the top 4 seed, but a loss to the Rebels would change that. The Hogs and Vols will also try to make a late push to jump from 5s to 4s.
Single-Bid Conference Tournament Action
Ivy Madness will be the final tournament to start, tomorrow.
(4) CSUN (20-12, 12-8) vs. (1) UC Irvine (22-10, 15-5), 9 (ESPN+ ($)) (3) Cal State Fullerton (18-15, 12-8) vs. (2) Hawai’i (22-8, 14-6), 11:30* (ESPN2)
The Matadors knocked out last year’s champ, UC San Diego, last night. Their reward? A game against last season’s runner-up in the Anteaters. In the nightcap, the Rainbow Warriors will look to get one step closer to claiming one last Big West title on their way to the Mountain West.
(9) Missouri State (16-17, 8-12) vs. (4) Louisiana Tech (19-13, 11-9), 12:30 (CBSSN) (6) Kennesaw State (19-13, 10-10) vs. (2) Sam Houston (22-10, 13-7), 3* (CBSSN)
This has been one of the most entertaining tournaments this week, with some significant upsets and hard fought contests. However, TV means both of last night’s winners—the Bulldogs and Owls—didn’t get much rest heading into this afternoon’s games.
(8) UMass (17-15, 7-11) vs. (4) Toledo (18-14, 11-7), 5 (CBSSN) (3) Kent State (24-8, 14-4) vs. (2) Akron (27-5, 11-1), 7:30* (CBSSN)
The Zips are the favorites now, but they’ll need to defeat their neighbors to advance. In the earlier game, the Rockets will look to get one win closer to breaking their long NCAA drought (1980), while the Minutemen want to show that yesterday’s win over Miami was no fluke.
(5) South Carolina State (10-21, 7-7) vs. (1) Howard (21-10, 11-3), 6 (ESPN+ ($)) (7) Delaware State (8-22, 2-12) vs. (3) North Carolina Central (13-17, 8-6), 8:30* (ESPN+ ($))
The three games so far have been decided by a total 18 points with two overtimes. If you want entertaining basketball, take a look at what’s going on at the Norfolk Scope.
The two HBCU conferences have been giving us absolute bangers that few people are paying attention to. While the first round in Atlanta featured a couple of blowouts, the only game decided by double digits since was FAMU’s win over Jackson State on Wednesday. Yesterday’s quarterfinal doubleheader saw the Bulldogs beat Texas Southern by 11—after OT—and the Jaguars top Arkansas-Pine Bluff by just three.
(4) UT Arlington (18-13, 9-9) vs. (1) Utah Valley (24-7, 14-4), 9 (ESPN+ ($)) (3) Utah Tech (19-14, 11-7) vs. (2) California Baptist (23-8, 13-5), 11:30* (ESPN+ ($))
Both of Thursday night’s quarterfinals were decided by six points. Of the four teams remaining, only the fourth-seeded Mavericks have ever made the NCAA Tournament at the D1 level.
Real Madrid Ready To Trigger Buy-Back Clause As Inter Milan Set To Miss Out On Serie A Sensation
Real Madrid are set to exercise their buy-back clause for Nico Paz this summer, dealing a significant blow to Inter Milan’s hopes of landing the Como sensation who has been one of Serie A’s standout performers this season.
According to Corriere della Sera, via FCInterNews, the Spanish giants intend to trigger the €9 million repurchase option before the June 30th deadline.
Indeed, a remarkably low fee for a player whose market value has rocketed to €74 million.
Especially following a highly impressive campaign by the Lake.
However, Como have not entirely abandoned hope of keeping their star.
Como & Real Madrid The Focus As Inter Bystanders In Nico Paz Pursuit
They could yet attempt to persuade him with the promise of European football next season.
Although, their leverage is limited given the clause’s terms.
A recent photograph of Paz dining with Inter icons Javier Zanetti and Diego Milito sparked speculation about a potential Nerazzurri move.
However, the Corriere are clear, any such reading would be premature.
The Argentine himself is in no rush to decide his future.
He wants to know who will be Real Madrid’s next manager before committing to any path forward.
And, indeed, what role he would be offered at the Bernabeu.
Until those answers emerge, the situation remains open.
The ball is firmly in the court with Paz, Real Madrid and Como.
Juve’s Conceicao: “We’ve shown we’re better than Roma.”
Roma, Como, and Juventus will be battling for fourth place until the end of the season.
On Sunday, the Giallorossi and Como will face each other head-to-head, while Luciano Spalletti’s men will face Udinese away.
On the eve of the match against the Friulians, Francisco Conceicao spoke about the match at a press conference.
The Portuguese player spoke about the match, praising the qualities of his opponents: “Udinese are a very strong and physical team. We know how strong they are up front, but the rest of the team is also very strong. We want to continue on our path.”
Conceicao has no doubts about the Champions League race: “We know we have the quality to be there. Tomorrow we have to win the match and stay there. We’re stronger than Como and Roma, we’ve shown that. We need to find consistency.”
How Liverpool Can Win the 2026/27 Premier League Title
The current Premier League season has been one of frustration for Liverpool. The team was once again expected to challenge for the title but it quickly went wrong. What needs to be put right for next term?
The first season of Arne Slot’s reign as LFC manager was expected to be a rebuilding year after Jurgen Klopp. A Premier League title triumph then changed expectations that, fairly nor not, Slot has struggled to live up to.
Rather than mounting a title challenge, Liverpool are desperately trying to qualify for the Champions League. However, with the right moves, the club should quickly be able to get back to the top.
Nail the Summer 2026 Transfer Window
Liverpool spent heavily in the summer of 2025. It was a roll of the dice which excited the fans. For those scouringUK betting exchangesbefore a ball was kicked, they would have seen that these arrivals – combined with past performances – made the Reds clear title favourites, but it soon became clear that any bets on a title win wouldn’t pay off.
The most notable arrivals were Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Those players have been hit and miss for various reasons. However, the biggest elephant in the room is an existing player.
After Mo Salah’s 2024/25 heroics, it would have seemed crazy to predict how this season would go for him. The drop-off in form has been drastic and the fallout with Slot in December didn’t help. He still has a contractuntil 2027, but he’ll be 34 this summer and this summer might be the right time to move on.
Without him, Liverpool will need to work out how to move forward. In terms of last summer’s transfers, Ekitike has arguably been the shrewdest purchase, but how will he and Isak fit together when the latter is fit and firing?
Will Slot look to play two strikers, or will the Reds need a direct replacement for Salah? At the moment, it feels as though the Isak money could have been better spent elsewhere, although the Swede still has a chance to prove any doubters wrong.
Defensive moves have already been made in the form of Jérémy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. The club hope that these young centre-backs can adapt quickly to eventually replace the ageing Virgil Van Dijk, although FSG may be tempted to bring in an experienced centre back to bridge the gap. Full-back depth is also badly required.
Evolve Arne Slot’s Tactics for a More Ruthless League
Slot’s style of patient and possession-based football worked well in its first year. This season, it feels as though opponents have adapted to it. Liverpool have been too predictable to play against, which has been exacerbated by weaknesses in defence.
There have been some questions about the Dutchman’sjob security. Whether it’s him or someone else in charge, LFC must adapt to the Premier League trend of being more direct and physical. Quicker transitions and vertical passes are required. They also need to get on board with the set-piece mastery which has now become widespread.
Pep Guardiola has spoken about this need to adapt and his own Manchester City team is struggling to do so. It feels as though Slot’s control needs a little sprinking of Klopp’s chaos. Even if he doesn’t lose his job soon, it seems unlikely that the 47-year-old will see out next season if he doesn’t make changes to his philosophy.
Fix the Mentality and Squad Harmony
Title defences are always tough, but this season has exposed cracks that fans may not have thought were present. Klopp labelled his team “mentality monsters” when he was in charge at Anfield. That type of mindset seems to be seriously lacking at the moment.
Leadership is the key. Salah could depart in the summer and Van Dijk and Alisson don’t have too many years left at the top. It feels that Liverpool need a new breed of leader to come to the fore, one who can unite the dressing room and prevent the Reds from dropping points as often as they have this season.
Even with plenty of experience in the squad, the dressing room doesn’t seem too strong at the moment in terms of future leaders. LFC has always seemed to enjoy an excellent team spirit – perhaps some new blood and the exits of any disgruntled players will help.
The Payoff: A New Dynasty
Liverpool can win the 2026/27 Premier League. Sadly, the timing of Klopp’s reign coincided with Man City as their most imperious, but nobody looks quite as dominant at the moment. If the Reds can get back to their Klopp-era levels of performance, the trophies may begin to flow.
The Slot honeymoon is over, and he now needs to work with the club to get the right players in and adapt his tactics to fit a new era of Premier League football. If he can’t, the hierarchy may decide that he’s no longer the best man for the job.
Before this season, it seemed as though the two managerial eras had transitioned perfectly. Klopp had bad seasons and came back strong. Liverpool fans will be hoping that, with a few key changes, Slot will be able to do the same.
The Denver Broncos have agreed to re-sign yet another in-house free agent, bringing back running back Jaleel McLaughlin on a one-year contract, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Leeds United at Selhurst Park (kick-off 14:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Glasner is "hopeful" Daniel Munoz will be in the squad on Sunday. Munoz will be assessed but "if he can train fully with us on Saturday" then he will be involved in the matchday squad.
On Jean-Philippe Mateta's return from injury: "We have just one league game and one Conference League game [this month]. It was the plan now to get him back and also have him available and give him a few minutes to get him back in. Then, we have three weeks. Of course, I wish for him to be called up by France, but I can't see it right now because he was injured for a long time."
On if Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen could play together: "Yes, we were talking about it on the bench with my assistants and discussing it. Having this opportunity, having two tall strikers, their biggest strength is in the box. It's good to have this option."
On hopes for the rest of the season: "We will try to get as many points as possible. I always want more than the season before. If we can achieve it, I don't know right now, but we will definitely go into every single game to get the win."
Earlier in the week, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo reported that the Steelers were set to bring in Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock for a top 30 visit.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted Washington CB Ephesians Prysock last week for a Top 30 visit, per source.
At 6-3, 196 and with 33 1/8” arms, he’s a super long corner. He played more than 2,600 defensive snaps over 49 college games and had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.
Prysock played two seasons with the Arizona Wildcats (2022-2023) and the Washington Huskies (2024-2025), recording two interceptions, 20 passes defended, and 170 combined tackles in the 49 games of his collegiate career.
A projected sixth-round pick per Draft Buzz, Prysock could be a valuable Day 3 steal for Pittsburgh's new-look secondary and 2026 draft class.
Fans who are interested in Pittsburgh's pre-draft top 30 visits can take a look at our Steelers Wire tracker, which was updated following reports on the team's meeting with a tight end prospect.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Eddie Howe and assistant Jason Tindall have spent more time with each other than with their own wives.
So it was rather fitting that the Newcastle United head coach likened the pair to a "married couple".
"I won't tell you who does what," he smiled on Friday. "But that's probably the best way of describing us."
From tasting defeat at Darlington in their first game, in 2009, to taking on Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, Howe and Tindall have been together on the touchline for the best part of two decades.
There have been plenty of heated discussions in the pair's shared office over the years.
"JT is not the type of assistant manager who is just going to nod his head and agree with everything Ed says," says friend, ex-coaching colleague and former team-mate Steve Fletcher.
"It's not so much that he disagrees, but he gives him a different opinion."
Aside from a brief break, when Tindall stepped up to manage Bournemouth, following Howe's departure in 2020, they have been side by side on the touchline for a staggering 766 competitive games.
Such is the trust Howe has in Tindall and his staff that when the Newcastle head coach was hospitalised with pneumonia less than a year ago he made the conscious decision to give them full responsibility.
"It's over to you," he told Tindall.
Tindall did not just have to step up on the training ground alongside fellow assistant Graeme Jones – he suddenly found himself thrust in front of journalists at news conferences.
Some outsiders may have expected Tindall to make outlandish headline-grabbing statements but again, contrary to the persona, the softly-spoken Londoner was anything but box office.
Tindall, Jones and the rest of Howe's staff were instead focused on maintaining standards behind the scenes, imploring the players to put in performances that would make the head coach proud.
Newcastle won their next two games impressively, hammering Manchester United and Crystal Palace by a combined scoreline of 9-1.
They were well-beaten in Tindall's final match in interim charge, against Aston Villa, but Howe's side were still on track to qualify for the Champions League by the time the head coach returned to the dugout for the run-in.
It showcased the value of Tindall, Jones, first-team coaches Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone, and Howe's wider staff.
This has been a more challenging domestic season for Newcastle, who are languishing in 12th place in the table, after fighting on multiple fronts.
But Tindall was among those namechecked by Lewis Hall as the left-back discussed the defensive strides he had made on the eve of keeping Barcelona talisman Lamine Yamal quiet from open play earlier this week.
Steven Borden Jr. wearing red and black face paint - AEW
Following in the footsteps of his father Sting, Steven Borden Jr. is now a professional wrestler making rounds across the industry. As announced on Instagram, his next stop will take him to Carson, California.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling has revealed Borden as part of its talent lineup for the NJPW Academy third anniversary showcase, which will emanate from the LA Dojo on Saturday, March 21. For Borden, this will mark his NJPW debut. For all, it marks an opportunity to put their skills to the test.
As of this writing, Borden's opponent for the NJPW Academy showcase is unknown. CJ Tino is confirmed to be taking on Raymond Bright in a STRONG Survivor Match, while Casey Ferreira will face Onyx Amagi in singles competition. Other notable talents announced include Johnnie Robbie, PJ Laurier, and Danger Ross.
According to Khan, much of Borden's early training has centered in Texas. As of last month, though, he was set to further it at the Nightmare Factory in Georgia with the help of QT Marshall.
DETROIT -- As the Philadelphia 76ers paid a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, they received more unfortunate injury news regarding a key piece to their success.
Kelly Oubre Jr., a reliable veteran who can do a number of different things on the floor, underwent an MRI that revealed an LCL sprain in his left elbow and he will be re-evaluated in two weeks. As the Sixers move forward, they have to find a way to replace what Oubre brings to the table.
It's unfortunate for Oubre as he is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. He's shooting a career-high 36.1% from deep and just had 30 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The Sixers certainly missed him in Thursday's loss to the Pistons.
"Always disappointing," coach Nick Nurse said before the loss in Detroit. "I know he’s super disappointed as well. He’s had some really good games here of late. Like, really good ones. So, he’s again, kind filled in when we needed him to just about all of them. I know one of them was not so good, but the rest of them were excellent. Yeah. Disappointing and I hope it’s not too long and hope it gets better so it doesn’t affect him and all those kinds of things."
The Sixers will have to try and stay afloat without the 11-year veteran who joins Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid on the sidelines for now. As they move forward, guys like Justin Edwards will have to continue to produce in place of Oubre in an effort to help the Sixers try and pick off wins.
Trainer Willie Mullins has now won five Cheltenham Gold Cups [Getty Images]
Gaelic Warrior won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in supreme fashion as Harry Redknapp-owned Jukebox Man finished eighth.
Gaelic Warrior, trained by Willie Mullins, went off as the 11-4 joint favourite alongside Jango Baie, but outclassed the field after making the turn for home.
Jockey Paul Townend barely had to move on the impressive winner, who crossed the finish line eight lengths clear of Jango Baie.
The 2025 Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin finished strongly to come third in this year's edition, having been priced at 8-1.
Mullins was full of praise for owner Rich Ricci, who became the first owner to win the Champion Hurdle - with Lossiemouth on Tuesday - and Gold Cup in the same year.
The trainer told ITV: "What a performance and what a performance from the owner.
"The first time an owner has won the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup in the same season.
"Paul Townend, how cool was he over the last two fences?
"I don't know how he was so cool over those last two fences. The dominance of Gaelic Warrior against a good field on paper - fantastic for them all."
Winning jockey Townend said after the race he was "fortunate" to be riding Gaelic Warrior, having been due to ride two-time Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs before his withdrawal.
"It's the Gold Cup. They just get better and better. I am speechless," Townend said.
"Patrick [Mullins] was convinced [Gaelic Warrior] was the horse for the race.
"Hard luck on him, but he did a lot of work with this horse. It's a big team effort. I was just fortunate to be on the back of him today.
"I got the position I wanted. I didn't ever envision going so far ahead, but I wasn't going to slow him down third from the last."
Ricci said he had "reached the mountain" having wanted to win the Gold Cup for 21 years.
Meanwhile, Envoi Allen - a three-time Cheltenham Festival winner - died after falling ill following Friday's feature race.
What else happened on day four?
Big-price winners continued on the fourth and final day of the Festival as 50-1 shot Apolon De Charnie finished in front of 6-1 Maestro Conti in the Triumph Hurdle.
Champion trainer Mullins was without a winner on day three, but started day four in fine fashion.
Mullins told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Only 50-1? Last year was 100-1 [with Poniros] - so disappointing.
"That was the biggest thrill of it, Patrick [Mullins, his son] riding it. I was trying to watch all the others. Every time I was watching for Patrick, one way or the other.
"Every time I was happy when I looked at him, then he came through. What I loved was the horse's attitude when he hit the front and the Cheltenham roar.
"He galloped on up through the roar. He is very brave and he is very good."
The Jonjo O'Neill-trained 14-1 chance Wilful stormed over the line in the County Hurdle, ridden by his son Jonjo Jr.
The younger O'Neill told ITV: "I've had quite a troubled year on and off the track.
"I've had a lot of support from my mum and dad and brother and to repay them with a win like this means everything."
Mullins claimed his second winner on Friday when 11-8 favourite Dinoblue eased to her second consecutive victory in the Mares' Chase.
Jockey Mark Walsh said the "good ground" suited his horse, telling ITV: "That's proper good ground. She loves fast ground and that was ideal for her."
In the Novices' Hurdle, Johnny's Jury (20-1) was guided to the win by jockey Gavin Sheehan.
The flashes have been there, but consistency remains the goal as the final stretch of camp begins. What happens next will determine if he opens the season with the Tigers.
If not, Meadows will be sent to Triple-A Toledo.
"It's all adversity," Meadows said. "That's what we sign up for playing this game. With me, it's coming every day like a new day and continuing to grind. I'm excited for the rest of spring, and I'm looking forward to playing hard."
Manager A.J. Hinch explained what Meadows needs to do to make the Opening Day roster – and it's all about his offense. The focus isn't on results in spring training but on finding consistency in timing and approach in every plate appearance.
Meadows is still searching with less than two weeks left.
"I'm getting into my back hip a little more because I'm spinning off balls early, and that's mainly timing," said Meadows, working closely with hitting coach Michael Brdar. "I'm reminding myself to stay in the back hip and rotate from there."
[ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ]
This spring, Meadows is hitting .111 (3-for-27) with three walks and nine strikeouts in 11 games.
The 26-year-old is making above-average contact – the product of a consistent approach – but delivering below-average exit velocity, a sign that his timing hasn't been consistent. (Another example of that approach: He has swung just nine times on 48 pitches outside of the strike zone, with four coming in two-strike counts.)
Meadows still needs to figure out the timing of his swing.
"The numbers don't matter," Hinch said. "The intent and the execution is key. He's fouled off some pitches he knows he can hit. His hands have been wandering a little bit. His timing has been a little bit off. All of that, it's hard to get those results."
He hit .215 with four home runs and a .621 OPS in 213 plate appearances and posted minus-1 defensive runs saved in 468 innings in center field.
"Health is the No. 1 goal right now for me, and I feel really good," said Meadows, who showcased elite offense and defense in the second half of the 2024 season, "so as far as that aspect goes, you can't ask for much more than that. I feel good, so I can't complain too much."
If top prospect Kevin McGonigle – a 21-year-old shortstop who hasn't played above Double-A Erie – makes the Opening Day roster, the Tigers could option Meadows to Triple-A, keeping fellow outfielders Matt Vierling, Jahmai Jones and Wenceel Pérez on the roster and making Javier Báez the primary center fielder.
But Meadows still has time to solidify his spot with Opening Day approaching, as long as he finds consistency in his approach and timing at the plate.
"Just continuing to get himself in a good hitting position and getting on time," Hinch said. "Results are going to take care of themselves."
The flashes have been there, but consistency remains the goal as the final stretch of camp begins. What happens next will determine if he opens the season with the Tigers.
If not, Meadows will be sent to Triple-A Toledo.
"It's all adversity," Meadows said. "That's what we sign up for playing this game. With me, it's coming every day like a new day and continuing to grind. I'm excited for the rest of spring, and I'm looking forward to playing hard."
Manager A.J. Hinch explained what Meadows needs to do to make the Opening Day roster – and it's all about his offense. The focus isn't on results in spring training but on finding consistency in timing and approach in every plate appearance.
Meadows is still searching with less than two weeks left.
"I'm getting into my back hip a little more because I'm spinning off balls early, and that's mainly timing," said Meadows, working closely with hitting coach Michael Brdar. "I'm reminding myself to stay in the back hip and rotate from there."
[ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ]
This spring, Meadows is hitting .111 (3-for-27) with three walks and nine strikeouts in 11 games.
The 26-year-old is making above-average contact – the product of a consistent approach – but delivering below-average exit velocity, a sign that his timing hasn't been consistent. (Another example of that approach: He has swung just nine times on 48 pitches outside of the strike zone, with four coming in two-strike counts.)
Meadows still needs to figure out the timing of his swing.
"The numbers don't matter," Hinch said. "The intent and the execution is key. He's fouled off some pitches he knows he can hit. His hands have been wandering a little bit. His timing has been a little bit off. All of that, it's hard to get those results."
He hit .215 with four home runs and a .621 OPS in 213 plate appearances and posted minus-1 defensive runs saved in 468 innings in center field.
"Health is the No. 1 goal right now for me, and I feel really good," said Meadows, who showcased elite offense and defense in the second half of the 2024 season, "so as far as that aspect goes, you can't ask for much more than that. I feel good, so I can't complain too much."
If top prospect Kevin McGonigle – a 21-year-old shortstop who hasn't played above Double-A Erie – makes the Opening Day roster, the Tigers could option Meadows to Triple-A, keeping fellow outfielders Matt Vierling, Jahmai Jones and Wenceel Pérez on the roster and making Javier Báez the primary center fielder.
But Meadows still has time to solidify his spot with Opening Day approaching, as long as he finds consistency in his approach and timing at the plate.
"Just continuing to get himself in a good hitting position and getting on time," Hinch said. "Results are going to take care of themselves."
"We’re pretty far down the road relative to what our plans are," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the Associated Press’ Schuyler Dixon on Thursday regarding a potential trade for Maxx Crosby. "So while I don’t anticipate it, I don’t want to rule anything out."
Again, it might be unlikely, but there’s no guarantee the Cowboys will avoid Crosby on the trade market.
The five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher appeared destined to join the Baltimore Ravens this offseason before a failed physical/health concerns motivated the franchise to back out of the deal on Tuesday night (the trade would have sent two first-round picks to the Raiders for Crosby).
It’s possible that the Cowboys could have similar concerns, considering that a torn meniscus isn’t an injury to treat lightly.
That said, a relentless pass rusher like Crosby (he recorded 10 sacks and two forced fumbles last season) would instantly elevate Dallas’ pass rush in 2026-27, which could motivate them to enter their name into the Crosby sweepstakes.
At the end of the day, it’ll all depend on whether Jones and the Cowboys will be willing to meet the Raiders’ hefty asking price for Crosby (two first-round picks).
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone and his New York Mets counterpart Carlos Mendoza are on the hot seat heading into the 2026 MLB season, and a big-name manager for one of the remaining World Baseball Classic teams continues to emerge as a potential replacement for either man next year.
Boone and Mendoza have a lot of pressure on them ahead of the new MLB season. It is a natural hazard of being the skipper for one of the New York baseball teams. However, there are reasons for both men to be worried about their positions.
Although Boone is 200 games over .500 during his eight seasons as the manager of the NY Yankees, the standard is always sky high in the Bronx. They are aiming for championships every year, and while Boone has been to the playoffs in all but one season for the pinstripes, he has yet to bring the club its 28th title.
When it comes to Mendoza, he looked like the long-term answer on the bench when he guided the NY Mets to a magical run to the NLCS in 2024. However, last season, despite adding Juan Soto to the roster, he oversaw an epic late-season collapse. After his entire staff was changed in the offseason, the 46-year-old must make the playoffs, or he will be looking for a new job in the fall.
Well, an intriguing option continues to gather a lot of steam, and his name is Albert Pujols. Over the last couple of years, the three-time NL MVP’s profile as a coach has grown after serving as a special assistant with the Los Angeles Angels. It is why he was linked to the managerial openings for the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and in LA this offseason.
While he did not get a managerial job, he is getting his feet wet in the role this month as the manager of the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic team. Heading into their quarterfinal game on Friday, they are 4-0 in the tournament and have looked impressive. The St. Louis Cardinals legend’s handling of a roster filled with a bunch of stars and big personalities has impressed many.
Albert Pujols impressing as manager of star-studded Dominican Republic team
Does Albert Pujols have what it takes to be an MLB manager?
Team DR first base coach Julio Borbón says Pujols "absolutely has it."
"The way he commands a room, the way he interacts with players, as a group and individually, has been very eye-opening." pic.twitter.com/txFn4q1roC
One of them is Team DR first base coach Julio Borbón, who raved about Pujols’ managerial skills during a conversation with the Foul Territory Show this week.
“His resume speaks for itself. The way he commands a room, the way he interacts with players, as a group and individually, has been very eye-opening,” Borbon said. “… As far as things he needs to work on, it’s to continue to get experience. It’s one thing to have played [and then managing]. With things he’s done, having won in DR, being able to understand the things going on in the game, he’s getting everything checked off as far as those things.
“… I think he’s as prepared as anybody. One thing that surprised me is that he wants a back-and-forth. It’s not just a one-way highway. He wants input and to make sure any ideas are brought forth and that we are open,” he added. “I think he’s as ready as anyone can be based on what he’s accomplished so far.”
The 11-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is one of the greatest players of his era, and most experts pick him as the greatest first baseman to ever play the game. He has a deep knowledge of the game, but also gained a new understanding of how things work in the front office during his time with the Angels.
However, his stint as the skipper of the Dominican Republic is especially helpful if he were a candidate for the NY Yankees or NY Mets jobs in the fall. The team is jam-packed with elite and colorful stars. Being able to manage that group successfully says a lot about how he could handle star-studded rosters in New York. Plus, he has a serious knowledge about winning under the pressurized spotlight of October baseball.
If the NY Yankees or NY Mets are looking for a new manager in November, don’t be surprised if Albert Pujols is a top candidate.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass against the Houston Texans in the first quarter of an NFL wild card playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are introducing their newest acquisitions on Friday, which includes brief press conferences with the media. First up was former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean. The lockdown cornerback will play opposite Joey Porter Jr and create one of the league’s top defensive back duos, at least on paper.
Dean mentioned that he came to Pittsburgh with the intentions of winning another Super Bowl. Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked Dean how much of those expectations come with the belief that Aaron Rodgers will be back in Pittsburgh, and if Dean was looking forward to Rodgers coming back to the Steelers.
“I am looking forward to him signing back,” Dean said.
He adds that he has a ball from an interception he had off Rodgers and that he still needs the four-time MVP to sign it.
“I have that same football, I need him to sign it,” Dean said. “I’ve been waiting like five years just to be able to ask him like, ‘Hey, you remember this ball? I’ve been meaning for you to sign this ball for so many years.‘”
While Rodgers has not committed to a return to Pittsburgh, both he and the Steelers have very limited options. As it stands, the only two viable landing spots for Rodgers to start would be the Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. Considering the state that Arizona is in, it certainly looks like Pittsburgh or bust for Rodgers, and vice versa for the Steelers.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
SC Freiburg have won 34 points to date and are placed in 8th position. Last time out, Julian Schuster's team slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Genk (UEFA Europa League 2025/26).
1. FC Union Berlin have 28 points to their name this season and occupy 11th position in the table. In their last fixture, Steffen Baumgart's team suffered a 1-4 reverse against Werder Bremen (1. Bundesliga 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw.
Julian Schuster faced Steffen Baumgart on three occasions, recording one victory, one draw, and one loss
Steffen Baumgart faced SC Freiburg on ten occasions, recording three victories, two draws, and five losses
Julian Schuster faced 1. FC Union Berlin on three occasions, recording two draws and one loss
TEAMS
Away from home, 1. FC Union Berlin currently has one win in the last seven games.
Away from home, 1. FC Union Berlin has gone five consecutive games conceding goals.
Away from home, 1. FC Union Berlin has gone five consecutive games without a win.
Away from home, 1. FC Union Berlin has lost three consecutive games.
1. FC Union Berlin currently has one win in the last ten games.
1. FC Union Berlin has gone two consecutive games without a win.
1. FC Union Berlin has lost two consecutive games.
At home, SC Freiburg currently has one loss in the last 17 games.
At home, SC Freiburg has gone 17 consecutive games scoring goals.
At home, SC Freiburg has gone 16 consecutive games without losing.
SC Freiburg currently has one win in the last six games.
SC Freiburg has gone six consecutive games conceding goals.
SC Freiburg has gone three consecutive games without a win.
HEAD TO HEAD
SC Freiburg and 1. FC Union Berlin have faced each other 19 times, with 1. FC Union Berlin having the advantage: eight victories, against five wins for SC Freiburg.
At the Europa Park Stadium, there is no advantage between SC Freiburg and 1. FC Union Berlin: four victories for each team in nine games.
In the German League, 13 matches were held between the two teams, with two victories for SC Freiburg, five draws, and six wins for 1. FC Union Berlin.
Gualtieri confirms Roma’s new stadium construction in 2027: “It’s a historic day.”
Today, the Capitoline Assembly gave final approval to the feasibility study for the new AS Roma stadium, which will be built in the Pietralata neighborhood.
Immediately following the overwhelmingly positive vote, Roberto Gualtieri released several statements.
In a post shared on his X profile, the Mayor emphasized the importance of this moment: “A historic day for the city: the Capitoline Assembly has approved the technical and economic feasibility study for the new AS Roma stadium in the Pietralata area, confirming its public interest.”
Gualtieri then explained the project’s objectives: “An area that has been neglected for too many years will finally be redeveloped. This will create a new urban hub and a multifunctional infrastructure designed to be used for non-sporting events. The stadium will have a capacity of 60,605, with a 23,000-seat stand, among the largest in Europe.”
Finally, the Mayor of Rome concluded by thanking the Administration: “The entire Administration has done its utmost to ensure that the city can have a modern stadium, integrated into the urban fabric and capable of regenerating the area with new green spaces and services that can be used every day by citizens.”
Speaking to Sky, Gualtieri also speculated on a possible start date for construction: “We imagine the first stone being laid in early 2027; it’s absolutely possible. The PAO can begin quickly, and the more technical stages will be completed more quickly. The project’s timeline isn’t particularly long, and hopefully it will be well before the European Championships.”
The Mayor also thanked the Friedkins: “I thank them for their commitment; they’ve worked incredibly hard and wanted the best possible quality. They’ve decided to make a huge investment; they’ll invest a billion euros to make it all happen. The parks will be open to everyone. We’ll continue to work diligently and with commitment.”
Sevilla manager hails Barcelona rising superstar as ‘one of the best in the world’
Following a disappointing result against Newcastle United in midweek, Barcelona will eagerly look to return to winning ways as they take on Sevilla this weekend.
While the Catalans must win to retain their four-point lead at the top, Sevilla are fighting to remain out of the relegation scrap and move closer towards a more respectable mid-table spot.
Speaking ahead of the match, Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda shed light on how his team plans to prepare for the Barcelona clash.
What Almeyda said ahead of Barcelona clash
Physical preparation is going to be a key aspect of this clash, especially with Barcelona coming on the back of a gruelling schedule that might force Hansi Flick to ring in the changes.
Almeyda, though, praised Barça’s physical preparation and warned that Sevilla may still find it difficult.
“Barcelona, even when tired, always play at an excellent level from any perspective. It will be different from the home game. We’ll try to do similar things, but we’re also aware that it’s been 23 and a half years since we last won there. That’s a long time.
“Some of the guys haven’t seen it. We’re going to play against the best team in La Liga and one of the best in Europe,” he said.
Speaking of finding it difficult, Sevilla, as mentioned rightly by Almeyda, haven’t won a game at Camp Nou in the last 23 and a half years.
Matias Almeyda gunning for a double vs Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
When asked about potentially ending the rut this weekend, Almeyda said, “There’s always enthusiasm. We’ll try to be the ones who win after so long, but it’s very difficult.
“They’re an opponent that keeps improving as the matches go by. I think they’ve further refined all their strengths.”
Almeyda went on to talk about Lamine Yamal, who is by far Barcelona’s most in-form players right now, having found himself in a great scoring run lately.
“Today, he is one of the best in the world; he is young and improves every day. He is the best player in the world today for me. It’s a pleasure to watch him play, but he’s not the only one they have. In midfield, they have another one. And on the bench, too,” he said.
As far as the idea of Sevilla’s perfect night against Barcelona is concerned, the coach said everything needs to fall in place.
“We have to be perfect with what we have and see if it’s enough. Barcelona won every match there.
“If two weeks ago people were saying they drew a derby against the worst team in history, how did everything change so quickly to send the message that we’re going to win in Barcelona? The reality is that Sevilla is fighting to stay in the league,” he concluded.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. has learned the charges filed against him for a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player Rickea Jackson.
Pearce is accused of repeatedly ramming his car into Jackson’s car as she drove to a police station in Miami area on Feb. 7.
Court records show the Miami-Dade State Attorney filed the following charges against Pearce on Thursday: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (felony); fleeing and eluding police (felony); resisting an officer with violence (felony); and stalking (misdemeanor). An additional charge of aggravated battery of an officer was dropped.
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham briefly addressed Pearce’s arrest as part of his opening statement during a media Zoom call on Friday.
“Obviously we’re aware of the most recent articles and things that have come out regarding James Pierce,” Cunningham said. “You know, those are those are concerning, right? To say the least. But outside of that, um, I’ll just keep it just very similar to what we said at the combine. You know, we’re not going to comment on an open legal matter here moving forward”
In addition to the charges, ESPN and the Associated Press reports that a court granted Jackson a protection order against Pearce. In her petition, Jackson said that she feared for her life.
“Due to his obsessive, insecure, violent and aggressive behavior, ending the relationship has been difficult and I am afraid for my life,” Jackson said in the petition. “James has threatened to kill me, James has threatened to harm me, James has threatened to injure me, James has threatened to place a bag over my head, and James has verbally and physically abused.”
The temporary protection order states Pearce can’t contact Jackson or come within 500 feet of her home or place of employment or 100 feet of her car. A hearing is scheduled for April 21.
Pearce’s attorneys have not commented on Thursday’s charges, but have previously maintained his innocence.
ESPN and Associated Press contributed to this report.
CHELTENHAM, England (AP) — Harry Redknapp pushed his credentials as the man to save Tottenham from Premier League relegation — then saw his horse, The Jukebox Man, fail to live up to its big billing in one of Britain’s most prestigious jumps races.
The 79-year-old Redknapp, a charismatic former soccer coach, took center stage at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday as the owner of one of the favorites for the Gold Cup.
However, The Jukebox Man slipped down the field in the final section of a race won by 11-4 joint favorite Gaelic Warrior by an estimated eight lengths.
Before the Gold Cup, Redknapp was in demand as much because of his past links to Tottenham as his horse-racing connections.
The team is fighting relegation from England’s lucrative top soccer league and Redknapp was asked on British broadcaster ITV if he could return to the club where he was manager from 2008-12 and save it from the drop.
“I’d go in and have a crack at it,” Redknapp said.
“If they ask me,” he added, “I could go and do a job, for sure.”
Redknapp’s last managerial post was at Birmingham in the second-tier Championship in 2017.
Tottenham’s current manager is Igor Tudor and he is under pressure having lost all four of his matches in charge since taking over on an interim basis.
Redknapp said he doubted he would be asked to replace Tudor, should Tottenham wish to make another change.
“They know where I am if they need me,” said Redknapp, who described being center of attention at Cheltenham this week as “great fun.”
“It’s been a great week. I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. “It would have been the icing on the cake to have won, obviously.”
The San Francisco 49ers have added some crucial pieces to the team for 2026, but there are a few big free agents from the 2025 roster that remain on the open market.
With the first week of free agency winding down, ESPN's Bill Barnwell laid out his best fits for the best names left on the open market, including 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings and running back Brian Robinson. Barnwell wrote that the Las Vegas Raiders would be the best fit for Jennings, while Robinson would play well for the NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks.
Vegas can't afford to scrimp on help for likely first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders added receiver Jalen Nailor in free agency and have young wideouts such as Jack Bech, Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Tre Tucker in the mix. But Jennings would step in as a reliable, valuable target for Mendoza in the short term, with the Raiders likely to find their eventual WR1 in the years to come.
The Seahawks need a replacement for Kenneth Walker III who can shoulder a meaningful workload, given that Zach Charbonnet is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season after tearing an ACL in the playoffs. The Seahawks signed Emanuel Wilson to a one-year deal this week, but Robinson would offer a more consistent rushing performance and ably serve as the lead back in the rotation while Charbonnet recuperates.
This makes sense for the 49ers and both players. Many reports indicate Jennings won't return to San Francisco, especially after the 49ers signed Mike Evans. The Raiders need veteran offensive help if they take Mendoza, and Jennings can provide that. As for Robinson, he has a clear role as Christian McCaffrey's backup, but could contend for the starting running back role in Seattle with Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL.
Both would be big blows for the 49ers' offense, but they can weather the storm. Evans is the clear No. 1 pass-catcher on the team now, with Ricky Pearsall as the WR2. Robinson was a great backup, but the team still has Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James and Patrick Taylor.
Former Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore wasn't exactly rated high on any head coach power rankings that came out. While he had some of the best wins in the country in 2024, his 2025 season had exactly zero signature wins. And soon after, Moore was out, his career lost to disgrace after a series of off-field miscues.
And then, Michigan football lucked into an upgrade.
The Wolverines managed to secure former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who had appeared to be retiring after two decades as the Utes head coach. However, when Michigan came calling, Whittingham answered.
The Wolverines seemed to have lucked into a massive upgrade, getting a proven winner whose rugged style should be an ideal fit in Ann Arbor. The Utes have finished ranked in the AP poll 12 times, and Whittingham was responsible for nine of those teams. Utah did sputter some late in his tenure, going 13-12 and just 7-11 in conference play in 2023-24, but Whittingham made some smart staffing moves last offseason and the Utes bounced back to 10-2 and finished No. 14.
It will be interesting to see if Whittingham does prove to be a massive upgrade, but as noted, it is an ideal fit for the Wolverines. With a significantly more talented roster, but a bear of a schedule, it will be difficult for Whittingham to improve upon Michigan's 9-3 regular season record from a year ago. But if anyone can get the most out of the team he's inherited, it's a coach who has consistently done more with less.
Whittingham will have his work cut out for him, as three coaches (No. 1 Curt Cignetti, No. 3 Ryan Day, and No. 6 Dan Lanning) are ahead of him on the list.
BBC Radio 5 Live's senior football reporter Ian Dennis says he is surprised Igor Tudor hasn't been replaced by Tottenham on the latest episode of The Commentators' View: "They are imploding. And I'll be honest with you, I'm surprised he's still in the job. I know a number of Tottenham supporters, and for a long time they've been saying, 'oh, we're in a relegation dogfight'. And I thought, 'oh, no, they'll be all right. They'll be all right'.
"I think the alarm bells now are ringing for everybody for what's going on there."
"I would question their decision-making as to now, can they get the next appointment right? Because it was such a gamble for Tudor to come in. And I actually thought, 'ooh, that's very, very bold'.
"It hasn't clearly worked. And the longer they leave it, they place Tottenham's place in the top flight more at risk, more jeopardy."
Kansas State's athletic director Gene Taylor said the school signed Alexander to a five-year contract, with his pay to be $3.3 million initially, then increase to $3.5 million by 2030-31.
Alexander, 53, coached Belmont for the past seven seasons (2019-2026), leading them to 166 wins and four conference titles. Prior to that, he coached at Stetson (2011-2013) and Lipscomb (2013-2019). He has a 303-180 record in 15 years as a men's basketball coach.
New leader at the helm
Casey Alexander hired as 27th head coach of K-State Men's Basketball
The Bruins' 2025-26 season ended on March 6 with a 100-79 upset loss to Drake in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Following the loss, news broke of Kansas State's bid to hire Alexander to replace interim coach Matt Driscoll. Driscoll took over for Jerome Tang, who was fired midseason.
Kansas State's athletic director Gene Taylor said the school signed Alexander to a five-year contract, with his pay to be $3.3 million initially, then increase to $3.5 million by 2030-31.
Alexander, 53, coached Belmont for the past seven seasons (2019-2026), leading them to 166 wins and four conference titles. Prior to that, he coached at Stetson (2011-2013) and Lipscomb (2013-2019). He has a 303-180 record in 15 years as a men's basketball coach.
New leader at the helm
Casey Alexander hired as 27th head coach of K-State Men's Basketball
The Bruins' 2025-26 season ended on March 6 with a 100-79 upset loss to Drake in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Following the loss, news broke of Kansas State's bid to hire Alexander to replace interim coach Matt Driscoll. Driscoll took over for Jerome Tang, who was fired midseason.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 16: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s exceptionally rare for an NFL team to get a do-over. Damaging mistakes typically last years, and can result in an entire front office shift as a result. The Vikings critically made that mistake a year ago at their quarterback position by putting faith in J.J. McCarthy to be their heir apparent, allowing Sam Darnold to walk in free agency. McCarthy turned into an oft-injured pumpkin, well en route to being a major draft bust, and Darnold, well, he went on to win the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
The decision to let Darnold walk was a critical error, but understandable at the time. Minnesota wasn’t wholly sold that his staggering one-year performance was worth a long-term contract, and they had already invested a trade up, and a first round pick into McCarthy — not wanting to let that go by the wayside. Now they have an almost identical situation with Kyler Murray, and an opportunity to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Murray signed with the Vikings on Thursday evening — a one-year, $1.3M veteran minimum deal that is the best bargain in all of the NFL. With the Cardinals still on the hook to pay Murray $36.8M this season from their prior deal, it’s a move that ensures Murray gets paid, keeps the dire Vikings’ books in order, and most-importantly gives them the starting quarterback they have been lacking. It’s a chance to not only make good on their Darnold error, but perhaps get an even better quarterback out the other side of this deal.
What happened to Kyler Murray?
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Murray seemed destined to take a step up into the NFL’s top tier of quarterbacks. In 2021 he had a spectacular season, finishing with 3,787 passing yards in 14 games, as well as 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 69.2% completion percentage, en route to his second straight Pro Bowl. Then it all fell apart. The following year saw Murray miss six games to injury, the Cardinals didn’t have a solid offensive line, and severely lacked receivers in the wake of losing Christian Kirk, and A.J. Green hitting his age wall. Kliff Kingsbury was fired, and it’s here everything went off the rails.
Arizona hired former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to be their head coach, who then hired Drew Petzing as his offensive coordinator. Petzing was fine, but it was very much a case of not having a cohesive offensive vision. It was his first job as an NFL offensive coordinator after years in position coaching, and from the jump he seemed to no have a cogent plan for Murray, or the Cardinals. It led to three years of push-and-pull, with Murray lost in the shuffle inside a system that didn’t play to his strengths.
It all reached its nadir in 2025. Murray was effectively benched after five games for Jacoby Brissett due to ineffective play, as well as Gannon’s seat getting too hot. The coach was eventually fired at the conclusion of the season, and Murray was designated as a June 1 cut. The Cardinals are in apparent tank mode, looking to play through 2026 with Brissett once more, seemingly with an eye on the 2027 NFL Draft and its bumper crop of quarterbacks.
What is Murray in 2026?
The bizarre part of all this is that Murray is more or less the same quarterback he’s been his entire career, for better and worse. He remains an excellent deep-ball quarterback with ample athleticism to escape the pass rush and create, particularly when it comes to finding short outlet routes or taking advantage of busted coverage.
Where he struggles is as a pure pocket passer, which has been the M.O. for his entire career. When Murray is taking snaps from under center and asked to stand tall in the pocket, he struggles. Not only does pressure overwhelm him when he’s not taking snaps out of shotgun, but his decision-making is markedly worse both on real, and imagined pressure. In addition, he’s never been a great quarterback when it comes to intermediate timing routes, and it’s unclear whether this stems from a lack of feel for the game, or if it’s a product of not being the best student in the film room.
This all worked well with Kingsbury leading the offense, because his spread allowed Murray to operate almost entirely out of the gun, and give him ample targets to throw deep to. It struggled inside Petzing’s timing-based system.
Can this work in Minnesota?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s the best possible fit for him in the NFL right now among teams with shaky quarterback situations. Not only is head coach Kevin O’Connell known for his ability to tutor quarterbacks, but he runs a system that loves airing out the ball to Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison — with 2025 draft pick Ty Felton also having serious deep threat potential.
It’s no coincidence that Darnold broke out when the Vikings asked him to have the highest average depth of target of his career, boasting an 8.4 in 2025. This plays right into Murray’s wheelhouse as a passer, and while Darnold had a better grasp of intermediate routes, Murray brings dual-threat potential and improvization to the table as well.
This is a hand-meet-glove fit that can have major dividends.
Are there any drawback to this signing?
The one thing to watch for is the clauses that Murray’s camp put in this deal. In exchange for accepting the vet-minimum, prove-it deal, there’s a clause that the Vikings can’t put either the franchise or transition tag on him when the season is over.
That means that Murray will either be a free agent in 2027, or the Vikings will need to give him a massive extension if he lives up to the billing. There is no in between. Still, this is a small drawback considering the Vikings are essentially getting a starting QB for nothing, and critically the chance to right the wrong of 2025 when they let Sam Darnold walk.
It’s now in Kyler Murray’s hands, and this season will define if he can return to being a top quarterback, or whether he drifts out of football all together.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 12: Fletcher Loyer #2 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts a shot during the second half of a Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Third Round game against the Northwestern Wildcats at the United Center on March 12, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. The Purdue Boilermakers won the game 81-68. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With just 8 teams left in the Big Ten tournament it’s time to see who you all picked to be the winner. For me? It made sense to choose Michigan and let someone else take the field. The staff roundtable got into all of this earlier in the week so feel free to take a look at that before diving into what you the readers thing will happen over the next three days in Chicago. As you prepare to watch tonight’s games don’t forget our friends at FanDuel can show you the latest odds.
Let’s hold the championship talk for a moment. First, let’s focus on Purdue. How many games did you the reader think Purdue would play in the BTT and if you said just one you’ve already lost so please go in the corner and think about what you’ve done.
15% of you were already wrong. Maybe it’s a sort of reverse jinx and if it is please continue to pick against the Boilermakers. 44% of readers, the plurality, believe that Purdue will play two games in the BTT meaning that tonight’s game will be their last.
Next, it’s time to talk champions!
It’s the obvious choice. A full 77% predict that regular season winner Michigan will walk out the BTT champion as well. Purdue comes in second with 11%.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton celebrates scoring the first goal with Dwight McNeil and James Garner during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) | Visionhaus/Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite had not traveled with the Everton squad for their warm weather mini-break, but it looks like he might be fit after all for tomorrow’s trip to London to take on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, David Moyes said he thought the big centrehalf would be good to go. He added that Charly Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman are both out, as is Jack Grealish.
Everton finally ended their home hoodoo last time out, but they have a whole other streak of futility they have to deal with at the Emirates as the Gunners look to hold their nerve in the run-in to the title.
For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will be missing Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard, with Leandro Trossard facing a late fitness test. Don’t rule out a rotated lineup with this game coming in between two Champions league fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen last Wednesday and then again on Tuesday.
Who’s Out?
Jack Grealish (foot) is unavailable for the rest of the season, with Carlos Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman out for a couple of weeks at least.
Confirmed 2. Bundesliga Lineups: Magdeburg vs. Darmstadt
Bottom-placed Magdeburg entertain promotion hopefuls Darmstadt on Friday night in the 2. Bundesliga. Despite contrasting form between the two sides, Florian Kohfeldt's team last won away from home in November.
Here are the lineups for Friday night football in Magdeburg.
Formula One is set to cancel grand prix events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month amid heightened tension in the Middle East region.
Bahrain’s capital, Manama, has been attacked by Iranian missiles, while locations in Saudi Arabia have also been targeted. Just on Monday, according to the state-owned Bahrain News Agency, 32 people were injured near Manama after an Iranian drone attack.
With less than a month until F1 was set to return to the Sakhir circuit, 30km south of Manama, on 12 April and with the Saudi race in Jeddah a week later on 19 April, a cancellation of both events now looks a formality. The Independent understands the cancellations will be officially confirmed over the next 48 hours, while the Chinese Grand Prix takes place in Shanghai this weekend.
There has also been speculation as to whether F1 could replace the races, with tracks in Italy, Turkey and Portugal suggested for a mid-April date. Yet, inevitably, the last-minute nature makes the logistics difficult and it is understood the sport will now have a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix (29 March) and the Miami Grand Prix (3 May).
With rounds four and five of the 2026 season set to be cancelled, we address the key topics.
Will F1 cancel the Bahrain and Saudi races?
At this stage, with no end in sight to the US-Iran conflict and the knock-on impact on the Middle East, it looks highly likely and we expect confirmation in the coming days.
Major hotels in Manama, which often house F1 personnel, have been hit in the last week and international travel hubs in the region, such as Doha and Dubai, remain impacted – though have at least partially reopened.
Even if, in the best-case scenario, the conflict ended soon, there would be a lingering question as to whether F1 should race in a country so recently impacted by airstrikes.
A loose deadline of 20 March, a week before round three in Japan, was set by F1 and the FIA, who have said they are “closely monitoring” the situation. Both declined to officially comment on Friday, but we expect an announcement over the weekend.
Speaking in Shanghai on Thursday, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed F1 to make the right decision. He said: “I know that (F1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) will do what is right for all of us and the sport.
“That is the great thing with having a great leader like him.”
A suspected Iranian drone strike hit a high-rise building in Bahrain last week (AP)
Will the races be rescheduled or replaced?
Rescheduling the Formula One races at their original venues later in the year presents considerable challenges. Temperatures in the Middle East region soar during the European summer and autumn, making racing impractical.
Furthermore, the existing F1 calendar offers no obvious alternative slots, as the sport is keen to preserve its August break and alleviate the demanding schedule for teams.
While alternative circuits such as Italy’s Imola, France’s Le Castellet, Portugal’s Portimao, and Turkey’s Istanbul Park have been suggested, the logistical complexities of relocating the entire F1 operation at short notice are immense.
Promoters would also have little incentive, facing a limited window to sell tickets to cover hosting fees, alongside the time-consuming organisation of marshals, security, and transport.
Round four of the F1 season is scheduled for Bahrain (Getty Images)
An option to host a second race at Japan’s Suzuka after round three has also been mooted, but this would introduce its own set of problems, not least for track owners Honda, who would likely be reluctant to draw further attention to their engine partnership issues with Aston Martin.
Although races were held behind closed doors at stand-in venues during the Covid-19 pandemic, sometimes with two events in succession, there was a pressing need then to complete a season.
A reduced 22-race calendar, while still extensive by historical standards, would nonetheless fulfil commercial obligations, albeit with a likely reduction in Formula One’s overall revenues.
It is understood Saudi pays the joint-most of any race, alongside Qatar, at approximately £30m ($55m). Bahrain, which hosted the first-ever race in the Middle East in 2004, pays F1 an estimated £24m ($45m) for the right to host a grand prix.
Not only are the Middle Eastern races significant financial contributors to F1, but both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have deep ties to the sport; Bahrain owns McLaren, while Saudi Arabia is a prominent sponsor and investor via state-owned oil company Aramco.
Saudi Arabia pays F1 an estimated £30m to host a race (Getty Images)
A precedent for cancellation without replacement exists: the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was called off due to unrest in the kingdom and was not rescheduled after teams objected to a late October date.
Formula One’s then-commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone later confirmed that Bahrain had paid its hosting fee regardless. Whether the Bahrain (Sakhir) and Saudi (Jeddah) races would do the same remains to be seen.
What have F1 bosses said?
Various F1 team bosses have emphasised that safety is paramount and have placed trust in F1’s executive team to make the appropriate call.
When asked by The Independent about the situation at the season-opener in Australia, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “Formula 1 in a way becomes the second priority. It’s such an important topic in the region that it’s even quite difficult, I guess, to talk to the local leaders and say: ‘What about the grand prix?’
“I think this is up to Stefano [Domenicali, CEO] as a promoter and the FIA to manage that situation while respecting the current challenges that they have. My hunch is: I would very much hope we race. Is it realistic that we race there at the moment? I’m not quite sure.
Toto Wolff says he’s ‘not quite sure’ whether F1 will race in Bahrain and Saudi (Getty Images)
“But again, I leave it to Stefano to manage that situation. I hope generally it gets better there so we are able to come back as soon as possible.”
McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown commented: "It's the first get-together of all the teams. There's been very little communication about it (the situation) yet because of the effort that it took just to get here to Australia."
Domenicali told Sky Sports in Melbourne: "We don't want to do any statement today because things are evolving and we still have time to make the right decision. This decision will be taken together.”
How else has motorsport been impacted?
The World Endurance Championship (WEC) event in Doha, originally set for 26-28 March, has already been postponed and rescheduled for October.
MotoGP’s Qatar round at Lusail, near Doha, on 12 April is facing significant difficulties and is unlikely to be rescheduled.
Formula Two, F1’s key support series, has its freight still in Melbourne after the season-opener. Should the Bahrain and Saudi F2 rounds be cancelled without replacement, the championship’s second race would not occur until Monaco in June.
Canadian MMA fighter Aiemann Zahabi said he is eager to “spoil” the upcoming UFC fight at the White House, which is being held on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Set for June 14 on the South Lawn, the event is part of the Trump administration's celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will feature six fights, including one between Zahabi and American Sean O'Malley, who bookmakers place as the favorite.
“It's nice to have someone to sharpen your blade against. I think it's going to be great if I spoil the party,” Zahabi told Newsmax Thursday.
"I have the ninth largest upset in UFC history, and I'm looking to top that with this fight," he said. "I've spoiled parlays before, and I'm willing to do it again. Every time I'm an underdog, it looks like I win.”
The UFC fighter’s tough talk comes at a time of heightened tension between the U.S. and Canada, longtime allies and major trading partners. In his second term, Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canada while repeatedly expressing his desire to make it America's "51st state."
Canadian UFC fighter Aiemann Zahabi said he wants to 'spoil' the upcoming fight at the White House, which will coincide with Trump's 80th birthday (Getty Images)
In his interview with Newsmax, Zahabi touched on the souring relationship between the two neighbors.
“Everyone watches the Canadians play when they play against the United States,” he said. “It’s huge stakes especially with all this tension going on between us politically.”
“I like to think that you know sports unites us in a way,” he added. “But it’s nice to have that rivalry right. It’s like having a brother that pushes you to your next level.”
Unlike most Canadians, Zahabi seems unfazed by Trump — in fact, he telegraphed quite the opposite feeling. He said that, if the 79-year-old president were running in Canada, he likely would have voted for him.
'It's nice to have someone to sharpen your blade against. I think it's going to be great if I spoil the party,' the Canadian fighter told Newsmax on Thursday (Newsmax)Trump said he plans to build a 100,000-seat stadium in DC for the June 14 fight. Here he is pictured with UFC CEO Dana White (Getty)
“I would like capitalism to rein in socialism,” Zahabi said. “In terms of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, these are the kind of things I want to see in Canada, so that people can really make it here instead of hitting that ceiling.”
O'Malley has also spoken about the upcoming fight in Washington, D.C. “I’m very, very excited,” he said in a podcast interview last week. “We’re dialed in.”
Trump, an MMA fan and close friends with UFC CEO Dana White, said he plans to build a 100,000-seat stadium near the White House for the June 14 spectacle.
“They are going to put up something that’s really amazing,” Trump told reporters on March 6. “It's really having to do with our great 250th birthday, where we’re having so many wonderful things.”
The series of UFC fights are set to be held on the South Lawn of the White House, pictured here on February 27 (Getty Images)
Some UFC aficionados have expressed reservations. Joe Rogan, the hit podcaster and UFC color commentator, said he’s looking forward to the event, but finds it “weird” given the U.S. war against Iran.
“I’m excited. It sounds crazy. I know it’s going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f***ing war,” Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, said during an episode of his show Wednesday.
“I would hope the war will be sorted out by June, but quite honestly, I’m not confident that’s going to be the case. So that’ll be weird — having this very high profile event where everyone’s in one place at one time right there,” Rogan added.
Canadian MMA fighter Aiemann Zahabi said he is eager to “spoil” the upcoming UFC fight at the White House, which is being held on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Set for June 14 on the South Lawn, the event is part of the Trump administration's celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will feature six fights, including one between Zahabi and American Sean O'Malley, who bookmakers place as the favorite.
“It's nice to have someone to sharpen your blade against. I think it's going to be great if I spoil the party,” Zahabi told Newsmax Thursday.
"I have the ninth largest upset in UFC history, and I'm looking to top that with this fight," he said. "I've spoiled parlays before, and I'm willing to do it again. Every time I'm an underdog, it looks like I win.”
The UFC fighter’s tough talk comes at a time of heightened tension between the U.S. and Canada, longtime allies and major trading partners. In his second term, Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canada while repeatedly expressing his desire to make it America's "51st state."
Canadian UFC fighter Aiemann Zahabi said he wants to 'spoil' the upcoming fight at the White House, which will coincide with Trump's 80th birthday (Getty Images)
In his interview with Newsmax, Zahabi touched on the souring relationship between the two neighbors.
“Everyone watches the Canadians play when they play against the United States,” he said. “It’s huge stakes especially with all this tension going on between us politically.”
“I like to think that you know sports unites us in a way,” he added. “But it’s nice to have that rivalry right. It’s like having a brother that pushes you to your next level.”
Unlike most Canadians, Zahabi seems unfazed by Trump — in fact, he telegraphed quite the opposite feeling. He said that, if the 79-year-old president were running in Canada, he likely would have voted for him.
'It's nice to have someone to sharpen your blade against. I think it's going to be great if I spoil the party,' the Canadian fighter told Newsmax on Thursday (Newsmax)Trump said he plans to build a 100,000-seat stadium in DC for the June 14 fight. Here he is pictured with UFC CEO Dana White (Getty)
“I would like capitalism to rein in socialism,” Zahabi said. “In terms of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, these are the kind of things I want to see in Canada, so that people can really make it here instead of hitting that ceiling.”
O'Malley has also spoken about the upcoming fight in Washington, D.C. “I’m very, very excited,” he said in a podcast interview last week. “We’re dialed in.”
Trump, an MMA fan and close friends with UFC CEO Dana White, said he plans to build a 100,000-seat stadium near the White House for the June 14 spectacle.
“They are going to put up something that’s really amazing,” Trump told reporters on March 6. “It's really having to do with our great 250th birthday, where we’re having so many wonderful things.”
The series of UFC fights are set to be held on the South Lawn of the White House, pictured here on February 27 (Getty Images)
Some UFC aficionados have expressed reservations. Joe Rogan, the hit podcaster and UFC color commentator, said he’s looking forward to the event, but finds it “weird” given the U.S. war against Iran.
“I’m excited. It sounds crazy. I know it’s going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f***ing war,” Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, said during an episode of his show Wednesday.
“I would hope the war will be sorted out by June, but quite honestly, I’m not confident that’s going to be the case. So that’ll be weird — having this very high profile event where everyone’s in one place at one time right there,” Rogan added.
Darryn Peterson has been the most watched prospect in college basketball this year. With the NCAA Tournament right around the corner, don't expect the heat to go away.
This will be a make-or-break period for the freshman star. NBA executives are increasingly interested in knowing if he can hold up. A few of them weighed both his elite talent and questions as the 2026 draft is months away.
According to ESPN draft intel, Peterson is in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. But there are some concerns about whether he's ready for the day-to-day grind. While many league decision makers are impressed by his overall skill set and upside as a modern guard, a double-digit total for missed games is his Achilles heel.
At 6-foot-6 with strong athleticism and versatility, Peterson has drawn attention for his ability to score at all three levels while also contributing defensively.
Several NBA executives view Peterson as one of the most complete freshman guards in recent memory. His size, range and defensive competitiveness give him the profile of a potential franchise player. Some evaluators believe he could immediately step into the NBA as a primary offensive option because of his advanced instincts and ability to generate shots off the dribble.
One college GM told ESPN that Peterson stands out among his peers because of his overall polish and physical tools, saying he would take Peterson over other top prospects in the class. "As gifted a scorer as it comes," they said of Peterson's game. "The wiggle, the aggressiveness, he comes in and takes over games. The NBA guys are working to get the insight on the injuries, but he's worth a headache or two."
At the same time, league executives are still evaluating concerns tied to Peterson’s availability during his freshman season at Kansas. Injuries have limited his playing time at various points, and some teams are monitoring how durable he will be over a full NBA season. None of that seems to matter right now.
"Talent-wise, he's clearly [No. 1]," an Eastern conference scout said. "He's got the full package. When he's played, he's shown that he has the 'it' factor."
Despite those questions, most executives still view Peterson as a likely top-two pick in the 2026 draft class. His ability to carry an offense, combined with his size and defensive upside, keeps him at the center of the debate for the top spot alongside BYU's AJ Dybantsa.
For now, NBA front offices will continue evaluating Peterson through the postseason, where his performance against elite competition could ultimately determine whether he solidifies himself as the consensus No. 1 pick.
In the 27 years since Scotland were last relevant in the shake-up for the Six Nations on the final weekend, there have been plenty scars accrued along the way.
Sione Tuipulotu has only had to endure them in the past five years since he first donned the dark blue, but he has been around long enough to appreciate the opportunity he and his men have carved out for themselves as they prepare to take on Ireland in Dublin with a title and a Triple Crown still in play on the final weekend.
"We want to be the first of our kind and that's a big motivating factor," said the Scotland captain. "But it's not the be all and end all.
"Over the past five years, in certain aspects, we've been to hell and back together. So that's where my strength comes from, and our strength as a team: the hard stuff we've been through.
"The ability to be resilient in those times is what gives me the most confidence that we'll be the best version of ourselves."
Following the capitulation from 21-0 up to lose against Argentina in November, and again when they went down to Italy in round one of the Six Nations, it was hard to escape the conclusion that this team had reached the end of the line under Gregor Townsend.
It was not a conclusion based off just those two results, rather than those two defeats providing confirmation this was a team always destined to provide thrilling highs and crushing lows, never ridding itself of its maddening inconsistency.
Instead, those tough losses seem to have been a line-in-the-sand moment for this team, necessary fuel for this group of players to finally make the kind of step up that had been so frustratingly elusive.
After three consecutive victories in the Six Nations - against England, Wales and France - things look like they have fallen into place for a team long believed to be the most talented in the country's history.
"I think we've made adjustments," Tuipulotu said. "You go through things with a team, like the Argentina game, the Italy game, that moulds you as a team, and the last three games has clicked for us a little bit.
"But to be honest we've been speaking about these things for a long time, I think we've just finally put a lot of those things into practice."
Scotland ready for 'toughest challenge'
Scotland's greatest challenge also happens to be their last. Putting a seemingly unstoppable France to the sword last weekend in such ruthless fashion was as brilliant as it was unexpected, but Ireland are the bogey team to end all bogey teams.
Ireland have won the past eleven meetings between the sides. Scotland have rarely looked like winning any of them.
Only three of Scotland's matchday 23 for Saturday – Zander Fagerson, Finn Russell and Huw Jones - know what it feels like to beat Ireland. None of them have experienced a victory in Dublin. No Scottish team, club or country, has ever won at the Aviva Stadium.
"There is belief definitely," said Tuipulotu, who played for Ireland coach Andy Farrell on last summer's Lions tour of Australia.
"Maybe coming to the Aviva to play Ireland in the past it's seemed a little bit more like hope and that's a credit to them as well as what type of team they are. But we have been building this belief. You've got to act on your belief as well. There's no point in you just believing and then get out there and don't act on it.
"Being coached by Faz in the summer gave me a lot of perspective on how his teams are run and why they've been so successful over the last 10 years.
"It's a massive challenge for us, but I'm a believer that all things happen for a reason. There's a reason Ireland are the last game for us because it's probably the toughest challenge and has been the toughest challenge for us for the last 10 years.
"It's one we're ready for and we're really excited for and I just can't wait to get out there and have fun with my friends on Saturday."
The 'golden generation' stuff thrown around in relation to this Scotland team in recent years has tended to centred on what is undoubtedly the greatest collection of Scottish backs ever assembled.
Seeing the way the forward pack outplayed and, surprisingly, outmuscled their French counterparts last weekend, it was clear Scotland's recent upturn is not solely down to the magic occurring behind the scrum.
"I think the big change I felt, being in the room, is that I felt like our pack dominated the French pack last week and that hasn't happened to the French pack this championship," Tuipulotu said.
"I think a lot of those forwards have matured. I know [Rory] Darge has been playing since he was 21 years old, so he's matured now into the player that he is and he's ready for this challenge. He's going to be playing against a British and Irish Lion [Josh van der Flier], same with Jack Dempsey. He's matured into that role now that he's pretty well renowned as an enforcer so he's ready for that.
"I feel like there's no co-existing out there between you and your opposite number - it's either you or him. That's got to be the mentality from the jump."
More injury woes for Tottenham with trio ruled out of Liverpool game
Tottenham will be without Joao Palhinha, Cristian Romero and Yves Bissouma for their clash with Liverpool on Sunday, boss Igor Tudor has confirmed.
Romero and Palhinha collided heads in their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and will miss out this weekend.
Bissouma is also sidelined, while Micky van de Ven is suspended and Conor Gallagher is a doubt.
“They are out,” Spurs boss Tudor said.
“Micky is also out. Bissouma is out for the problem of muscles. Conor has some fever but probably he will be in.
“So we have, again, a lot of problems to make the first eleven. This is how it is in this club.
“This happens all the time. We start to build something, and something happens. Or a red card, or the last game, or three or four injuries. This is very rare.
“I’ve never seen these situations. Every game, missing two players, and the next game, and a red card. It’s very rare, very unusual, but we need to accept this and try to change the things.”
“It’s that simple” – Rosenior’s defence of his head-scratching substitution decisions makes little sense
Liam Rosenior has defended his use (or lack thereof) of substitutes in Chelsea’s game against PSG in midweek.
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Chelsea fans have taken issue with manager Liam Rosenior on a number of issues following their defeat against PSG in midweek, and one of the key ones was his use of subs.
In one of the most intense, high energy games we’ve seen for years, the Chelsea boss didn’t make a change until the 83rd minute – by which time it was too late. He was asked to explain his rationale in today’s presser.
Rosenior claims he didn’t want to mess up team chemistry
“Sometimes it’s that simple. We were in a really good place. We were in a really good place in the game. The last thing you want to do is disrupt the flow of the team in terms of making changes for the sake of making changes.
“At 2-2, I’ve watched the game back, even at the time I felt that we were in the ascendancy in that moment and then we make a mistake and it gets to 3-2 and the rest is history. I’ll make changes when I feel it’s the right time to make changes for the team.”
But from our perspective, it wouldn’t have been “making changes for the sake of making changes,” it would have been making changes to keep his team in the game. Players like Reece James and Cole Palmer were visibly flagging from so much earlier, to keep them on so long was crazy.
In other news…
The manager also defended Enzo Fernandez’s reaction to Filip Jorgensen making a second mistake later in the game.
Rosenior also spoke about the goalkeeper situation which is hanging over the club right now, and insisted he would continue to pick game by game.
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Juventus Champions League winner believes in Spalletti
Former Juventus star Moreno Torricelli believes the Bianconeri have improved significantly since Luciano Spalletti became their manager and has urged the club to keep him in charge.
Juventus appointed Spalletti during the first half of the season to replace Igor Tudor. Since his arrival, the team has shown greater confidence and cohesion, with many observers noting a clear change in mentality compared to the previous period.
Although Juventus have been eliminated from both the Champions League and the Italian Cup, the overall impression is that the squad has become a more organised and competitive unit under the Italian coach.
Torricelli backs Spalletti’s impact
Despite recent setbacks in cup competitions, there are signs that the team’s performances have improved since the managerial change.
The club are reportedly moving closer to offering Spalletti a new contract that would keep him in charge through the remainder of next season. However, some uncertainty remains due to inconsistent results in recent weeks.
Those fluctuations have led to doubts among sections of the fan base, but Torricelli believes the progress made under the current manager is clear.
Speaking about the situation, the former defender expressed strong support for Spalletti and the direction the team is taking.
“In fact, since Coach Spalletti arrived, Juve have changed gears. They may have only messed up a couple of games. But they’ve returned to making the fans dream, which is the most important thing. The uniqueness and unity of the group is what makes the difference. When you need to help each other, the group comes together. This gives me hope for the Champions League.”
Stability seen as key for Juventus
Torricelli’s comments underline his belief that the team’s collective spirit has strengthened since Spalletti took charge.
The sense of unity within the squad is viewed as an important factor in Juventus’ recent progress, even if results have not always been consistent.
Spalletti is also regarded as one of the most experienced managers the club has appointed since Max Allegri. His experience at the highest level of the game is considered valuable as Juventus attempts to rebuild and remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.
For that reason, maintaining stability on the bench could prove crucial for the club’s long-term plans, particularly if they aim to return to competing for major honours in the coming seasons.
The arrival of spring was enough to make even a curmudgeonly character like Philip Larkin raise a smile. “It will be spring soon,” the famously glum old English poet wrote in Coming. “And I, whose childhood is a forgotten boredom, feel like a child who comes on a scene of adult reconciling, and can understand nothing but the unusual laughter, and starts to be happy.”
It was to the sweet sounds of the thrush in the lengthening evenings that Larkin was responding, but fans of rugby – and Larkin, it would seem, was one – may just recognise the same sense of unexpected glee. It is easy to be a cynic about the state of elite sport, to be melancholic about the great game of yesteryear or fearful for the future, but this Six Nations has proved again what a beguilingly beautiful thing rugby’s grand old championship can be.
Sione Tuipulotu has led Scotland to a remarkable turnaround in this year’s championship (Reuters)
Consider the preconceived notions strengthened in the opening round of this edition, and those which have been demonstrably disproved. After that first weekend, one could feel surer in stating that Ireland were a side in decline with their glory years beyond them, and paint England as an upwardly mobile side talking in triumphant tones of a final-day deluge into Paris. Scotland appeared on the brink of regime change after an era had run its course; Wales were confronting more existential questions. If France still control their own destiny entering that which is appropriately termed “Super Saturday”, there will be no grand slam to gild back-to-back triumphs – and it is not inconceivable that Fabien Galthie’s side could fall short of even that if Steve Borthwick’s side stir as they hope.
Only Italy’s history-makers were perhaps correctly pegged – forgive us if mentions of the Azzurri are scarce hereafter, with the top of the table more squarely our focus. The confounding of expectations has left us a three-way title tussle that will mean the victor is known only after 11pm local time in the depths of a Parisian night. While the drama is spoilt somewhat by the fact that France will know what they have to do in relation to the result between Ireland and Scotland earlier, the sprawl of the fixtures across a Saturday afternoon and evening will provide a spectacular end to a tournament of twists and turns.
Another Super Saturday beckons in the Six Nations (PA)
For that, we do have Scotland to thank. From apparent ruination in Rome, Gregor Townsend’s side now stand on the brink of a first title of the Six Nations era after a mid-tournament transformation that felt unlikely ahead of the Calcutta Cup. After defeat to Italy, even Townsend himself appeared subdued as he dealt with probing questions both about his future and his approach. Was this still a squad united around their head coach? Could Townsend take the team to another level? Since an England win that turned the tide, those questions have been answered.
The day before that success against the Auld Enemy, Sione Tuipulotu had spoken with real fervour about how his team owed both themselves and their coach a performance, and that spirit has remained through the fixtures since. Along the way, they have played with an ambition, accuracy and invention befitting title contenders – the speed of thought and foot shown by Finn Russell’s quickly taken restart against Wales summed up Scotland, as did the three variations of similar strike moves pivoting around Tuipulotu that they used to cut France apart. It has put them in exalted, unexplored air; a success would be of huge significance.
Scotland are bidding to secure their first Six Nations trophy (Getty)
“I’ve won a few titles, but winning something with Scotland, especially the Six Nations, would definitely be the peak of my career,” said Russell after the 50-40 win over France.
“When you start playing for Scotland, you always want to win it. We’ve never put ourselves in a position where we can win it. Now we’re in that position, it’s all to play for this weekend. It’s new territory for us going into the last game with a chance to win it.”
The problem for Scotland’s title hopes is that they must now find a solution to the big question they have failed to answer under Townsend. Eleven times since the head coach’s arrival in 2017 they have tried to beat Ireland; 11 times they have failed, often in ignominy. It is a run that stands in contrast to the strides made against England and France during Townsend’s tenure; swap, say, a couple of Calcutta Cups for a Centenary Quaich or two and Scotland might have been more regular Six Nations contenders.
Ireland have dominated Scotland during the Gregor Townsend era (PA)
Ireland have been a high-class operation in that period but it is hard to assess why they have been quite so dominant. While there is a genuine rancour to the rivalry, and slightly strange suggestions of Scottish arrogance from some across the Irish Sea, that should work both ways, but too often Townsend’s team has failed to find the intensity required of them in this fixture.
Given all that is on the line, with a triple crown a consolation prize if France take care of business against England, it would be a surprise if that is the case again. “The record becomes irrelevant when next week comes around,” said Ireland boss Andy Farrell of the winning run.
Andy Farrell guided Ireland to back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024 (PA)
“I say it every year, I think they’re a great side. I think they’re a talented side. They’re well-coached. They’ve had some big wins. They’ve put it to France time and time again, which shows the character that’s in them. We’re expecting a massive game and the record doesn’t come into it because it’s a proper Test match.”
Ireland have undergone their own metamorphosis from the cocooned state in which they embarked upon this campaign. Given a dressing-room dressing-down by a frustrated Farrell after defeat to France, the last couple of weeks has felt more like the Ireland of old, even if Wales proved plucky prey. The return of Dan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier adds yet more clout to the pack; of the Irish matchday 23, only Van der Flier, Tadhg Furlong and Garry Ringrose have experienced defeat to Scotland. That knowhow may prove significant.
There will be a few anxious hours for the Six Nations organisers with trophy presentations to arrange in Dublin and Paris but only one required, a task made tougher by the loss of one of two identical prizes in a van fire last month.
Ireland and Scotland will both hope to get over the line (Getty)
While one of Ireland and Scotland will similarly see their silverware go up in smoke with defeat, the victor will go top of the table and turn eager eyes to the Stade de France ready to roar England on – a strange situation for either nation that nonetheless befits this championship of capricious charm.
Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh was recognized this week as one of the most productive players in the country. Named a Second-Team All-American by The Sporting News, Haugh joins a list featuring college basketball's most elite.
The 6-foot-9-inch, 215-pound junior has burst onto the national scene as a centerpiece for Todd Golden's team this season after playing a reserve role in Florida's NCAA tournament run last year. This season, Haugh has shown versatility on both ends of the floor, leading the team in scoring with roughly 17 points per game and contributing to the fifth-most-efficient defense in Division I.
Haugh's ascension parallels the Gators' rise to national contention since Golden's hiring four years ago. The forward has been key in helping Florida recapture the championship lure of the early 2000's. As the team's primary offensive options, he nearly doubled his scoring average — the NBA draft hopeful is also the team's emotional leader, regularly amping the crowd at Exactech Arena with his passionate play.
A panel of journalists and analysts selects the Sporting News All-American teams — the honor represents one of the most respected designations in college athletics.
The selection adds another milestone to Haugh's growing reputation as a national star. His rapid development from role player to primetime player solidifies the Gators resume as one of the most dynamic and capable title contenders heading into March.
2025 Sporting News All-American team
First team
G − Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
F - Yaxel Lendenborg, Michigan
F − Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
F − AJ Dybantsa, BYU
F − Cameron Boozer, Duke
Second team
G − Kingston Flemings, Houston
G − Braden Smith, Purdue
G − Keaton Wagler, Illinois
F − Thomas Haugh, Florida
F − JT Toppin, Texas Tech
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Trey Hendrickson joined the Baltimore Ravens on a four-year, $112 million deal at the start of the 2026 NFL free agency. The star defensive end joined from division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, following a five-year tenure at Paycor Stadium.
Hendrickson will face his old team twice a year. Speaking on the opportunity of going against star quarterback Joe Burrow, Hendrickson said it wouldn’t change his approach. He gave his flowers to Burrow, but added that winning is the ultimate goal.
“Joe is one of the best in the National Football League,” Hendrickson said, via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. “I like to affect games. It’s continuing to play the same brand of football. IT’s the standard that I’ve carried since Day 1. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. The wins are important.”
Asked about facing Joe Burrow, "Joe is one of the best in the National Football League. I like to affect games. It's continuing to play the same brand of football. IT's the standard that I've carried since Day 1. It doesn't matter who we're playing. The wins are important."
Five years after being the best player on the Bengals’ defense, Hendrickson will try to beat their quarterback now. On the other hand, he will try to give the ball back to Lamar Jackson, another top talent in the league.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) watches a replay as the Detroit Lions celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. The Bengals continued a losing streak, falling 37-24 to the Lions.
During his introductory press conference, Hendrickson discussed the opportunity to play with Lamar Jackson. Again, he focused on winning games before anything else.
“It excites me to try to get the ball back to our offense, put it in his hands, and we will win games,” he said, per Sarah Ellison of “The Vault.”
Trey Hendrickson on playing the opportunity to play with Lamar Jackson:
"It excites me to try to get the ball back to our offense, put it in his hands, and we will win games." pic.twitter.com/Gjemg3d9TE
The Ravens added a strong player to their defense. If Hendrickson’s body respects him, the Ravens will likely have a strong season on both ends of the ball.
Richard O'Donnell joined Derby County last summer after leaving Blackpool [Getty Images]
Richard O'Donnell has been backed by Derby County boss John Eustace to see out the season as the Rams' go-to goalkeeper after Josh Vickers become that latest shot-stopping casualty at the club.
Vickers was forced off late in Derby's 1-0 defeat at Millwall with a groin injury that is now expected to keep him out for up to eight weeks.
Zetterstrom is still struggling to return to training, with Eustace saying "he is in a bad old way at the moment" when giving his latest update.
On Vickers, Eustace told BBC Radio Derby: "It's a big blow. Initially we thought it would be a real long one, but it will still be a majority of the season."
It leaves 37-year-old O'Donnell, a player who went almost nine years between Championship appearances before he made his Derby debut in January, as the club's most senior available goalkeeper as they attempt to reach the play-offs.
In between those Championship appearances, however, he featured 240 times at League One and League Two level with Rotherham, Northampton Town, Bradford City, Rochdale, Blackpool and Grimsby.
"We have full confidence in Rich, he has stepped up twice already this season and been outstanding," Eustace said.
"The way he trains and he applies himself every day in training means he will be ready for the remaining amount of games."
With Derby's top two keepers out, 19-year-old Jack Thompson will be promoted to the senior squad from the academy.
And while Thompson has yet to make a first-team appearance for Derby, he got experience playing for Braintree Town on loan in the National League earlier this season.
Eustace also said that there would be no option to bring in an emergency loan cover for as long as O'Donnell remains fit.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has defended vice-captain Enzo Fernandez for his 'Roy Keane-like' reaction to goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen's mistake at Paris St-Germain.
Fernandez, who scored Chelsea's second goal at PSG, was seen berating Jorgensen and throwing the ball towards him after the goalkeeper's misplaced pass led to Vitinha's third goal.
Chelsea went on to lose 5-2 at the Parc des Princes and face a difficult task in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.
Asked about the incident after reviewing the footage, Rosenior said: "As a player with passion, he wants to win. Roy Keane did that, probably.
"Roy Keane was my manager, but Roy Keane as a player probably did that 20 times a game. I want a team with a culture of accountability where we can demand from each other in the moment.
"Enzo loves Filip, Enzo wants the best for him, Enzo believes in him. In that moment he was frustrated with something that happened, and that's normal, isn't it?"
He added: "In the social media climate now, any small thing can become the biggest thing based on the number of clicks it gets. The reality is nowhere near as big as it's made out to be. They're best mates, and they spoke as soon as they got back into the dressing room."
Chelsea next welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the Premier League.
According to Over the Cap, Taylor's new contract is just for one year and is pretty simple. His base salary is $1.22 million. None of it is guaranteed, and he has no signing bonuses or other bonuses of any kind. They have his cap hit listed at $1.08 million.
With no guarantees or bonuses, the 49ers could release Taylor at any time before Week 1 and save the full cap hit without getting hit with any dead cap.
The 27-year-old entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2020, and after a stint with the New England Patriots and another with the Packers, he signed with San Francisco in 2024.
In his career, Taylor has appeared in 47 games. He's rushed for 444 yards and two touchdowns on 4.3 yards per attempt and caught 17 passes for an additional 94 yards.
Since signing with the 49ers, Taylor has rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown on 4.76 yards per attempt. However, he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury. Now, he'll have a chance to compete for a spot behind Christian McCaffrey on the depth chart.
The Seattle Seahawks have gotten worse at running back this offseason. That is undeniable. General manager John Schneider wisely decided against retaining Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III, as the Seahawks were in no position to match the lucrative contract offered to him by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nonetheless, Walker's departure delivers a big blow to the offense. That's especially true given that Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL during the playoffs. The Seahawks added former Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson via free agency, but he's a rotational back at best.
Washington was outstanding at the NFL Combine. The Razorbacks standout ran the fastest 40-yard dash among participating running backs at 4.33, and he placed second-best in both the vertical (39 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-8) drills. It was an excellent performance.
It's been a promising pre-draft process for Washington, who was also excellent at the Senior Bowl. The ex Buffalo and New Mexico State transfer rushed for 1,070 yards this past campaign. Washington runs the football with breakaway speed, good size, developed vision, and rushing instincts.
Mike Washington Jr. would be the perfect like-for-like replacement for Kenneth Walker III.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
All across the Premier League, you’ll find a number of teams juggling multiple competitions at the same time. League leaders Arsenal are chasing a quadruple under Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners set to take on Manchester City in the EFL Cup Final before traveling to Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinal. Before that, though, they’ll be seeking to improve on a disappointing 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen with a strong display in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. With a game in hand on every single team in the league, Arsenal sit seven points above City, who are praying for a miracle after their 3-0 defeat at Real Madrid, and who will host Liverpool in next month’s FA Cup tie.
City, meanwhile, sit nine points above Aston Villa, who defeated Lille 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League fixture, and 12 points above Chelsea, who fell to a 5-2 defeat in Paris Saint-Germain, and who will be taking on League One side Port Vale in the FA Cup. Chelsea are level on 48 points with defending champions Liverpool, who lost 1-0 at Galatasaray in the Champions League. There’s also Tottenham Hotspur, who suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat at Atlético Madrid midweek, and Newcastle, who relinquished their lead at the final second and drew 1-1 to Barcelona, and Nottingham Forest, who lost 1-0 to Midtjylland in the UEFA Europa League. Reigning FA Cup winners Crystal Palace drew 0-0 to AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League, whilst Leeds will travel to West Ham in the FA Cup.
Indeed, the only team in the Premier League’s top six that is playing only one competition is Manchester United.
After a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th and go trophyless after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League Final, United stumbled out of the gates, losing to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup and suffering a run of humiliating defeats. It wasn’t long before the likes of Stevie Grieve were casting doubt on Rúben Amorim’s ability to lead United into a new chapter, with the Portuguese manager eventually being axed at the start of the year and replaced by interim manager Darren Fletcher, who did somewhat well but nevertheless suffered elimination at the hands of Brighton in the FA Cup. Nevertheless, United have been able to turn a new leaf under Michael Carrick, beating Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham in his first four matches, before narrowly escaping with a 1-1 draw at West Ham.
The Red Devils responded with a 1-0 win at Everton and a 2-1 win vs. Crystal Palace before succumbing to a 2-1 loss at Newcastle, but they nevertheless find themselves in prime position to return to the Champions League. United sit level on 51 points with fourth-placed Villa, and they can go three points clear with a home win against Villa on Sunday. Unlike Villa, who will have just three days to recover from their trip to France, United will have had 11 days of rest going into this match. But just how have United and Villa fared in their past few meetings? Let’s take a look.
It wasn’t long ago that United were a constant thorn in Villa’s side, winning 10 out of 11 meetings and drawing once between 2011 and 2016. Three years passed before Villa returned to the top-flight and faced off against United again, taking an early lead via Jack Grealish only to concede an own goal to Tom Heaton (now at United) and a goal to Victor Lindelöf (now at Villa), but Tyrone Mings would immediately equalize to snatch a point at Old Trafford. United would prevail 3-0 in the return fixture before winning 2-1 and 3-1. After three straight matches of scoring against Villa, Bruno Fernandes was kept quiet as Kortney Hause’s late winner saw Villa grab a victory at the Theatre of Dreams. Nevertheless, United would bounce back and kick off 2022 on the right foot, with Scott McTominay’s early goal seeing United win 1-0 in the FA Cup. Five days later, Fernandes put United two goals to the good with a brace, but Jacob Ramsey and Philippe Coutinho would score twice in quick succession in the West Midlands.
After winning 3-1 in league play, Villa looked set to make it two wins in a week against United, only for Erik ten Hag’s side to erase two deficits and win 4-2 in the EFL Cup via goals from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Fernandes and McTominay. Fernandes was back at it again in the following encounter, scoring the game’s sole goal and proving why he is a role model for countless young Portuguese talents like Rodrigo Mora and Ricardo Neto. United then brushed off an early two-goal deficit and prevailed 3-2 via Alejandro Garnacho’s brace and Rasmus Højlund’s late winner, before winning 2-1 at Villa Park courtesy of McTominay’s late winner, followed by a goalless draw. The final match of the 2024/25 Premier League season, meanwhile, would see Fernandes set up Amad Diallo’s opener in the 76th minute, while Christian Eriksen sealed the 2-0 win from the penalty spot.
United and Villa last faced off against each other on December 21, with Morgan Rogers’ opener being immediately cancelled out by Matheus Cunha’s equalizer before the break, but Rogers would nevertheless respond by restoring Villa’s lead in the 57th minute to snatch a 2-1 win and mount pressure on Amorim even further. Now, Carrick will be seeking to further United’s Champions League hopes with a victory against a Villa side that has lost three of its last four matches vs. English teams, drawing the other to Leeds at home.
Can United make it six home wins on the bounce vs. Villa? Stay tuned for what promises to be an epic showdown in Manchester.
Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks last season. They signed a rookie undrafted tight end in Robbie Ouzts and converted him to fullback last offseason. Ouzts ended up playing 203 snaps on offense for the Seahawks. That accounted for nearly 20 percent of their total offensive plays.
Fullback news: Connor Heyward has agreed to terms with the #Raiders on a 2-year, $5.5M max value deal with $2M fully guaranteed, per agent @PerrettM of @PrioritySports.
You can probably expect a similar workload for Heyward. Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. They had fullback Adam Prentice play 272 snaps, which accounted for 25 percent of Kubiak's offensive snaps that year.
Obviously Kubiak coached alongside Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers. They've had one of the best fullbacks in recent memory in Kyle Juszczyk. Kubiak adopted that system and has used a fullback in his own playbook ever since.
Hopefully Heyward has a positive impact on Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders' rushing attack. Implementing a fullback definitely improved the Seahawks' ground game last year. Heyward will play a selfless role that helps Jeanty.
Since then, further details about potential rider movements have emerged, although teams and manufacturers have so far avoided publicly confirming any developments. With the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association (MSMA) still negotiating a commercial agreement with MotoGP Sports Entertainment (previously known as Dorna) for 2027-31, teams have agreed not to announce their rider line-ups for next year.
Technically, the manufacturers haven’t formally signed up for the 2027 season and, as such, have no riders to announce for the next cycle. Even so, much of the grid already appears to be falling into place behind the scenes, particularly at the factory teams, leaving satellite outfits to fill the remaining gaps.
Here’s a look at how the 2027 MotoGP grid could look.
Ducati
The official Ducati team looks set for a major change, with Pedro Acosta widely expected to join reigning world champion Marc Marquez. This would mark the end of Ducati’s long-running association with Francesco Bagnaia, who helped the factory clinch its first world titles since Casey Stoner’s success in 2007.
Ducati’s first priority was to lock in Marquez for another two seasons, which it has seemingly done despite the lack of an official word from either side. The Spaniard exceeded even the loftiest expectations after joining the team last year, winning 11 grands prix en route to a seventh premier class title.
Acosta’s anticipated arrival would inject fresh energy into the squad, while offering the young Spaniard the opportunity to fully realise his potential after two winless seasons on KTM machinery.
Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Marc Marquez, Ducati Team
Gresini
Gresini’s 2027 line-up appears far from settled, but it’s almost certain to lose its star rider Alex Marquez. As for Fermin Aldeguer, he signed a two-plus-two deal directly with Ducati prior to his MotoGP debut in 2025, but the Borgo Panigale marque has yet to decide where he will be placed within its satellite roster.
With no seats available in the factory team, it is believed that Aldeguer wants to remain at Gresini, although VR46 has also shown interest in his services.
Even if he stays put next year, Nadia Padovani’s team will have to decide who will partner him at the start of the new regulations cycle.
VR46
VR46’s rider line-up is also a major question mark, but team boss Uccio Salucci offered the clearest indication at the Thailand Grand Prix, where he revealed that the squad is considering pairing a youngster with an experienced campaigner. Such a strategy places pressure on current riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio, with at least one of them likely to lose their seat unless they can meet the team’s expectations.
VR46 is believed to be targeting Aldeguer for 2027 after he finished as the top rookie last year, but it remains to be seen whether he will join the Italian outfit.
Aprilia
After enjoying its most successful season in MotoGP history, Aprilia wasted little time signing a new deal with the rider who scored three of its four wins last year: Marco Bezzecchi.
While not officially confirmed, it is expected that Bagnaia will team up with Bezzecchi next year. Aprilia will hope a change of environment helps Bagnaia rediscover his form, much as Bezzecchi rebounded from a difficult 2024 season after leaving VR46.
Bagnaia’s arrival would also give Aprilia an all-Italian rider line-up.
Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Racing
Trackhouse
Little is known about Trackhouse’s plans for next year. While 2025 Australian GP winner Raul Fernandez is enjoying the form of his life, it is understood that he still doesn’t have any offers on the table for 2027. Ai Ogura’s future is also uncertain, despite the Japanese rider making an encouraging start to the current season.
The uncertainty about Trackhouse’s rider line-up comes amid Motorsport.com’s report that team owner Justin Marks is looking to sell a stake in the outfit - a move that could ultimately influence its rider decisions.
KTM
KTM is set to start the 2027 MotoGP season with a completely new rider pairing. With Acosta all but confirmed to be joining Ducati, the Austrian marque is believed to have lured Alex Marquez to lead the outfit next year. Maverick Vinales is expected to step up from Tech3 next year to partner the younger Marquez, effectively replacing Brad Binder in the factory team.
This means that KTM will have two race winners in its line-up next year.
Tech3
Tech3 entered a new chapter this year following a takeover led by ex-Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner. How that influences its rider line-up next year remains unclear, but it is likely that Binder will join the team for 2027 after stepping down from the factory KTM squad.
It remains to be seen whether Enea Bastianini will be retained alongside him.
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing
Honda
Honda set the rider market in motion by securing the services of 2021 world champion Quartararo, although neither party has formally announced the agreement.
The Japanese manufacturer is yet to decide who will partner Quartararo next season. Current rider Luca Marini might be off to new pastures after holding talks with Yamaha in Thailand, but that does not automatically guarantee that Joan Mir will retain the second seat. While Mir is certainly under consideration, the factory could also promote a youngster from Moto2, with David Alonso among the names that have been mentioned.
LCR
In September last year, Johann Zarcosigned a two-year deal with LCR Honda, becoming the first rider to publicly confirm his future for MotoGP’s next rule cycle. Zarco will still have to improve his level, though, after his form noticeably dipped in the second half of 2025 following the highs of Le Mans and Silverstone.
Rookie Diogo Moreira has shown promising signs so far and he appears well placed to retain his seat for 2027.
Yamaha
Jorge Martin is likely to end his two-year association with Aprilia and join Yamaha’s factory squad in 2027. In that manner, the Iwata-based brand will replace one world champion (Quartararo) with another.
No decision has been made regarding Yamaha’s second rider, but Alex Rins will have to up his game to earn another season with the factory.
Marini, who is known for his technical prowess, could partner Martin after holding talks with the management at Buriram.
Pramac
Pramac’s rider line-up is far from finalised, but it is very likely that three-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will remain with the team in 2027, when Pirelli becomes MotoGP’s official tyre supplier.
Jack Miller’s future is less clear, but amid broader changes in Yamaha’s structure, the Australian’s experience could help him land another contract with Pramac.
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing
Jack Miller, Pramac Racing, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing
WICHITA, KANSAS - DECEMBER 9: The Final Testament celebrate their win during Monday Night RAW at Intrust Bank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images) | WWE via Getty Images
Gzim Selmani, a former WWE and NXT tag team champion, is ready to make his mark on the BKFC world, and is ready for everybody — including the new BKFC heavyweight champ.
Selmani makes his long-awaited promotional debut this Saturday at BKFC Newcastle against Daniel Curtin. Prior to his WWE run as one-half of the Authors of Pain tag team, Selmani was an up-and-coming talent competing for the likes of Bellator and BAMMA, doing so before the age of 20, where he compiled a 4-2 pro MMA record.
It was assumed Selmani would compete at KnuckleMania 6 earlier this year, but the promotion held off on his debut – which Selmani understood. In the main event, former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski stopped Ben Rothwell to capture the BKFC title. Selmani watched the fight and wasn’t surprised by how it went down.
“Yeah, it was a good fight,” Selmani told MMA Fighting. “It went like I thought it was going to go. I know Ben Rothwell was dangerous with his right hand, but that’s kind of what he counts on every fight, and Arlovski’s more in and out, throwing the combinations. And yeah, if you just wait for one punch, that’s what’s going to happen.
“It’s fighting. It’s kind of easy, so it went like I thought it was going to go and yeah, kudos to Andrei Arlovski. After what he’s been going through with his medical battles, his personal life, it’s amazing seeing a legend in the fight game conquer a sport like this
“All due respect, but if we face in the future, it won’t go like that.”
Without a BKFC bout under his belt just yet, and with Arlovski carrying a massive experience advantage, Selmani was asked why things would be different if he shared the BKFC squared circle with “The Pitbull.”
“You know, I don’t fight like Ben Rothwell waiting for one punch,” Selmani explained. “I’m a fighter that goes in there and in and out, throws combinations, hard, hard hitting, and, yeah, I’m a completely different fighter than Ben Rothwell, so wouldn’t go like this [other] fighter.”
Since BKFC signed Selmani, no one has put it over more than the biggest start in UFC history, and current BKFC co-owner Conor McGregor.
McGregor has made it a point to promote Selmani joining the promotion, and his upcoming fight with a series of social media posts and comments to make sure fans are ready for what they are about to see.
“The Albanian Psycho” can’t help but be thrilled with the type of hype he’s getting from McGregor, and he hopes to make sure that it’s not wasted when he faces Curtin this Saturday, who also makes his BKFC debut.
“It’s always good seeing the boss support you like this, and he knows what I’m capable of,” Selmani said. “He knows my fight career before WWE and he knows how I’m training right now. He keeps an eye out and he keeps in check, so he knows what I’m capable of and what I’m doing in training camp, what I’m doing to sparring partners, and he’s very excited.
“He’s very excited and he’s, at the end of the day, he’s a businessman and he knows what he’s got in his hands with me. So, yeah, it’s normal that he’s going to push it a little bit more than a different fighter.”
Location: Hawks Field at Haymarket Park, Lincoln, NE
Dates: March 13th-14th
Times (all CDT): Friday @ 6pm, Saturday **Double Header** @ 1pm and 4pm
Head Coaches: Nick Derba(9th season, 176-255) & Will Bolt (7th season, 181-131-1)
TV/Stream: B1G+
Radio: All Nebraska games on Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, Huskers App
Update for our series VS Maine. 🔔
A ticket to Saturday's game is good for both games of the doubleheader, ticket holders for Sunday's game can exchange their tickets for GA seating to one of the remaining regular-season home games while supplies last.
It’s the one weekend a year we get to curse Wisconsin for not having a baseball team. Well, who am I kidding… we should do that every week. Them not having a team makes for an odd number of conference teams and gives a random break in conference play for teams to play a non conference foe. It’s hard to get a good team to come to town with conference play going in most other leagues. Oregon State last year was a a rare get with the collapse of the PAC-12 empire. This year the Maine Bears come to town.
Nebraska and Maine are going in two opposite directions. Nebraska hasn’t lost since returning home, going 6-0 against admittedly teams they should have gone 6-0 against. The pitching staff has been great, not allowing more than 4 earned runs in any of those games. The bats seem to be getting warm too. Different guys have been stepping up to either win games, or blow games open early, for back to back run rule victories for the Big Red. Its hard to see any of these trends reversing this weekend.
The Maine baseball program has had a pretty good baseball history. They had a run of 5 CWS appearances out of 6 years in the early 80s (7 CWS in total). They last made a regional in 2023 at Miami as a 4 seed and went 0-2. Their most famous baseball alum is Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros Gold Glove short stop and 2022 World Series MVP as a rookie taking over for Carlos Correa.
It’s been a rough start to 2026 for Maine. Things looked ok after the first day at the ballpark. They split a doubleheader with a good Duke team, losing 8-3 then winning 4-3. Since then, they have only a lone win against High Point (who was 1 run away from sweeping #9 Florida last weekend). They come into Lincoln on a 10 game losing streak. They haven’t played a game at home yet, and won’t until March 27th. They often take up residence in a state for a week and play multiple teams. They will do that again this week, playing Omaha on Monday before flying back to the northeast.
Game 1: RHP Ty Horn (0-0, 3.10 ERA) vs. RHP Jason Krieger (0-3, 8.85 ERA)
Game 2: RHP Carson Jasa (2-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. RHP Vaun Larisa (0-1, 5.23 ERA)
Game 3: RHP Gavin Blachowicz (2-1, 2.41 ERA) vs. RHP Gianni Gambardella (1-3, 9.16 ERA)
For the first time all season, a weekend starter turned in a quality start, and it was contagious. Ty Horn did what the coaches have been preaching for a while, and stopped hunting for strikeouts to get deeper into games. He used his defense well, inducing by far a season high 9 groundouts. Horn had only 2 strikeouts on the day, but went for 101 pitches over 7 innings, and gave up only 1 run. That sounds like a good start to any weekend to me.
Carson Jasa had quite the Saturday afternoon. He faced 24 batters and only 8 were able to get the ball in play. He gave up 3 hits and had 3 groundouts and 2 fly outs. 9 strikeouts were something to behold, but the 6 walks were a disaster waiting to happen. In one inning he loaded the bases on walks with a wild pitch thrown in there, then struck out the final 3 batters. Somehow in all that, he gave up no earned runs, so not a bad day at the office for someone still learning his craft.
Championship Sunday saw quite the bounce back performance by Gavin Blachowicz. After a rough day in Auburn, Alabama last week, he exploded for a career high 11 strikeouts and gave up only 1 walk. He pitched a complete game in the 7 inning run rule matchup against Michigan State. He filled up the zone more than ever before, throwing 66 out of a career high 95 pitches for strikes. He keeps going like that and there will be a lot of happy faces on Championship Sundays.
The Bears lost their two workhorse starters from a year ago. One, the conference pitcher of the year ended up being a 4th round draft pick and the other transferred to Penn State. This has led to huge problems on the mound for the Bears. Jason Krieger didn’t pitch in 2025 due to injury. But was a member of the All-Freshman team in 2024 as a starting pitcher leading Maine in ERA (5.26) and strikeouts (54) in 13 starts and 65 innings. He got rocked by High Point, but otherwise pitches about 5 innings and giving up 3-5 runs.
Senior Vaun Larisa has had the best outings of any Maine pitcher in his last 2 outings out of the bullpen, so the coaches are giving him a shot at starting again. He had been taken out of the rotation after giving up 6 runs in 5.1 innings to High Point. Sunday starter Gianni Gambardella was an all conference pitcher each of his first 3 season at Maine. This season started ok as he held Duke and High Point to 6 runs over 10+ innings. Lately however has been rough. 13 combined runs in 8.1 innings against Dayton and Winthrop. If anyone can right the ship and have a surprise game in Lincoln, its probably him.
Scouting Report
Despite having to replace upwards of 7 starters in the lineup, offense has not been a big issue for the Black Bears. In fact, their reliance on newcomers has been rewarded with conference freshman of the week honors in each of the first 4 weeks.
Freshman Troy Carpenter was a huge get for the Bears. The man D1Baseball picked as America East Freshman of the Year followed his high school coach from IMG Academy up to Maine where his is now pitching coach. Carpenter started hot, piling up hits and RBIs against Duke and High Point on his way to back to back America East Rookie of the Week honors. He’s come back to earth a bit, batting .259 now with 2 doubles, 5 home runs and a team leading 15 RBIs.
Two other freshman are making some waves in the past week. The Vermont Player of the Year in 2025, 6’6” Rex Hauser has finally broken out in the batter box, he has 6 hits in his last 4 games after going hitless in his first 5 games. Oh by the way, 3 of those 6 hits were home runs. Look out for him in Lincoln if he gets ahold of one. Joining him on a hot streak is first baseman Hunter St. Denis. In 3 games at Dayton, he had 4 hits, including a double and 2 home runs to go with 5 RBIs. Add 2 walks and 2 hit by pitches and he was a menace in the batters box. That was good enough for his turn as Rookie of the Week.
Four-straight Rookie of the Week honors for your Black Bears 🤩
Even with the youth movement, the main threat for Maine is former Georgia Southern and Missouri grad transfer outfielder Juju Stevens. He leads the team in nearly every offensive category except RBIs, not surprising as he is the leadoff batter. He is batting .358 with 5 doubles and 6 home runs, but only 8 RBIs to show for all those extra base hits. He does not strike out often, matching his home runs total with only 6 so far.
Closer Jack Donlin has been one of the lone bright spots in the really struggling bullpen. He won conference pitcher of the week honors in week 1, striking out 4 of the 9 batters he faced in 2 appearances at Duke and picking up a save. They don’t always save him for the end of the game though. Expect to see him twice this weekend, in especially crucial points.
Starting the season off with a pair of conference honors 💯
Pierce Friedman is another pitcher that they like to turn to once a series to try and calm things down. He can be rather hit or miss, and its usually apparent right away if hes going to be wild or on-point. He fills up the stat sheet. In 11 innings pitched, he has 11 strikeouts, 10 walks, 10 hits and 11 earned runs.
The Maine defense is average, sporting a .973 fielding percentage on the year, good for 116 in the country.
Series History
The two teams have never met on the diamond.
On Deck
Dylan Carey led the nation in hits prior to the NDSU game, and now sits 2nd with 31 on the season.
Mac Moyer is 33rd in the country in batting avg at .444 and 31st in OBP at .565. He currently had a15 game on-base streak.
Nebraskas best start at home is 8-0 in 2019. They are currently 6-0 heading into the weekend.
Husker pitchers have combined for 14 strikeouts in 4 games out of 16 to start 2026. They only did that 6 times in 2024 and 2025 combined.
Jordan Spieth has been working incredibly hard on making changes to his golf swing during the off-season.
Incredibly, the 32-year-old from Dallas is without a win on the PGA Tour since April 2022.
He has endured terrible problems with his long game over the past few years and the same can be said of his putting.
During Jordan Spieth‘s struggles on the PGA Tour, current world number one Scottie Scheffler has gone from strength to strength, with 20 wins including four major championships to his name since February 2022.
However, it has been claimed that his recent swing changes are pointless…
Jordan Spieth told he has made a ‘pointless’ swing change
Spieth recently predicted that he’s only a couple of months away from playing his very best golf once again, as quoted by The Golfing Gazette.
“I think my consistency is going to continue to be really good and then, you know, having my best be better and better, you know, hopefully it’s a matter of months and not longer, maybe weeks,“ Spieth said.
However, in order to rediscover his best form, Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray has claimed that the man from Dallas, Texas, needs to change his grip.
“I wish he would change his grip,“ Murray suggested.
“Jordan Spieth…look at Scottie Scheffler, the way he grips the club, and the way Spieth does, and Spieth has made changes with a poor grip.
“I don’t see the point in that, but it’s hard to criticise someone with such a good record.“
However, Rich Beem didn’t agree with Murray’s suggestion at all.
Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images
“Yeah, it’s almost, I think it’d almost be impossible, at his age, to really go through it,“ the 2002 PGA Championship winner said.
“That would take quite some time. I think the grip size might have to change too, if he’s going to change his grip on the golf club.“
Jordan Spieth advised to copy Scottie Scheffler
Murray interjected again, suggesting that Spieth should try a training aid that Scheffler uses.
“You know what? One thing a Scheffler’s got is that moulded grip that he uses every day,” the Sky Sports commentator said.
“And I think he should get a hold of that.
“He could do it a lot quicker than we imagine.“
The Beem weighed in on the matter for a second time.
“Well, that is one of those foreign things, though,“ the American said.
“I think since we were kids, we learned, you know, if you start off with a poor grip, all of a sudden, you’re hard working at it, and it never quite feels like you want it to.“
I have to say, Beem has got this one spot on. Every golfer knows just how difficult it is to change your grip.
Even a slight change to the way that you hold the club can make it feel completely alien in your hands.
If Spieth is to improve, he should work on the path of his clubface, rather than changing his grip, in my opinion.
12 Italy players to watch in Inter vs. Atalanta ahead of World Cup play-off
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is making his final assessments ahead of the World Cup play-off, and next weekend’s Serie A clash between Inter and Atalanta will give the Azzurri boss the chance to closely monitor 12 players who could be part of his squad.
Serie A table leaders Inter host Atalanta tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, at San Siro.
Both Nerazzurri sides have several players expected to be part of the Italy squad later this month, when the Azzurri will be involved in the World Cup play-offs. Others are in contention to get a spot in the squad that Gattuso will confirm next week.
As reported by Il Giorno (via FCInternews), the Inter players whom Gattuso will closely watch are Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Barella, Davide Frattesi, and Federico Dimarco.
Dimarco, Bastoni and Esposito seem to have a guaranteed spot. Barella is also a regular in the Azzurri squad, but recent reports have suggested that his drop in form has caused concern for the Azzurri CT. The same goes for Frattesi, who is nowhere near the Inter starting XI.
Matteo Darmian and Francesco Acerbi are unlikely to be called up.
Several Atalanta players also hope to be part of the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-offs.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Giorgio Scalvini is surely among the candidates in defence, and so are Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori, even if the latter is currently injured and might not recover in time.
Other Italian Atalanta players who received regular playing time this season are Davide Zappacosta, Lorenzo Bernasconi and Raoul Bellanova.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semi-final play-off in Bergamo on March 26, and if they progress to the final, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(Original Caption) Frank "Home Run" Baker (left), who was once as bright a star with a bat as Mickey Mantle is today, poses with Mantle at the Yankee Stadium as the old-timers had their inning today. Former stars of the Yankees and the Chicago White Sox donned their uniforms and enjoyed the roar of the crowd once again before the game between the Yankees and the Chisox. The Mantle bat is a special job.
When you see someone dubbed with the nickname “Home Run” and then compare that to their career total of 96 homers, you might think that was an ironic title. Maybe it was a joke like when a big guy gets nicknamed “Tiny.” However for his time Frank “Home Run Baker” was a prolific slugger, leading the league in homers on four occasions. It’s just that his era was directly before and then overlapping a certain Babe Ruth, who proceeded to blow Baker and everyone else’s tallies out of the water.
However, Baker was very rightly a star of his era and was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame, for his work with the Yankees and the then-Philadelphia Athletics. Today is also his birthday, so let’s look back on the man dubbed “Home Run.”
John Franklin “Home Run” Baker Born: March 13, 1886 (Trappe, MD) Died: June 28, 1963 (Easton, MD) Yankees Tenure: 1916-19, 1921-22
Baker was born in 1886 in a town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, not far from the Chesapeake Bay. He was born into a farming family, and spent many years of his youth working the farm. Doing all that hard work on the farm helped Baker develop into a muscular young man, who first started to make waves on the baseball field while playing for his high school.
In high school, Baker was a pitcher and an outfielder, and caught some scouts’ eyes. He was signed by a local semipro team, where he was moved to third base, which would become the only defensive position he would ever play in the major leagues.
After a couple seasons playing semipro ball, Baker received a tryout with the then-minor league Baltimore Orioles of the Eastern League in 1907. While a run with Baltimore wasn’t on the card, Baker did sign professionally for 1908, joining the Reading Pretzels of the Tri-State League. Putting up a .299 batting average and a .417 slugging percentage, Baker was noticed by Philadelphia Athletics legendary manager Connie Mack. With Hall of Famer Jimmy Collins nearing the end of his career, Mack was looking for a young third baseman to take his place, and gave Baker a try, purchasing his contract from Reading in September. In eight games at the end of 1908, Baker hit just well enough for Mack to not only keep him around, but to install him as the regular third baseman for the A’s in 1909.
In Philadelphia, Baker would become a star and one of the key cogs in the A’s dynasty of the early years of the World Series. In seven seasons from 1908-14, he put up 40.9 fWAR and 42.2 rWAR, including a 1912 season that was worth 9.1 and 9.3 respectively. He led the league in home runs every year from 1911-14. It’s just that, again, the highest of those totals was 12 as it was the Deadball Era. The A’s won four AL pennants in that time and won the World Series title in 1910, 1911, and 1913. In all three of those victories, Baker OPSed over 1.000 for the series. Had the World Series MVP Award existed then, he would’ve had an especially good argument in ’11, as he hit a couple crucial home runs (the real spark for his amusing-in-hindsight nickname), including one in their clinching Game 6 win that ended up providing the series-winning runs.
After a World Series loss in 1914, Mack began to sell off several of the pieces from the previous championship teams. While he attempted to keep hold of Baker, the slugger was looking for a pay raise, having been one of the heroes of the A’s recent successes. However on the other side of the negotiating table was the notoriously stringy Mack. Both sides were also quite stubborn and stuck to their guns. In the end neither side budged, and Baker ended up sitting out the entire 1915 season. Eventually, AL president Ban Johnson put some pressure on Mack to try and resolve the situation of one of the league’s stars, which ended with Baker being sold to the Yankees ahead of the 1916 season.
In New York, Baker hit the ground running, putting up a 130 wRC+ in 1916, even with having sat out the entire previous season. He continued to be a very steady bat for them over the next several seasons, as the Yankees turned from a cellar dweller in the early 1910s to a contender by the end of the decade.
Tragedy struck in 1920, as during that offseason, Baker’s wife passed away after a scarlet fever outbreak. Devastated, Baker sat out the entire season, which was also Babe Ruth’s first in the Bronx. Towards the end of that year, he eventually began to get the itch again, and eventually rejoined the team for the 1921 season.
However this time, taking an entire season off led to some rust. The now 35-year old Baker was a below average hitter for the first time in his career, although he did help the team to their first ever AL pennant in 1921. Despite his previous postseason heroics, Baker struggled this time around, recording just two hits as they lost to the Giants. He returned to the Yankees the following year, but in more of a bench role. He again helped the Yankees to the World Series, but got just one at-bat in another series loss.
After that season, Baker decided to hang it up, just narrowly missing the Yankees finally getting over the hump in 1923. Still, he had been a major part of the team building up to get in position to win the championship. Over his six seasons in New York, he put up 19.2 fWAR and 20.6 rWAR. Following his playing career, he returned to his native Maryland and spent some time as a minor-league manager, including giving a pro debut to future Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx and helping connect him with Mack, his old A’s skipper. He was later voted into the Hall himself, by the Veterans Committee in 1955. He eventually passed away in 1963.
It’s somewhat funny that someone got the nickname “Home Run” immediately before there was a huge jump in homers, making his record look paltry. Make no mistake though, for his era, Home Run Baker was absolutely a feared slugger.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen speaks with General Manager Chris Ballard before the first day of training camp practice Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield, Indiana.
This offseason has felt a little different for the Colts. Not necessarily because of the individual moves themselves, but because of what those moves suggest about the direction of the team.
Normally when a team signs players or restructures contracts, it feels like normal roster building. A couple depth signings here, an extension there, maybe a splash move if the opportunity presents itself. The Colts have operated that way for most of Chris Ballard’s tenure. They’ve typically preferred patience, building through the draft, and avoiding the kind of contracts that can cripple a roster years down the road.
But this offseason doesn’t feel like a patient, long-term build. It feels like a team that is clearly building for one specific season.
2026.
Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen are not entering this year with unlimited runway. Another season hovering around .500 and missing the playoffs certainly ends their time in Indianapolis. Even making the playoffs might not be enough if the Colts sneak in and then get bounced immediately in a non-competitive game.
At some point the “we’re building something” phase has to turn into actual results.
So when you step back and look at the decisions the Colts have made so far this offseason, they start to make a lot more sense through that lens. The front office isn’t operating with a five-year horizon right now. They’re trying to assemble the best possible roster for this coming season, even if that means pushing financial consequences into future years.
Of course, this is obvious. Ballard is building a team to save his job, but what he’s forgetting will hurt him if he somehow manages to keep it past 2026.
Contracts are being structured to keep the cap manageable today. Money is being pushed into 2027 and 2028. Depth is being added quickly to plug obvious holes. This isn’t the careful, methodical team-building approach Ballard has talked about for years.
And once you look at the offseason through that lens, the biggest move of all makes a lot more sense.
Daniel Jones.
Once the Colts decided they were bringing Jones back, the rest of the offseason essentially flowed from that decision. And while the contract structure they used helps keep the cap hit manageable for 2026, the deal still leaves a bit of a strange feeling.
In theory, the Colts had other options at quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa could have been acquired for around $1.5 million. Kyler Murray might be available for under $7 million. Geno Smith was another potential option at roughly $3.3 million. The Colts even could have traded for Mac Jones and paid roughly $4 million for the season.
None of those options would have been perfect solutions. But they all likely would have been cheaper than committing roughly $44 million per year to Daniel Jones.
Instead, the Colts doubled down on the quarterback who played well for roughly two months in Shane Steichen’s system last season.
To be fair, that stretch clearly meant a lot inside the building. For the first time in a while, the Colts’ offense actually looked comfortable. The ball came out accurately on time, the system flowed the way it was supposed to, and Jones seemed to understand exactly what Steichen was asking him to do.
For a franchise that has spent years searching for stability at quarterback since Andrew Luck retired, that kind of stretch probably felt meaningful.
But it’s also hard to ignore the context.
Jones was coming off an Achilles injury, which should naturally limit his market to some degree. Yet the Colts moved quickly and paid him like a team that believed multiple suitors were waiting behind them.
That’s where the whole situation starts to feel like the Colts were negotiating against themselves.
The contract was structured creatively to reduce the immediate cap hit for 2026, which allows the team to build the roster around him this year. But that flexibility comes with consequences down the road. Jones is scheduled to carry a massive cap hit of roughly $46 million in 2027 and around $26 million in 2028, which is technically a void year.
If the Colts want to keep him beyond that point, they would need to renegotiate the deal or extend him again.
In other words, the Colts created cap space for today by pushing a lot of the financial weight into tomorrow. They’ve also been doing that with a lot of other players, so those 2027 and 2028 cap hits are getting pretty big already.
The best way to describe it is like high cholesterol. It’s manageable for now, but if it’s ignored for too long, it eventually becomes a real problem.
That fits perfectly with the overall theme of this offseason. The Colts are not really building for 2027 or 2028 right now.
They’re building for December and January of 2027.
Of course, the entire gamble only works if Jones is actually healthy.
Jones has said he expects to be ready by training camp. If he returns by August 1st, that would put his recovery timeline at roughly 235 days after surgery, just over eight months. That’s ambitious!
It’s not impossible, but Achilles recoveries are notoriously unpredictable. If Jones comes back on schedule and looks like the same quarterback he was during that stretch last season, the deal becomes much easier to justify. But if the recovery drags on or his mobility never quite returns, the contract could become uncomfortable very quickly.
The other major piece of the offseason was keeping Alec Pierce.
We don’t have the full details of Pierce’s contract yet, but it’s safe to assume the Colts also backloaded his contract significantly. Pierce strikes me as a receiver who probably should command somewhere in the $23–25 million per year range, but got 28M.
Still, keeping him was extremely important for this team, so the overpay was justifiable.
Pierce was the Colts’ best receiver last season. His ability to stretch the field vertically forces defenses to play differently. With Pierce on the outside, Josh Downs working underneath, and Tyler Warren emerging as another legitimate weapon, the Colts have three receiving options that can stress defenses in different ways.
That kind of continuity matters, especially when you’re committing to the same quarterback and offensive system.
The path to keeping Pierce, however, was unnecessarily complicated.
Earlier in the month, Ballard used the transition tag on Daniel Jones instead of Alec Pierce. That decision briefly reduced the chances of keeping both players and created a window where Pierce could have realistically tested the open market.
In the end, the Colts got the outcome they wanted. Pierce is back, and the offense retains the core group of weapons that made it functional last season.
But the process leading up to that result was far messier than it needed to be.
And like several other decisions this offseason, it felt like a move driven more by urgency than long-term planning.
Beyond those two headline moves, the Colts quietly made a series of depth additions along the defensive line.
Michael Clemons, Colby Wooden, Derrick Nnadi, and Arden Key might not be headline-grabbing names, but collectively they address what was arguably the team’s thinnest position group.
The idea seems fairly clear. Instead of relying on one superstar pass rusher, the Colts appear to be building a deeper rotation of capable defensive linemen.
Seattle won a Super Bowl with that type of formula. New England built a team last year with no names in the front 7 and went to a Super Bowl on the backs of those players. Constant waves of fresh defensive linemen can wear down offensive lines over the course of a game.
Right now, the Colts potentially have six or seven playable defensive linemen between Buckner, Stewart, Latu, Clemons, Wooden, Nnadi, and Key.
The goal from here is probably to find one more legitimate pass rusher to complement Latu and add another rotational piece if needed.
Not every move this offseason made perfect sense though.
Letting Nick Cross walk was puzzling.
If Cross simply didn’t want to return, that ends the discussion. But if there was any interest in keeping him, the contract he signed with Washington — two years for up to $14 million — feels extremely reasonable.
Now the Colts have another hole at safety that they’ll need to fill.
Braden Smith’s deal with Houston was another situation where the price simply became too high. I had him pegged as a player who should command roughly $7–9 million per year, so seeing him land closer to $12 million annually was a bit surprising.
Even so, the Colts still need a legitimate option to compete with Jalen Travis at right tackle.
The offensive line depth overall is not particularly strong right now, which becomes concerning if injuries start piling up during the season.
Normally, a team could address a lot of roster holes through the draft.
But the Colts don’t have the luxury of a full slate of picks this year. Their first selection doesn’t come until pick 47, which makes it significantly harder to find immediate-impact starters.
And Ballard’s recent draft track record doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
The last three second-round picks were JT Tuimoloau, Adonai Mitchell, and JuJu Brents. Two of those players are already off the roster, and Tuimoloau has struggled to become a meaningful contributor.
That doesn’t mean the Colts can’t find good players this year.
But expecting the draft class to immediately solve several roster holes might be optimistic.
Right now, the Colts still have some clear needs.
Defensively, they could use another starting-caliber edge rusher, both off-ball linebacker spots need attention, and there’s a hole at safety.
Offensively, the team still needs another wide receiver to replace Michael Pittman Jr., better depth along the offensive line, and ideally a reliable backup running back.
That’s roughly six positions that still need to be addressed if the Colts want to realistically look like a playoff-caliber roster.
So where does that leave the team overall?
Honestly, somewhere in the middle.
If Daniel Jones comes back healthy and plays the way he did during that stretch last season, the offense should be functional. With Pierce, Downs, Warren, and Jonathan Taylor, there are enough weapons for the system to work.
If the offensive line holds up and the defensive line rotation produces consistent pressure, the Colts could absolutely win the division and position themselves for a favorable playoff matchup.
But the margin for error is extremely thin.
If Jones isn’t healthy, or if his play regresses, everything else becomes irrelevant very quickly.
The Colts are not a roster that can overcome poor quarterback play.
And that’s ultimately what makes this entire offseason feel so interesting.
Chris Ballard is building this roster with urgency. Contracts are backloaded. Cap space is being borrowed from the future.
It feels like a front office trying to assemble one good roster before the clock runs out.
Whether that gamble pays off will depend almost entirely on one thing:
The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes meet in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament on Friday at the United Center in Chicago. Tip-off is scheduled for noon ET and will be streaming on The Big Ten Network.
Mar 8, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) shoots on Michigan State Spartans forward Jordan Scott (6) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Michigan enters the Big Ten quarterfinals with a 29-2 record and a 19-1 conference mark, the best record in the league this season. The Wolverines secured the No. 1 seed in the tournament after cruising through the regular season, sweeping their conference schedule and capturing the outright Big Ten title. Their consistency on both ends of the floor has made Michigan one of the most complete teams in the nation, and they enter the postseason as a major contender with championship aspirations.
Ohio State arrives with momentum after making a strong push through the tournament bracket. The Buckeyes hold a 21-11 overall record and have won three straight games in the Big Ten Tournament to reach this stage. Their most recent victory came in a tight quarterfinal-round win over Iowa, showcasing the resilience and confidence the team has built during this postseason run.
Although Ohio State struggled to match Michigan during the regular season, the Buckeyes are playing some of their best basketball at the right time. Their recent stretch of wins has strengthened their NCAA Tournament résumé, and knocking off the conference’s top seed would provide a significant statement heading into Selection Sunday.
This will be a great rivalry matchup to kick off Friday’s NCAA college basketball slate.
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Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) is pressured by Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) and guard Jestin Porter (1) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The easy thing to do here is to take the negative. It’s a loss, and a loss in this tournament always hurts because the next loss will be their last. There are plenty of negatives to look at, starting with an 18 point deficit in the second half that was just too much to overcome.
Yet if you want to take a hit of copium, you can for this reason: they only lost by one, and in multiple situations when it looked like it was easy for them to give up, they fought back. So how much do we read into this game, as the next time we see the team it’ll be the first round of the NCAA Tournament? Let’s attempt three takeaways:
The bench is going to have to contribute
Jonathan Powell, Zayden High, Jayden Young, and Kyan Evans played a total of 35 minutes and scored all of five points. Now, the number is going to look pretty skewed when compared to the first game just nine days ago because it was Senior Night and Elijah Davis started instead of Luka Bogavac, so his 20 points off the bench made it look like a much bigger portion of the offense. Ultimately though, when you are missing the likes of a Caleb Wilson you can’t just get contributions from the five staters. It’s a recipe for them to get worn out.
The irony here is that one of the biggest gripes of Hubert Davis coming into the year was that he tended to rely on his starters too much and not utilize his bench. Now to some extent the circumstances this year have forced these changes, but of the many complaints you can make about this year that isn’t one of them. The only starter who played over 35 minutes was Henri Veesaar, and as Clemson had all the size in the world to go up against the Tar Heels, it made complete sense why.
Perhaps the most alarming player from the bench is the third big, Zayden High. Against Clemson the first time he played fourteen minutes, got five boards and four points. On Thursday, though, High only had one basket, two boards, two fouls, and looked lost enough to earn time on the bench instead of in the action. He finished with a plus/minus of -8 in the game, second worst to Jayden Young’s -13.
It wouldn’t be shocking at this rate to see Davis revert back to leaning heavily on his starters, as the comeback in the second half really started in earnest when Veesaar came back into the game and didn’t leave at the under ten minute mark. Honestly, can someone on the bench step up?
Keep Derek Dixon
One of the biggest things that Davis deserves credit for: when it became clear that Derek Dixon was going to be the better playmaker for this team, he handed him the reins — even though you could argue it took a little too long for him to turn the team over. The signs were there, as Dixon would come off the bench but stick around for more minutes and play in crunch time — see the Ohio State win in the CBS Sports Classic. He showed his uncanny ability to turn it on late again on Thursday, hitting impossible three after impossible three, and was the biggest spark to get Carolina back into the game. On the intentional miss, Clemson made sure that the ball couldn’t end up in his hands.
In the old days of college basketball you’d look at Dixon as someone who could grow in your program and become the next in the line of the Marcus Paige, Joel Berry II, and RJ Davis group. Of course college basketball is different now, and he’s shown enough to command attention in the market. This is where having a GM is a positive, because Jim Tanner and Dixon’s representatives can talk immediately after the season, away from the emotions of the game, and you hope the chances of him staying — knowing what’s coming in — are good.
Dixon is a huge piece of the puzzle next year, and he showed it again last night. Going into a season knowing he’s starting and might be able to slide over to the Seth Trimble role could be massive, and his spirit in helping the comeback Thursday could give you room for hope.
You maybe don’t want to read TOO much from the ACC Tournament
We were all wanting Carolina to get the double bye. Getting another day of rest seemed huge, because of course to win the whole thing you want to only have to play three games instead of four.
The problem is — including Carolina’s loss Thursday — the four seed is only 10-10 overall in the ACC Tournament since the format went to 12 (or more) teams in 2006, after which point the four seed has necessarily faced a team that had at least one game under their belt. Of those ten wins, four of them came against a twelve or thirteen seed.
You saw it in each of the other three games on Thursday; each of the teams that played on Wednesday started strong. You could have legitimately seen all lower seeds advance, but in most cases the higher seed eventually got their legs under them and were able to pull it out. It’s also worth noting that Louisville beat Miami last weekend, and Miami was able to get their revenge. It’s different when you play a team that has momentum and also just played you in your current form and know how to adjust. It takes away the advantage of the short turnaround.
While a lot of the same issues for Carolina cropped up — guard play, long and inexplicable dry spells, lack of motivation for stretches — you also have to wonder about what the mindset is for this team that had to wait to be the last one to play. Do we get upset about the way they played when we saw all the higher seeds struggle — including Duke — or do we find a silver lining in seeing that Carolina was able to establish some momentum at the end of a game they were losing badly, and hope it might carry into next week? Would it have really helped to win and face a Duke squad that was going to be heavily favored, or have a game that felt like they could have won despite playing poorly for long stretches, and now have at least a week to chew on it as well as rest, practice, and hone in before the Big Dance?
In the end, you may not be able to fully judge this performance until we see how the season ultimately ends. If they make it to the Sweet 16? Maybe this is just what they needed. If they lose in the first round? More likely it was a sign of things to come.
Until then, all we can do is wait and see what seed they have and where they’ll end up.
After winning back-to-back World Series championships with the franchise, Anthony Banda said he was shocked when the Los Angeles Dodgers designated him for assignment in February.
The Dodgers designated Banda for assignment on Feb. 6 to make room on the 40-man roster for catcher Ben Rortvedt. Five days later, Los Angeles designated Rortvedt for assignment to open a roster spot for reliever Evan Phillips, who signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Dodgers.
“Don’t get me wrong I love that organization and everyone involved in it. They’ve done right by me, loved me. Everything about it was great,” Banda said on Foul Territory. “When I got the phone call, it was more like shock. I couldn’t get any words out. I was so shocked.”
"I couldn't get any words out. I was so shocked."
Anthony Banda recalls the moment he got the call from the Dodgers after being designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/2uFxev9vAs
The Minnesota Twins acquired Banda from the Dodgers on Feb. 12 in exchange for international bonus pool money and future considerations.
Banda Was Involved in Dodgers Trade Rumors
The Dodgers had multiple left-handed relievers in the bullpen, which made Banda a frequent name involved in trade rumors. Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski are all southpaws still in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Wrobleski has performed well in spring training and could join the starting rotation in 2026.
Banda said even though he was not expecting to be designated for assignment, he knew there was a possibility he would be traded.
“I wasn’t shocked in the sense of maybe a potential trade at some point. I’m not oblivious there’s a lot of lefties, and they’re really talented,” Banda said on Foul Territory.
The Twins mark the 13th MLB franchise Banda has been a part of throughout his career. Banda spent two seasons with the Dodgers in 2024 and 2025, which was his second-longest stint with an organization. He played three seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018-20.
With the Dodgers, Banda won two World Series championships. He posted a 1.13 ERA and 11 strikeouts through eight innings in the 2024 postseason run. In the 2025 postseason, Banda did not give up a run until he gave up six across 1.6 innings in the World Series.
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Anthony Banda (43) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning during game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
International baseball drama, rising Royals stars, and spring training momentum — this episode has it all.
In the latest episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break down the Kansas City Royals’ strong presence in the World Baseball Classic, highlighting standout performances and unforgettable moments from the tournament. From Vinnie Pasquantino’s leadership and celebratory espresso shots to Jac Caglianone’s eye-catching performances, the hosts explore how Royals players are making an impact on the global stage.
The conversation also dives into the evolving dynamics within Team USA, including player camaraderie, competitive tensions, and the high-energy environment surrounding the tournament. Jacob and Jeremy analyze key matchups, tournament rules like pitch limits and scheduling constraints, and offer predictions for upcoming quarterfinal games.
Back on the Royals front, the episode covers recent roster updates, including Michael Wacha’s return, bullpen outlooks, and injury news affecting both major league contributors and emerging prospects. The hosts also discuss the growing culture of international baseball, the significance of WBC collectibles and memorabilia, and how weather and logistics could impact the lead-up to Opening Day.
Whether you’re following the Royals’ players on the global stage or preparing for the upcoming MLB season, this episode provides insightful analysis, entertaining moments, and a passionate discussion of baseball’s international spotlight.
Yan Diomande: Bayern’s stance on Man United target emerges
Manchester United head into the clash against Aston Villa aiming to solidify their position in third place in the Premier League.
A win at Old Trafford on Sunday would open up a three-point gap between United and the fourth-placed visitors from Birmingham.
The Red Devils intend to overhaul their midfield in the summer, as well as bring in a new left-sided winger ahead of next season. As such, Champions League qualification would have a transformative impact on their transfer budget.
However, even without guaranteed European football, United are considered to be in a strong position to sign Bundesliga’s latest superstar.
Bayern Munich decide against making move for Yan Diomande
According to journalist Christian Falk (via Bayern Insider), Bayern Munich are “very much appreciative” of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is also wanted by Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, Diomande “no longer occupies a priority spot on Bayern’s transfer shortlist” ahead of the summer window.
It is claimed United have been “told they can sign ridiculous talent” as Bayern cannot afford to meet Leipzig’s demands. The Red Bull outfit want north of £86.2 million for the Ivorian.
Falk said: “He’s not off the list because he’s a poor player, but rather because he’s too good and too expensive!
“Bayern know how much RB Leipzig are looking for in a transfer fee (negotiations will start at €100m [£86.2m]) and it’s a lot! Certainly more than what Bayern are prepared to pay at the moment.”
Premier League clubs in lead for Yan Diomande
This development has been presented as “excellent news” for the Premier League giants, who are considered firm leaders in the race for Diomande.
The 19-year-old’s price tag is outrageous, to say the least. However, a player of his profile is exactly what United should be looking for.
Diomande, who is capable of playing on either wing, tends to hold the width and possesses explosive pace and dribbling ability to beat his man. He has scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in 27 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions.
Illinois Fighting Illini outside linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) sacks Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Carter Smith (5) at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Looking at the Steelers roster, it’d be reasonable to call the edge defender group one of the strengths of the team. With a top three of TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig — plus second-year player, Jack Sawyer, who managed 16 pressures and two sacks in 159 pass rush reps in 2025 — and you’d understand if the Steelers feel like they have other pressing needs in this year’s draft.
That would, however, be a short-sighted view. The best-run organizations take the long view with their roster building and prepare for all situations. For these Steelers, there are several factors at play that would make investing one or more of their 12 picks into the position a worthwhile endeavor:
Keeping everyone fresh. TJ Watt is showing signs of decline, and his 863 snaps in 2025 were ninth among edges, despite missing four games. Over the past two seasons, both Alex Highsmith (10 games) and Nick Herbig (6 games) have missed games with injuries, too. Adding to their edge depth could allow the Steelers to reduce wear-and-tear on their top guys and insure them better protection against injuries.
Speaking of Herbig, unless the Steelers reach an agreement on an extension, Herbig will be a free agent after this season. Early speculation projects Herbig could blow past Alex Highsmith’s current average annual value of $17 million on the open market.
Add that all together, and it’s unlikely the Steelers will have all three of Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig in 2027. The Steelers could save $16 million by cutting a 30-year-old Alex Highsmith ahead of 2027, or they could let Herbig walk. Watt is unlikely to be moved, as he would cost $52 million in dead cap in 2027, though that changes in 2028 when the Steelers could save $36 million by moving on. Regardless of what they do, having another promising edge already on the roster on a rookie contract would save Pittsburgh some headaches in an offseason where they are likely to need their top pick for a quarterback.
And beyond all that, when there is a draft class that is deep at a premium position, it’s good business to partake. We’ve all heard the adage “just take the best player available,” and there will likely be multiple times when that player is an edge while the Steelers are on the clock.
Should the Steelers agree, that makes edge a perfect fit for what this series is for. As always:
Any player selected for this list cannot be commonly mocked as a 1st round pick
I also avoid players who will have a profile written on BTSC. Paired with the previous rule, this year that disqualifies: Reuben Bain Jr., David Bailey, Keldric Faulk, Akheem Mesidor, Cashius Howell, TJ Parker, Zion Young, and R Mason Thomas.
Because this list is meant to dig deep into the draft, I will try my best not to give you a majority of second-rounders, though I’m not excluding that tier of prospect entirely.
*IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY* True pass sets:I will refer to them several times in this article. True pass sets are a subset of passing plays that exclude screens, throws under 2.5 seconds, play action, rollouts, as well as plays where the defense sends three or fewer rushers. These plays are considered to be poor representations of a player’s true pass-rushing skill because they are designed specifically to scheme easier looks and matchups for the offensive line. True pass sets will include all other plays, and all data is taken from PFF’s charting.
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Age: 21 (05-27-2004)
Height/weight: 6’4, 260 pounds
Arm Length: 33” and 78 7/8” wingspan
RAS: N/A
I’m a simple man. I root for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sundays. I like defense, and I like sacks. I like guys who hit hard and terrorize the quarterback. That’s why Jacas (pronounced Yak-us) is possibly my favorite player in the entire draft, regardless of position.
From a frame standpoint, Jacas is exactly what a prototypical Pittsburgh edge looks like. Tall, long limbs, and dense without appearing bulky. Comfortable putting his hand in the dirt or standing up, Jacas isn’t the twitchiest athlete, but he’s got enough speed to line up in the Wide-9 alignment the Steelers like to deploy. But what’s really intriguing about his game is the power. The more drafts I prepare for, the more I’m drawn to these power-rushing archetypes. I find they more reliably translate to the next level, and they tend to have longer careers, as this skillset rarely ages out as quickly as the speed guys do once they lose a step.
Gabe Jacas is an extremely strong DE from Illinois who offers some rush versatility along with the ability to redirect if an initial move fails. Jacas posted 27 Sacks over 50 career games in Champaign.#Illinois#NFLDraft#NFLCombinepic.twitter.com/EzE8Sr1bf9
If I had just two words to describe Jacas’ game, I’d choose “violent” and “relentless.” The former Illini’s feet never stop moving, and when he gets to the quarterback, he makes it count. His draft profile on the NFL’s website suggests his pro comparison is former Raven Matthew Judon.
Jacas doesn’t have the most elaborate toolbag of pass rush moves, but he’s got the power and short area burst that suits any pass rusher well. In the reel above, Jacas shows some signs of having a rip move, a euro-step, a bull rush, and most importantly, violent hand fighting that keeps him in most plays when paired with his leg drive and ability to push the pocket. Get him in a room with Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig, and I’m confident he’ll pick up some more tricks, just as Herbig did during his first two seasons. My favorite rush in the reel above comes at the 1:15 mark. Jacas flashes his inside hand like he’s going to get it into the tackle’s chest. This causes the tackle to throw a punch with no one home, and by then, Jacas has gotten enough depth that the tackle panics and pivots his back foot, ending up with his hips pointing upfield. That’s a death sentence for a tackle in pass protection, and Jacas is able to dip his shoulder and quickly corner to the quarterback.
Jacas has been incredibly productive as well. He had 12 sacks on the season, recording at least one sack in eight out of 12 games. A four-year starter, Jacas produced 142 pressures, 28 sacks, 31 QB hits, and forced six forced fumbles. In 2025, Jacas had a 24.1% pass rush win rate per PFF against true pass sets. And each season, Jacas has forced more fumbles than the previous year, and he even showed off this skill at Senior Bowl practices in Mobile.
Illinois EDGE Gabe Jacas beats Florida's Austin Barber to knock the ball out of Nussmeier's hand while trying to throw #SeniorBowlpic.twitter.com/p54zePOqvn
Lawrence has my vote for the most explosive pass rusher in this class. His get-off and motor are evident on tape, and the former UCF Knight demonstrated this further at the Combine, where he had 95-percentile or better results in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump, all indicators of an explosive lower body. His 1.59-second 10-yard split was also an 87-percentile mark.
Lawrence is also one of the better hand-fighters in the class, with a deep bag of counter moves. His speed-to-power ability could stand to improve some, but he was still highly productive in college, with 96 career pressures and 21 sacks. That included 40 pressures and seven sacks in 2025.
Lawrence broke out as a rotational runner in 2023, when he registered eight sacks on just 179 pass rush snaps. (4.5% sack rate). He took over as a starter in 2024, and while that rate, his raw sack totals were never quite as high, Lawrence produced more total pressures each season. His 34.7% pass rush win rate against true pass sets was also one of the top marks in this draft class, with only six notable 2026 prospects posting a higher mark: Nadame Tucker, David Bailey, Akeem Mesidor, Derrick Moore, R Mason Thomas, and Joshua Josephs.
When you size up Lawrence’s production and pair it with his athletic testing, he lands in some pretty decent company.
The only EDGE prospects since 2015 with an RAS > 9.89 and a sack rate > 4.0% in at least one college season..
We head back to power rusher mode as we look at one of the few prospects that finished with a higher win rate than Lawrence in 2025 against true pass sets, Derrick Moore (36.0%).
Moore made a big impression at the Senior Bowl where he was one of the more dominant players during the week. He showed off his plus-power early with this rep against the 6’9 and 346-pound Markel Bell on the first day of practice.
That rep is a good demonstration of the pass rusher you’re getting in Moore. He doesn’t have a very deep bag of pass rush moves, relying mostly on his power with bull rushes and single arm stabs. He’ll likely need to diversify his plan at the NFL level, but when it comes to pass rushers, sometimes it’s better to have one or two elite moves than having several moves but none that you’ve mastered.
#Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore is one of the most intriguing day 2 edge rusher prospects this year.
10 sacks and 41 pressures this past season, good size and overall power profile, limited pass rush moves but very strong bull rusher. pic.twitter.com/yHjY43Vwo8
And it’s hard to argue with the results for Moore. He generated 37 pressures as a first-year starter in 2024, which is certainly disruptive, but only three sacks left you wanting more. He leveled up in that regard in 2025, generating 41 pressures and collecting 11 sacks. In four years, he has 118 pressures, 21 sacks, 23 QB hits, and two forced fumbles.
The only P4 EDGE rushers since 2015 to win > 1/3 of their pass rush reps in true pass sets in a single season and at least one college season with a sack rate > 4.0%. Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore currently producing at a Tier 1/Tier 2 level..
Moore could also improve as a run defender. He has the skill and strength to do it at the NFL level, but he doesn’t always play with the same urgency against the run and at times can struggle to shed blocks. Still, when you see reps like the one below, you come away thinking he could develop into a plus-run defender in time.
Tim Keenan is able to absord the double and drive the OL back while Derrick Moore easily takes on the TE. American DL has been dominating the LOS in the run game pic.twitter.com/33ZKmXqr7D
Get-off and length are the traits that jump off the screen while watching Josephs. Right now, he’s mostly a traitsy projection with a lot of pressures, but room to improve as a finisher. His underlying pass-rush metrics look tantalizing, but the Volunteers heavily rotate their defensive line, meaning that despite being a two-year starter, Josephs checks in with fewer career pass-rush snaps (617) than all but one of the prospects on my list. In 2025, he generated 32 pressures on just 184 rush snaps, posted a 34.8% win rate against true pass sets, but had only five sacks. For his career, Josephs has 81 pressures, 11 sacks, 14 QB hits, and six forced fumbles.
#Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs has some of the most fun edge tape in the 2026 class.
Such an explosive get-off with a 34.3% pass rush win rate and 81 career pressures at Tennessee. His long-arms also created a lot of big-time forced fumbles. pic.twitter.com/bCjeRbyPnd
Josephs is a frenetic player, which can play to his favor at times, but he’s still fairly raw at this point in his development. At times, his hands and feet fail to work together. He also could stand to add some weight to his frame, as he lacks the power to hang in the run game consistently, despite showing flashes. These still-developing qualities are likely why Josephs is projected as a fringe top-100 player while having comparable highs to the other edges I’ve shared thus far. That could play into Pittsburgh’s favor if they’re unwilling to pick an edge defender with one of their first two or three picks.
The only P4 EDGE rushers since 2015 with a run defense grade > 90.0 and a pressure rate > 17.0% in at least one college season. Sorted by relative athletic score. Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs is trending towards a 'Tier 2' projection with a solid testing output..
I don’t know if I’ve unwittingly become an Iowa guy over the years, but I’ve had a “my guy” from Iowa each draft cycle dating back to Desmond King in the 2017 class — George Kittle was also in that class, but he wasn’t on my radar until the preseason that year. This year, that prospect is Max Llewellyn.
Llewellyn is a bit of an afterthought in a stacked class. He’s got the typical height and weight of an NFL edge, but he has slightly shorter arms. He’s athletic enough to hang at the NFL level, but he isn’t a freak athlete. He’s also a bit stiffer and upright compared to those I’ve presented to you previously. But as a projected fifth-round pick, that’s baked into his draft cost. While he might only be a part of a rotation as a pro, Llewellyn is effective enough against the run and the pass to find a spot on an NFL roster.
His pass-rush numbers are respectable, with 45 pressures, 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 2025 with a 24.5% win rate against true pass sets. For his career — which mostly consists of the past two seasons — Llewellyn produced 92 pressures, 14 sacks, and 20 QB hits.
Max Llewellyn (6’5 263) Iowa
+ Career highs with 45 pressures and 6.5 sacks during the 2025 season + 86.1 pass rush grade + Impressive spin move + 24.5% win rate on true pass sets + High effort player + Consistently gets his hands in passing lanes and looks to knock the ball… pic.twitter.com/NlEqcqBVba
Llewellyn also has a signature move, a fun spin move that he consistently finds success with.
Max Llewellyn leads this draft class with 27 spin move wins over the last 2 years. Gonna put the Shrine Bowl tackles in a blender pic.twitter.com/RoaIv5tpTm
Crawford is a fun developmental prospect who didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. As a result, he started off his college career at Arkansas State. He earned the starting job in his second year, which facilitated a transfer to Auburn and the SEC, where he also spent his first year in a smaller role before becoming the full-time starter in 2025. He created 43 pressures this season and had a 27.0% win rate against true pass sets, but managed just five sacks.
Auburn edge rusher Keyron Crawford is one of my favorite later-round edge otions in this draft class so far
– lethal 2 hand swipe – impressive run defender for his size, holds his ground against double teams at 255 lbs – twitchy athlete – pop in his hands pic.twitter.com/8095nAgfOZ
Crawford’s instincts are still developing, and he’s much better as a high-energy pass rusher than he is setting an edge against the run at this point in his development. A year or two in an NFL weight program and learning from a good staff could unlock his potential, but he’ll be a project. That could make the Steelers a fit late in the draft, as Crawford wouldn’t be expected to start in Pittsburgh.
Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Age: 22 (02-02-2004)
Height/weight: 6’3, 240 pounds
Arm Length: 301/4”, 801/8” wingspan
RAS: 8.72
Speaking of projection, Barham might be the biggest one in the 2025 draft with just 162 pass-rush snaps this past season, and only 424 in his college career. Our second Michigan edge on this list, Barham played primarily off-ball linebacker for the Wolverines the past two seasons — and for Maryland in 2022 and 2023 — but they began experimenting with him coming off the edge in 2025. He showed promise with a 20.0% win rate against true pass sets. However, Barham doubled his season pass rush snap total this year but still produced roughly the same amount of pressures (21) that he did on nearly half the reps he had in the three years prior. Barham had 82 pressures, 11 sacks, and 19 QB hits for his career.
Michigan LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham 6-foot-3, 240
Twitchy, versatile chess piece with experience as an off-ball LB and Edge defender. Fluid athlete in space; drops into coverage with relative ease and physically reroutes receivers. Brings the fight to the run game with violence on… pic.twitter.com/fEivSq4iZR
Barham could be a versatile player for the Steelers should they select him. Pittsburgh has needs at off-ball linebacker, and if he could provide depth as a pass rusher, even better. PFF gave Barham a 90.4 run defense grade in 2025 and a grade of 87.2 in 2024. While I don’t think those grades are the best barometer for a players skill, it doesn quickly communicate what Barham’s role could be as an early down linebacker and passing down rusher for the Steelers.
We’ll wrap up with a player that isn’t expected to be selected until late on Day 3, but hell, the Steelers have had luck drafting athletic edges from Wisconsin before (Watt, Herbig).
Reiger started his career at Louisville, redshirting in 2020. Between 2021-2023, Reiger was a rotational player for the Cardinals, generating 10 sacks and 42 pressures. A knee injury caused him to miss the entire 2024 season, and a transfer to Wisconsin followed. He would rise to a starter with the Badgers and created 45 pressures, six sacks, and seven QB hits in 2025, with a 23.0% win rate against true pass sets.
Est ce que j'ai un petit coup de cœur pour EDGE Mason Reiger ? Peut-être bien ! Sur le Day 3 il y a quelque chose à faire, certes il à 24 ans en Août mais le potentiel est bien présent et il y a de la place pour le développer. pic.twitter.com/xKOH0SePti
Not t0o dissimilarly from Herbig coming out of college, Reiger is more suited to be a situational pass rusher as a rookie. Reiger has a slender frame for an NFL edge, and he needs to add play strength to be able to set the edge against the run consistently. Still, he’s a twitchy athlete, demonstrated by his 1.61-second 10-yard split, 40” vertical, and 10’5 broad jump.
Plenty of attention will be paid to #Louisville EDGE Ashton Gillotte along their D-line, but I'd keep an eye on Mason Reiger as well, who had 5 sacks in a 6 game stretch late in the season for the Cardinals.
Time in an NFL weight training program, and a collection of great passing minds like the Steelers have, could turn Reiger into a disruptive force in a couple of seasons. He’s projected as a seventh-round pick, which would be an enticing use of one of the Steelers’ three picks in the final round.
What do you think of these Edge prospects? Would you like the Steelers to draft any of them? Who was your favorite? Did I leave one of your favorites out? Let us know in the comments!
North Dakota State Bison wide receiver Jackson Williams (81) rushes the ball through South Dakota State defense on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Fargodome in Fargo, Nouth Dakota. | Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As new teams enter the fold for 2026, it’s important for us to learn more about them before next football season. Over the next few Fridays, we will have the chance to learn from each team’s fans as they share what’s important to know about their favorite teams. The first up is the North Dakota State Bison.
Humble beginnings for the Head Coach
NDSU's current head coach used to get paid only $6,000 per year to coach at NDSU. So he had to sleep in the basement of the Fargodome just to get by…Until the Fire Marshall found out and had to kick him out.
Now he makes around $1,000,000 per year with incentives give or take
This is what people mean when they say “keep grinding” in the world of college sports. Starting as a grad assistant making practically nothing, Tim Polasek embodies the idea of working your way up and not giving up on his dreams.
Pronunciation Guide
It’s pronounced with a Z ( Bizon) and the plural of bison is bison.
On the other hand, the interior of the defensive line and the safeties could be strengths.
Depth being a potential issue will loom large if accurate, as it will be needed in the move to FBS football
The offense might carry them early on
Graduated stud QB and receiver (likely drafted) and this was the biggest offseason for P4 transfers…….so I’m hesitant to say NDSU will explode on the scene in 26 but they’ll be a tough out for anyone. They’ll play to their identity
The offense will look a bit different, though, losing its two best players on that side of the ball (who both competed in the NFL Combine) and bringing in some new transfer players.
NDSU's QB threw a 96mph fastball in high school and apparently had a bigger arm that Cole Payton who has a damn solid arm
The opposition should be prepared for 60 tough mins every night
History Lesson
Ed Cochems (The Father of the Forward Pass) was NDSU's head coach (9-1 record) 3 years before his St Louis team completed the 1st Forward Pass in football history
And the 1st player/coach to catch a forward pass in college football history was an NDSU head coach/player
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 12: Christian Jeffrey #0 and Braden Pierce #17 of the Villanova Wildcats walk off the court after the game in the 2026 Big East Men's Tournament - Quarterfinal game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on March 12, 2026 in New York City. The Georgetown Hoyas won 78-64. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I know how easy it is to get caught up in the moment and to have a short-term memory. I am a fan, after all. But in this situation, it would be best to have the memory of both a goldfish and a dolphin.
Why a goldfish? Well, goldfish have no memory. Let’s move on to the day that we have all been deprived of as Villanova fans since 2022: Selection Sunday. As a reminder, most of us would have been ecstatic if we were told that an eight seed was in the Wildcats’ 2026 future.
And why a dolphin? Well, dolphins have amazing memories. Solet’s remember where this team was the past three seasons, and where the expectations were coming into this one. The team was selected to finish seventh in the Big East, after all.
When Kevin Willard was hired on March 30, 2025, the transfer portal had been open for nearly a week (and as we all know, teams were talking to players well before then). Coming in at that late stage, combined with the school suffering some damage to its image the prior three years, set Willard behind the eightball from the jump.
After a few weeks, it became apparent that Willard was not going to just try to get a roster full of seniors to be a contender right away. He had a plan, and that plan involved mostly younger players to try to build with down the road (while still winning this season). Willard has passed that test with flying colors.
We can pick apart the roster, of course. None of the theoretically-returning players are immune to criticism, and none of them aren’t in need of improvement. We all see the warts. The frontcourt, even with the injury to Matt Hodge and the two departures from the program, was in need of an upgrade going into 2026-27. We all love Duke Brennan, but having a more athletic and rim-protecting big would do wonders (especially if the backcourt remains largely/fully intact).
The aforementioned backcourt is undersized (and losing its biggest player in Devin Askew). Acaden Lewis, while he is having an incredible freshman season, needs to improve his strength and his shooting. Tyler Perkins wholeheartedly deserved to be named the Big East’s Most Improved Player, butasking him to battle in the paint as he much as Villanova does isn’t a recipe for more success down the road.
Willard has acknowledged that he got a late start to the transfer portal, and that he was trying to establish a foundation to build upon. I believe that foundation has been laid. And all the while, the fans got to watch a team that played good basketball for the majority of the season. They played “Villanova Basketball.” Sharing the ball, hustle, grit. “Attitude.”
It feels preemptive to publish this article today, but I think it’s important to keep that perspective. Villanova won 24 games this year. Villanova has eight players on the roster with eligibility remaining (along with Adam Oumiddoch committed). Villanova will have its named called on Sunday (and in all likelihood, will be wearing home whites on Thursday/Friday).
Was last night a tough watch? Of course it was. Did last night put a spotlight on the issues that have plagued this team all season. Of course! But this team hadn’t laid an egg against a subpar opponent all year. This team lost one game below Quad-2 (Creighton). We as fans had become numb to losses like last night over the past three seasons, and we had to wait until March 12 to have one of those this year.
My last plea: take the next 48 hours to recharge your batteries. Take a break if you need to (I probably will). But be excited about Sunday when it comes. Be excited about the future that this program has. Be excited that Villanova is back enough to leave us feeling this way in March.
It’s one of the most closely contested Premierships in years and the title race looks like it might go right down to the wire this season. The Hoops are back at home for the first time since the end of February, as they take on fourth-placed Motherwell in what’s shaping up to be an interesting match! The game kicks off at 3pm tomorrow (Saturday, March 14).
The match is available exclusively on Celtic TV, and Celtic TV is the ONLY place where you can see EVERY Hoops match live until the end of the season. With all the last-minute drama in the league so far this season, it’s sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions!
You can watch all the action LIVE on Celtic TV with a subscription! *
The build-up to the match begins at 2:30pm. Gerry McCulloch and Simon Donnelly are in the studio for all the build-up to kick off, and they’ll look back at last weekend’s derby win at Ibrox.
Martin O’Neill will be speaking to John Ledwith pre-match about his team selection, and we have Liam Scales’ sit down with Daylin Docherty earlier in the week at Lennoxtown.
As the game kicks off at 3pm join Gerry McDade and Peter Grant on commentary as they describe all the action from Paradise.
It’s a packed matchday schedule with additional features to enjoy throughout the show!
More than matchday
Your subscription also unlocks a wide range of exclusive on-demand shows, including:
Full Match Flashback – Relive classic Celtic games in full, on demand.
Paradise: In Their Words – A brand-new docuseries on Celtic TV with Aiden McGeady as the first guest.
If You Know Your History – A nostalgic look back at iconic Celtic moments, featuring rare archive footage and legendary names.
* Live match coverage for subscriptions purchased inside the UK & Ireland is audio only and does not include live pictures. All subscriptions offer full-match replays available later the same day. The game is also available on PPV for those in the UK and Ireland.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 13: Mark Vientos #27 of the New York Mets looks on during spring training workouts at Clover Park on February 13, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mets need to know who Mark Vientos is, and 2026 is likely the last opportunity they will have to find out.
Is he the 27 home run impact bat who lit up the 2024 playoffs? Or is he the guy who in ten more plate appearances in 2025 hit ten fewer home runs and saw every offensive rate stat drop precipitously?
If he’s the former, Vientos would be an incredibly useful right-handed designated hitter and sometimes corner infielder who would bolster and deepen the Mets’ lineup. If he’s the latter, he’s at best a part time player and might be a square peg for the club even in that instance.
Vientos was drafted by the Mets in 2017 out of high school and tore up the lower levels of the Mets’ system. As he reached higher levels, Vientos would often start the years cold, but never stopped hitting. This paved the way for call-up in 2022 and 2023, but neither showed much of the prospect that we had raved about year after year.
Never a defensive specialist, this is what our Steve Sypa wrote about him ahead of his MLB call up:
Though initially drafted as a shortstop, Vientos does not have the ability to play up the middle. He was moved to third base in 2018, and at the present is stretched even there. While not unathletic, Vientos is a low-energy guy that lacks explosive quick twitch muscle, resulting in a slow first step and below-average lateral quickness. His average-to-above-average arm and solid instincts allowed him to handle the routine plays fine at third fine initially, but the pace of the game increased as he worked his way up the minor league ladder, and Vientos is a well-below-average defender at third base as a professional at the highest level. He played limited innings in the outfield in 2021 as the Mets explored the best way to give both him and Brett Baty playing time, but the experiment ended and was not resumed in 2022; while there is enough data to make any conclusive, definitive remarks about his ability there, based on how he looked visually along with the fact that he has not played in the outfield at all in 2022, it is safe to conclude that the experiment will not be resumed again. Instead, the Mets actually have shifted Vientos down the defensive spectrum, giving him more play at first base and DH this season than ever before.
Steve was fairly prescient in his write up, as Vientos has struggled mightily in his time in the big leagues. Not only has third base looked downright rough, but the Mets seemingly don’t believe that he’d be much better at first or in a corner outfield spot. His left-handed counterpart, Brett Baty, has proven to be a better defender all over the diamond, and so has more of a roster fit for himself with the Mets.
But that bat! When Vientos is hot, like in late 2024, he’s someone who drives the ball with authority and has impressive natural power. Sure, he strikes out more than you’d like and doesn’t quite walk enough, but those are workable issues if he’s really projecting to hit 30+ home runs over the course of a season.
But we’ve seen more of the cold Vientos than the hot, and there is a limited amount of time that the Mets, or any team, will wait to see if Vientos can consistently produce. If he’s his 2025 self, a slightly below league average hitter with some pop (.233/.289/.413 with an OPS+ of 97), it’ll be hard to justify giving him too much playing time. This is a year where Vientos will likely get some opportunities to show that he can play some first base as well as extended opportunities as a designated hitter. He’s going to get one last shot to show that he can handle big league pitching with any consistency.
If he can do so? The Mets’ lineup gets a right-handed power boost, the Mets have a backup plan if Jorge Polanco can’t make the transition to first, and the fans will get another taste of Swaggy V. That would be a really nice outcome.
If he can’t, and loses at bats to the Mike Tauchmans, the MJ Melendezes, and the Jose Rojases of the world? Then this will likely be his last season as a Met.
The Syracuse Orange picked up a massive non-conference win on Thursday when they defeated the No. 4 Northwestern Wildcats, 9-6, inside Ryan Fieldhouse for their fifth consecutive win to improve to 5-3 on the season. It was just their second win all-time in Evanston.
The driving force behind this win was the same as its been all season: the defense, which submitted their latest in a series of mind-blowing shutdown performances, this time against one of the best offenses in the country.
Let’s just start with a quick overview of the numbers, because they’re that crazy. Northwestern came into this game:
2nd in the country in scoring offense, averaging 18.33 goals per game. They scored six.
1st in the country in shots per game, averaging 38.67. They had 20.
3rd in the country in shots on goal per game, averaging 26.67. They had 14.
2nd in the country in points per game, averaging 28.33. They had nine.
1st in the country in assists per game, averaging 10.0. They had three.
Averaging 12.17 turnovers per game. They had 21.
Madison Taylor: 5.0 goals, 7.0 points per game. She had one goal and one point.
‘Cuse’s defense is relentless. They play an aggressive, in-your-face brand of defense. They make playing offense a chore because it requires a lot of well-executed work just to get a shot off against them. They move, rotate and recover as one. Their stick-checks are a constant threat. They knockdown and intercept passes with regularity. They did all of that and more against Northwestern.
In recent years, the Orange have often employed a face-guard against NW’s best player, either Izzy Scane or Madison Taylor. Two years ago, on this very field, Kaci Benoit was tasked with face-guarding Scane in the first game of her collegiate career.
But last night, they went straight up with their normal backer zone. They didn’t particularly pay any special attention to Taylor, for the most part, instead just doing their thing and letting it take its course.
It worked spectacularly, as the Orange almost entirely shut the Wildcats out of the eight-meter arc, rendering their interior cuts ineffective and their interior passing almost non-existent. They ended up relying on finding space through dodges, which was infrequently successful at best.
The active nature of ‘Cuse’s sticks and movement flustered Northwestern, spooked them almost. They were afraid to attack.
At one point late in the second quarter, Madison Taylor got fouled and went to the hash mark for a free position. She had yet to take a shot in the game, which the announcers had been commenting on. And when she drew that foul, they remarked how she would finally get a shot off before the end of the half. When the whistle blew for the restart, she wasn’t ready. She ended up trying to force a pass to a nearby teammate inside the eight-meter, which was knocked down for a turnover.
It was a weird moment for one of the most prolific offense players of the decade in the sport, someone who is normally so sure of herself and exactly how she wants to attack. But that wasn’t the case last night. Northwestern struggled to even get her the ball, let alone having her do something dangerous with it once she did. She finished the game with one goal on four shots and had four turnovers, being held four goals and six points below her season average.
Once again, the defense was a caused turnover machine, finishing with 14 for the game from a combined eight players. Northwestern had 21 turnovers total, and even some of the ones that weren’t “caused” were products of the cumulative pressure they were under for the duration of the game. In the second half, they threw the ball away on simple passes a few times, but it felt like more of them being spooked by ‘Cuse’s aggressiveness than your run-of-the-mill sloppy play.
The woman-down defense was equally as nightmare-inducing. The Wildcats went 0-4 on the woman-up, for a team that was averaging 4.5 EWO goals per game entering last night.
Coco Vandiver led the way with four CTs, followed by Mileena Cotter with three and Izzy Lahah with two. Mackenzie Salentre was one of five players with one and also added four ground balls.
In net, Dan Guyette was fantastic, turning away a majority of the shots that actually got to her. She finished with eight saves and a .571 save percentage, and came up big late as six of her eight saves came in the second half as the Orange were holding Northwestern scoreless for exactly 30 minutes and 30 seconds from the late second quarter to the late fourth quarter.
It was the defining moment of the game, and it lasted half the contest. The complete lockdown by the Orange defense gave the offense all the breathing room they could ever hope for, helping transform what was a 5-4 ‘Cuse lead at the start to a 9-4 lead by the time the Wildcats ended the drought with just under four minutes remaining in the game. But by then it was far too late. The SU defense had already squeezed the life out of the game, and their final two tallies were just window dressing.
What the defense did was even more impressive given that Northwestern dominated on draw controls (11-6), winning 65 percent of them. They were routinely giving themselves chances on offense after the majority of goals, but the SU defense turned them away time and again throughout the night.
On the other end of the field, the ‘Cuse offense was able to do just enough to take advantage of what the defense was providing them.
It wasn’t the cleanest game by SU when they had the ball. They committed 17 turnovers of their own and only shot marginally better than NW did, shooting 32 percent (9-of-28) to the Wildcats’ 30 (6-of-20). They had a handful of misses opportunities on solid looks at cage that would have extended their lead even further.
But what they were able to do was get the ball to Molly Guzik, who was the difference in this game. While Taylor failed to make an impact on the other end, Guzik was a force that Northwestern couldn’t contain. She had six goals and five draw controls, a star-making performance for someone whose been on the rise all season long. But a sock trick on the road against Northwestern hits differently.
Her first impression was a good impression, too. She scored a natural hat trick in the first quarter after NW took a quick, 1-0 lead. She showed off her patented, low-to-high laser beam shot to open the scoring for ‘Cuse on a shot from the right wing, and followed that up less than a minute later with some exceptional movement against the Wildcats’ zone. She ran straight down the middle of the eight-meter looking for a pass, and when she didn’t get it, she kept moving all the way around the back of the crease, emerging around the other GLE with no one around her for an easy catch-and-finish.
Molly. Guzik.
An unreal shot from Molly Guzik gets the Orange on the board to tie things up at 1-1 early in the first.
To cap the natural hatty, she made a beautifully-timed backside cut through the arc and received a pass from Caroline Trinkaus at X for an easy finish before the NW defense knew what hit them.
After the Wildcats got another one to make it 3-2 after the first quarter, Guzik fired back again after the Orange secured possession to start the second. It took her all of 19 seconds to juke her defender and score over top of the on-rushing secondary defender for her fourth goal of the game just 15:19 into the action.
Less than a minute after that, Bri Peters got on the board with a lethal shot on-the-run that she bounced in from a difficult angle at the end of a nice alley dodge that gave SU a 5-2 lead just over a minute into the second. It would be their last score of the half, however, as Northwestern was able to scrounge a couple goals back and make it a 5-4 score at the 4:27 mark of the second quarter.
Ashlee Volpe thought she pulled one back for SU, but her effort was overturned from an initial goal call when review revealed she had stepped on the crease with just 10 seconds left in the half, sending the Orange to the break with just a one-goal advantage.
But the third quarter belonged to SU, as Guyette made four saves and the defense shut out the Wildcats. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Rich got a goal by juking her defender and curling around from GLE in front of the cage for a nice finish about halfway through the third. Trinkaus followed two minutes later by beating her defender one-on-one from up top and, like Guzik had done earlier, shooting over the sliding secondary defender.
Those two goals gave the Orange all the separation they would need, taking a 7-4 lead into the fourth.
Less than two minutes into the final frame, Guzik got her fifth of the game on a dodge that started on the right wing well outside the 12-meter. She beat her defender and again scored before the slide could come, making it 8-4 with 13:10 left to play.
About a minute later, Northwestern did something they struggled to do all game. They made an attacking pass into the middle of the eight-meter. It was an incisive look that should have hit the back of the net, but Guyette had other ideas. She went into a split to make a phenomenal stretch and kick save, taking away what would have been a juice goal for the Wildcats and keeping them at a four-goal distance with still roughly 12 minutes left in the game.
It was huge to keep NW from getting any momentum with plenty of time still left, made even bigger by the fact that no one would score again for over seven minutes.
That person was Molly Guzik (duh), who got her sock trick on a woman-up pass from Mackenzie Rich, who assisted her for the third time on the night with a nice connection from X to right in front of the goal, giving the Orange a 9-4 lead with 4:54 remaining.
Less than a minute later, Northwestern would score with 3:57 left at the end of a loose ball scramble, ending a 30:30 scoreless drought that effectively lost them the game. 44 seconds later, Madison Taylor scored her only goal of the game with 3:13 remaining, making it 9-6 and providing just a sliver of hope that the Wildcats could pull the miracle comeback.
As they had all night, the Orange defense had other ideas. On a restart after a foul with 1:19 left in the game, Joely Caramelli intercepted a pass clean out of mid-air and ‘Cuse ran out the clock. It was fitting for one more nice defensive play to officially bring an end to any comeback hope and help SU pick up a massive win.
This is the kind of win that can help build momentum and confidence in leaps and bounds for the rest of the season. Of course, that will immediately be put to the test when the Orange return home for Tuesday’s showdown with No. 6 ranked Yale at 4:30 PM on ESPNU.
Michael Chandler says there is one scenario he absolutely wants to avoid as he prepares to train with FBI agents through the UFC’s new collaboration with the agency.
The UFC lightweight is expected to take part in joint sessions with federal agents as part of a cross-training initiative.
But Chandler joked that he has one very clear rule heading into the experience.
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Michael Chandler jokes about avoiding injury to Kash Patel during FBI training
Chandler discussed the upcoming sessions during an interview with TMZ Sports, where he was asked about training alongside FBI personnel as part of the UFC’s collaboration with the agency.
“I definitely don’t want to be the guy who breaks Kash Patel’s leg or orbital bone. I’m going out there to increase the stock and be of service, not put Kash Patel on the sideline; the injured reserve list,” Chandler said.
The UFC has been working with the FBI on a series of cross-training opportunities where fighters and federal agents exchange hand-to-hand combat knowledge and defensive tactics.
The program is designed to allow agents to learn from elite mixed martial artists while fighters observe how law enforcement prepares for real-world tactical scenarios.
Chandler said his goal is to contribute to that exchange without turning the session into a dangerous sparring situation.
Michael Chandler says hurting Kash Patel during session would be a nightmare
Chandler also made it clear that safety will be the top priority during the sessions with the federal agents.
“That would be an absolute nightmare. We’re gonna pull some punches. We’re going to get better, in a very responsible sort of way,” Chandler added.
The sessions are expected to focus on technique sharing rather than full-intensity sparring, allowing both fighters and agents to learn from each other in a controlled environment.
For the UFC, the partnership highlights the growing crossover between elite sports training and real-world defensive tactics used by law enforcement.
For Chandler, however, the goal remains simple: learn something new while making sure everyone walks away from the training healthy.
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Free agency technically never ends, but it generally seems like about 90% of the most consequential acquisitions are made in the first few days. We’ve past that point, and the pace of deals has decreased from pouring in to a slight trickle. The Carolina Panthers have been busy, re-signing a slew of special teams and bench players while adding some big hitters on the defensive side of the ball. Adding edge Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd checked two of the most obvious boxes on the defensive side of the ball. Those moves alone have vastly improved the team’s situation and opened up more doors for them in the draft. But the team is still not a finished product. Let’s take a look at what else the Panthers would do well to add.
Defensive line depth
The Panthers released A’Shawn Robinson to save about $10.5 million and make room for those aforementioned deals. Robinson is still a good player and landed on his feet with the division rival Bucs. He was productive during his two seasons in Carolina, and I’m sure Dan Morgan and company want to find a way to recreate his production. On the surface, the starting front line of Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, and Tershawn Wharton looks pretty stout, but there’s virtually no depth behind them. The Panthers need bodies so this group doesn’t crumble whenever the starters rotate out of the game.
Moar offensive linemen
The Panthers added Stone Forsythe and Luke Fortner, but they aren’t exactly perfect replacements for the departing Cade Mays and the injured Ikem Ekownu. Both have been ranked among the worst players at their position at different points in the last couple of years. Yosh Nijman retiring added even more turmoil. The thought of both of the new free agents being potential starters in a few months is pretty concerning. There are some players still out on the market. Most are on the older side, but the Panthers are at a point where they might need to turn to guys like that to hold them over until they can get some more young talent along the trenches.
Safety
Tre’von Moehrig was a revelation after the Panthers spent more money than people expected to bring him in last offseason. He improved as the season went on and really became a versatile weapon on the defensive side of the ball. His running mates on the back end weren’t quite up to snuff though. Nick Scott probably wasn’t as bad as his reputation would suggest, but he’s definitely upgradeable. Lathan Ransom has some promise going into his second year, but he doesn’t preclude the Panthers from adding more help, especially considering that Ejiro Evero showed a willingness to play three safeties on the field together at times last season.
An explosive threat at wide receiver
The Panthers added Bryce Young’s former Alabama teammate John Metchie III. While Metchie was once highly regarded, I don’t think anyone has any illusions of stardom for him at this point. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are big bodies and have a lot of overlapping skills. Xavier Legette is there. The wide receiver room could use some diversity of talent still.
Developmental quarterback
The Panthers have talked about adding some talent to the quarterback room as Andy Dalton starts to age out of the league. They signed Kenny Pickett, which is fine, but also not likely to move the needle. Bryce Young, while improving, still isn’t a sure bet to be a long term answer at quarterback. There’s no feasible way to make an upgrade right now, but it would be wise for the Panthers to take a swing on someone like Drew Allar or Taylen Green as a developmental prospect that could serve as a long term backup or potential plan B if Young falters.
Survive and advance is something you hear this time of year as NCAA hoops and March Madness get ready to take center stage. But it’s the mantra many will be repeating on Friday at the Players Championship as competitors look to do whatever they can to survive the 36-hole cut at TPC Sawgrass, and advance to the weekend.
With the Players being the flagship event on the PGA Tour, it’s only natural that the 36-hole cutline is determined in the same fashion as the majority of tour events. The low 65 players and ties after the conclusion of the second round get two more tee times at Sawgrass.
Exactly what the cutline might be this year is starting to come into focus as Friday’s second round is underway. At 10:30 a.m. EST, DataGolf.com was calculating that one-over 145 had a 49.9 percent probability of being the cutline number, with two-over 146 coming in at a 33.8 percent probability.
This creates an interesting dilemma for one notable player in particular: defending champion Rory McIlroy. Nursing a muscle issues in his back, McIlroy hit just 30 balls at TPC Sawgrass in the three days leading up to the event. After shooting an opening-round two-over 74, McIlroy will be sweating things out during his second round and the remainder of Friday afternoon. Interestingly, he is the last defending champ at the Players to miss the cut the following year, winning in 2019 but then failing to reach the weekend in 2021 (COVID cancelled the event in 2020).
The cut rule at the Players is different from the four men’s majors. The Masters uses the top 50 players and ties (it has a smaller field); the U.S. Open goes with low 60 and ties, the PGA Championship and Open Championship use low 70.
For purposes of comparison, here’s what the cut line has been for the last 10 Players:
The average cut at the Players is 145.8 (1.8 over par). The highest cut since the move in 1982 to TPC Sawgrass is 150 (six over par), which happened twice: 1983 and 2000.
For history buffs, here are some stats related to the cut at the Players:
Most cuts made
23, Tom Kite21, Tom Watson, Bernhard Langer20, Sergio Garcia19, Nick Price, Davis Love III18, Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott17, Jay Haas, Hale Irwin, Phil Mickelson, Gil Morgan, Brad Faxon,Joey Sindelar, Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, Vijay Singh, ErnieEls16, Ben Crenshaw, Bruce Lietzke, John Mahaffey, Fred Funk,Rocco Mediate
Longest consecutive cuts-made streaks
18, Sergio Garcia (2004-2022)14, Brad Faxon (1992-95; didn’t play 1996; 1997-06)13, Tiger Woods (1997-2010; didn’t play 2008)
Longest active consecutive cuts streak of players in the field
7, Tom Hoge (2018-2025)
1 / 8
Dom Furore / Golf Digest
2 / 8
Dom Furore / Golf Digest
3 / 8 4 / 8 5 / 8
Courtesy of TPC Sawgrass
6 / 8
Courtesy of TPC Sawgrass
7 / 8
Courtesy of TPC Sawgrass
8 / 8 PreviousNextPausePlayfalse Public TPC Sawgrass: Stadium Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 4.6 26Panelists
TPC’s stadium concept was the idea of then-PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman. The 1980 design was pure Pete Dye, who set out to test the world’s best golfers by mixing the demands of distance with target golf. Most greens are ringed by random lumps, bumps and hollows, what Dye called his "grenade attack architecture." His ultimate target hole is the heart-pounding sink-or-swim island green 17th, which offers no bailout, perhaps unfairly in windy Atlantic coast conditions. The 17th has spawned over a hundred imitation island greens in the past 40 years. To make the layout even more exciting during tournament play, Steve Wenzloff of PGA Tour Design Services later remodeled several holes, most significantly the 12th, which he turned into a drivable par-4, something Dye was never a fan of. View Course
The 2026 MLB season is almost here and that means you’re likely prepping for your fantasy baseball draft. One of the best ways to prepare is to do as many mock drafts as possible. Of course, sometimes it’s tough to find an accurate representation of your league settings by using the public mock draft lobby.
Not to fear! If you’re a Yahoo Fantasy+ subscriber, you have access to the Instant Mock Draft tool, allowing you to practice your draft in seconds. You can test different strategies, pick from various draft slots and experiment with roster construction as many times as you want, anytime, instantly. Now is a great time to subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy+, so you can use the wealth of tools for your draft prep.
In this series, we’re going to be using the Instant Mock Draft tool to pick from each of the 12 slots in a 12-team fantasy baseball league. In this piece, we’ll be drafting from the No. 9 overall pick. We went with a balanced approach in this draft, alternating between selecting two batters and two pitchers.
Note: We’re using Yahoo’s default points league settings for these mock drafts.
Full Roster
C: Ben Rice, Yankees 1B: Salvador Pérez, Royals 2B: Brice Turang, Brewers SS: Jacob Wilson, Athletics 3B: Matt Chapman, Giants OF: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves OF: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies OF: Dylan Crews, Nationals UTIL: Brendan Donovan, Mariners UTIL: Luis Arráez, Giants SP: Bryan Woo, Mariners SP: Logan Webb, Giants RP: David Bednar, Yankees RP: Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox P: Emmet Sheehan, Dodgers P: MacKenzie Gore, Rangers P: Matthew Boyd, Cubs P: Aaron Nola, Phillies Bench: Shane Smith, White Sox Bench: Noah Cameron, Royals Bench: Willi Castro, Rockies Bench: Andrés Giménez, Blue Jays Bench: Reid Detmers, Angels
Strategy overview: The idea here was balance and I like how things turned out. We also prioritized utility with how the roster is constructed. Four players have dual-position eligibility and two players have tri-eligibility. This isn’t something you should worry too much about while you’re drafting, but if the opportunity presents itself, it’ll make some roster decisions easier and serves as a nice tiebreaker when you’re debating who to take. It also helps if injuries pop up (which they will) and if players struggle at a certain position (which they also will).
Bats are best: Unless I can corner the market on elite starting pitchers and snag both Paul Skenes and Garrett Crochet at the back-end of the first and early-second, I’m going to almost always prioritize a bat in the first round. Acuña possesses the highest ceiling of players who are falling to the back-half of the first, so we opted to go that route (even though one of my other mocks has me reaching on him a bit). The Acuña-Schwarber stack gives me two NL MVP candidates who solidify the outfield position.
World Woo Webb: I was able to grab two top-10 starters, according to Yahoo’s expert rankings from Scott Pianowski and Fred Zinkie. Woo and Webb are both starters in their primes in good situations, players you can “set and forget” in your lineup if they stay healthy. We didn’t take too many risks in this draft, at least not initially.
Webb has finished top-10 in NL Cy Young voting in three straight seasons. Woo had great numbers in 2025 (2.94 ERA, 198 Ks over 186.2 IP) but gave up a lot of longballs. If he can keep more pitches in the park, he could be an AL Cy Young finalist.
Not just for points: If you’re in a category league and not a points league — like the Yahoo default — this roster also appears to be very balanced. I snagged guys like Turang, Wilson, Arráez and Giménez to counter likely low averages for players like Schwarber, Chapman and possibly Pérez. You could also group Crews in there but he’s young enough that we should see some improvement.
Heated rivalry: Taking the Yankees and Red Sox closers wasn’t some weird narrative type of play. Like I said, we alternated between batters and pitchers, and it just made sense to grab two reliable closers in the seventh and eighth rounds. Similar to my two SPs, we shouldn’t have to worry too much about job security when it comes to Bednar and Chapman. Both are ranked in the top-10 RPs in our rankings.
Takeaways from the 9th pick: This felt a bit cookie-cutter in terms of strategy but was effective. I wasn’t scrambling to fill one of my starter spots late in the draft because I ignored a position or had a massive run on batters/pitchers. You do have to force a few picks, so it’s not the perfect approach if you really like a batter or pitcher who happens to fall to you. You can’t just blindly go 2-2 the entire draft. Stray from the path if you need to. But if you make a priority list of players you really like going into your draft, you can easily execute this strategy and feel like you came away with a win.
Dec 19, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore (2) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (24) defends during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills dealt away a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire veteran wide receiver DJ Moore, hoping Moore will rediscover the form that saw him eclipse 1,000 receiving yards four times in a five-year span from 2019-2023 and provide another valuable receiving option for Josh Allen.
Moore is reuniting with new Bills head coach Joe Brady, who was the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator when Moore posted two of the best statistical seasons of his NFL career during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
On Thursday, Moore met with the media for his introductory press conference, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by recapping what Moore had to say about joining the Bills, including why teaming up with Allen will lead to some magical, explosive moments — especially when plays break down — as the Bills search for that first Super Bowl title.
Recapping DJ Moore’s introductory press conference
On a Zoom call with reporters, DJ Moore said he is looking forward to catching passes from Josh Allen, who “has been playing at a high level, so, just to join him is something great.”
After experiencing the first winning season of his eight-year career last year with the Chicago Bears, Moore said that one of the biggest reasons he is excited about coming to Buffalo is the chance to play for a perennial Super Bowl contender.
“It’s a great deal because last year was my first winning season, so I got a taste of what everybody has been getting a taste of here in Buffalo,” Moore said.
As for the reunion with Brady, Moore relayed the message his former offensive coordinator turned head coach delivered after the Bills had officially acquired Moore to shore up their wide receiver room.
“(Joe) was just like, get ready,” Moore said with a smile. “Get ready to run. That’s what he told me when I was in Carolina, so he told the same thing now. So I’m just ready for it.”
Behind Cole Bishop and Jordan Hancock, the Bills have a dire need at safety after releasing Taylor Rapp and allowing Damar Hamlin, Cam Lewis, and Damar Hamlin to test out free agency. The team took a step to shore up the safety position on Thursday, reportedly bringing in veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
Gardner-Johnson has played for five different NFL teams during his career, most recently with the Chicago Bears. He has started 71 of 87 regular-season games and 11 of 14 playoff games, amassing 370 tackles (280 solo) with 20 interceptions, 55 pass breakups, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles (with one fumble recovery).
Igor Tudor has come out fighting at Tottenham's training ground.
The Croat is facing the sack after four defeats from his four matches in charge but he isn't feeling sorry for himself and has urged his players to follow suit.
He has told his players not to think the world is against them - nor to believe that they are somehow cursed by "black magic".
"Don't act like the victim" was the overriding message.
But that is easier said than done, of course, particularly considering their extensive injury list that has worsened now with Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha to miss the game with concussion.
That, coupled with the absence of Micky van de Ven through suspension, means Tottenham are likely to have Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin at the heart of their defence at Liverpool on Sunday.
So if the Tottenham players are feeling down in the dumps, then it is understandable.
Regardless, Tudor isn't standing for it and has challenged his players to stand up and be counted in their fight against relegation.
"I've seen a lot of purple at the Pro Bowls." Those were the words of one Trey Hendrickson at his introductory press conference. Fireworks began for the Baltimore Ravens well before the start of the new league year, but things are settling. A former rival has joined the flock and is ready to create havoc.
His mention of the Ravens' all-stars was expressed to show how excited he is to play with elite talent on a new roster. Head coach Jesse Minter and Eric DeCosta were present. They described the new guy as a "game-wrecker" and a "closer."
The four-time Pro Bowler said he's happy that he can now play with Lamar Jackson as a teammate instead of spending two games per season trying to chase him. Still, it's one statement that rings more loudly than many of the others he made.
"I'm in a win-now window. This opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy and build something from the ground up is an amazing opportunity. A lot of things have transpired. This is a great fit for me."
And just like that, we can expect Hendrickson to officially go from adversary to ally. He's an asset, no longer an enemy. Those words have been expressed by every member of the Ravens family, its leadership, every player, and, of course, the Baltimore faithful.
This team went from hosting the AFC Championship Game to losing in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Last January, they failed to even qualify for the postseason. Championship windows close quickly in the NFL. Hendrickson adds to an attitude already present in this organization. Everyone wants a third Lombardi Trophy. Perhaps the new "closer" says it best
"If you can't get excited to play here, you need to check your pulse"
He didn't need long to understand the assignment. In Baltimore, urgency isn't optional. It's expected. Now comes the important and expected part: backing it up on Sundays.
The Detroit Lionsmay have missed out on a very intriguing pass-rushing option who could have lined up opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
According to Adam Schefter, former Atlanta Falcons edge defender Arnold Ebiketie is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal worth up to $7.3 million, including $4.3 million guaranteed.
Ebiketie recorded 14 sacks over the past three seasons, and Philadelphia is hoping the talented edge rusher can bring more pressure to their defensive front.
For Lions fans hoping Detroit would add another pass-rushing threat this offseason, the move might sting a little.
Why Arnold Ebiketie Made Sense for Detroit
In my opinion, Ebiketie would have been a great fit in Detroit at a very reasonable price.
The former second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is an outstanding athlete with burst off the edge and the type of speed that can stress opposing tackles.
At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Ebiketie brings the ideal frame for a rotational edge defender who can pin his ears back and attack the quarterback.
Over four seasons with Atlanta, he recorded:
16.5 career sacks
41 quarterback hits
129 total tackles
17 tackles for loss
Those numbers suggest a player who has flashed real pass-rush ability, even if he hasn’t yet become a full-time star.
A Potential Wingman for Hutchinson
Detroit’s pass rush has often relied heavily on Hutchinson to create pressure.
Adding a player like Ebiketie could have provided another athletic edge threat to help balance the Lions’ defensive front.
While the Lions have added depth in recent seasons, finding a consistent secondary pass rusher remains one of the few remaining needs on the roster.
A short-term deal like the one Ebiketie received in Philadelphia would have been a low-risk move with potentially high upside.
Don’t Be Surprised if He Breaks Out
Sometimes players simply need a change of scenery to unlock their full potential.
Ebiketie has always had the physical tools to become a productive edge rusher, and joining a talented Eagles defensive front could give him the opportunity to thrive.
If that happens, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him emerge as a much bigger contributor in Philadelphia than he was in Atlanta.
And if that happens, some Lions fans may wonder what could have been.
Paladin, shown winning the 2025 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, tops the Kentucky Derby leaderboard as hopefuls gear up for three weeks of intense competition to make the 20-horse field. Photo courtesy of NYRA
March 13 (UPI) -- Saturday's Virginia Derby gives 10 contenders a chance to run their way into Kentucky Derby contention on a weekend otherwise largely devoted to sprints.
The big push of final Derby preps starts the following weekend with the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. March 28 brings the Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby and the deciding races in the Japanese and Middle Eastern series, each of which carries at free pass to the Run for the Roses.
By the time the Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and Blue Grass at Keeneland go into the books April 4, the day before Easter, just about all the eggs should be in the Kentucky Derby basket.
Things are quiet on the international front. But who's the top-rated horse in the year's first global rankings? Hint: It's not Forever Young. See "News and Notes" below.
The Road to the Roses
Hong Kong-based Ka Ying Rising, shown winning the Centenary Sprint Cup January 25 at Sha Tin Racecourse, was ranked this week atop the Longines Word's Best Racehorse rankings. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Jockey Club
Saturday's $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs is the only stop on the weekend's "Road to the Kentucky Derby and, once again, provides a golden opportunity for a breakout performance.
Best poised to move forward at Colonial? To all appearances, that's California shipper Buetane. The Tiz the Law colt finished second in the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga last summer and second in the Grade II San Vicente in his 3-year-old debut.
He missed a chance to shine while finishing third in the Grade II Southwest at Oaklawn. He was a $1.15 million yearling item for owner Amr Zedan and the 92 Beyer Speed Figure he was awarded for the San Vicente effort is the highest in the Virginia Derby field.
Buetane has only six points on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" leaderboard, tied for the 40th spot. He would need a victory Saturday, worth 50 points, to be fairly sure of a spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate.
A victory also could, pending the final round of Derby preps, make him trainer Bob Baffert's best hope for a seventh Kentucky Derby trophy.
Three of the other nine Virginia Derby contenders exit disappointing efforts in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. Two others come off maiden wins and neither is nominated to the Triple Crown.
Incredibolt won the Grade III Street Sense in the fall at Churchill Downs, but finished last of six in the Grade III Holy Bull in his only previous start this year.
Paladin, a Gun Runner colt, is atop the "Road" leaderboard with 60 points after winning the Grade II Remsen at Aqueduct and the Grade II Risen Star at Fair Grounds.
The fifth pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will open Friday with Paladin as the 5-1 favorite, and a good showing in the April 4 Blue Grass at Keeneland could cement his stock as a favorite for the Run for the Roses.
He's followed on the Future Wager morning line by Commandment at 6-1 and Nearly at 8-1. Commandment has won the Mucho Macho Man and Grade II Fountain of Youth in his last two starts. Nearly has won his last three starts, including the Grade III Holy Bull.
The path to the Oaks
Baffert sends out the favorite in the Oaks, too -- Bottle of Rouge, a Vino Rosso filly owned by his wife, Jill. The filly won the Grade I Del Mar Debutante before finishing sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. She won her first start this year, the Sunland Park Oaks on Feb. 15.
The field also includes Hit Parade, winner of three straight in 2025 but fifth in her 3-year-old debut, and Dazzling Dame, winner of four of her five career starts.
Sprint
Saturday's $250,000 Grade III Whitmore at Oaklawn Park drew a field of seven, and a case can be made for just about any one of them.
Also on tap are Saturday's $125,000 Hutcheson at Gulfstream Park and Saturday's $135,000 Jimmy Winkfield for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct.
Filly & mare sprint
Saturday's $150,000 Purple Martin for 3-year-old fillies at Oaklawn Park got seven takers and, like the Whitmore, looks like a wide-open affair.
The schedule also includes Saturday's $125,000 Any Limit for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park and Saturday's $125,000 Queen Stakes on the Turfway Park all-weather course.
Turf sprint
From one coast to the other, the slate has Saturday's $150,000 Captiva Island for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park and Saturday's $100,000 Grade III San Simeon at Santa Anita.
Dirt mile
The supporting program for the Virginia Derby and Oaks consists of Saturday's $100,000 Royal New Kent and $100,000 Sandy Bottom for fillies and mares, both at Colonial Downs
Filly & mare turf
Sunday's $100,000 Grade III Santa Ana at Santa Anita has a full field of 10 plus an also-eligible to tackle 1 1/4 miles.
News and notes
Hong Kong horses hold the top two spots in the first 2026 edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings. Super sprinter Ka Ying Rising is No. 1 with a 128 rating, followed by Romantic Warrior at 124.
Despite his second consecutive victory in the Saudi Cup, Japan's Forever Young is stuck at No. 3 with a 123 rating. Ireland's Royal Champion at 122 and American standard-bearer Nysos at 121 round out the top five.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands for the national anthem prior to the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The first week of NFL free agency is nearly complete, and most of the top players have put pen to paper on new contracts for 2026 and beyond.
But some incredibly talented players are still waiting to sign new contracts.
Rasheed Walker likely thought a big payday was coming his way as free agency began.
But the NFL has a funny way of changing the narrative.
Despite some big contracts signed by young left tackles last offseason — Jaylon Moore signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs while Dan Moore Jr. signed a four-year, $82 million deal with the Tennessee Titans — Walker is still waiting on a contract as the league speeds towards the second week of free agency.
A return to the Green Bay Packers is certainly not off the table, but Walker might be looking at a one-year, “prove it” contract if reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter is to be believed. Teams that many thought would be looking for offensive line help, such as the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears, pivoted to other options already.
As far as where Walker could land if he does not return to Green Bay? Perhaps a move to a division rival is in order. The Detroit Lions have a need at left tackle, following the release of Taylor Decker, and while there have been rumblings of moving Penei Sewell to the left side, Detroit could keep him at right tackle (where he has earned All Pro honors three times) and slot Walker in at LT.
Jauan Jennings, WR
Jauan Jennings is still looking for a new home, even after playing through significant injuries last year that included multiple broken ribs.
Those injuries might be a reason he is still available. He has yet to complete a full 17-game season since he entered the league — as a 23-year-old rookie in 2023 — has one year with more than 700 receiving yards, and is on the cusp of his 29th birthday.
Yet, there is perhaps a perfect landing spot for him, and that comes via the Las Vegas Raiders. Just a few days ago it looked like the Raiders would have a pair of picks inside the top 15 in the 2026 NFL Draft, one to use on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to start the first round, and now at No. 14 to add a new wide receiver for him thanks to the trade with the Baltimore Ravens involving Maxx Crosby.
But with that trade now on the shelf, and the Raiders not picking again until No. 36, Las Vegas would be wide to dip into free agency to add more help for Mendoza. They already added Jalen Nailor, but Jennings would be a ball-winner on the outside for Mendoza, something that he certainly had at Indiana with Charlie Becker and Elijah Sarratt.
Wyatt Teller, OG
Three more players were released this week by the Cleveland Browns as the organization looks to get their financial house in order: Tight end David Njoku, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, and offensive guard Wyatt Teller.
All three are expected to find new homes in short order, but we will focus here on Teller, the veteran offensive guard. With several teams needing help along the offensive line, there should be multiple suitors for his services. The Houston Texans and the New York Giants could be options.
But another team that could make a strong pitch? The Los Angeles Chargers. While getting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back healthy will improve things in front of Justin Herbert, bolstering the interior offensive line is another priority for the team. Many draft analysts have linked the Chargers to guards Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State or Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon, or even tackles that could kick inside, such as Spencer Fano or Kadyn Proctor, but Teller would give new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel an imposing presence in the run game on the inside.
Joey Bosa, DE
The landing spot here feels rather obvious, right?
Joey Bosa spent the past season with the BUffalo Bills, but with Bradley Chubb now on his way to upstate New York, Bosa is likely looking for a new home.
The San Francisco 49ers feel like the obvious landing spot.
San Francisco just lost Bryce Huff to retirement, Clelin Ferrell and Yetur Gross-Matos are free agents, and Bosa’s younger brother Nick is recovering from a knee injury, the second torn ACL of his career. The older Bosa could slide in as a rotational option and be paired with his brother when Nick returns from his rehabilitation.
Tyreek Hill, WR
From almost the moment the Miami Dolphins released Tyreek Hill, it felt like a reunion with Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce was in the cards.
That feeling still remains.
The Chiefs added running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency, something that will help take the load off Mahomes when he returns from his knee injury, and Kelce is back for another ride with Kansas City after retirement rumors followed him the past few offseasons. And while Hill is working his way back from a significant knee injury, the Chiefs could use a player with his skillset once he returns.
And an offense that is looking to create more explosive plays in 2026, Hill can certainly help.
A.J. Epenesa, DE
Joey Bosa might not be the only defender on their way out of Buffalo, as fellow defensive end A.J. Epenesa could join him on the way out of town.
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is looking for help on the edge, particularly after the team lost Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. The Eagles were linked to a potential move for Trey Hendrickson, and are often listed as a landing spot for Maxx Crosby if the Las Vegas Raiders were to try and trade him again after their deal with the Baltimore Ravens fell through, but signing Epenesa is the kind of move that just screams Roseman.
D.J. Reader, DT
As recently as yesterday, it looked like D.J. Reader might be steaming towards a reunion with the Cincinnati Bengals. But with Cincinnati agreeing to a deal with veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, it looks like that reunion might be off.
Enter the Atlanta Falcons.
That defensive front is another unit that needs help along the interior, similar to Cincinnati, and Reader would give the Falcons a veteran presence on the inside that is badly needed. While the 2026 NFL Draft has some intriguing options on the inside, including players like Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald that could come off the board in the first round, with Atlanta lacking a pick on opening night a veteran is their likely path.
And Reader is the best available option right now.
Deebo Samuel, WR
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has several items on his to-do list.
But the item at the top of the list? Get the most out of Justin Herbert.
Adding Deebo Samuel would help. Not only would Samuel fit into McDaniel’s pass-game concepts, and perhaps flourish on the crossers and shallows that the new OC is expected to dial up in the Chargers offense, but McDaniel’s running concepts would be boosted by what Samuel offers. Plus, McDaniel has experience coaching Samuel, given their time together in San Francisco, so he would know exactly how best to use him this season.
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Sure, the low-hanging fruit here is to crack a joke about Aaron Rodgers joining The Pat McAfee show full-time, or taking a position with the Department of Health and Human Services alongside Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., whom Rodgers has praised before (and was at one time rumored to be a VP candidate alongside).
But all signs point to Rodgers, if he comes back to the NFL, riding with the Pittsburgh Steelers for one more season under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Neto pushed the ball boy off his chair in the closing stages of Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat in the first leg of their last-16 tie at Parc des Princes, as he tried to retrieve the ball, sparking a melee between players from both sides.
The Portuguese apologised both on and off camera and gave the ball boy his shirt, but Uefa has nevertheless confirmed it is investigating Neto for “unsporting behaviour” and that its “disciplinary bodies will take a decision on this case in due course”.
Rosenior hailed how the player took responsibility for his action but couldn’t deny that the optics were bad.
Pedro Neto sparked a brawl after shoving a ball boy at PSG (AP)
“I've watched it back and it doesn't look good,” he said ahead of Saturday’s visit of Newcastle. “I understand Pedro's perspective and his want to win, but there are ways you go about it.
"I was so impressed that he wanted to apologise straight away. We all make mistakes, it's about learning from them and making sure they don't happen again."
Neto could receive a suspension by Uefa for the return leg at Stamford Bridge but has already been hit with a further one-match ban by the FA, as well as a £70,000 fine, regarding his conduct after his sending off against Arsenal on 1 March.
Neto accepted a charge after it was alleged he had acted in an “improper manner by failing to leave the pitch promptly and/or using abusive words towards the match officials”.
Rosenior will thus be grateful to welcome back Jamie Gittens to the fold, who bolsters his winger options following injury.
Neto checks on ball boy after pushing him (Action Images/Reuters)
"Jamie is back, which is great,” said Rosenior, before revealing Estevao’s situation will be more touch and go.
“Estevao is still further away; we want to be careful because of the nature of his hamstring injury, we don't want it re-occurring at a crucial stage of the season. We'll see what he's like for Tuesday's Champions League second leg."
Rosenior also threw his support behind Filip Jorgensen despite the goalkeeper’s costly errors in midweek, insisting that there is “no question of the quality” of both the Swede and Robert Sanchez.
"I made a decision to play Filip [Jorgensen] agaisnt Aston Villa and he was outstanding,” said Rosenior on the 23-year-old, who has leapt above Sanchez in the pecking order in recent weeks.
Filip Jorgensen’s blunder sparked Chelsea’s late collapse in Paris (AFP/Getty)
“I think his performance for 75 minutes [against PSG] was magnificent; he makes one mistake, we get punished and we lost the game in a manner we definitely shouldn't have lost.
"Robert Sanchez is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. There is no question of the quality of these two players at this level. It's more about my decision for each game."
Asked if Jorgensen is in a position mentally to start against Newcastle, Rosenior said: “For sure. Everybody makes mistakes, it's about how you respond to the setbacks. I have no lack of trust in either of them, or the team."
Neil 'Nello' Baldwin, whose life was showcased in the film Marvellous, turn 80 on Sunday [BBC]
A weekend of celebrations is planned for legendary former Stoke City FC kit man and circus clown Neil "Nello" Baldwin as he prepares to mark his 80th birthday.
As part of the celebrations, he will walk out onto the pitch at the Bet365 Stadium at half-time during the Potters' game with Watford on Saturday.
He told BBC Radio Stoke he was looking forward to the weekend and spoke of how "wonderful" it was to be a fan of his beloved Stoke City.
"I'm proud and happy to have done what I have in my life," he said. "It means a great deal to be happy, to make people happy and to love Stoke City as my team."
Baldwin, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, grew up with learning difficulties and joined the circus after leaving school.
After he left the circus, he became Stoke City's kit man, often being the source of joy and laughter at the club.
During a special screening of Marvellous in Hartshill on Thursday, former Stoke City manager Lou Macari, who gave Baldwin the job, spoke of how much he admired him.
"From the moment I met him, I knew there was something about Neil," he said.
If anyone needed a lift, Baldwin was "your man", Macari added, and it was always "a laugh a minute".
"It was brilliant. All the lads loved him and they all bought into what it was all about," he said.
Lou Macari, former Stoke City manager, said Baldwin would always be a source of laughter at the club [BBC]
Baldwin also has close ties to Keele University, where his mum worked as a cleaner, and in 2013, the university awarded him an honorary degree.
Following the success of Marvellous, in which Baldwin was portrayed by Toby Jones, he was presented with the Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent.
He received a British Empire Medal in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to the community in his home city.
Malcolm Clarke (right) described Baldwin as a lifelong friend [BBC]
Malcolm Clarke, who helped to write Baldwin's autobiography, described him as a "lifelong friend" who was "always positive".
"He's completely lacking in any self-consciousness," he added, "which means he'll go and talk to people whether they're famous or not in a way the rest of us wouldn't dare.
"There's a wonderful line in the film that says 'you can't get things by just asking' – I say that in the film - and Neil says 'I can' - and of course, he can."
Asked about his experiences, Baldwin spoke fondly of his parents, how their deaths affected him and how the community of the city helped to fill the hole they left behind.
He also mentioned the importance of his faith, having become a Christian in 1957.
Of his achievements, he said: "It's been a great privilege doing what I wanted to do. When I was at school, everybody asked what I wanted to do as a job and I said 'a circus clown'.
"What have I done since? Had a medal off the Queen, gone to Buckingham Palace twice - and everybody at school said I wouldn't make it."
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between Crystal Palace FC and AEK Larnaca FC at Selhurst Park on March 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Fantasy Premier League season entering a decisive stretch, identifying the right differential can make all the difference between a green arrow and another frustrating week of average returns.
Here are four standout FPL differential picks who could deliver big in Gameweek 30 and beyond.
Ismaïla Sarr is quickly becoming one of the most exciting under-the-radar assets in FPL. The Crystal Palace winger heads into Gameweek 30 full of confidence after delivering a 15-point haul in Gameweek 29, scoring twice in an impressive performance.
That brace pushed his season tally to seven goals, highlighting his growing importance in Palace’s attack.
The upcoming fixture against Leeds also looks promising. Leeds have been vulnerable defensively at times this season, especially when facing quick wide attackers – exactly the type of profile Sarr brings.
At just 3.7% ownership, he offers the perfect combination of form, price, and differential potential for managers looking to gain ground in their mini-leagues.
Kevin Schade (£6.9m, 1.8% owned) – Brentford vs Wolves (H)
Kevin Schade could be a sneaky route into Brentford’s attack as their fixtures turn favorable. The German winger already has 7 league goals this season and continues to generate strong underlying numbers in front of goal.
Schade is particularly dangerous when Brentford play on the counter, making him a strong candidate for returns against teams that leave space behind their defense.
Brentford’s attacking fixtures are improving as well, with several favorable matchups in the coming weeks. That gives Schade both short-term upside for GW30 and longer-term potential for managers planning ahead.
With ownership barely above 1%, he represents a genuine differential capable of delivering a surprise double-digit haul.
Crysencio Summerville (£5.7m, 3.0% owned) – West Ham vs Manchester City (H)
Budget midfielders with attacking upside are gold in FPL, and Crysencio Summerville fits that description perfectly.
The West Ham midfielder is coming off an 11-point Gameweek 29, scoring the winner in a narrow victory.
Despite a difficult fixture against Manchester City on paper, Summerville’s direct style and ability to exploit space make him dangerous on the counterattack.
His 5 goals and 3 assists this season also show that he’s capable of delivering returns even in tougher matchups.
At just £5.7m, he’s an ideal enabler who still carries meaningful attacking potential — exactly the type of differential many FPL managers overlook.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is quietly enjoying a strong campaign and could be a powerful differential heading into Gameweek 30.
The Leeds striker has already scored 10 goals this season, ranking among the more productive forwards in the league.
More importantly, his underlying numbers suggest there may still be more returns to come. He has registered 22 big chances this season, indicating he’s consistently getting into dangerous scoring positions.
Leeds’ away fixture against Crystal Palace looks particularly appealing, making Calvert-Lewin a tempting pick for managers seeking a mid-priced forward with penalty potential and strong goal involvement.
Differentials can be risky, but they’re often the key to big rank jumps late in the season.
With strong fixtures and encouraging form, these four players could be exactly the type of low-owned assets that separate successful managers from the pack in Gameweek 30.
Are you backing any of these picks, or do you have a hidden gem of your own lined up for Gameweek 30? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
Barcelona winger hoping for bigger role in team amid several offers on the table
Roony Bardghji was a strategic signing made by FC Barcelona in the summer, roping him in for a minimal fee of only €2.5 million with an eye on the future.
The Swedish international’s positive impression during pre-season ensured that he immediately became a part of the first-team dynamics.
However, with Lamine Yamal being the permanent starter on the right flank, regular minutes were always going to be difficult.
Despite that, Bardghji made a good impression on the rare chances that he got in the team, but his situation has gotten a lot direr in recent weeks.
Bardghji wants more prominence
Now, according to SPORT, Bardghji approaches the final stretch of the season with a clear objective: to establish himself at Barcelona.
After a promising start, the Swedish international has gradually lost prominence in Flick’s rotations. Nevertheless, he hopes to receive more opportunities during the decisive weeks of the campaign, particularly as fatigue begins to affect some of the players.
Barcelona’s plan for Bardghji’s first season was essentially developmental: to adapt to the team and gradually grow in importance. That process progressed as expected until January, although his participation has declined since then.
What does the future hold for Bardghji? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
His most recent start came in January in a UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague. He has not played since February 28, when Flick gave him the final 18 minutes against Villarreal.
Plenty of interest, no shortage of commitment
Despite the lack of playing time, Bardghji has never wavered in his commitment to Barcelona. He rejected other offers in order to wear the Blaugrana shirt and made it clear when he signed that his intention was to remain with the first team rather than leave on loan.
Now, as per the report, several notable European clubs have already contacted Barcelona to inquire about him.
Two teams from the Portuguese top flight and at least one club from the Bundesliga have explored the possibility of a loan move that would give him a much larger role.
For the moment, Bardghji himself is not interested in that path. Everything may depend on how the remainder of the season unfolds, as he hopes to obtain more minutes during the closing phase.
Report: Liverpool set to battle Man United in the race to sign Premier League defender
Liverpool Join Race for Fulham Defender as Summer Plans Gather Pace
Liverpool’s season has carried a strange rhythm. Moments of quality, flashes of authority, yet a nagging sense that something is missing. As reported by Sports Boom, the club have already begun looking towards the next stage of their rebuild, and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has emerged as a serious target.
The interest signals a wider shift at Anfield. Recruitment is rarely isolated from the broader narrative surrounding a club. Liverpool are navigating a moment that feels transitional, a time when familiar pillars may depart and new ones must be built.
Robinson sits squarely within that conversation.
Photo IMAGO
Liverpool Tracking Fulham Standout
Fulham’s left back has developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League. His pace, stamina and willingness to surge forward have made him central to Marco Silva’s system.
Sports Boom report that Robinson has been described as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League”, a reputation built through consistent performances across several seasons.
Interest from Liverpool and Manchester United therefore comes as little surprise.
Yet the most intriguing detail in the report concerns the player’s preference. According to Sports Boom, the American international “would prioritise a move to Anfield over Old Trafford.”
Photo IMAGO
That stance could prove decisive if both clubs pursue the deal seriously. In the modern transfer market, personal preference often shapes negotiations as much as finances.
Robinson’s style appears compatible with Liverpool’s approach. He covers ground rapidly, delivers from wide areas and defends aggressively when required.
One figure familiar with the situation suggested the attraction is obvious.
“He plays with the sort of energy that supporters immediately connect with. Liverpool value that intensity.”
Defensive Restructure Taking Shape
Liverpool’s interest in Robinson also reflects uncertainty surrounding the current defensive unit.
Andy Robertson’s contract situation is approaching its natural conclusion. The veteran has served the club magnificently, yet the reality of football is relentless. Contracts expire and cycles evolve.
Photo IMAGO
Sports Boom note that Robertson is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, which would open a significant vacancy on the left side of defence.
Liverpool already moved decisively last summer by signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. Yet the possibility of another left back suggests the club want depth and competition in that area.
Robinson would provide experience and reliability, traits that are often undervalued until they disappear.
Wider Changes Expected at Anfield
The potential arrival of Robinson would sit within a broader defensive rebuild.
Liverpool have already secured the signing of Rennes centre back Jeremy Jacquet in a deal worth £60m. That move points towards a clear intention to refresh the defensive line.
Photo IMAGO
There are also uncertainties around other members of the squad. Both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have been linked with possible departures, developments that would force Liverpool to consider further additions.
The managerial situation could also influence recruitment decisions. Arne Slot’s future remains uncertain, and a change on the touchline would inevitably shape squad planning.
Photo IMAGO
Even without managerial upheaval, Liverpool’s direction feels clear. Recruitment is shifting towards players who combine Premier League experience with physical intensity.
Robinson fits that description neatly.
For Liverpool supporters, the coming summer promises movement. The club’s history shows that moments of transition can produce the next era of success.
Whether Robinson becomes part of that story may soon become clear.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Antonee Robinson has been quietly excellent for Fulham for years. Fans who watch the Premier League closely know exactly what he offers.
Liverpool’s left flank has been defined by Andy Robertson’s relentless running and aggression. Replacing that influence will never be simple. Robertson set a standard that few full backs can match.
Robinson, however, carries similar energy. His ability to cover the entire flank feels tailor made for the intensity Liverpool demand.
Supporters would also welcome the idea of healthy competition at left back. Kerkez is talented but still developing. Adding Robinson would create depth and ensure the team never becomes predictable down that side.
There is also a sense that Liverpool need fresh energy in defence generally. The squad has achieved extraordinary things over recent years but renewal is part of elite football.
If Robinson genuinely prefers Anfield, many fans would see that as a positive sign. Players who want to play for Liverpool tend to connect quickly with the club’s culture.
Supporters will ultimately judge the move on performances. Yet as a potential piece of Liverpool’s next defensive evolution, Robinson appears to tick many boxes.
Arne Slot provides Alexander Isak injury update ahead of Spurs clash
Liverpool Injury Update, Arne Slot Addresses Alexander Isak Recovery
Liverpool continue preparations for their Premier League clash with Tottenham at Anfield, yet much of the conversation around the club remains focused on the fitness of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has not featured for Liverpool since December, and supporters remain eager to see their record signing return to action.
Manager Arne Slot addressed the situation during his latest media briefing, offering clarity on the current stage of Isak’s recovery.
Isak Recovery Timeline Continues
Liverpool have had to adjust their attacking structure in recent months while waiting for Isak to regain fitness. The forward underwent surgery in December and has not yet returned to full training with the squad.
Slot confirmed that progress is ongoing, although the striker is still working separately from the main group at the AXA Training Centre.
The Liverpool manager said: “With the rehab team still and not with the team yet.”
That brief update signals that the Sweden international remains some distance from match readiness. While Liverpool’s attacking depth has helped soften the impact, the absence of Isak continues to shape discussion around the team’s forward line.
Isak arrived at Anfield with significant expectations. His pace, movement and finishing ability were widely viewed as qualities that could elevate Liverpool’s attack. Until his return, however, those qualities remain unavailable to Slot as the season moves toward its decisive stages.
Chiesa Fitness Boost Before Tottenham
Liverpool did receive a more encouraging update regarding Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger missed the recent Champions League trip to Istanbul because of illness, leaving the squad short of another attacking option.
Photo: IMAGO
Slot indicated that Chiesa’s recovery appears to be progressing well.
He said: “I expect he feels better now because he felt unwell the day before the game and I think we’re now three or four further ahead.”
The Liverpool head coach also suggested the winger could rejoin training immediately.
He added: “So, I think he’s able to train with us today again.”
Even if Chiesa does not start against Tottenham, his presence offers Liverpool additional flexibility in attack. The timing could prove helpful as Slot looks to maintain momentum in the Premier League after disappointment in Europe.
Liverpool Attack Adjusts Without Isak
Isak’s continued absence remains one of the defining injury stories of Liverpool’s season. Early projections suggested the striker might not return until the closing months of the campaign.
Sweden manager Graham Potter recently spoke about the situation while discussing international availability.
Potter said: “Right now we’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hopefully we can get some of those guys back.”
That timeframe hints at a potential return for Isak around early April, which would place him back into contention as Liverpool approach the final stretch of the season.
Until then, Liverpool must rely on the attacking contributions of players such as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. Their ability to provide goals and creativity may prove vital while the club waits for Isak to complete his recovery and rejoin the Liverpool squad.
Shotzi during an interview while still signed to WWE. - WWE
This past Tuesday, March 10, former WWE talent Shotzi Blackheart took to social media to share information about her brother, Dean Urbanski, being missing. In a now-deleted post, Shotzi explained that Urbanski had crashed his car near Fort Mason, California, and according to CCTV footage was seen leaving the scene of the crash on foot and might be confused or disoriented.
In a follow up post since then, Shotzi revealed that her brother has since been found and was taken to a hospital. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared the post, reached out, and helped spread the word. The support and kindness from so many people truly means the world to our family. Thank you all so much," Shotzi posted.
In the past, Shotzi spoke about her brother's involvement in her pro wrestling career, recalling how she was never a huge fan of wrestling but her brother was, and she'd often watch it with him or play the video games with him. Years later, she began watching WWE with her sister, who would joke about going into pro wrestling to be a valet, while Shotzi was the one who later seriously pursued it instead.
Back in 2021, Shotzi unfortunately lost her father, and penned an emotional post detailing her relationship with him. She expressed how lucky she was to have a great relationship with not just her biological father but her step-father. She also recalled how her father was the life of the party and often the organizer for holidays and getaways. Shotzi went on to recall how her father taught her many things across her life and expressed how she'll miss many moments with him.
France will wear a special edition pale blue shirt in Saturday's Six Nations game in Paris to mark 120 years of rivalry against England.
Given England play in white, the change has raised concerns over a possible kit clash.
A bonus-point win against Steve Borthwick's side will secure Les Bleus a record eighth Six Nations crown.
"Drawing directly from the history of the rivalry, the design of the match jersey - and its replica version - references the original light blue jersey worn by the French team in 1906 for their first fixture against England," said a French federation statement.
"The 1927 FFR logo adorned on the collection denotes the year of the French team's first victory against England, while the 'Tricolore' stripes are a nod to the French rugby kits of the late 80s and 90s, when adidas was the kit supplier of the federation."
Reports suggest England, who are aware of the possible kit clash, will stick to wearing their traditional white shirt.
France usually play in darker blue so wore their white away shirt in the 50-40 defeat in Edinburgh against Scotland last weekend.
The Six Nations no longer allows red and green shirts in the Wales v Ireland fixture because of the difficulty spectators who are colour blind would have telling the teams apart.
Wales wore a white shirt last weekend in Dublin, so that it looked light compared to the dark shirt of Ireland's green.
England defeated France in last year's Six Nations [Getty Images]
RB Ron Brown, Jr. The 2025 IFL Rookie of the Year, Brown returns to Arizona as a key member of the Rattlers offense. Brown was a Division II All-American at Shepherd University and spent time on NFL and CFL practice squads before breaking out with the Rattlers last season.
Fishers Freight
QB Felix Harper A former star at Alcorn State, Harper was the 2019 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. He has been a mainstay in the IFL the past few years, playing two seasons for the Bay Area Panthers and then splitting last season between the then-Massachusetts Pirates and the Freight. After joining the Freight last season, Harper impressed with his dual-threat ability, scoring 14 total touchdowns (seven rushing, seven passing) in just four games.
Green Bay Blizzard
K Andrew Mevis If the name sounds familiar it’s because Mevis is the older brother of former Missouri and current Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis. The older Mevis spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and in the UFL before joining the Blizzard in 2024. The elder Mevis was a third team All-American in 2021 while at Iowa State and led the IFL in extra point percentage (89.63) and field goal percentage (65.38) last season.
Iowa Barnstormers
LB Cecil Cherry A former elite high school recruit who originally signed with the University of Texas out of high school, Cherry has had a long, winding road to the IFL. He attended four different colleges, including Grambling and USF, before playing in the Spring League, the Fan Controlled Football League and the IFL. Cherry has deep family ties to the pro football world, including his godfather Ray Lewis, and his uncles Warren Sapp, Travis Henry and Alvin Harper. Cherry will be a key cog for the Barnstormers defense this season.
Jacksonville Sharks
QB James Cahoon Cahoon spent last season with the Iowa Barnstormers and was one of the league’s best rookie quarterbacks, throwing for 2,888 yards and 56 touchdowns. Cahoon, who also moonlights as a personal quarterback coach for several notable high school prospects and hosts a podcast, was a key acquisition for Jacksonville in the offseason.
New Mexico Chupacabras
QB Ja’Rome Johnson The 2024 IFL MVP and a member of Vegas’ 2025 championship team, Johnson comes into the season with big expectations. A star in college at Division II Bowie State where he won the 2019 CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, Johnson is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm as he showed by leading the league with 37 rushing touchdowns during his MVP season in 2024.
Northern Arizona Wranglers
DB Kieran Page One of the best defensive backs in the league, Page was a star on the Wranglers defense in 2025, leading the team with 66 tackles and five interceptions in just 12 games. His knack for interceptions, as well as playmaking ability with the ball in his hands, makes him one of the league’s most dynamic defensive players.
Orlando Pirates
QB Taulia Tagovailoa The younger brother of former first-round pick and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Taulia Tagovailoa will be playing in his third pro league after going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. After setting basically every major passing record at the University of Maryland, including the Big 10 record for passing yards in a career, the younger Tagovailoa started his career in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before playing in Europe for the Hamburg Sea Devils and then joining the IFL last season. The Pirates are loaded with several former college stars, including running back Pooka Williams (Kansas) and wide receiver Nyquan Murray (Florida State), so he should have plenty of weapons in Orlando.
Quad City Steamwheelers
WR Quian Williams Williams was far and away the best receiver in the IFL last season, capturing the IFL’s receiving triple crown with 93 receptions, 1,159 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns while playing for the Iowa Barnstormers. His move to Quad City was one of the biggest this offseason and he should provide an instant lift to the Steamwheelers offense.
San Antonio Gunslingers
DB Matt Elam A former first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, Elam has some of the most extensive NFL experience of any player currently in the IFL. After spending four years in the NFL, Elam has played in the CFL and UFL and played in the IFL on several different teams, most recently with San Diego Strike Force in 2025. Elam will lead a Gunslingers defense that also features former Missouri DT Terry Beckner in 2026.
San Diego Strike Force
DL Kurott Garland One of the most notable former college players to suit up in the IFL this season, Garland is back with San Diego after being one of the team’s best defensive players in 2025. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive lineman spent six years in college at the University of Tennessee, where he played in a then-school record 65 games. His experience in the SEC has only helped him in the IFL, where he’s a disruptive force in the middle of the Strike Force defense.
Tucson Sugar Skulls
WR Tamorrion Terry A star at Florida State who set the school record for receiving yards by a freshman in 2018, Terry has played for four different IFL teams, including finishing last season on Quad City. He figures to be a key part of the Sugar Skulls offense in 2026.
Tulsa Oilers
QB TJ Edwards III A well-known name in the indoor football world, Edwards was the 2023 IFL MVP while playing for the Frisco Fighters. That season showed what Edwards is capable of under center as he threw for 39 touchdowns and ran for a league-high for quarterbacks with 839 yards. Edwards is back in Tulsa for a second straight season, where he will lead the Oilers offense.
Vegas Knight Hawks
QB Jayden de Laura The former Pac-12 offensive freshman of the year at Washington State, de Laura already has an impressive IFL resume. In his first season with Vegas in 2025, he threw for 1,222 yards, 26 touchdowns and 2 interceptions while leading the team to a league championship and winning championship game MVP. De Laura and the Knight Hawks will be looking to repeat in 2026.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 9: A general view of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament at center court of the ASB GlassFloor LED court at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament in the T-Mobile Center on March 9, 2026 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Gonzales/Baylor Athletics)
Good morning.
Optional Musical Accompaniment
Vanderbilt basketball opens SEC Tournament play today and the opponent will be Tennessee, for the third time this season and the first time since… last Saturday in the regular season finale. Tennessee was the beneficiary of Auburn lighting itself on fire yesterday afternoon, and now, the Vols and Commodores will meet again at approximately 2:30 PM CT today on ESPN following the first game of the day between Kentucky and Florida.
While SEC play closes in basketball, SEC play opens in baseball, with Vanderbilt hosting LSU tonight at 6 PM CT on SEC Network+. Let’s see how that goes!
Men’s tennis hosts a doubleheader today against Auburn and Xavier, starting at 1. The women’s team visits Mississippi State at 3 PM.
And finally, bullying works.
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨 Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark tells @CBSSports the league is abandoning its LED glass floor and switching to hardwood overnight for the semifinals and title game the next two days. The coaches have agreed to the switch. Here's Yormark's statement. Story TK. pic.twitter.com/OprQjVwGkT
This was of course stupid all along, but we had to endure a bunch of sportswriters who secretly hate the sport telling us this was as much a part of the future as the Players Era Festival, and frankly: can people just stop making the future sound so fucking awful?
🚨 SAM ALTMAN: “We see a future where intelligence is a utility, like electricity or water, and people buy it from us on a meter.” pic.twitter.com/KuoMDp1upQ
The all-star games and the scouting combine have come and gone for those looking to make their NFL dreams come true. All they have left is their Pro Day workouts, and for some, it will be their once-in-a-lifetime chance to prove themselves during the draft process.
One of the Pro Day workouts taking place yesterday was at Clemson. A team that struggled at times last season, but remains loaded with talent for the 2026 NFL Draft. One of those players was wide receiver Antonio Williams, who was also seen chatting it up with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Keenan McCardell.
ACCNX broadcast shows Clemson slot WR Antonio Williams chopping it up with Vikings WR coach Keenan McCardell at pro day. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid says he could “definitely” see the Vikings being interested in Williams as a Day 2 pick pic.twitter.com/dysV5DaYKX
In the Summer, we did a scouting report on Williams, writing, "He has dealt with injuries and an offense that looks lost at times which leads me to believe he can be a better professional than he has shown to be as a college player. I really like his skillset to be maximized as a slot receiver in the NFL with some occasional outside usage. . .I think he can find his way onto a team in a smaller role before potentially earning a larger one."
With the departure of Jalen Nailor, Williams would be a fun addition to the receiving room and give them someone who can work anywhere they need.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Jaycee Horn #8 of the Carolina Panthers and Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns shake hands after the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl game between the AFC and the NFC at the Moscone Center South on February 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. The NFC won 66-52. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The legal tampering period of NFL free agency kicked off this past Monday, and the news surrounding the Cleveland Browns were fast and furious, with those moves then being confirmed when the official league year began at 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday. There are still moves to be made — likely on the lower end of the roster — leading up to the draft, but let’s take a look at the winners and losers associated with the Browns thus far.
Winners
The Browns’ Offensive Line: We knew the Browns had to overhaul their offensive line this offseason, and boy did they ever. The mixture of Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, a variety of centers, and Jack Conklin gave us some good memories, and the whole group felt like an extended aftermath of even the Joe Thomas era to a degree. Cleveland completely cut the cord this offseason, though, as none of those guys will return.
Instead of drafting replacements in free agency, they went out and traded for Tytus Howard, signed newcomers in Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and re-signed Tevin Jenkins. On paper, that represents four of the five starting offensive linemen, most of whom have flexibility of where they can be placed on the line. And, aside from Howard, they all have great durability, with a mixture of run and pass blocking strengths. Dawand Jones could take the final starting role, or the Browns could draft a left tackle with one of their first round picks. Either way, the offensive line is in much better shape than it was a season ago.
Punting Continuity: Special teams were a weakness last year, but that was more so the coverage units and coaching of Bubba Ventrone. The team tended their kicker and long snapper, but when free agency hit, P Corey Bojorquez was a free agent. No worries, though — he has re-signed with the Browns. Even though I’d consider it a down year for Bojorquez last year, we’ve seen was he’s capable of, and hopefully a new special teams coordinator can get him back to that.
Not Having to Face Maxx Crosby: Browns fans were close to fearing they’d have to deal with DE Maxx Crosby twice a year with the Baltimore Ravens. Now, it would have cost Baltimore two first round picks, so that would’ve hurt them a bit long-term, but still. Then, however, the news came out that the Ravens backed out of the trade, which has had them catch a lot of negative headlines across the league. They did end up signing DE Trey Hendrickson, but he stays within the division.
Shedeur Sanders: The Browns’ quarterback position could still evolve drastically between now and May, but for the moment, QB Shedeur Sanders is a winner for his standing in the quarterback draft room. We saw teams like the Arizona Cardinals add a veteran in Gardner Minshew, we saw the Jets trade for Geno Smith, we saw the Dolphins sign a big free agent like Malik Willis, we saw the Vikings go out and add Kyler Murray, and so on. But the Browns’ quarterback room has remained the same, increasing the odds that Sanders will get a crack at the starting role in 2026 (of course, there’s still the question of whether he’ll have to fight off Deshaun Watson).
Losers
Legacy Plays: Last year, we said goodbye to Nick Chubb. This year, it appears as though it’s goodbye to Joel Bitonio, David Njoku, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin, guys who have spent a significant part of their career with the team and played big roles in the community. There will be a lot of jerseys among the crowd that now represent former Browns instead of current Browns.
Tight End Weapons: Last year, Harold Fannin emerged as an incredible threat for Cleveland, and perhaps teams only really need one dynamic receiving threat at the position. After all, prior to Fannin, David Njoku was the line threat for so many years. Nonetheless, Cleveland signed Jack Stoll as one of their early free agents, but he is primarily a pass-blocking tight end. It seems to signal a bit of a shift in mentality, where you’ll have two tight end sets but only one of the guys running out will be that receiving threat.
Defensive End Depth: While not a major loss, one of two Browns free agents who signed elsewhere is DE Cameron Thomas. Thomas was a solid rotational player last year as the Browns’ fourth defensive end, finishing the year with a career high 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks. With DT Shelby Harris and DE Sam Kamara also currently free agents, the team could be looking to still add one lower-key signing on the defensive line.
The Wide Receiver Room? Even though the offensive line was bad last year, the wide receiver room was what everyone talked about as the biggest weakness and frustration on the team. The offensive line was addressed in free agency in a major way, but no additions have been made to the wide receiver room. I assume that sets us up for a first-round selection being used on one in the draft, but what if Todd Monken thinks he can get more out of the group he still has?
Over at FanDuel, we compared the odds of the Browns prior to the start of free agency, to how they are now. Despite the perceived improvements, Cleveland’s odds have actually taken a big hit downward, probably due to the perceived weakness of the quarterback position.
Browns Super Bowl odds pre-free agency: 125/1. Now, 250/1.
The Polish international is currently contracted to Arsenal, who sent him on loan to FC Porto for the current season in order to gain regular playing time.
His performances in Portugal have attracted significant attention, with the defender establishing himself as an important player during his spell with the club.
Juventus reignite transfer interest
According to Calciomercato, Juventus have now reignited their interest in signing Kiwior following his impressive displays.
The Bianconeri already possess one of the strongest defensive units in Serie A, but the club remain open to adjusting their squad at the end of the campaign.
Several players could depart in the summer, potentially creating space for new additions in defence. Lloyd Kelly is among the individuals who could leave the club once the season concludes.
If that happens, Juventus could look to strengthen their defensive options by bringing in Kiwior, whom they have admired for several years.
The report indicates that Juventus have been closely monitoring his progress in Portugal and views him as a player capable of improving their squad.
Porto option could complicate move
Kiwior’s current loan agreement includes an option for FC Porto to make the move permanent at the end of the season for a fixed fee.
This clause means that the Portuguese club have the first opportunity to secure his services on a long-term basis if they decide to activate the option.
Despite that situation, Juventus remain confident that a deal could still be arranged.
One possibility would involve waiting for Porto to complete a permanent transfer before attempting to negotiate a separate move for the defender.
Alternatively, Juventus could explore the possibility of signing him directly from Arsenal if the terms of the loan agreement allow room for another club to intervene.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the situation surrounding Kiwior is expected to attract increased attention, particularly if his strong performances in Portugal continue and further strengthen his reputation across European football.
Girona boss issues update on Barcelona loanee’s injury – ‘He’s off our radar’
The injury suffered by Marc-Andre ter Stegen during his loan spell has become an unexpected setback for both the player and Girona.
Notably, the German goalkeeper joined Girona during the January transfer window in search of regular playing time.
After spending long periods without consistent minutes at Barcelona, the move was seen as an opportunity for him to regain rhythm and strengthen his chances of being part of Germany’s squad for the upcoming World Cup this summer.
The diagnosis confirmed that the problem was significant enough to require surgery, forcing the goalkeeper to step away from action for a considerable period.
Ter Stegen underwent surgery. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Initial assessments suggest that the recovery process could keep him out for approximately two months.
The injury was a difficult moment for the experienced goalkeeper, who had decided to leave Barcelona temporarily in order to secure more playing time during a crucial stage of the season.
Michel’s response
Ahead of Girona’s upcoming La Liga match against Athletic Club, Michel was asked about the situation surrounding Ter Stegen and how it affects the team.
While addressing the topic during his press conference, the Girona manager explained,
“Right now, I don’t know how his recovery is going. We spoke after the surgery, and he’s recovering in Barcelona.
“He’s asked to come here at some point, but I don’t know the status of his injury or his recovery. Everything went well.
“He’s an injured player who’s off our radar. That’s why I don’t have any information about his recovery,” he admitted.
FT. MYERS, FL - MARCH 13: A general view as the sun rises during a Boston Red Sox spring training team workout on March 13, 2022 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning! The Red Sox did something yesterday they hadn’t done in a few weeks: they signed someone to the big league roster. Left-handed middle relief had been one of the weakest spots on the team — and given Danny Coulombe’s injury history and age, you could say it still is. But he undeniably fits a need.
So with Coulombe on board, is there anything else you’d like to the Sox to do with the roster before the season starts? Is there another free agent reliever or bench bat you’d like to see? Still hoping for a trade of one of the outfielders? Talk about roster needs and whatever else you want, and, as always, be good to one another.
During the 2025-26 season, college basketball continued to see its TV ratings surge. On3 tracked the Top 10 most-watched men’s games of the year, and two games stood above the rest of the field.
Viewership was up across all networks with household viewership up 10% from last year, Nielsen said. FOX saw its best men’s college basketball season yet with a 38% increase while CBS had a 10% uptick from last season. ESPN also said its viewership was up 25% year-over-year, fueled by its best-ever “Big Monday” season.
On3 tracked TV ratings for the most-watched men’s college basketball games of the year, according to obtained Nielsen Big Data + Panel data and figures from network PR. Here is the full Top 10, as well as more top men’s college basketball games from the 2025-26 season.
Duke vs. Arkansas
Date/Time: Nov. 27, 8:15 p.m. ET Channel: CBS Viewers: 6.8 million
One of two college basketball games to capitalize on Thanksgiving, Duke’s win over Arkansas was the most-watched matchup of the 2025-26 season. An average of 6.8 million people tuned in for the Blue Devils’ victory, which had a tip-off time following the record-setting NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys.
Date/Time: Nov. 27, 4:30 p.m. ET Channel: FOX Viewers: 6.5 million
Earlier on Thanksgiving, before Duke-Arkansas, Michigan State’s victory over North Carolina ranked as the second-most watched men’s college basketball game with 6.5 million viewers on FOX. It followed the Green Bay Packers’ Thanksgiving win over the Detroit Lions, which averaged 47.7 million viewers – thus providing a strong lead-in.
Duke vs. Michigan
Date/Time: Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. ET Channel: ESPN Viewers: 4.3 million
A highly anticipated matchup between the No. 1 and No. 3-ranked teams did not disappoint while anchoring a full day of games on ESPN. Duke’s neutral-site win over Michigan averaged 4.3 million viewers in ESPN’s most-watched game of the year as the Blue Devils took down the Wolverines on a neutral court.
Duke vs. North Carolina
Date/Time: Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. ET Channel: ESPN Viewers: 3.5 million
In their first showdown of the year, North Carolina took down Duke in a big TV ratings win for ESPN. An average of 3.5 million viewers tuned in as Seth Trimble’s last-second shot sent the Tar Heels to the victory, which marked the network’s best game in four years.
Date/Time: March 7, 6:30 p.m. ET Channel: ESPN Viewers: 3.4 million
The rematch between Duke and North Carolina, this time at Cameron Indoor Stadium, drew top-five TV ratings this men’s college basketball season. The Blue Devils’ win over the Tar Heels drew 3.4 million viewers, just trailing the first game of the year between the two teams.
Michigan State vs. Michigan
Date/Time: March 8, 4:30 p.m. ET Channel: CBS Viewers: 2.90 million
The season finale between Michigan State and Michigan saw the Wolverines complete the season sweep of the Spartans with a 90-80 win at Crisler Center. It was also a big TV ratings win for CBS with 2.90 million viewers tuning in to the matchup to close out the regular season.
Maryland vs. UCLA
Date/Time: Jan. 10, 8 p.m. ET Channel: FOX Viewers: 2.86 million
At 2.9 million viewers, UCLA’s win over Maryland also followed an NFL game – the NFC Wild Card Round game between the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers on FOX, which averaged 28 million. As a result, the Bruins’ victory became one of the most-watched men’s college basketball games of the season.
Date/Time: Jan. 30, 8 p.m. ET Channel: FOX Viewers: 2.8 million
The rivalry tilt between Michigan and Michigan State became FOX’s most-watched College Basketball Friday game ever, the network said. An average of 2.8 million viewers tuned in for the storyline-filled showdown, which saw the Wolverines get the win before a raucous crowd at Breslin Center in East Lansing.
Arizona vs. Houston
Date/Time: Feb. 21, 3 p.m. ET Channel: ABC Viewers: 2.448 million
Part of a monster day of college basketball, No. 2 Houston welcomed No. 4 Arizona in a pivotal Big 12 showdown Feb. 21. The Wildcats ultimately came out on top in front of an average of 2.4 million viewers on ABC, which also stood as the network’s top men’s game of the year.
Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Date/Time: Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. ET Channel: ESPN Viewers: 2.39 million
After John Calipari took down his former team last year, Kentucky repaid the favor Jan. 31. The Wildcats beat Arkansas in Fayetteville as 2.4 million people watched on average, sitting just outside the Top 5 most-watched men’s college basketball games of the year.
More select college basketball TV ratings
Includes available data from network PR and Nielsen Big Data + Panel figures obtained by On3.
Michigan vs. Illinois (Feb. 27, 8 p.m. ET, FOX) – 2.16 million BYU vs. Kansas (Jan. 31, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 2.11 million Wisconsin vs. Michigan (Jan. 10, 1 p.m. ET, CBS) – 2.02 million Indiana vs. Kentucky (Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.96 million Houston vs. Kansas (Feb. 23, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.95 million Illinois vs. Michigan State (Feb. 7, 8 p.m. ET, FOX) – 1.945 million Ohio State vs. Michigan (Jan. 23, 8 p.m. ET, FOX) – 1.90 million Kansas vs. Duke (Nov. 18, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.87 million Kentucky vs. Auburn (Feb. 21, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.85 million Kentucky vs. Florida (March 7, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.84 million Michigan State vs. Indiana (March 1, 4 pm ET, CBS) – 1.83 million Arizona vs. Kansas (Feb. 9, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.82 million Florida vs. Kentucky (Feb. 14, 3 p.m. ET, ABC) – 1.82 million Tennessee vs. Kentucky (Feb. 7, 8:50 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.79 million Duke vs. Michigan State (Dec. 6, Noon ET, FOX) – 1.782 million Arizona vs. Kansas (Feb. 9, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.780 million Florida vs. Duke (Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) – 1.75 million
The college basketball regular season is officially in the books, but the sport will look to continue its TV ratings surge through March Madness. Selection Sunday is scheduled for March 15 with the First Four then starting March 17.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) celebrates with Trent McDuffie (22) after recovering a muffed punt against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When the Los Angeles Rams made the move for Trent McDuffie, it’s understandable that Jaylen Watson may have been happy for his friend and Kansas City Chiefs teammate, but it also indicated to Watson that he would not be landing with the Rams because how could the Rams afford both desired cornerbacks in the same free agency cycle?
Well, the Rams pulled it off, and they reunited McDuffie and Watson, and the objective is clear: We got to the NFC Championship last year, let’s tool up and get further this time.
It’s one of the most exciting times to be a fan of the Los Angeles Rams, and there’s been plenty to be excited about since Sean McVay arrived in L.A.
Watson and McDuffie completed their intro press conferences, and you check that below, but it was clear to both players that they are here to make this team better, and this team was already pretty good. Pressure is on.
Thank you for checking out Turf Show Times, and happy Friday the 13th!
“Even after signing McDuffie to a $124 million contract, the Rams gave Watson $51 million for three years. That’s a total commitment of $175 million to the two former Chiefs cornerbacks, plus the $13.6 million McDuffie will earn on the fifth-year option in 2026.
Watson and McDuffie paired well in Kansas City, with Watson being a big, physical 6-foot-2 corner and McDuffie being the shorter, quicker defensive back who can line up anywhere. They hope to keep things rolling for the Rams this year, continuing all that they built together in Kansas City.“
““Just like I told [head coach] Sean McVay, just like I told [defensive coordinator] Chris Shula, like I told [defensive backs coach] Jimmy Lake, it doesn’t matter where you put me. I’ll play safety. I’ll put my hand in the dirt if I have to. I hope I don’t have to, but truly I’m out here wanting to play ball,” McDuffie said. “No matter where you put me, I’m going to work day in and day out to make sure that I do my job at a very high level. That’s the guy you’re getting. Whether I’m nickel, whether I’m at corner, no matter what it is, I want to make sure that when I step on that field, you’re going to get the best of me.”
“McDuffie spoke with the media for the first time on Thursday and he revealed that Nacua was the first person to call him after news of the trade broke. He says Nacua screamed at the top of his lungs on the phone, struggling to contain his excitement.
“I mean – the questions don’t make sense in either direction on Tutu…Why give him money for how you plan to use him – they KNEW who he was…but also – if he WAS a great option, what would ever make his usage so insignificant? What would be the reasoning from McVay for failing to gameplan for him even a little bit. My guess to #2 is that he either A was disappointing – but they had several years of data, or B he was battling injury all last year?”-Dr.Ram
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium (kick-off 20:00).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Guardiola tried to brush past questions on the 3-0 loss against Real Madrid: "We are used to these kind of situations. So, next one..."
On his team selections: "We won or lose against Madrid? We lost, so it was a bad selection. We won or lose at Newcastle? So the selection was good. All the time we are making decisions and I think a lot about what is best for the team."
He added: "There is a lot of travel. We can't play the same XI. I am not thinking about what we have won. My mind is West Ham. I understand you ask about Madrid but I focus on West Ham and Nuno."
He says everything is fine with Erling Haaland for Saturday's game.
When asked about balancing West Ham and being ready for Real Madrid he said: "Every game is important, my focus is West Ham. I've been massacred on decisions and what happened. It's not my first time. I can argue the decision on the team selection. I will not convince you because we lost. If the argument was before, I could understand. But it's not about... What was the question?"
On Premier League sides not performing well in the Champions League at the moment: "Before England was the best league in the world, we were the best but after what happened in midweek we are not. I am sure we are an incredible league. In this, it is a one off game... We could do better."
After being asked again about the Madrid loss he said: "My opinion is not going to change. In the first half before the goal, we played exceptionally, we were a threat. Then the goals come and the quality of Valverde it was a completely different game."
He looked to avoid discussing Real Madrid again after being asked about overcoming the deficit against: "West Ham. I will think after that. Play the game we have to play that will dictate it. We will see on Tuesday. The league is the most difficult title."
When asked about West Ham being "desperate for points" this weekend he said: "We are desperate too."
On Antoine Semenyo being named Premier League Player of the Month for February: "I'm so happy for him, an incredible guy, he deserves it. I'm so happy for him!"
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 12: Zoom Diallo #5 of the Washington Huskies celebrates with teammates against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half during the third round of the 2026 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 12, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning Husky fans! The Husky men lost a heartbreaker to Wisconsin yesterday in the Big Ten Tournament, despite a furious comeback in the second half. We have that and more in the Dots today!
Basketball Dots
Our own Raymond Lucas Jr. has a recap on the Huskies’ valiant effort at the United Center, that was ultimately unsuccessful.
With the women’s bracket also being announced Sunday, ESPN’s Charlie Creme has the Husky women going to Baton Rouge on the 7 line.
Football Dots
College Football National Champion, Gus Malzahn, will be speaking at our 2026 Coaches Clinic.
And Say Who, Say Pod welcomes special guest Brandon Huffman from Rivals.
Athletics Dots
Andy Yamashita has a profile on former Husky distance runner Nathan Green, who has set his sights on the World Indoor Championships in Poland next week.
This is a game that’s very near and dear to my heart, and I’m going to tell you why. For the 3 prior seasons, Stanford won all 3 meetings, proving that they were in the upper echelon of the conference. And they did it with an established identity, pounding the rock with a pro style attack that at the time seemed inevitable and invincible. But in 2016, it was the Huskies who imposed their will on that Friday night on Montlake. 210 passing yards and 214 rushing yards are all well and good, but to me, the fact that the Huskies held Christian McCaffrey, perhaps the best all around running back since Marshall Faulk, to only 79 total yards across rushing and receiving, stands out even more, as the Huskies rolled to an easy 44-6 victory! Psalm Wooching led the way with 3 sacks, and Vita Vea forced a fumble to round out a fantastic defensive effort!
That’s all for today, so thank you very much for making Dots a part of your morning and as always, Go Dawgs!
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Heston Kjerstad #13 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 11, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Things are getting real, people. The Orioles’ 2026 season begins in just under two weeks, with a home opener against Minnesota on March 26th. The spring has had its fun and games, but it’s nearing time to make final roster cuts. With that, let’s summarize what we’ve learned, with an eye to roster decisions.
Some position groups remain more open-ended than others. Take the starters, for instance. Often a category that’s slim pickings for the Orioles, of late, the front office has opted for starter quantity, if not to say over quality. The list of projected locks to make the rotation stands at five: Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Dean Kremer, all of whom have looked strong this spring.
You might have had Zach Eflin, signed to a one-year free agent deal in November, on that list, but according to MASN’s Roch Kubatko, Eflin is getting more time to build up his innings before the joining the active roster. That’s fine; with the righty fresh off back surgery last season and memories of copious pitching injuries last season still vivid, it’s OK to let Eflin work his way back to the rotation.
The only question marks here appear to be Cade Povich, and whether the O’s will go with a six-man, or a five-man outfit. The rookie is having a nice spring, with a 1.59 ERA in 5.2 innings tossed so far, and he’ll get one more start against Philadelphia in Clearwater, but odds are he’ll be in the bullpen or start the season in Norfolk. As for the five- or six-man question, the skipper is keeping mum so far, but keeps saying that a surfeit of resources is a “nice problem to have.”
The Orioles bullpen looks like its usual hodgepodge of random names. The locks appear to be closer Ryan Helsley, Yennier Cano, Tyler Wells, Keegan Akin, Rico Garcia, Grant Wolfram, and maybe Yaramil Hiraldo. It’s weird that the last three are now sort-of veterans on the team, but all have been spotless so far this spring, and are benefiting from the temporary absence of Andrew Kittredge, out with shoulder inflammation. Who else? Lefty Dietrich Enns has a lousy 18.90 ERA so far, but at least he’s continuing to strike guys out (6 in 3.1 spring IP), so after his revelatory 2025, it looks like he’ll be on the list, too.
That leaves, on the outside looking in, Jose Espada, Jackson Kowar, Cameron Foster, Anthony Nunez, and Albert Suárez. Shoulder troubles married Suárez’s 2025 season, and in three spring training tries he’s laid an egg once, allowing seven runs to the Cards, but with his long track record, expect him to be a part of the bullpen picture going forward. José Espada, 29, a journeyman now playing for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, remains interesting after three scoreless innings this spring. Jackson Kowar, acquired from the Twins for cash in February, could end up a roster crunch as he doesn’t have any options remaining. Newcomers Cameron Foster and Anthony Nunez were optioned on Sunday, but it looks like they will be considerations, too.
Turning to the infield, there’s not much to say at catcher. Maverick Handley and Sam Huff will serve as depth, unless a need arises behind Samuel Basallo or Adley Rutschman (it’d better not).
Beyond the backstop, things get interesting. If we plan on six infielders, it seems clear that the list will include at least Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Coby Mayo, Ryan Mountcastle, and Blaze Alexander. That’s five. Injuries to second baseman Jackson Holliday and third baseman Jordan Westburg have opened up spots for Mountcastle and Mayo, the latter—who knew!—at third. And while Mayo isn’t likely to win a Gold Glove at the hot corner, the bat looks good (.500 BA in 26 spring AB’s), so he’ll keep the spot warm until Westburg gets back.
That’s one more infield spot left for a rando (excuse my language). Under consideration, we have Jeremiah Jackson, Thairo Estrada, Luis Vázquez, Bryan Ramos, Willy Vasquez, José Barrero, and Weston Wilson. Jackson, who has played some right field, would seem to have the edge as a utility guy who can back up in the outfield (same for Alexander). Luiz Vázquez, off playing for Team Puerto Rico, isn’t on the 40-man, but he did a nice job in the field in 21 games last season.
Lastly, the outfield. With five spots to fill, the lineup seems set here: Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward, and Leody Taveras. Beavers and Cowser remain exciting youngsters worthy of playing time; Ward and O’Neill have contracts, and Taveras, 27, has positional versatility in his 11th (wow!) professional season.
That seems to leave no room for Heston Kjerstad, Enrique Bradfield Jr, or Jhonkensy Noel. Not a surprise for Bradfield, who just reached Triple-A at the end of last season and didn’t hit much in spring training (1-for-9). Noel, 24, had a nice spring (.375 BA and .882 OPS in 16 AB’s), but the O’s can use more time to check out what the former Cleveland farmhand brings to the table. As for a finally healthy-seeming Kjerstad, he finally showed us his big-boy bat, with an .823 OPS and four extra-base hits in 30 AB’s. I’m thrilled for him, but he’ll likely start in Norfolk and get the chance to hit his way back to the majors.
That should do it. Really, surveying the state of things, what we’re talking about are less roster battles than roster crunches. How will Albernaz mix-and-match six or seven potential starters? Will guys like Cade Povich, Tyler Wells, and Albert Suárez serve as long men or more orthodox relievers? Will lesser-known names like José Espada and Jhonkensy Noel get playing time? More is merrier, it seems, when it comes to roster design. Hopefully this plays out well this season.
You snooze, you lose. I had previously drafted up one of my bold predictions this week to be “Miami (Ohio) loses before the Finals of the MAC tournament.” Well, before I could finish the full article and get it posted, they had already lost in the first game of the Quarterfinals to UMass. So now I have to find another. Conference Tournament weekend moves fast! Here are the bold predictions for the College Basketball conference tournaments.
Kansas wins the Big 12 tournament with a full-go Darryn Peterson
Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) during a break in play during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Darryn Peterson must have seen what the internet was saying about him. He’s played at least 29 minutes in the last 5 games, and he’s also upped his assist and rebounding numbers. When he’s in the lineup, this Jayhawks squad can beat anyone, and that’s exactly what I predict for them this weekend.
Miami wins the ACC Tournament for the first time in over a decade
The Hurricanes are playing some good basketball right now, and the two “boogeymen” of the ACC, Duke and North Carolina, are limping in with major injury concerns. A victory over Virginia on Friday would put the Canes one game away from a monumental accomplishment in Jai Lucas’ first season as head coach.
The Atlantic 10 has a dream scenario and gets 3 teams in the NCAA Tournament
Nov 28, 2025; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Dayton Flyers head coach Anthony Grant reacts after a call against the Brigham Young University Cougars in the first half during the ESPN Events Invitational at State Farm Field House. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
This is not all that far-fetched of an idea, so hear me out: Saint Louis will be dancing no matter what happens this weekend, and all of the other losses by bubble teams have put VCU in a solid position to earn an at-large berth as well. So, all that we need to happen is for someone else to win the tournament. My nominee: the 4-seeded Dayton Flyers. This team is talented and coming in winners of 6 of their last 7, and this would be the perfect time for Anthony Grant to finally win his first A10 tournament as head coach of the Flyers.
UConn wins every game by double digits to showcase their dominance in the Garden
The UConn Huskies have been one of the least impressive top-10 teams on a game-by-game basis this season. We know they’re good, but they haven’t played well on a nightly basis. With a loss to Marquette to wrap up the regular season, I think Danny Hurley has enough reason to wake this team up and command their best this week and show the rest of the conference that it’s the Huskies who run the Big East.
Purdue makes it to the finale of the Big Ten gauntlet
Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) shoots a free throw against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Thanks to finishing 7th in the league in the regular season, the Boilermakers are in a position where they have to win 4 games in 4 days to cut down the nets. My prediction is that they get at least 3. They match up really well with their half of the bracket, and seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn have plenty of motivation to go out on top. Will they win it all? I like their chances as long as someone else knocks off Michigan.
Wilson senior Keagan Eisenhofer finished fifth in the boys Class 3A 100 yard breaststroke on Thursday at the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships at Bucknell University in Lewisburg.
Eisenhofer’s time was 55.07 with La Salle College’s Kyle Spaman winning in 53.83.
In the meet’s final event, Wilson placed seventh in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:08.50. Souderton won in 3:04.09.
Wilson finished seventh in the team standings with 105 points with North Allegheny winning with 227 points. Chambersburg, with 139, was the only District 3 team to finish ahead of the Bulldogs.
In the girls meet, Wilson took fifth in the 400 freestyle relay in 3:29.73 with State College winning in 3:24.98.
Wilson tied for sixth in the team standings with Cumberland Valley, 125 for each, with Upper Dublin winning with 257 points.
The Class 2A meet is Friday and Saturday.
PIAA Class 3A Boys Swimming Results
(Day 2, Thursday at Bucknell University)
100 Freestyle: 1. Nazar Zoukovski, Upper St. Clair, 44.19; 2. Dom Davis, Mars, 44.64; 3. Ben Whiteford, Upper St. Clair, 44.80; 4. Jack Martin, Ephrata, 44.92; 5. Ryan Christie, Souderton, 45.06; 6. Zachary Totin, North Allegheny, 45.36; 7. Wyatt Boland, Cumberland Valley, 45.71; 8. Alex Kaczmark, Chambersburg, 45.77.
500 Freestyle: 1. Reed Harris, Wissahickon, 4:22.43; 2. Kyle Burk, Avon Grove, 4:23.91; 3. Cinco Perez, Pittsburgh C.C., 4:24.61; 4. Cullen McGraw, Chambersburg, 4:32.65; 5. Dominic Faenza, Parkland, 4:33.26; 6. Jackson Ross, North Allegheny, 4:33.53; 7. Thomas Westerman, Franklin Regional, 4:36.43; 8. Wyatt Stetor, Peters Township, 4:38.16.
100 Backstroke: 1. Grant Fleming, Unionville, 47.24; 2. Joey Curcio, LaSalle College, 47.53; 3. Brody Reber, Warwick, 47.56; 4. Ben Whiteford, Upper St. Clair, 48.06; 5. Danny Lesinski, North Allegheny, 48.13; 6. Jackson Edwards, Bethel Park, 48.73; 7. Owen Sarbak, Erie McDowell, 49.10; 8. Aaron Neville, Garnet Valley, 50.29.
100 Breaststroke:– 1. Kyle Spaman, LaSalle College, 53.83; 2. Evan Summers, Williamsport, 54.25; 3. Adam Barlow, Bethlehem Liberty, 54.68; 4. Kelly Sommer, Methacton, 54.84; 5. Keagan Eisenhofer, Wilson (D-3), 55.07; 6. Chris Heese, Latrobe, 55.17; 7. Gavin Tran, Hershey, 55.34; 8. Luke Sullivan, Upper Dublin, 55.93.
400 Freestyle Relay: 1. Souderton (Kelly Moody, Nathan Kleppinger, Jack Bollinger, Ryan Christie), 3:04.09; 2. LaSalle College, 3:04.36;3. Chambersburg, 3:05.56; 4. North Allegheny, 3:05.63; 5. Cumberland Valley, 3:06.04; 6. Parkland, 3:07.17; 7. Wilson (D-3), 3:08.50; 8. Peters Township, 3:09.63.
Team Scores: 1. North Allegheny 227, 2. LaSalle College 190, 3. Upper St. Clair 144, 4.Chambersburg 139, 5. Parkland 130, 6. Upper Dublin 108, 7. Wilson (D-3) 105, 8. Souderton 104, 9. Peters Township 73, 10. Cumberland Valley 63.
Swimmer of the Meet: Reed Harris, Wissahickon.
PIAA Class 3A Girls Swimming and Diving Results
(Day 2, Thursday at Bucknell University)
100 Freestyle: 1. Molly Workman, State College, 48.48; 2. Ava Komoroski, Peters Township, 50.54; 3. Brynn Lewis, Phoenixville, 50.61; 4. Morgan Peterson, Penncrest, 50.99; 5. Vikki Williams, Upper Dublin, 51.21; 6. Grace Petrakis, Central Bucks East, 51.32; 7. Katie Potts-Drew, Lower Merion, 51.64; 8. Alicia Taylor, Upper Dublin, 51.79.
500 Freestyle: 1. Claire Bacu, North Allegheny, 4:51.34; 2. Ellie Lange, Fox Chapel, 4:51.82; 3. Caroline Whitney, Haverford, 4:54.04; 4. Elizabeth McNamara, Downingtown West, 4:54.87; 5. Julia Tengowski, North Allegheny, 4:57.62; 6. Morgan Harlan, Downingtown West, 5:00.38; 7. Casey Braun, Upper Dublin, 5:00.99; 8. Mary Boone, Cumberland Valley, 5:01.22.
100 Backstroke: 1. Delaney O’Toole, Fox Chapel, 54.15; 2. Addyson Despeaux, Springfield Delco, 55.02; 3. Addison Buckman, Cumberland Valley, 55.42; 4. Sydney Labaugh, Parkland, 55.59; 5. Alice Lake, Radnor, 55.97; 6. Ruby Tucker, Abington, 56.00; 7. Claire Roussakis, West Chester Rustin, 56.25; 8. Avery Kestterson, Hershey, 56.31.
100 Breaststroke: 1. Sophia Sileo-Magliari, Upper Dublin, 1:00.67; 2. Kelsey McPeek, Parkland, 1:01.89; 3. Cami Schwartz, Manheim Township, 1:02.95; 4. Alyssa Auwarter, Upper Dublin, 1:03.51; 5. Maddie Shapiro, Upper Dublin, 1:04.54; 6. Maisey Shaffer, Central Bucks West, 1:04.65; 7. Morgan Goldcamp, Souderton, 1:05.04; 8. Anna Majewski, Central Bucks West, 1:05.25.
400 Freestyle Relay: 1. State College (Isla Reite, Gabby Siekman, Ellen Woodruff, Molly Workman), 3:24.98; 2. Fox Chapel, 3:25.04; 3. North Allegheny, 3:26.55; 4. Upper Dublin, 3:28.17; 5. Wilson (D-3), 3:29.73; 6. Cumberland Valley, 3:30.36; 7. Lower Merion, 3:30.76; 8. Radnor, 3:33.24.
Diving: 1. Hayden Taylor, Bethlehem Freedom, 569.45; 2. Maggie Lapina, North Allegheny, 494.70; 3. Marin Raible, Mars, 441.50; 4. Ali Waters, Seneca Valley, 452.40; 5. Julianna Yaglenski, Souderton, 438.65; 6. Layla Boghdadi, Owen J. Roberts, 412.90; 7. Taliya Tyree, Northern York, 404.55; 8. Mattie Boone, Cumberland Valley, 403.35.
Team Scores: 1. Upper Dublin 257, 2. North Allegheny 225, 3. Fox Chapel 150, 4. State College 149, 5. Parkland 129, 6. (tie) Wilson (D-3) 125, Cumberland Valley 125, 8. Lower Merion 79, 9. (tie) Central Bucks East 72, Downingtown West 72, Radnor 72.
Swimmer of the Meet: Molly Workman, State College.
NEW DELHI: Dinesh Karthik, the mentor and batting coach of the London Spirit men's team for the 2026 season of The Hundred, described uncapped England all-rounder James Coles as possessing "rare" skill sets, which is why he attracted so much interest during the auction.
The 21-year-old was roped in by London Spirit for a whopping £390,000 after a fierce bidding war between five franchises.
"First up with the bat, I think for the first time he is able to bat anywhere between 4, 5 and 6. At times he has been very good at 3 as well, so we have definitely looked at that aspect. He is a gun left-hander, someone involved in the powerplay and someone who has shown incredible skills with the ball. The fact that not too many of those skill sets exist in the UK tempted us to go strongly towards him," said Karthik after the auction.
Coles was part of the England squad for the 2022 U-19 World Cup and was recently included in the England Lions squad for the tour of Australia in January 2025. He made his county debut as a 16 year old at Sussex County Cricket Club, where he became the club's youngest ever debutant in 2020.
In the County Championship last season, he scored 1,032 runs, including four centuries, at an average of 47 and added 20 wickets, while also proving to be a safe pair of hands with 19 catches, most of them at second slip, a position in which he has excelled.
Coles' record in the T20 Blast last season was equally impressive. He scored 397 runs at an average of 33 and took 10 wickets at an economy rate of just over nine.
But it was in the SA20 where the talented youngster caught everyone's attention. Playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, he amassed 152 runs at a strike rate of 170.78 and picked up five wickets with his left arm spin.
"For a start we were getting dry right at the end there. I do not think there was too much to say, but he has been someone who has had a great upward curve. You could see walking into the auction that he would be one of the most sought after players," said Karthik.
"Mo [Mo Bobat, Spirit director of cricket] and I have worked with him with England Lions and I have really enjoyed working with him as a player.
"We have had our eyes on him for some time now. He has always been a part of our plan and the fact that he has done so well in the recent past shows why teams really wanted him. We were very keen on him and we are very happy we got him," he said.
Coles is the fourth most expensive player recruited by Hundred sides this year. England's Jofra Archer (£400,000), Phil Salt (£450,000) and Harry Brook (£465,000) were signed before the auction by Southern Brave, Welsh Fire and Sunrisers Leeds respectively.
When asked whether the heavy price tag would put pressure on the youngster, Karthik replied: "For starters, we know his personality and because we know him quite intimately over a period of time from working with him, we back his skill sets.
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"We also back the person that he is. He is a very sorted kid, someone who does not get too carried away or too frustrated. Yes, there is a high price, but at some point in life when you do well, you have to deal with it.
"I think he is at a stage where he is ready to deal with it because he seems to be someone who has shown a lot of growth in the recent past. The way he speaks, the way he has played in franchise leagues and the way we have observed him over a period of time suggests that his graph will only go up. He is definitely a future prospect for England, if not immediately then in the near future. To back somebody like him is quite a good achievement for us."
Don't worry, Patriots fans: There's a decent chance A.J. Brown still lands in New England.
The recent signing of Romeo Doubs has led some to wonder whether the Patriots would end their pursuit of a trade for Brown, whose days with the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly are numbered. However, insider Mike Giardi reported that people around the NFL still expect the Patriots to trade for Brown, potentially after Philly's asking price drops in June.
"Talking to people in the league, who work for teams, they all think A.J. Brown is going to end up in New England," Giardi said during a recent NBC Sports Boston "Early Edition" episode. "How about a (second- and fourth-round pick)? I think it's eventually going to get done."
Brown obviously would be a huge get for the Patriots.
He remains one of the NFL's best receivers despite having a lengthy injury history. Brown's mercurial personality is somewhat concerning, but it's fair to assume that head coach Mike Vrabel knows how to handle him, given their time together with the Tennessee Titans.
In 15 games last season, Brown posted seven catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in six of his first seven NFL campaigns.
We are now a few days into free agency, so let's take an updated look at the Indianapolis Colts' current depth chart on defense.
The three outside signings made by GM Chris Ballard have all come on the defensive side of the ball, specifically up front. The Colts have added defensive ends Arden Key and Micheal Clemons, along with defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.
However, as the depth chart below illustrates, there is still a lot of work to be done on defense between what's left of free agency and the NFL draft.
Colts' defensive line end depth chart
Laiatu Latu
JT Tuimoloau
Arden Key
Micheal Clemons
Durell Nchami
Villiami Fehoko Jr.
Ballard has bolstered the Colts' rotational depth at this position. Key seems to be a natural replacement for Samson Ebukam, while Clemons will replace Lewis and his role. However, more work still has to be done here. Ideally, whether it be in free agency or in the draft, Ballard adds another high-impact presence to pair with Latu.
Colts' defensive tackle depth chart
DeForest Buckner
Grover Stewart
Colby Wooden
Adetomiwa Adebawore
Derrick Nnadi
Tim Smith
In his introductory press conference, Wooden discussed his role with the Colts. Unlike in Green Bay last season, he will not be at nose tackle but will be more of a 3-technique. Numbers are still needed at this position for training camp, and ideally, some added competition for playing time. It's also important to note that none of these players are under contract in 2027. The prudent thing to do on Ballard's part would be to bring in some longer-term options.
Colts linebacker depth chart
Jaylon Carlies
Austin Ajiake
Devin Versuk
Joseph Vaughn
John Bullock
Linebacker is a massive need. Carlies is currently the most experienced player at this position with 242 career defensive snaps. Versuk and Vaughn have none at the NFL level.
Colts cornerback depth chart
Sauce Gardner
Charvarius Ward
Kenny Moore
Justin Walley
Mekhi Blackmon
Jaylon Jones
Johnathan Edwards
Robert Carter Jr.
Wyett Ekeler
A very strong position group. The Colts have a mixture of high-end talent, veteran experience, and younger, high upside potential. Once fully healthy, this unit could be quite good.
Colts safety depth chart
Cam Bynum
Hunter Wohler
Daniel Scott
Trey Washington
Reuben Lowrey
Ben Nikkel
With Nick Cross now in Washington, the starting role next to Cam Bynum is available. Hunter Wohler could be an option on the roster to take over, but banking on a former seventh-round pick who missed his entire rookie season to step into a larger role comes with risks. After signing Bynum to a big deal last offseason, we may not see the Colts be big spenders at this position. This is another inexperienced position group overall.
The Boston Red Sox will officially begin the season without an unheralded 2025 contributor.
Romy Gonzalez underwent surgery on his left shoulder on Tuesday, as announced by the team on social media. Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas performed the successful arthroscopic debridement procedure in Birmingham.
The Red Sox placed Gonzalez on the 60-day injured list after signing Danny Coulombe. That clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the veteran left-handed relief pitcher.
Gonzalez quietly enjoyed a career year, batting .305/.343/.483 with nine home runs and a 1.5 fWAR in 96 games last season. The right-handed infielder gave Red Sox manager Alex Cora an elite platoon piece, crushing left-handed pitching to a .978 OPS.
His role increased throughout the season, culminating in near-regular playing time at first and second base down the stretch. The 29-year-old started all three of Boston's playoff games against the New York Yankees.
Gonzalez's injury is a big blow to a Boston lineup that lost its other right-handed masher when Rob Refsnyder signed with the Seattle Mariners. The Red Sox may immediately miss the duo when facing Cincinnati Reds southpaw Andrew Abbott on Opening Day.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andruw Monasterio, Nate Eaton and Anthony Seigler are among Boston's infielders competing for roster spots, and potentially a chance to start the first game at second base. One of those righties could form a platoon with Marcelo Mayer, who Cora insists isn't guaranteed a job.
MassLive's Chris Cotillo reported that Gonzalez will require two to three months to recover, but the Red Sox avoided a "much worse" situation. He underwent a "cleanup" surgery rather than a full procedure that could have jeopardized his entire 2026 season.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 12: Amare Bynum #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third round of the 2026 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 12, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With their nail-biting 72-69 win over Iowa in the third round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday, the Ohio State Buckeyes removed even the slimmest sliver of doubt about their spot in the Big Dance.
Most prognosticators, bracketologists, and bookmakers believed Jake Diebler’s team had already done enough to earn an NCAA Tournament berth even before the postseason began, but given how things have gone for OSU over the past few seasons, I could understand why some fans might have been concerned anyway.
Had the Buckeyes gone out and played as poorly against Iowa as they did on Feb. 25 (a 74-57 loss that looked even worse than the score indicated) and then a bunch of bid-stealers won their respective conference tournaments, I suppose there could have been a scenario — as unlikely as it would have been — in which Ohio State would have been left out of March Madness.
However, with four straight wins since that late-February loss to Iowa, 21 victories on the season, three Quad 1 wins, six Quad 2 wins, and a No. 26 ranking in KenPom, the Buckeyes are officially going dancing, or as officially as someone with no influence over the selection process can decree.
While the last four seasons of Buckeye basketball have been pretty tumultuous, OSU has played exceptionally well in March over that span. Following their last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022, the Buckeye men are 12-6 in the month of March, a trend that has bridged the tenures of both Chris Holtmann and Diebler.
It’s nice to know that, despite how disappointing the previous three campaigns were, this team doesn’t quit, no matter how bleak things might look. Of course, things might not have seemed quite so bleak if they hadn’t spent the last four seasons digging out of a collective 13–21 January hole. Nonetheless, this team has proven that it knows how to kick things into an extra gear down the stretch, and I’m excited to see what that looks like today against top-seeded Michigan, and especially next week in the NCAA Tournament.
With Thursday’s win over Iowa, I feel pretty confident in saying that any Buckeye fans who were still guarding their hearts and bracing for the worst when it came to the men’s basketball team can safely let their guard down and start finding their spot on the bandwagon.
Is Diebler’s team likely to make a run to the national title? The Final Four? Hell, even the Sweet 16? Probably not. But now that Ohio State is assuredly going dancing, everything else is icing on the cake. Let go of whatever posttraumatic stress you have been harboring around this team, and enjoy whatever is left of this season. One of the greatest Buckeyes in the history of the program is in the final few games of his OSU career. So do yourself and Buckeye Nation a favor, root for Bruce Thornton with reckless emotional abandon.
I know it might feel foreign to drop the shields from around your heart for this team, but even in almost certain eventual defeat, they deserve it, and, frankly, so do you.
The 19th-ranked Tar Heels did eventually heed that message with an eye-popping rally, but the comeback came up just short against Clemson in an 80-79 loss at Spectrum Center.
“Obviously we dug ourselves in a big hole in the second half, first half, so we had to kind of – we played desperate, but we play good when we're desperate,” said Veesaar, who had a career-high 28 points and 17 rebounds, but also a career-worst six turnovers.
“I think we're going to keep that mindset when we go into the next games and into March.”
UNC (24-8) lacked that March mindset for most of the night against Clemson (24-9), which trailed by five in the first 6 ½ minutes before responding with a 27-14 stretch the rest of the half to take a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
The Tigers ballooned their lead to 18 points in the second half before a final seven-minute surge from the Tar Heels, who scored 30 points and made their final five shots, including four 3-pointers for the final tally.
UNC coach Hubert Davis said he talked at “great length” with his team throughout the week about its need to bring a “hunger and thirst” in the postseason. But both areas were largely lacking against Clemson, which had only one win previously against UNC in the ACC tournament (in 1996).
“Just the inability to respond to physicality. I felt like it was the same thing (at Duke), and for most of the game (against Clemson),” Davis said.
“Clemson has always been physical defensively, and one of the things I always say is you never let a defense dictate and decide how efficient you are on the offensive end. And I felt like their physicality took us out of our offense, took us off of our cuts, our screens, our moves, and didn't really respond to that until the latter part of the second half.”
In addition to a defense that allowed the Tigers to shoot nearly 50%, UNC had 10 turnovers, was 10 of 17 (59%) from the free-throw line and finished just 8 of 18 (44%) on layup attempts.
Jarin Stevenson said he was “proud of our guys for fighting,” but felt like “we didn’t come with the right approach” to open the ACC tournament.
“Just come with the right approach, be hungry,” Stevenson said, before adding, “them being physical and us not fighting back enough” was an issue.
“We gotta be more physical, not afraid to foul … be physical when we need to,” he said.
UNC didn’t consistently check enough boxes against Clemson. If that inconsistency carries into March Madness, it’ll likely result in another one-and-done postseason appearance for this group.
“When you lose in March, you go home,” senior co-captain Seth Trimble said.
“. … It’s a harsh reality check. We went into this ACC tournament with plans and knowing what we can do. But we didn’t do the proper things to fulfill that. It’s a reality check.”
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.
Rogers has gone on to be named Villa’s player of the year for last season and win 12 England caps, even keeping Jude Bellingham out of the team, and achieving more than even an admirer like Carrick foresaw.
He said: “It is fantastic for him to see Morgan going on to do so well and for a good period of time. He had the initial signing in the January, and I wasn’t really sure how it was going to go, it was a big step for him, he hadn’t played for an awful long time at Middlesbrough so I felt he could have done with a little bit more.
“But as soon as he had gone to Aston Villa, he took huge steps and become a major, major part of their team and part of the England team so that is how well he has done.
Michael Carrick and Morgan Rogers worked together at Middlesbrough (Getty Images)
“You could always see what he was possibly going to be capable of and the potential in terms of his attributes, the way he carries the ball, he can play off his left foot, play off his right foot, create and score goals and really good athletically, so there were a lot of things there when we took him to start with.
“But to see him go on and have such an impact would be probably more than I would have expected or probably more than Morgan himself would have expected. It is great to see though. I enjoy seeing him do so well. To come up against him is a different story. Nevertheless, he is a good person, great to work with so I am delighted he has done so well.”
Carrick said that Mason Mount, who has only made one appearance in his reign, is back in contention for Sunday’s game against Villa, though Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt remain sidelined.
He added: “Mason's back with the group, which is fantastic. He is an important player for us. To have him back involved is a good step for us. He is not 100 percent, because he has only trained a small amount of time, but he is back.
Mason Mount could feature against Aston Villa (PA Wire)
"That is good for us. We will see if he is involved or not on Sunday. It is a big step for him and we are happy with that.”
The Chicago Bears were busy during the first week of free agency, adding some notable defenders and key depth pieces to bolster the roster. But one of the biggest moves happened before free agency kicked off when Chicago agreed to trade wide receiver DJ Moore (and a 2026 fifth-round pick) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick.
Moore, who was acquired in the trade of the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers back in 2023, was an integral part of the offense during his time in Chicago. But the Bears have an influx of young weapons, and Moore's salary cap hit proved to be too much, and Chicago said $16.5 million in the trade, on top of the draft compensation.
General manager Ryan Poles spoke about the Moore trade for the first time on Thursday, and he revealed that not everyone was happy with the trade. In fact, one very important person: His son. Fortunately, Moore was able to fan the flames.
"DJ's, one of my favorite players, will always be one of my favorite players," Poles said. "I knew that that was going to be tough for our organization. I've mentioned this before. My son is a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears. He was not very happy with me at all (laughter). I think it was cool DJ sent him a video telling him not to be mad at dad and it’s part of the business (laughter)."
The move will give Poles more ammunition for this year's draft, while allowing Moore an opportunity to chase a Super Bowl opportunity for one of the top contenders in the AFC. On the football side, Buffalo gets the No. 1 receiver they've been looking for to help bolster their passing offense for quarterback Josh Allen, while Chicago turns to their young receiver core with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III leading the charge.
No. 8 Georgia (15-3) will host the Vols for a three-game series at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia. Rankings reflect the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The three-game series will begin Friday at 6 p.m. EDT. Game 2 on Saturday between the Vols and Bulldogs will take place at 5 p.m. EDT, while a series finale is slated for March 15 at 1 p.m. EDT.
The home team has won each of the last three series between the two schools. Tennessee's last series win at Georgia was in 2021.
Beginning with the 2024-25 athletics calendar, the SEC made it mandatory for schools to provide public reports on availability of student-athletes to participate in each conference game in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball.
A Tennessee-Georgia baseball initial availability report is listed below.
The NTT IndyCar Series competed at Phoenix Raceway for the first time since 2018 and it was a massive success. Josef Newgarden and the No. 2 team for Team Penske won the Good Ranchers 250 after passing Kyle Kirkwood in the final laps. It was an exciting event; however, will IndyCar return to the venue in 2027?
IndyCar has been asked to return to Phoenix for another NASCAR doubleheader weekend in 2027, as reported by RACER.com's Marshall Pruett. Hopefully, IndyCar decides to go back to Phoenix because the race weekend was very exciting. IndyCar raced on Saturday afternoon while the NASCAR O'Reilly Series followed at night.
Then, the NASCAR Cup Series finished off the weekend with a thrilling race on Sunday afternoon. IndyCar thrives on oval tracks and Phoenix continued that trend. While it didn't have the high speeds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was an incredible race, and IndyCar needs to compete at Phoenix in 2027.
The addition of Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola was never meant to threaten Dante Moore's starting job with the Oregon Ducks. He wasn't brought on to even be in an open competition. Instead, he was brought on to sit in the shadows for a year and refine his game while rehabbing from a broken fibula.
But that doesn't mean that the former five-star and No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 class isn't going to still push Moore, who would've likely been the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he'd declared. Competition is key in anything, even if there isn't a real threat of Raiola unseating Moore as the Oregon starter.
After all, Raiola has had his own success in the Big Ten, as he started the past two seasons for the Cornhuskers and threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 31 touchdowns. But he also had his warts, as he tossed 17 interceptions and struggled with consistency, especially down the stretch of both seasons.
He's following the path that Moore paved, as the former UCLA Bruin sat behind accomplished starter Dillon Gabriel in 2024. And, like Raiola now, Moore pushed Gabriel behind the scenes, leading to the sixth-year senior's best season in college football in being named a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Head coach Dan Lanning saw that healthy competition between Moore and Gabriel and is now seeing the same thing from Raiola and Moore, who's now commanding the role of accomplished starter.
"It’s the same as it is in every room, right?" Lanning said during his first spring press conference. "Guys go out there, competing, making each other better."
There are certainly other positions on the Ducks roster that have loads of competition, but the quarterback spot is different. If everything goes as planned, the only time that Raiola will see this fall is in mop-up duty at the end of blowout wins. There won't be any sort of rotation at the quarterback position. Only one is on the field, ideally for the entirety of the season.
It takes an unselfish individual to come into a program with an established starter, especially considering Raiola already has 22 starts to his name during his career.
So far, it's been a healthy competition for Raiola and Moore, who are rallying for each other's successes for the betterment of the team.
"Every one of these guys cheer for each other’s success," Lanning said. "...So these guys compete at the highest level, but when they’re out there on the field, they’re hoping for each other’s success because the stronger we are as a team. The better we’re gonna be as a team. So, they’ve worked really well together, just like every position we have out there."
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
The Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is this weekend, here's how to tune in to the NASCAR Cup Series race. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters
NASCAR heads to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the Pennzoil 400, the sixth race of the Cup Series season. Sunday's race will be broadcast on FS1, and practice and qualifying races can be streamed on Prime Video on Saturday. This week's race will feature a notable absence, Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman, who is still suffering from vertigo that first appeared during the March 1 Cup Series race in Austin, TX, will not participate. Bowman will be replaced this week by Justin Allgaier.
Here's everything you need to know about the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and how to watch every other 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race this season.
How to watch the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Channel: FS1, practice and qualifying races on Prime Video
Streaming:DirecTV, Fox One, HBO Max (Driver-cam), and more
When is the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
The Pennzoil 400 will be held this Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.
What channel is NASCAR's Pennzoil 400 on?
The Pennzoil 400 will be available live on FS1. You can also watch qualifying races on Saturday on Prime Video, and an alternate driver-cam will also be available to stream live on Sunday on HBO Max.
NASCAR Pennzoil 400 TV schedule:
Saturday, March 14
Practice, 2:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
Qualifying, 3:40 p.m. (Prime Video)
Sunday, March 15
NASCAR Pennzoil 400, 4 p.m. (FS1, HBO Max)
How to watch NASCAR in 2026 without cable:
To watch every single race of the 2026 NASCAR season, you'll need a couple of different streaming services. You can stream NBC, USA, Fox, FS1, TNT, and truTV on streaming platforms like DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV, which will get you access to the majority of this year's races, but you'll also need a Prime Video subscription if you want to catch the Coca Cola 600, the Cracker Barrel 400, FireKeepers Casino 400, NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono and the Anduril 250. Races airing on NBC and USA will also be available to stream on Peacock, and races airing on Fox and FS1 will be streaming on Fox One. And once again, HBO Max will also be showing alternate driver-cam angles at every race this season.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule:
Here are the races that make up the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. (All times Eastern)
Feb. 1, 2026: Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (Fox, HBO Max)
Wilson's mock draft projects the New York Jets will pick Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the second overall pick and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 16th overall pick. After that, Wilson has New York trading back into the first round to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at pick No. 30.
Wilson published his mock before the Jets traded for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, but that might not change much. New York is likely still looking for a long-term QB in the 2026 NFL draft, and Simpson could be the target.
In exchange for their first-round pick, it seems that Wilson projects Denver receiving a second-round pick (No. 33 overall) and either a 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 103) or a 2027 third-round pick. It's a hypothetical offer, but such a scenario might be enticing for the Broncos to move down just three spots.
After receiving two compensatory picks before NFL free agency, Denver now holds nine selections in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
Huddersfield Giants head coach Luke Robinson has confirmed that George Flanagan Jr and Matty English face lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Both were injured in last Sunday's defeat by Hull KR, with full-back Flanagan injuring his ankle in scoring a try, while loose forward English's knee was hurt in a loose tackle by forward Karl Lawton, for which he was subsequently banned.
"George will be out for the next few months," Robinson told BBC Radio Leeds.
"Matt had a cannonball to his knee and there were fears that it was going to be his ACL, but he has been very fortunate as it's his MCL (medial collateral ligament).
"He won't be out as long as we originally feared, but it'll still be the two to three-month timescale."
Huddersfield's first-team squad now contains 16 injured players and the loss of Flanagan is a significant one as he has scored five of their eight Super League tries so far.
For the Challenge Cup last-16 tie at home to Hull KR on Saturday, they have only been able to name 14 senior professionals, with five reserves added to the squad.
The Giants are bottom of Super League this season, with four defeats from their opening four games.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: General manager Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NFL free agency will officially get underway on March 11, but the Eagles aren’t waiting around to make moves to start building their 2026 roster.
After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, the Eagles had 20 players set to be free agents. Howie Roseman has been known to do bring guys back before they hit the market, but he’ll have some tough decisions to make this season as the salary cap and the future cost of a young, dominant defense are front of mind.
The team did get some good news along the OL, with Lane Johnson confirming that he’ll return for his 14th season, and reports that Landon Dickerson is expected to come back, as well — this after both had reportedly considered retirement this offseason. As Roseman and Co. start filling positions of need, having Johnson and Dickerson back will give them a lesser need to stack experienced lineman and allow them to turn to the draft for players to develop under the All-Pro and Pro Bowlers up front.
There’s still plenty of work to be done to build Philadelphia’s roster. Among the 20 players hitting free agency, the Eagles could lose three of their four tight ends, their punter, and two starting safeties.
Here are some of the reports and rumors going around about Howie’s moves, and be sure to check back for updates:
Confirmed Eagles signings
March 12: The Eagles are signing edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie to a one-year contract worth up to $7.3 million, with $4.3 million guaranteed.
With Jonathan Gannon out as the Cardinals head coach, former Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat has reportedly asked to be traded. Some options include following the now-DC Gannon to Green Bay, or perhaps back to Philadelphia. There are some rumors that the Eagles might be considering a reunion with Sweaty J — it seems like a longshot, but never say never.
Sources did not want people to forget that the Eagles are still in talks about trading for Jonathan Greenard, with what seemed like hourly updates that those talks were still happening.
The Eagles were among several teams that reached out and made offers to Trey Hendrickson. He ultimately signed with the Ravens — after they backed out of their deal for Maxx Crosby — but that means Howie is still working the market for a new edge rusher.
According to Cowboys reporter Nick Harris, the Eagles (among others) have called the Steelers regarding a trade for LB Patrick Queen, who is an option for a mid-round pick.
The Eagles were one of only a handful of teams that didn’t sign any outside free agents on the first day of the legal tampering window, and reports suggest that it could be in an effort to maximize compensatory picks — these would come in 2027, as Philadelphia was already awarded four comp picks in 2026 for the talent they lost last offseason.
Eagles reporter Ashlyn Sullivan revealed that Nakobe Dean and his reps met with the team at the NFL Combine and spoke about the different roles on defense. She suggests that Dean should have good opportunities elsewhere this offseason.
As the start of the tampering window approaches, John Clark reported that the Eagles are still trying to get a deal done with Jaelan Phillips, and are also working on a contract extension with Jalen Carter.
Several teams have reportedly reached out to the Eagles regarding Jalen Carter. The teams linked to interest in Carter include the Packers, Bears, 49ers, Seahawks, and Raiders. It doesn’t seem like the Eagles are eager to trade away one of their top defenders, but if they’re able to get a big return — like two first rounders — they might reconsider.
The Eagles aren’t eager to trade away Tanner McKee, according to a report by Cayden Steele of NJ.com. He noted that the team would need a trade offer to blow them away in order to deal the quarterback.
If the Eagles do move on from A.J. Brown, Matthew Berry of NBC Sports suggests that Bucs veteran Mike Evans could be someone the team brings to Philly.
A fuel pump issue prevented Sergio Perez from partaking in Chinese Grand Prix sprint qualifying, with the Cadillac driver lamenting a problem the nascent Formula 1 team has had for “far too long”.
Perez’ free practice running was hampered by a fuel system problem in Melbourne, with similar trouble taking team-mate Valtteri Bottas out of the Australian Grand Prix.
Perez covered just 13 laps in the only practice session at Shanghai, spending the latter part of the action in the garage. It emerged his MAC-26 was suffering from the aforementioned problem, which ruled him out of sprint qualifying.
“Yeah, it was a fuel pump issue,” the Mexican commented. “Unfortunately, we've been struggling in that area already for a long time, far too long, so it is very frustrating. We haven't been able to solve it, and it's been already a lot of times that we've been with that issue.”
Asked whether the team would be able to fix it for Saturday’s sprint, Perez replied: “I don't know. I think obviously the team is working really hard back at home as well, and we'll see if they're able to fix it or not. We had the same issue this morning, so the running has been very limited so far. Hopefully we are able to do it.
“We've been having this sort of issue since the testing started, so we haven't come up with a solution, and I really hope that soon we can have it.”
Meanwhile, Bottas qualified 21st and last, with a substantial 1.8s gap to the lead Aston Martin, while he was more than three seconds away from the Q2 cut-off time.
Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
However, the Finn was hampered by a ‘significant deployment issue’, leading him to describe sprint qualifying as “a bit of a waste of a session”.
“It's quite difficult to say where we would have ended up [without the problem],” he added.
Cadillac chief technical officer Nick Chester admitted to “a difficult day”, with his cars finding themselves on the back row of the grid for the sprint.
“At this early stage in our journey we are still finding issues and fixing them in real time,” Chester added.
“We were unable to set representative times. All the same, every lap we do gives us more valuable information that lets us move forward.”
LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing the last three games with a right hip contusion.
In his return, he tallied 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block.
That said, it was Luka Doncic who stole the show once again. Doncic posted his first 50-point game as a member of the Lakers, scoring 51 points to go along with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and one block.
This marks an incredible stretch for Doncic who's averaging 40.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game over his last four contests.
Following the game, Doncic spoke about the extra motivation behind his performance. "Somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up," said Doncic.
Doncic went on to clarify that the "someone" in question was sophomore Matas Buzelis who finished the night with 22 points of his own.
With the win, Los Angeles moved to 22-12 at home on the season and passed the Houston Rockets for third place in the Western Conference.
However, the playoff race is quite tight, as the seventh place Phoenix Suns sit just two games back.
The Lakers will have another difficult test Saturday, as they host former three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Following Saturday's game, the Lakers will head out on a six-game road trip, beginning with back-to-back games against the Rockets.
With Houston currently leading the season series 1-0, these two upcoming matchups will have serious implications on playoff seeding.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Daniel Vazquez #98 of the Kansas City Royals slides into home plate to score against Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
German Marquez and JP Sears were squarely in the mix in the competition to decide the fifth spot in the starting rotation for the San Diego Padres. Their respective candidacies took a hit in San Diego’s 10-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals at the Peoria Sports Complex on Thursday. Marquez had easily his worst outing of the spring and that was in large part due to his lack of command. Marquez finished his outing after 1.2 innings pitched. He allowed six earned runs on four hits with four walks and a strikeout. Sears fared a little better considering he pitched four innings, but he allowed three runs on five hits with six strikeouts. The plus for Sears is that he kept the ball in the yard and he did not allow a walk. The Padres offense was held in check throughout the game and managed just five hits. The lone run scored for San Diego came on the strength of a Ramon Laureano home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Padres will look to have a better outing when they take on the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz. today at 1:05 p.m.
Padres News:
Padres manager Craig Stammen announced on Thursday that reliever Bryan Hoeing will have surgery on his elbow and will miss the 2026 season. On a positive note, starter Matt Waldron faced hitters in live at-bats and seems to be ramping up to make his return.
The Friar Faithful have not seen him pitch for their beloved Padres, but we have been told Griffin Canning could prove to be a formidable back-end starter when he his cleared to play. Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune made Canning the focus of his Padres roster review.
Zack Wheeler continues to work back to a return to the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies. He threw his first live batting practice since his injury on Thursday.
Quinn Priester, starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, will begin the season on the IL. The team is hoping his return will be sooner than later if he can avoid surgery.
Robert Parish has made it clear who he believes is the real leader of the Boston Celtics, even with Jaylen Brown taking on a bigger role while Jayson Tatum recovered from injury.
The Hall of Famer weighed in on Boston’s star duo as debate continues over which player truly sets the tone for the franchise.
His answer was direct, even after Brown spent much of the season carrying the team without Tatum.
Basketball player Robert Parish, the number one draft choice of the Golden State Warriors. Parish would later go on to play for the Boston, Celtics and win three NBA championships.
Robert Parish says Jayson Tatum is the real Celtics leader
Robert Parish gave his verdict on Boston’s pecking order in comments shared by SiriusXM NBA on X, where the Celtics legend dismissed any doubt over who he sees as the team’s main figure.
“Whether Jayson’s teammates admit it or not, that’s Jayson Tatum’s team. Period,” Parish said.
He added: “With all due respect to what Brown is doing and what he has done, the best player on that team is Jayson Tatum.”
It was a strong endorsement of Tatum’s standing inside the franchise, particularly because Brown has earned huge praise for his own performances and leadership during difficult stretches.
Parish’s point, though, was simple. Brown may be vital, but Tatum remains the player he believes defines the Celtics at the highest level.
Jaylen Brown carried the Celtics while Jayson Tatum was sidelined
Brown’s case in this conversation grew stronger because he shouldered a huge burden while Tatum was out after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs.
Tatum only returned to make his 2025-26 season debut against the Dallas Mavericks last week, nearly 10 months after the injury, while Brown had already spent most of the campaign operating as Boston’s No. 1 option.
During that stretch, Brown helped keep the Celtics among the Eastern Conference’s top teams, with Boston remaining firmly in the playoff picture despite losing its best player for most of the season.
His scoring responsibility increased, his leadership role expanded, and he regularly became the focal point of Boston’s offense while the team adjusted to life without Tatum.
Parish still sees Tatum as the face of the team, yet Brown’s performances while the Celtics star recovered have shown why the franchise continues to rely so heavily on both players.
Oregon’s Rylee McCoy, right, hits a two-run double against Oregon State during the Jane Sanders Classic March 6, 2026. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tristan joins me to review Oregon Softball hosting the Jane Sanders Classic, Baseball’s Big Ten opening series win at Purdue, and the film on WR transfer Iverson ‘Strap’ Hooks.
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
January was not kind to Alabama’s offensive line room, as the Tide lost two players to early NFL departure, three more to graduation, and then five more after that to the transfer portal. Only Michael Carroll returns as a starter, William Sanders returns as someone who rotated into the starting group last year, and then Jackson Lloyd, Casey Poe, and Mal Waldrep are the lone returning depth.
And so the Tide was left with a whole lot of open spots to fill, and that they did. Kalen DeBoer added four freshmen, a JUCO transfer, and six (!) transfers from other schools. We’re almost guaranteed to have multiple newcomers starting in 2026. That, coupled with a brand new OL coach, means that the Tide offensive line will have had a near total overhaul, for better or for worse.
Due to the sheer amount of linemen to go through, we’re going to break up this Meet the New Guys piece into two installations. Today will be focusing on the traditional freshmen and JUCO transfer, while the next piece will be focused on all of the incoming transfers.
If you missed any of the previous position groups, go check out the main story stream below.
As always, all of the rankings will be from the 247Sports Composite for consistency, though I will mention when Rivals or ESPN differ significantly.
Bear Fretwell
Position: OT
Stars: 3
Hometown: Brooklet, GA
National Rank: 804
Position Rank: 72
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 290
Fretwell is one of the few recruits to have not enrolled early and will be joining the Tide in the summer. He unfortunately tore his ACL during the Military Appreciation Bowl (formerly the Army Bowl All-American game ) practices, so it’s unlikely he will be doing anything other than rehabbing during the 2026 season.
Despite that, he’s a 6’7” guy with a massive frame who grew up on a farm and reportedly ran a 4.77s forty yard dash, which is absurd. He was also heavily recruited by GT coach Brent Key (a former OL coach). There’s definitely some upside there due to his body type, even if his rankings haven’t caught up.
Playstyle
Fretwell is 1) huge and 2) very agile.
It’s nearly impossible to get much of a read on his play, as the level of competition in a 3A school had him pretty much twice as big as nearly everyone he blocked. On top of that, his offense pretty much just never threw forward passes, operating solely as an option-run offense.
What Fretwell did do, though, was fire off the line from his left tackle spot and bulldoze his way through the defensive lineman and right into a linebacker. Hilariously, he once get into open field and wound up chasing a safety out the back of the endzone as the poor guy just ran away from him.
There was very little in the way of refinement in footwork technique, hand placement, or really doing much of anything other than plowing straight ahead. But, again, he’s big, and more importantly, he’s impressively quick, agile, and flexible. He’s going to have a long ways to go to play in college, especially pass blocking, but he’s got some traits that can’t be learned.
Scheme Fit and Prediction
Even before his ACL tear, Fretwell would have been a redshirt player as a freshman. I also think it’s unlikely we see him as a sophomore, either. If anything, he’s a long term project who could have a really high upside as a veteran player down the road.
Chris Booker
Position: IOL
Stars: 4
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
National Rank: 220
Position Rank: 10
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 285
Rivals actually had Booker the 103rd overall prospect, while ESPN listed him as a 3-star, making for an interesting spread of opinions on him. He picked Alabama over offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, and Florida. He was also one of the first 8 players to enroll early enough to practice with Alabama during bowl practices, so he has a little bit of a leg up there. Booker also played at a small 2A school near Atlanta, so the level of competition for him wasn’t great.
Playstyle
Booker mostly played left tackle in high school, but he did play a little guard at times, and the recruiting services have all been projecting him to the inside at the college level. Most notable about his game is how composed he seems on the field. He’s a noticeably vocal player pre-snap, seeming to help his team mates out with positioning and identifying defenders on nearly every play.
After the ball is snapped, he’s light on his feet and does a really good job of getting himself into position quickly to make angled blocks and open up zone runs. He’s not a really heavy set guy, but he’s got a broad chest and wingspan that almost makes him look more like a lineman-sized linebacker, and that body type seems to help him with quick movement and balance during the play.
He’s a solid enough pass blocker, too. I didn’t see him really take on any speed rushers, but he did show a nice ability to backpedal and then stonewall a power rush. I also liked that he had experience dropping into pass protection from both a 2-point and a 3-point stance.
Scheme Fit and Prediction
Booker reminds me a lot of Parker Brailsford in terms of size and quickness, so you have to think that he’s well suited to Kalen DeBoer’s offensive scheme (though, in all fairness, I don’t think we have a good idea yet of what DeBoer and Grubb actually want an OL to look like). I could very well see Booker winding up as a center, too, as he seems to have some of that communication ability down early in his career.
I think he’s a bit small and will have a pretty big step up in competition going into his freshman year, so he’s not a guy that I expect to be pushing for a day 1 role, but I think a year or so of seasoning and he’ll be in the thick of pushing for an open spot on the interior the next time one opens.
Jared Doughty
Position: OT
Stars: 4
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
National Rank: 177
Position Rank: 18
Height: 6’5.5”
Weight: 300
Doughty was ranked as the #64 overall player as a high 4-star prospect by Rivals, but, like with Booker, was ranked much lower by ESPN, with 247 coming in the middle. He was one of those guys that had only been recruited by G5 schools up until the start of his senior season when he transferred to a bigger program, got some attention, and offers fr0m Alabama, Ohio State, UGA, Auburn, and others all started rolling in.
Like Fretwell, Doughty is not enrolling until summer, so we won’t see him in spring practices.
Playstyle
Doughty played at both left tackle and center in high school, so it’ll be interesting to see where he lands at Alabama. He’s built more like a tackle at nearly 6’6” with long arms, but it’s rare to find prior snapping experience from recruits coming from high school.
Either way, Doughty continues the trend from the prior two players of the coaching staff emphasizing movement skills with their OL. Doughty’s frame is more filled out than Booker or Fretwell, but he’s still an excellent mover and I thought was fairly impressive with his ability to roll and hop back to his feet any time he landed on the ground. It’s not something that really matters on a given play, but it is something that I think belies a general athleticism and body control.
He’s an excellent pass blocker that can handle the speed rush or the inside counter with ease, and often winds up not just blocking a rusher, but throwing them to the ground.
As a run blocker, I thought he generally did a good job getting in space and lead blocking, but didn’t do too much inline zone blocking, so that’s something that may have to develop at the college level.
Scheme Fit and Prediction
I think the positional versatility for Doughty is going to help him earn a backup role pretty early in his career. It’s always hard to predict a freshman to make much impact on the OL, and Doughty is the same, especially since he’s not enrolling until the summer. Still, I think he’s a bit more college ready than many, and there are only so many centers on the roster. Don’t be surprised if he’s solidly in the two-deep by year 2.
Bryson Cooley
Position: OT
Stars: 4
Hometown: Laurel, MS
National Rank: 200
Position Rank: 21
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 325
Cooley was a surprise commit for Bama fans that got buried in the headlines because the Tide was playing Georgia for the SEC Championship the very next day (thanks, Early Signing Day!). The Tide pursued him heavily throughout the year, but Cooley mostly kept things quiet and stayed committed to LSU even after coach Brian Kelly was fired, but he wound up flipping to Bama on Signing Day and announced it the next day. At 6’6” 325, he’s already got an SEC build for playing tackle.
Playstyle
Cooley is a powerful in line drive blocker who locks up into the defensive lineman in front of him and just keeps on pushing forward. He’s not someone that did a whole lot of getting out into space, but he made a killing in high school just clearing out the man right in front of him with pure overwhelming power, drive, and effort. He’s a big guy, and he uses that size well, throwing his weight into defenders to force them off balance.
To this point, he’s not had to do too much pass blocking, so that will remain to be seen. He’s not the fastest and I could see him struggle some with speed rushes, but he also has the arm length, power, and wide base to be really tough for an edge rusher to get around if he uses it right.
Scheme Fit and Prediction
Cooley seems like a classic right tackle who can really be a force as a guy who can open holes in zone rushes. I could also see him moving inside to guard at some point, though the height suggests he’s most likely going to start out at tackle.
I don’t suspect we’ll see him much early in his career, especially as Alabama’s RT spot seems locked up by Michael Carroll the next two seasons.
Tyrell Miller
Position: IOL
Stars: 4
Hometown: Union City, CA
JUCO: College of San Mateo
National Rank: 16 (JUCO)
Position Rank: 2 (JUCO)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 322
Miller is a guy that was a basketball player all the way through high school and only started playing football as a senior, and then played one season in Junior College. So he’s still extremely new to football, and despite that, he quickly shot up the JUCO ranks due to his upside and film in year 1. 247 lists him as an interior lineman, but Rivals has him at tackle, so he’s still something of an unknown there.
Playstyle
Miller’s footwork and ability to transfer that foot movement into upper body power sets him apart, and his basketball background really shows up in how he moves. Unlike the rest of the OL Alabama signed, Miller’s done quite a bit of pass blocking, and he excels at mirroring rushers while he drops.
As a run blocker, he tends to do a lot of down blocking on the backside of the play or getting out in front if he’s on the play side. He does a great job of targeting a 2nd level defender and launching into them to get those downfield blocks.
Scheme Fit and Prediction
You really don’t see too many linemen with that kind of size and footwork, and that’s why he was ranked highly coming from JUCO despite only having a couple of football seasons under his belt in his life. I think he can be fit in well at either tackle or guard at the next level, as his pass blocking chops should give him that chance to play on the edge.
While there’s always a shot, I think his lack of experience will keep him from pushing for a starting job in 2026. But I think he’ll work his way into being a key multi-position backup by 2027.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson (DB17) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to host San Diego State star cornerback Chris Johnson in the coming days, as one of their top-30 visits ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, next month.
Sources: Chiefs & Seahawks are expected to host San Diego State DB Chris Johnson for a 30 visit.
One of the premier DBs in the class is a name to know late Day 1, early portions of Day 2.
NFL teams are allowed to bring in up to 30 players for “top-30 visits”. It’s essentially a way for teams to get to know a player better. To toss some game film at them and see how they process it, and to give the team doctors a chance to take a look at any lingering questions regarding past or present injuries.
Players from schools within a 50-mile radius of the team facilities do not count against top-30 visits. It’s important to note that on-field work is strictly prohibited during these visits. Players can tour facilities and locker rooms, but that’s it.
Background
Johnson was a three-star recruit coming out of Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona, California, in the class of 2022. He was not heavily recruited and was the 136th-ranked cornerback nationally. A handful of teams did offer Johnson a scholarship coming out of high school. These teams included fellow mid-major programs like Boise State, San Jose State, Boston College, and Northwestern.
Johnson saw limited opportunities as a true freshman, but by the time his sophomore season rolled around, he had carved out a spot in San Diego’s defense as a rotational player. But starting in 2024, he took over manning the perimeter in the secondary and stayed there through the remainder of his college career.
My analysis
At 6 feet tall and 193 pounds, the 21-year-old Johnson has pretty good size for the position and makes his living playing on the outside. He is a twitchy defender with quick feet. His hips are loose and fluid. He changes direction with ease and has an effortless backpedal.
He ran a 4.4 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and after watching his tape, I can definitely say that the time he posted at the Underwear Olympics definitely translates to his playspeed on the field.
While his athleticism pops on tape, if you don’t watch enough of his snaps, you may come away with what I believe is an incomplete view of him as a prospect. I say this because, despite his size and athletic profile, Johnson seems more comfortable playing off coverage, where he can keep the receiver in front of him and read and react to make a play on the ball once the ball is in the air (which he is very good at).
He is a smart player who rarely misses an assignment and knows when to drop his assignment and shift coverages on a blown play. So if you did not watch enough of his tape, you might miss the plays where he plays press man at the line of scrimmage. Because when he does, his quick reaction time allows him to mirror receivers and lock them up, and quickly eliminate them from the play.
In 2025, Johnson held opposing receivers to 185 yards total on the season, while recording four interceptions and holding opposing quarterbacks to a measly 16.1 quarterback rating when targeting him.
San Diego State CB Chris Johnson was listed 182. 190 Senior Bowl weigh-in 🙌
Consensus leaves Mobile putting Johnson more & more late Round 1 IMO
Going to be sticky in 1-on-1s, best there
♦️Change of direction & body control ♦️Off-Zone ♦️4.8% missed tackle rate
His read and react ability is on full display in the video above, where he shifts his feet to give himself inside leverage to protect the seam in zone coverage, while keeping his eyes on the quarterback the entire time. When he sees the QB’s eye shift to the boundary receiver, he quickly flips his hips and breaks downfield on the ball for the pick six.
It wouldn’t surprise me if #SanDiegoState CB Chris Johnson snuck into the 1st round.
Excellent showing at the combine, really good movement skill, clean footwork, prototype zone CB as a whole, and a true playmaker. pic.twitter.com/KVPQ65RXsj
Johnson isn’t going to go out of his way to throw his body into a pile in run defense, and can often be seen lingering on the periphery of the pile, as if he’s trying to decide if his help is needed to bring down the running back.
But, much like his coverage abilities, when his number is called, and he needs to make a tackle, he gets the job done. This is evident in the fact that he had only eight missed tackles in his entire college career.
His ability to mirror defenders was on full display during workouts at the Senior Bowl, especially on this rep, where he locks up Senior Bowl darling, wide receiver Tyren Montgomery from John Carroll University.
Fit with the Chiefs
Fit: Very High
Round grade: Second round
With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now with the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs need a guy who can play on the outside, and Johnson fits this bill. He has all the upside and athletic profile that you want to see in a cornerback, and the only two things keeping this from being a perfect match made in heaven are the limited amount of reps where he played on the line of scrimmage and the level of competition he played against at San Diego State.
Still, it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see how he could fit in this defense if he is willing to adjust his play style to fit with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system. But there is enough on tape that I would be confident that once defensive backs coach Dave Merritt got his hands on Johnson, he could transform him into a quality starter for this defense, with the upside to be great.
Caretaker manager Óscar García will take charge of his first match this weekend when the Amsterdam club host Sparta Rotterdam in a crucial Eredivisie encounter at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
García’s appointment is the latest twist in a turbulent campaign for Ajax.
Only a month ago, the Spaniard had arrived to steady the ship at Jong Ajax, who were struggling at the foot of the Eerste Divisie. He replaced Willem Weijs shortly after the arrival of technical director Jordi Cruyff.
After overseeing a modest improvement with the reserves, García was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight last week when Ajax dismissed first-team coach Fred Grim following a damaging run of results.
Grim has since returned to a role within the academy, leaving García to guide the senior side through the final weeks of the season.
“It’s an honour for me to be the coach of this great club,” García said after his promotion. “It’s a club steeped in history, and I know what it means to so many people. We want to change the sentiment as quickly as possible. With the help of the team and everyone around it, we’ll succeed.”
The call came suddenly. García had been preparing Jong Ajax for a league match against FC Den Bosch when Cruyff rang.
“He said changes were coming and that we might be in charge of the first team,” García explained to the club website. “That’s how it happened.”
Since then, the 52-year-old has moved quickly to familiarise himself with his new squad. Monday was spent reviewing footage and meeting staff members around the club, before he held his first full training session with the players on Tuesday.
“To get a good idea of what this team needs, you have to be in our building and talk to the players,” he said. “There are only eight matches left and we want to get the club back where it belongs.”
García brings considerable experience to the role. A former FC Barcelona forward who also represented Valencia CF during his playing days, he began coaching at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before embarking on a well-travelled managerial career.
His résumé includes spells with Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., RB Salzburg, Celta de Vigo and Stade de Reims. English football fans may also remember his 27-day tenure at Watford F.C. in 2014, where he lasted barely a month before stepping down for health reasons.
His most recent role came in Mexico with C.D. Guadalajara, where his contract ran until March 2025, and he managed just 12 games, winning five and losing four.
At Ajax, however, the immediate task is simple: stabilise a faltering side and salvage European qualification. The club’s domestic struggles have been compounded by a disappointing Champions League campaign in which they lost six of their eight group-stage matches. Former coach Johnny Heitinga was dismissed in November, and Grim’s short tenure ended after last weekend’s 3–1 defeat to FC Groningen.
Garcia has a huge task on his hands to turn Ajax around.
The most successful football club in the Netherlands has managed just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions, a comfortable 4-1 home victory against Sittard.
With the title race long gone, their remaining objective is to secure a place back in Europe. They sit five points behind second-placed Feyenoord but only two behind third-placed NEC Nijmegen, who face leaders PSV Eindhoven this weekend.
For García, the message to his players is clear: places must be earned.
“All players have to earn their place,” he said in his first pre-match press conference. “I won’t gift anyone a position. They have to deserve it. We have very good players, but they must fight and suffer for the team.”
He also hinted at tactical flexibility, stressing that structure and adaptability matter more than a fixed formation. “The formation is only important before the game,” he added. “When the whistle blows, the structure is what matters.”
Team news provides García with an early headache.
Goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš and defender Oleksandr Zinchenko remain sidelined with injuries, while centre-back Ko Itakura is ruled out with a back problem. Striker Wout Weghorst, who scored twice in October’s reverse fixture, will miss the match through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card against Groningen.
That absence could see Kasper Dolberg lead the line as he looks to end a six-game goal drought.
Sparta arrive with concerns of their own. Teenage prospect Lushendry Martes remains doubtful after missing four games with injury, while midfielder Mike Kleijn faces a late fitness test.
History strongly favours Ajax.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last 19 meetings with Sparta — but recent form has made even familiar fixtures feel uncertain.
For García, the weekend represents both a debut and an opportunity: eight games to restore belief, revive results and remind Dutch football what Ajax are meant to look like.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Josh Emmett warms up prior to his fight during the UFC 320 event at T-Mobile Arena on October 04, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is just one day away from the upcoming UFC Vegas 114 mixed martial arts (MMA) event, which is set to go down tomorrow night (Sat., March 14, 2026) on Paramount+ from inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC Vegas 114 features a featherweight main event between 145-pound standouts Josh Emmett and Kevin Vallejos, a five-round showdown that could shake up the division Top 15.
Before we dive into the main and co-main events, which include the 115-pound collision between Top 10 strawweight contenders Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson, check out Andrew Richardson’s “X-Factor” breakdown for the rest of the UFC Vegas 114 main card by clicking here. Get all the latest “Emmett vs. Vallejos” odds and betting props courtesy of FanDuel right here.
145 lbs.: Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos
Josh “CC0” Emmett Record: 19-6 | Age: 41 | Betting line: +400 Wins: 7 KO/TKO, 2 SUB, 10 DEC | Losses: 1 KO/TKO, 2 SUB, 3 DEC Height: 5’6” | Reach: 70” | Stance: Orthodox Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.72 | Striking accuracy: 35% Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 4.43 | Striking Defense: 60% Takedown Average: 1.08 (37% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 43% Current Ranking: No. 11 | Last fight: Submission loss to Youssef Zalal
Kevin “El Chino” Vallejos Record: 17-1 | Age: 24 | Betting line: -535 Wins: 12 KO/TKO, 2 SUB, 3 DEC | Losses: 0 KO/TKO, 0 SUB, 1 DEC Height: 5’7“ | Reach: 68” | Stance: Switch Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 5.78 | Striking accuracy: 46% Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 4.71 | Striking Defense: 56% Takedown Average: 0.71 (28% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 83% Current Ranking: No. 14 | Last fight: Knockout win over Giga Chikadze
Josh Emmett had a nice run earlier in his UFC career, winning nine of his first 11 fights inside the Octagon and putting together a five-fight win streak that landed him at No. 5 in the official featherweight rankings — four spots ahead of Ilia Topuria. Then came a run of bad luck, or maybe a losing battle against Father Time. Perhaps both? Whatever the case may be, Emmett has lost two straight and four of his last five, getting submitted in two of those four losses. He clearly has power, as demonstrated in his UFC 296 snuff film starring Bryce Mitchell, but that stands as his only knockout victory over the last six years.
Technically speaking, Emmett is a below-average striker and only lands 35-percent of the strikes he throws. That’s worse than Mackenzie Dern (41 percent), just to give you some perspective. His nickname “CC0” was lifted from the Creative Commons Zero NFT because Emmett is one of those weird crypto-bros. That doesn’t have anything to do with his bout this weekend but it does tell me the 41 year-old Emmett is already thinking about his future after fighting, so perhaps he recognizes the end is near.
Or not.
“I’m just delusionally optimistic now,” Emmett told reporters at the UFC Vegas 114 media day. “I know exactly what I can do and what I can achieve. I can compete with the best in the world, and I’ve showed it time and time before. I have the same mindset. I still want to be a world champion. I’m going to be a world champion. But I just have to go out there, be me, get my hand raised, and then we’ll slowly work our way back to the top. I’m on a one-way trip to the top, and I don’t care who’s coming with me.”
“Kevin’s great, he’s a good fighter,“ Emmett added. ”He’s not going to show me anything I haven’t seen before. I just have to keep my chin down, hands up, move, take it minute-by-minute, round-by-round, and the finish will come. I’m not going to go out there and force it. I’m just going to perform the way I know I can, and I know I will. The bonus will come for sure, we’ll probably get two. I’m just going to be myself, go out there and be calm.“
Vallejos has been an unexpected surprise and a much-needed addition to the featherweight class over the last 12 months. “El Chino” came up short against Jean Silva on Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in late 2023 then went and racked up two consecutive finishes on the regional circuit to get called back up. A second “Contender Series” stint resulted in a first-round finish over Cam Teague and it was off to the races. Vallejos registered two filthy knockouts in three trips to the Octagon, including his second-round destruction of Giga Chikadze to close out 2025 — a particularly satisfying finish considering how much trash the so-called “Ninja” was talking. The sportsbooks are expecting a similar outcome on Saturday based on the huge gap in the moneyline, reflecting the 24 year-old Argentinian’s youth and speed.
“I do think that I can knock him out – I’m not going to say that I can’t,” Vallejos told reporters at the UFC Vegas 114 media day. “This is MMA. Anything can happen. He can knock me out. I can knock him out. But to be honest, I feel like this is going to be a dream come true in the sense that I want to have that dream of just having a dirty, bloody war for five rounds where we just kill each other. That’s what I’m pretty much expecting.”
Great for UFC fans, not-so-great for longterm health.
“When they offered me the fight, the first thing that came to my mind was his knockout of Bryce Mitchell,” Vallejos continued. “But it also filled me with excitement because it’s a huge challenge and I love fights like this. For me, I’m a huge fan of Josh, so it’s also an honor to be able to fight him, someone who is such a legend in the sport.”
In order to qualify as a “legend” you have to do something legendary and I’m not sure Emmett has done that in his UFC career. He doesn’t hold a victory over anyone currently ranked in the division Top 15 and outside of the Mitchell fight, hasn’t looked good in several years. Regardless, he remains dangerous for as long as this fight is standing and Vallejos has yet to endure the cardiovascular hardship of a five-round fight. That said, “El Chino” is the better striker, the better athlete, and the clear favorite to close the show. Unless he gets cocky and starts to showboat, or lunges in looking for the finish, this should be a two-round shooting gallery.
Prediction: Vallejos def. Emmett by technical knockout
115 lbs.: Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson
Amanda “Amandinha” Lemos Record: 15-5-1 | Age: 38 | Betting line: +170 Wins: 8 KO/TKO, 3 SUB, 4 DEC | Losses: 1 KO/TKO, 2 SUB, 2 DEC Height: 5’4“ | Reach: 65” | Stance: Southpaw Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 2.75 | Striking accuracy: 55% Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 3.24 | Striking Defense: 45% Takedown Average: 1.02 (62% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 64% Current Ranking: No. 5 | Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Tatiana Suarez
Gillian “The Savage” Robertson Record: 16-8 | Age: 30 | Betting line: -205 Wins: 3 KO/TKO, 9 SUB, 4 DEC | Losses: 1 KO/TKO, 1 SUB, 6 DEC Height: 5’5“ | Reach: 63” | Stance: Orthodox Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 2.86 | Striking accuracy: 48% Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 2.86 | Striking Defense: 56% Takedown Average: 2.74 (40% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 41% Current Ranking: No. 8 | Last fight: Technical knockout win over Marina Rodriguez
Amanda Lemos had a pretty good start to her UFC career, winning seven of her first nine bouts and beating a crop of the usual strawweight suspects along the way, like Angela Hill and Marina Rodriguez, among others. That earned her a crack at the 115-pound crown, at the time being held by Zhang Weili, and Lemos was dominated for all five rounds and relegated to gatekeeper for the next two years. The results have been a mixed bag, as Lemos is 2-2 during that span, though she did register a victory over current strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern. “Amandinha” turns 39 in just a few weeks and not unlike Josh Emmett in the UFC Vegas 114 main event, this may be a case of the clock running out before Lemos can put together another significant run.
Lemos with the dissenting opinion:
“I think that winning against Gillian on Saturday and one or two more wins, and I do believe the fact that I beat Mackenzie is a matter of getting close to the belt, but let’s just wait,” Lemos told reporters at the UFC Vegas 114 media day. “We’re going to stifle her game and not let her impose what she wants to do and come out with the win. I think that she’s going to try to take me down, and we’re going to use that opportunity to frustrate her and knock her out.”
Gillian Robertson has found a new lease on her combat sports life after changing weight classes. Once a middling flyweight, the Canadian is now 5-1 at strawweight and coming off four straight wins with two knockouts. Like Lemos, Robertson is a prolific finisher, scoring 12 stoppages in 16 wins but unlike her “Sin City” counterpart, “The Savage” is just 30 years old and still in her competitive prime. She averages nearly three takedowns per fight and will no doubt be looking to impose her ground game against the longer, rangier Brazilian. There’s also the risk of having Lemos turn the tables, as “Amandinha” is a competent offensive wrestler in her own right and very strong for the division. I think this fight boils down to Robertson’s gas tank, which could exploit the wear-and-tear of Lemos — assuming she has, in fact, lost a step.
After that comes Dern.
“I think with the most finishes out of anyone and the most submissions out of any women, this will be my fifth win in a row,” Robertson told reporters at the UFC Vegas 114 media day. “I don’t see why I wouldn’t deserve the title after this. I think this is a fight that has been in the making for years at this point. Mackenzie being such a highly accoladed grappler outside of the UFC, then me being the submission queen inside the UFC. It’s been something everyone has wanted to see, and why not for the belt? I really just need to get my hands on [Lemos] and the fight is going to be over.”
Robertson is likely to have a rough start as Lemos will probably come out like a bull in a china shop. If “The Savage” can survive the initial blitzkrieg, I think she’ll slowly chip away at the aging Brazilian, breaking her down over time and securing a late finish.
Prediction: Robertson def. Lemos by submission
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the UFC Vegas 114 main card predictions RIGHT HERE.
Austin Smotherman left one shot on the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 12.
He returned, missed and the first round officially ended the next morning with the Dallas resident among a five-way tie for the lead in The Players Championship with Maverick McNealy, Sepp Straka, Lee Hodges and Sahith Theegala.
It's the most players tied at the top since 2018, when there was a six-way tie at 6-under 66.
Smotherman, who was playing in the final first-round group to start at the 10th hole, opted to mark his ball for a birdie-putt attempt of 14 feet, 5 inches when the horn blew to suspend the first round because of darkness. His playing partners, Matthiew Pavon and S.H. Kim, finished the hole with bogeys and both shot 3-over 75.
After returning just over 12 hours later, Smotherman hammered his first putt 4 feet, 2 inches past the hole. He made the comebacker for par and had about 30 minutes before he started his first round at No. 1.
One group finished at No. 18
Also finishing their first rounds were Zach Bachou, Sudarshan Yellamaraju and A.J. Ewart, the final group in the first round who teed off at No. 1. They were all short of the 18th green with their second shots and also elected to return the next morning.
Yellamaraju got up and down for his par, making a putt of 2-4 for a 75. Bachou and Ewart both missed par-putt attempts and made bogey, Bachou from 10 feet and Ewart from 7 feet. Bachou shot 74 and Ewart 78.
The second round began as scheduled at 7:40 a.m., with players facing chilly temperatures in the high 50s and brisk wind that should play some havoc as they get to Island Green at No. 17. Soon after, three players, Sahith Theegala, Alex Smalley and Sepp Straka, jumped to 6 under.
Among the early starters are defending champion Rory McIlroy, who posted a 74 in the first round, Straka, Theegala and Hodges. McNealy will play in the afternoon, along with two-time Players champion Scottie Scheffler.
Switzerland's winner Marco Odermatt celebrates during the the award ceremony after the downhill competition of the Men's Alpine skiing World Cup, . Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
Swiss skiing great Marco Odermatt clinched a fifth straight overall World Cup title and a third downhill trophy in a row on Friday by coming third in a race in France where Vincent Kriechmayr ended a record winning drought for Austria.
Kriechmayr topped the Courchevel podium nine-hundredths of a second ahead of Italy's Giovanni Franzoni and .31 from Odermatt.
The former world champion ended a run of 23 races spanning almost three years without victory for an Austrian downhiller. Kriechmayr was also the last Austrian winner, on March 15, 2023, in Soldeu, Andorra.
There was a shock moment when American Jared Goldberg encountered two piste workers on the course when he was racing down. One of them quickly moved to the side and Goldberg just managed to evade the other.
Odermatt meanwhile added more silverware on the course where he won his first downhill race at the 2023 world championships.
He clinched the overall globe with six races to spare by moving 632 points clear of Brail's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen who does not compete in the speed disciplines. A victory is worth 100 points.
He was assured of the downhill trophy even before racing because his remaining rival, Swiss team-mate and triple Olympic champion Franjo von Almen, failed to finish. Odermatt won four of the eight downhill races and had three further podiums.
“It’s unbelievable," he told Swiss broadcasters SRF about the trophies.
"You can’t plan for something like this, nor is it something you’d wish for as a young boy. So many things have to fall into place for it to be possible, year after year, to demonstrate the consistency I’ve shown again this season. It’s absolutely brilliant and great fun.”
Odermatt drew level with Luxembourg's Marc Girardelli on five overall titles, with only Austrian Marc Girardelli ahead on eight titles. Austrian Annemarie Moser-Pröll has six titles on the women's side, a feat American Mikaela Shiffrin can match this season.
Odermatt now has 15 globes for his career and is also on course towards a fifth giant slalom and fourth super-g title in a row. He can clinch the super-g title on Saturday or Sunday in Courchevel.
The Cowboys have focused on improving their defense for most of this week, but they've also moved to bolster their offensive line.
Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports that they have agreed to terms with Matt Hennessy.
Hennessy entered the league as a 2020 third-round pick of the Falcons and was signed off of their practice squad by the 49ers in 2024. He appeared in every game for the NFC West team last season and made a pair of starts during the regular season.
The Cowboys have their starting offensive line from 2025 returning in 2026, so Hennessy will likely be among the top reserve options in Dallas.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be banned for Saturday's trip to West Ham and the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool - but what does that mean for him?
Premier League managers are suspended for one game once they have accumulated three yellow cards. Six cautions will result in a two-match ban, nine in a three-match suspension, and 12 in a misconduct hearing.
Bans apply to league and FA Cup games but not European fixtures or domestic cup finals following new rules brought in for the 2025-26 campaign.
Red cards lead to a one-match touchline ban, which can be further extended by the Football Association, with a stadium ban the most severe form of punishment.
Where does a suspended manager sit during the game?
Pep Guardiola was forced to watch his side from a box after being banned for Manchester City's FA Cup win against Exeter City [Getty Images]
A manager serving a touchline ban is allowed into the stadium to watch their side play, but they can only sit in the directors' box or in the stand opposite to the technical area.
They are prohibited from being on the touchline or entering the field of play before and after the match.
If a manager is sent off during a match, they cannot watch the rest of the game from the stands or conduct media activities.
Suspended managers are still obliged to carry out interviews before and after the game.
Can a banned coach communicate with their staff or players?
[Getty Images]
Suspended managers are not allowed to shout instructions to their staff in the technical area or directly communicate instructions to the players during a match.
They can, however:
Give the pre-match team talk
Talk to staff in the dugout via a phone, 'runner' or any other electronic device
Be in the dressing room at half-time and full-time
If a manager is serving an extended touchline ban (when a manager is sent off and given a longer ban as punishment by the FA), they cannot do any of the above or go into the changing room 30 minutes before or after the game, as well as at half-time.
What happens with a stadium ban?
Jose Mourinho was handed a one-game stadium ban in 2014 for an abusive rant at referee Jonathan Moss during a Chelsea defeat by West Ham [Getty Images]
If a manager has been banned from a stadium, they cannot enter the ground on the day their team is playing there.
The coach is allowed to watch the game on television, but they cannot gain any direct view of the pitch, such as watching the fixture in a tower block overlooking.
They also cannot communicate with any player or member of staff from kick-off until full-time.
Which manager has been booked most this season?
No Premier League manager has received more yellow cards than Guardiola, who has been cautioned six times this season.
Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler and Fulham's Marco Silva have five cautions each and are on the verge of two-match suspensions.
Michael Carrick, Liam Rosenior, Regis le Bris, Eddie Howe, Oliver Glasner, Igor Tudor and Rob Edwards are the only top-flight managers with a clean record.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
PHOENIX (AP) — San Francisco Giants rookie Bryce Eldridge was logged at 6-foot-7 “and some change,” he said. That was the measurement for the slugger for the major leagues' Automated Ball-Strike System.
That is one expansive strike zone — but a more defined one, at least.
“I think they told me I’m the tallest guy they’ve measured, position player-wise,” Eldridge said during spring training. “So I got that going for me, at least. So I’ve got the biggest zone, the biggest ABS.”
After years of testing in the minors, the robot-umpire system for reviewing ball/strike calls is going to be used in regular-season games in the majors this year. The abbreviation for the setup is ABS, but the most important letters when it comes to the change just might be S-I-Z-E — relating to the strike zone for some of the game's tallest players.
“I got a lot of respect for the umpires and what they do behind the plate," New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said. "So I can usually pride myself in not showing them up or putting on a show or doing anything like that because they got a tough job back there. So we’ll see. I’ll find the right time to use it. If they’re pretty outrageous calls, I think I'll use it.”
The 6-foot-7 Judge, who won his third AL MVP award last year, sounded more excited about the possibilities for 6-5 teammate Giancarlo Stanton.
“His whole career has been kind of getting screwed over. And also now, this kind of changes everything,” Judge said. “He’s so routine oriented to where you get a bad call, you get a good call, whatever, it’s kind of about flushing to get to the next pitch. Well, now you got 2 seconds to try to make up your mind.”
Strike zones vary depending on a player’s height — starting at 53.5% of a batter’s height for the top and 27% of a batter’s height for the bottom. The top and the bottom of the zone for baseball's biggest giants — a list that also includes 6-7 center fielder Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates and 6-6 left fielder James Wood of the Washington Nationals — have long been two difficult areas for umpires.
But the ABS system provides an opportunity for a closer look.
Each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game. A team retains its challenge if successful, similar to the regulations for video reviews. A team out of challenges for a game tied after nine innings would get one additional challenge in each extra inning.
Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling with the tap of a helmet or cap, and assistance from the dugout is not allowed.
“Specifically with Aaron Judge, I think like his zone I think is higher than most, right? Because he’s taller,” Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly said. “So you might catch one at the knees that feels like a normal strike, but it’s low on him. So I think it’s another aspect of catchers is we’re going to have to understand who’s at the plate, what the zone is like. I mean, if it’s a smaller zone, that ball that might feel like it’s a strike at the top, it’s probably a ball.”
The 21-year-old Eldridge, who got to use ABS in the minors, said he thinks it's great for the game.
“I had a situation last year where we were in the ninth and we were down by two, I want to say, and I struck out looking,” Eldridge said. “I challenged it. It was a ball, and I hit a home run like the next pitch or something to tie it. The game can change just like that with this, so it’s pretty cool.”
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AP Baseball Writers Ronald Blum and Janie McCauley contributed.
On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings finalized a contract with free agent quarterback Kyler Murray. The passing game needed a boost after a subpar 2025 campaign, and the two-time All-Star is supposed to provide that.
It’s a cheap one-year deal, costing the franchise just $1.3 million. His arrival is certainly a reason for excitement, but what did the big outlets say about it?
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Vikings an A. He explained, “The Vikings pulled off an absolute coup at the game’s most important position.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after signing with the franchise during 2026 NFL free agency, addressing the media in Eagan on March 12, 2026 as the team introduced its new starting signal-caller. Murray discussed the transition, expectations, and his first impressions of Minnesota’s roster. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
The Vikings watched their 2025 season go down the drain due to the uneven passing attack and hope Murray’s presence gives them a higher floor this year. Walder views Murray as more than the classic reclamation project.
“There’s going to be a lot of talk about reclamation projects connected to the Vikings in the wake of the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl with Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones’ resurgence last season in Indianapolis. But Murray’s peak was substantially higher than those two before they arrived in Minnesota. By comparison, helping Murray should feel like easy mode for Kevin O’Connell.”
O’Connell has fared well with veteran quarterbacks. Murray has the experience and the talent to thrive.
“This is not just about rehabbing Murray’s image,” Walder added, “and shipping him off a year from now for some draft picks. If it breaks right, Murray can help the Vikings be a playoff threat now.”
Murray has 87 starts under his belt, having passed for 121 touchdowns and rushed for another 32. He has the mobility and the accuracy to do some damage with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his main targets.
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Carter Bahns and Garrett Podell of CBS Sports went a little further, giving the deal an A+.
They wrote, “The value the Vikings got on this deal is about as good as it gets with Murray signing for the veteran minimum thanks to the Cardinals owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed money after his release. Minnesota is in a win-win situation with this move for a couple of reasons: competing with Murray could elevate McCarthy to greater heights, or Murray could simply beat out McCarthy and thrive at a Pro Bowl level once again.”
Either the Vikings have a two-time Pro Bowler under center who had a good season as recently as 2024, or J.J. McCarthy emerges as a competition winner over him. It’s a massive upgrade to the QB room for only peanuts in the grand scheme of the salary cap.
They added that Murray will join an offense ready to help him produce a strong season, with talented pass-catchers and a QB-friendly coach in his corner.
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report, wrote about the new pairing, after handing out another A: “From the moment that news broke that Kyler Murray was going to be released by the Arizona Cardinals, there has been rampant speculation that he could land in Minnesota. After a trip to the Twin Cities Thursday, the Vikings sealed the deal, signing Murray to a veteran minimum deal that includes a no-tag clause. That clause is the only thing stopping this deal from being an A+.”
The no-tag clause is indeed a small asterisk. If Murray is balling out in 2026, the Vikings would have to negotiate a deal with him without having the fallback option of a franchise tag. However, that is something to worry about next year. It’s also worth noting that it only becomes a problem if Murray is coming off a good season — nobody would care if he departs after a 6-11 season with 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions — and after a good season, the deal would be worth it even without the franchise tag option.
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) stands in the bench area during the second half of the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
Sobleski added, “This is a coup for the Vikings—full stop. Not only do they get an upgrade on J.J. McCarthy (who will no doubt ‘compete’ for the starting job—and lose), but they get it for pennies—the Arizona Cardinals will pay Murray over $35 million to play for the Vikings this year. Yes. Murray’s level of play has fallen after Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and two Pro Bowls over his first three seasons. But just two years ago, Murray completed almost 69 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns. Murray has also tallied almost 3,200 rushing yards over his career.”
The passer has struggled with injuries over the last four seasons, missing time across the 2022 and 2023 seasons with an ACL tear. He was also limited to five games in 2025, but played the entire 2024 campaign.
“If Kevin O’Connell can work his reclamation magic again with Murray,” Sobleski concluded, “this could be the most impactful free agent signing of 2026.”
Murray to Minnesota has generated some early buzz. Because games are won between September and February, not in March, the Vikings won’t get any bonus points for the signing, but he has undoubtedly the potential to help them stack wins in six months.
Bonus: Controversial TV personality Skip Bayless posted on social media, “The Minnesota Vikings just won next year’s NFC North and at least one playoff game. #HailMurray”
Reality, of course, will be decided on the field this fall.
Pep Guardiola believes Man City have no more margin for error in the Premier League title race (Pierre-Philippe MARCOU)
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's Premier League title challenge "will be over" if they fail to beat resurgent West Ham on Saturday.
City could kick off at the London Stadium 10 points behind leaders Arsenal should the Gunners beat Everton earlier in the day.
Guardiola's men have a game in hand on the Gunners and home advantage when the sides meet next month.
But they must bounce back from the disappointment of a 3-0 Champions League drubbing at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday that means their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals are slim.
"The league was the most difficult title," Guardiola said Friday. "So the Premier League always, I believe, is the most difficult one and still we are there, knowing that if we drop points, it'll be over."
The City boss has won six Premier League titles in his nine previous seasons in England.
But his team were well off the pace last season, finishing 13 points behind champions Liverpool, in third spot.
"Now it is a pleasure to be here. Last season we could not live that in this stage, so it's nice," said Guardiola.
"Always I said when I arrived in the last 10 games every team plays for something -- for relegation, for Europa League, for Conference League, for Champions League, to be champions.
"So it's normal. Now it is no second chances."
West Ham remain in the relegation zone, but have lost just two of their past 11 games in all competitions to climb to within one point of safety and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Jamie Gittens is back involved with the squad after a hamstring injury.
Estevao is "a little further away" from a return, and will be assessed again ahead of Tuesday's second leg tie against PSG.
On Reece James' new contract with the club: "I can't stop smiling because we've secured the best footballer in the world in his position. He had many opportunities to leave this club."
On the Pedro Neto incident against PSG, where he appeared to push a ball boy: "I've seen the incident back, it doesn't look good. I understand his perspective, he wants to get the ball back quickly. He wanted to apologise straight away. It's about learning from those mistakes and making sure it doesn't happen again."
On if Filip Jorgensen was mentally prepared to play again after his mistake led to a goal in their defeat at PSG: "For sure. Everyone makes mistakes, in life and football. It's how you recover. I have no lack of trust in the two goalkeepers I have."
On if he will be prioritising the Newcastle game after a 5-2 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League tie with PSG: "I don't prioritise any competition. The next game we play, we want to win. We still have a great chance if we get the first goal on Tuesday night against PSG."
Huddersfield Town midfielder Antony Evans has called for fans' unity as the team push for promotion from League One.
The Terriers were subjected to boos and jeers at both half-time and full-time last weekend as they secured a narrow 1-0 home win over Rotherham United.
They are sixth in the table, just one point inside the play-off places with 10 games left.
Asked for a message to supporters, Evans told BBC Leeds: "Keep supporting us.
"They come and pay their hard earned money to watch good football. That's what we're going to try and produce for them. And as long as we're all in it together, it'll give us the best chance of success this season."
He continued: "Obviously we'd like a nicer response from the fans, we'd like everyone to be getting on in the stadium.
"We realise that's not always the case when they don't see what they want to see. That's part of the job as well. We've just got to get on with it and put on better performances".
Huddersfield chairman Kevin Nagle took to social media this week, urging the supporters to get fully behind the team for their final 10 matches.
The Terriers have scored six goals in their past six league matches, winning just two of them, and Evans admitted it was up to the team to do more.
He said: "We probably do need to take more risks, and get back to scoring as many goals as possible, maybe not worrying about every aspect of the game and playing with a bit more freedom in ourselves.
"Everyone within the team wants to play amazing football, of course we do, but at the end of the day if we go on and win 10 out of 10 by one goal to nil, ugly, own goals, I think everyone come the final day of the season will be over the moon.
"We're a team desperate to win, a team striving to get promoted this season. I think we all know its within touching distance, that its there for us to go and achieve."
Huddersfield's next challenge is a trip to bottom of the table Port Vale on Saturday.
Munich move on the cards for Messi? Bayern set sights on French youngster
Ahead of the summer transfer window, Bayern Munich are searching for a player to provide back-up and competition for Luis Díaz on the left wing.
According to Bild, Messi is on their shortlist – and not the world-famous Argentine star, but 18-year-old French U19 international Rayane Messi.
The youngster is currently on loan at Neom SC in Saudi Arabia from French club Racing Strasbourg.
As per Bild’s head of football, Christian Falk, the German champions have been monitoring the teenager since 2024.
Last summer, Rayane Messi was loaned to French Ligue 2 side Pau FC. He scored two goals in 16 appearances for the club before the loan was cut short in early February and he moved to Saudi Arabia instead.
Since joining Neom SC, he has made six appearances, scoring once and providing an assist.
The NFL head coaching landscape will drastically change in 2026 after several teams made changes after Super Bowl 60, but the Pittsburgh Steelers not having Mike Tomlin will take fans time to adjust to.
Pittsburgh opted to make a change with their legendary head coach after 19 straight NFL seasons. However, Tomlin hadn’t given the organization a proper goodbye until Thursday night.
During the Ireland Funds Gala, Tomlin and his wife, Kiya, received a special honor. The Tomlin family was given the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award for the former head coach’s lasting impact.
Mike Tomlin’s first public comments since resigning from the Steelers come as he and his wife Kiya are honored with the Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award at the Ireland Funds Gala. pic.twitter.com/K6yjU2Ztno
The event marks the chance for both Tomlin and the Steelers to prepare for life without one another. This comes as Mike McCarthy takes over the Pittsburgh head coaching role heading into the 2026 season.
“We were here for a long and really good time,” Tomlin said at the Ireland Funds Gala. “It’s been an honor to serve the greatest organization in sports … We’re in somewhat of a nomadic business and so we don’t take that for granted.”
The 53 year old took over the Steelers reigns in 2007 after former head coach Bill Cowher left the organization. Cowher’s move to CBS has led to a second act in his career as a successful NFL analyst.
However, many NFL fans are curious what will come next for Tomlin as he prepares for a career shift. It’s likely that Tomlin takes at least a year off from coaching before jumping back into coaching.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The AFC North saw three teams make head coaching changes after the 205 NFL season, including Tomlin, John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski. However, Harbaugh has taken over with the New York Giants and Stefanski landed a new role with the Atlanta Falcons.
Reece James has signed a new six-year deal with Chelsea (FRANCK FIFE)
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior hailed Reece James as the "best player in world football in his position" after the captain signed a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The England defender, 26, who first trained with the club 20 years ago, said he wanted to remain at the club for his "peak years".
James has won five major trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League and Club World Cup twice. He has made more than 200 appearances for the Blues, over 50 of which have been as captain.
"I can't stop smiling because we've secured the best player in world football in his position," manager Rosenior said Friday.
"He had many, many opportunities to leave this magnificent club and the good thing is not just the size and the stature of the club that he's come through from a very, very young age, but it's his belief and confidence in what we're doing here, where we want to go.
"We've had many conversations about it. For him to sign a deal and put his faith in us is a massive step."
Rosenior, who took over as Chelsea manager in January, said James, mainly a right-back, had the ability to play in many positions.
"Technically he can score goals, he defends, his athleticism, tactical understanding," he said.
"The thing that impresses me most about him is his humility and him as a person."
Rosenior added that James will be "my leader" as long as he remains in charge of the Blues.
James said he was confident Chelsea could build on their previous successes.
"I came through at this club, I love the club, I've experienced winning here and I believe there's still lots more to come in the future," he told reporters.
"I've spoken to everyone from the top of the club down, from ownership to sporting directors and I'm fully behind the project and what we're trying to build."
Chelsea won the Conference League and Club World Cup last season, but have failed to mount a serious bid for the Premier League since an American consortium took control of the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022.
The Blues, who host Newcastle on Saturday, are fifth in the Premier League with nine games to go and were beaten 5-2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.
James is expected to be Thomas Tuchel's starting right-back at the World Cup for England after overcoming a series of injury problems.
He has played 35 times in all competitions this season, his highest tally since 2021/22.
Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting gave star England allrounder Will Jacks a perfect 10/10 rating for his performances in the T20 World Cup. Indian stars Sanju Samson and Jasprit Bumrah followed closely with 9.5/10.
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament for his impressive performances in the second half of the campaign. Players from Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and South Africa were also among the nominees.
Samson was India’s top run-scorer and finished third overall in the tournament, while Bumrah ended as joint-highest wicket-taker, including a four-wicket haul in the final against New Zealand.
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Ponting also highlighted other top performers: openers Tim Seifert and Sahibzada Farhan led the run charts, earning ratings of 9/10 and 9.5/10, respectively.
India became the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, and also became the first team to win the tournament three times.
In the final, New Zealand won the toss and chose to field first, but Abhishek Sharma made them regret it with a blazing 52 off 21 balls, including six fours and three sixes. He shared a 98-run partnership with Sanju Samson, who then added a century stand with Ishan Kishan (54 off 25 balls, four fours and four sixes), helping India cross the 200-run mark by the 16th over.
Shivam Dube finished unbeaten on 26 off just eight balls, taking India to 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. James Neesham was New Zealand’s best bowler with 3/46.
In reply, India’s bowlers, led by Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah, reduced New Zealand to 72/5, despite a quick fifty from Tim Seifert (52 off 26 balls). A brief partnership between Daryl Mitchell (17) and captain Mitchell Santner (43 off 35 balls) wasn’t enough, as India kept taking wickets and bundled the Kiwis out for 159, securing a comfortable victory.
A key member of the Los Angeles Rams’ secondary is heading to the NFC East. As first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler late Thursday night, Cobie Durant has agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Adam Schefter later reported the terms as being worth up to $5.5 million.
Durant tied for the Rams’ lead with three interceptions during the regular season, matching Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s total. He then had an NFL-high three interceptions in the playoffs, including a league-best seven pass breakups.
Durant joined the Rams as a fourth-round pick in 2022 out of South Carolina State. The 5-foot-11 corner was a ball hawk with seven regular-season interceptions and four in the playoffs, leading the NFL with 151 interception return yards as a rookie in 2022.
Defensive help in Dallas: Former Rams CB Cobie Durant reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million with the Dallas Cowboys, per his agent @malkikawa. pic.twitter.com/1l0XgwpqH6
Durant is the second Rams player to leave in free agency this offseason, with his departure coming shortly after Tutu Atwell's on Thursday. Atwell heads home to Miami with the Dolphins, while Durant lands with the DB-needy Cowboys.
The Rams signed Jaylen Watson in free agency and traded for Trent McDuffie, so they're much stronger at cornerback, which is why they were probably comfortable letting Durant depart.
GENEVA (AP) — Pushing back on U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments, Iran's national soccer team says “no one can exclude” it from playing in the men's World Cup in the United States.
Instead, a post on the team's official Instagram account Thursday suggested maybe the U.S. team should be excluded after Trump indicated that the host country couldn't guarantee the safety of the Iranian players.
Trump wrote in a social media post Thursday that the Iranian team was welcome at the World Cup despite the ongoing war with Iran but that “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran is set to play all three of its World Cup group games in the U.S., which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.
The regional war has put doubt on Iran’s ability to fulfil its World Cup entry, and sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told state TV this week the current circumstances meant it was not possible to play.
But the Iran team’s riposte on Instagram confirmed it still wants to participate, and pointed out that the tournament is run by FIFA — not Trump or the U.S.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual, country,” the post said. “Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before finishing group play in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.
Mixed messages
Trump’s mixed messages on the subject include saying last week “I really don’t care” if Iran plays, then assuring FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House on Tuesday that Iran’s team was welcome.
Iran is a power in Asian soccer, ranked No. 20 in the world by FIFA and has qualified for its fourth straight World Cup edition.
Iran’s soccer federation has planned to use a tournament base camp in Arizona, at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson.
Before the World Cup, Iranian soccer officials are due to attend FIFA's annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver. The Iranian federation was unable to attend meetings in Atlanta last week to help teams prepare for the 48-nation tournament.
Former Inter Milan President Slams Team’s Attitude In Derby Defeat To Rivals AC Milan: ‘I Didn’t See Any Fire, Unacceptable’
Massimo Moratti has delivered a sharp and unsparing verdict on Inter Milan’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan, criticising the Nerazzurri’s attitude in the derby while urging the squad to rediscover their hunger ahead of a defining run-in that begins against Atalanta this weekend.
The former Inter president, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, traced the roots of Sunday’s performance back even further than the matchday itself, pointing to the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como as the moment passivity began to creep in.
“On Sunday at San Siro I did not see any fire, any tension,” he said bluntly, with quotes via FCInterNews.
“Unacceptable, especially in a derby. That defeat was born a few days earlier, at Como. We went and did not play in the Coppa Italia thinking there was still the second leg. The last ten minutes passing the ball backwards, shameful. We have the squad and the energy to always seek victory. That is how the passivity we then saw against Milan was trained. An enormous mistake.”
Former Inter Owner Moratti Slams Lack Of Fire In Milan Derby Defeat
His criticism extended to individuals.
Mkhitaryan‘s glaring miss moments before Estupinan scored was a particular source of frustration.
“Blessed boy, at Pinetina they should make him shoot balls into the goal for hours. An exceptional, complete player who made a wonderful move, but when he arrives in the box…”
He also weighed in on the Ricci handball incident with characteristic balance.
“I appreciated that Inter kept a low profile, zero excuses, even if that kind of situation has often been punished. But can you imagine what would have happened if the roles were reversed?”
On the whistling directed at Bastoni, Moratti was dismissive of those doing the booing.
“Absurd, especially because those who whistle him have players in their squad who put on great dramatics, writhing for minimal contact. Bastoni made a big mistake, including the celebration. But everything was amplified because it was Inter-Juventus.”
Despite the criticism, Moratti’s overall message was one of perspective and faith.
“The seven-point lead is large and deserved,” he said. “If we win the Scudetto, I hope someone does not try to make it seem like a normal thing.”
Report: Liverpool have joined the race to sign Premier League defender
Liverpool Enter Race for Antonee Robinson as Man Utd Face Transfer Rivalry
Liverpool move reshapes left-back debate
Liverpool’s long-term planning at left-back has taken a significant twist, with Antonee Robinson emerging as a prime transfer target amid growing competition with Man Utd. The Fulham defender has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most energetic and reliable full-backs, and his form has not gone unnoticed among the league’s elite.
Reports, first emerging via Sports Boom, indicate that Liverpool have now entered the race to sign Robinson in the upcoming summer transfer window. The development places them in direct competition with Man Utd, who have also been monitoring the American international.
Robinson has been a consistent performer for Fulham under Marco Silva, blending attacking thrust with defensive resilience. His ability to surge up the flank and recover defensively has made him one of the most effective modern full-backs in England’s top flight.
Even with some injury interruptions this season, the 28-year-old has continued to impress whenever he has featured. Fulham’s push towards European qualification has only strengthened his profile, making him a player clubs across the league are watching closely.
Robinson preference gives Liverpool edge
One factor that could tilt the balance in Liverpool’s favour is the player’s reported preference. According to the same reports, Robinson would prioritise a move to Liverpool ahead of Man Utd if both clubs pursue a deal in earnest.
That detail offers a crucial advantage for the Merseyside club as they begin shaping their squad for the coming seasons. With a major rebuild expected across several positions, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy appears to be shifting towards athletic, tactically flexible players capable of maintaining the team’s high-intensity style.
Robinson fits that description neatly. Known for his relentless stamina and willingness to carry the ball forward, he provides the sort of box-to-box energy modern full-backs are expected to deliver.
Marco Silva has previously praised his influence, describing Robinson as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League”. Such recognition from a Premier League manager highlights why clubs like Liverpool and Man Utd are now circling.
For Man Utd, losing out on a player of Robinson’s profile would represent a setback in their own attempts to refresh the squad. Their interest reflects a broader search for players capable of improving defensive consistency while contributing to attacking phases.
Defensive rebuild plans at Liverpool
Liverpool’s interest in Robinson also ties into a broader defensive reshaping expected over the next year. Changes across the back line could be on the horizon as the club looks to balance experience with youth.
The potential departure of veteran left-back Andy Robertson at the end of his contract would naturally create a vacancy on that flank. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding other defensive players has fuelled speculation that Liverpool could invest heavily in reinforcing the back line.
A possible new-look defensive unit has already been widely discussed, with Robinson positioned as a natural candidate to inherit the left-back role. His pace and tactical awareness would align with Liverpool’s preferred style, especially when transitioning quickly from defence to attack.
Should the transfer materialise, Robinson could bring immediate Premier League experience while offering long-term stability in a key position.
Transfer battle with Man Utd intensifies
Competition between Liverpool and Man Utd in the transfer market is nothing new, yet Robinson’s situation adds another layer to the rivalry. Both clubs are entering periods of squad adjustment, meaning recruitment decisions this summer could have long-term consequences.
For Liverpool, the move would represent a clear signal that the club intends to refresh its defensive options while maintaining the intensity that has defined their football in recent years.
Man Utd, meanwhile, will be keen to avoid missing out on a player widely regarded as one of the league’s most dependable full-backs.
With the summer window approaching and Fulham aware of Robinson’s growing reputation, the coming months could prove decisive. Whether Liverpool ultimately secure the deal or Man Utd mount a stronger challenge, Robinson’s future is shaping up to be one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer stories.
Gordon was sidelined due to illness for the crucial European fixture, yet his presence on the bench prompted questions from Shearer.
Speaking as a pundit before the game, the Magpies’ record goal scorer told Amazon Prime: "I know he doesn’t feel well, but this is Barcelona at Newcastle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
“It would take something extraordinary to keep myself out of this game tonight."
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane echoed these sentiments, telling the Overlap: "How can you be ill, but come on for half an hour?" Wayne Rooney also weighed in with criticism.
However, addressing the media on Friday, Howe clarified the situation, confirming Gordon had not trained on Tuesday morning.
Gordon was introduced as a 67th-minute replacement for Anthony Elanga at St James’ Park as the Magpies took a late lead through Harvey Barnes’ goal, only for Lamine Yamal to snatch a 1-1 draw for the visitors with a stoppage-tie penalty (Action Images via Reuters)
"I do have to clear something up with Anthony Gordon. He was absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona," Howe stated.
"I know there’s a lot of comments. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he’d been ill that morning and hadn’t attended the training session. He was prepared to play, but in consultation with the medical team, he didn’t think he was fit to play."
Gordon was introduced as a 67th-minute replacement for Anthony Elanga at St James’ Park as the Magpies took a late lead through Harvey Barnes’ goal, only for Lamine Yamal to snatch a 1-1 draw for the visitors with a stoppage-tie penalty.
Howe now faces a decision over whether or not to restore the 25-year-old England international – who has scored 10 goals in Europe to date this season – to his team at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday or save him for Wednesday night’s crucial trip to the Nou Camp.
Alan Shearer questioned why Gordon was well enough to take a seat on the bench, but not to start (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Asked about his character and importance to the team, Howe, who revealed skipper Bruno Guimaraes had asked to travel to Barcelona with the team after his planned return from rehabilitation in Brazil on Monday, said: “Ant, I’d probably categorise him as a winner.
“He wants to win everything, he’s a real competitor. He’s got that streak to him that I think all top players need where he’s very single-minded, very focused on his development and his game.
“I can only speak really glowingly of him this year. It hasn’t been a straightforward season for him. He’s had a lot of challenges, as every player does.
“But I think he’s probably in the best moment that he’s been this season currently. He’s playing really well. He’s played, obviously a different role for us, adapted to that really, really well.
“There’s a lot of pressure on him and a lot of media attention on him and rightly so – he’s an England international.
“He’ll (have) his own aims and goals that he wants to achieve, but I think he’s done really well.”
The Bills met with South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore at the 2026 NFL combine, per Power 96.5 FM.
The secondary was one of the position groups Buffalo met with the most in Indianapolis.
Kilgore is a 6-foot-1, 211-pound talent out of Georgia who emerged as one of the top prospects at his position in the 2026 draft class. He's currently ranked as the No. 3 safety on most boards behind Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Oregon's Dillon Thieneman.
Kilgore is a freak athlete who was a standout in track and field before focusing on football. He was the Georgia 2A state champion in the long jump as a sophomore with a mark of 23 feet, 7 inches, and also competed in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes.
At South Carolina, Kilgore developed into a versatile safety who can line up in the box, play single-high, or come down into the slot. His range and ball-hawking ability have made him one of the SEC's most impactful defensive backs over the past two seasons.
The versatility and skill set fit the bill of what Buffalo's looking for at safety.
Kilgore's combination of size, speed, and instincts makes him a potential first-round pick as one of the more dynamic safety prospects in this year's class.
For the Bills, he could be an impact player at a position of need, and his versatility and playmaking ability could boost Buffalo's secondary and give Jim Leonhard a player he can deploy in multiple ways.
Kilgore is projected as a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL draft and could fall in range for the team to select him.
LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie is on scene and reporting live from Friday's UFC Fight Night 269 (Paramount+) fighter weigh-ins at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, which kick off at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).
Among those weighing in are Josh Emmett (19-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) and Kevin Vallejos (17-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who meet in the featherweight main event. Additionally, Amanda Lemos (15-5-1 MMA, 8-5-1 UFC) takes on Gillian Robertson (16-8 MMA, 13-6 UFC) in the women's strawweight co-feature.
The full UFC Fight Night 269 weigh-in results include:
Second base has long been one of the most demanding and underrated positions in Major League Baseball. Positioned in the middle of the infield, second basemen are required to combine quick reflexes, strong defensive instincts, and consistent offensive production to help their teams succeed. While some players are known for their glove work and defensive reliability, others stand out for their hitting ability, speed on the bases, and leadership in the clubhouse. The best second basemen in today’s MLB manage to balance all of these qualities, making them vital contributors on both sides of the game.
Over the years, the role of the second baseman has evolved significantly. Modern players at the position are no longer expected to simply field ground balls and turn double plays; they are now often key offensive threats capable of hitting for power, driving in runs, and setting the tone at the top or middle of the batting order. Many of today’s standout second basemen also bring versatility, athleticism, and high baseball IQ, allowing them to impact games in multiple ways.
According to rankings from Ranker, fans have weighed in on which current MLB second basemen stand above the rest. This list highlights ten players who have consistently impressed audiences with their skill, performance, and overall influence on the field. From established veterans with years of success to rising stars still building their legacy, these players represent the very best at their position.
Whether through clutch hitting, spectacular defensive plays, or game-changing speed, these second basemen continue to shape the modern landscape of Major League Baseball.
Ozzie Albies has developed into one of the most electrifying second basemen in the game. A switch-hitter with power and speed, he brings a dynamic offensive presence to the lineup while also playing excellent defense. Albies is known for his energy and ability to come through in big moments, often delivering clutch hits when his team needs them most. His combination of athleticism and enthusiasm makes him a cornerstone player for the Atlanta Braves.
2. José Altuve (Houston Astros)
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws the ball to first to record an out against the Athletics in the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
José Altuve has long been one of baseball’s most consistent and respected players at second base. Despite his smaller stature, he built a Hall-of-Fame-level résumé with elite hitting ability and relentless competitiveness. Altuve’s quick swing and excellent bat control allow him to consistently produce hits and drive his team’s offense. Add in his aggressive baserunning and leadership, and it’s easy to see why he remains one of the most feared second basemen in the league.
3. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees)
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is one of the most exciting young stars in Major League Baseball. Known for his flashy style and explosive athleticism, he blends power, speed, and defensive flair into a thrilling package. Every time he steps onto the field, there’s a chance he’ll make a highlight-reel play or launch a towering home run. His confidence and charisma have made him a fan favorite and one of the most entertaining players to watch today.
New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) tosses a baseball into the stands against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Clover Park. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Marcus Semien is widely respected for his durability, leadership, and all-around excellence. A disciplined hitter with surprising power, he consistently produces strong offensive numbers from the middle infield. Semien also provides steady defense and a veteran presence that stabilizes any lineup. His work ethic and consistency have helped establish him as one of the premier second basemen of the modern era.
5. Luis Arráez (San Francisco Giants)
San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (1) flips the ball aginst the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Luis Arráez is widely admired for his pure hitting ability and exceptional plate discipline. He represents a more classic style of hitter, focusing on contact, timing, and precision rather than raw power. Arráez’s ability to spray line drives all over the field makes him incredibly difficult for pitchers to retire. As his defensive skills continue to improve, his reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable hitters keeps growing.
6. DJ LeMahieu (New York Yankees)
New York Yankees second base DJ LeMahieu (26) singles during the eighth inning against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
DJ LeMahieu has built his career on versatility, consistency, and elite bat control. Known for his smooth swing and ability to hit to all fields, he regularly produces quality at-bats and solid contact. Defensively, he is capable of playing multiple infield positions at a high level. This adaptability and professionalism have made him an invaluable piece of the Yankees’ lineup for years.
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Tommy Edman (25) fields a ball for an out against Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) in the third inning during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Tommy Edman has become one of baseball’s most dependable utility infielders and second basemen. His speed and defensive range allow him to cover plenty of ground and make difficult plays look routine. Offensively, Edman brings a balanced approach with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. His versatility and competitive edge make him a player managers love to have in their lineup.
8. Jean Segura (Milwaukee Brewers)
Miami Marlins third baseman Jean Segura (9) throws the ball to first base against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park. Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Jean Segura is known for his gritty style of play and consistent offensive production. A strong contact hitter, he excels at putting the ball in play and creating opportunities for his team. Segura’s experience in the majors has made him a steady and dependable presence in the infield. His leadership and veteran instincts continue to make him a valuable contributor on any roster.
9. Jonathan India (Kansas City Royals)
Kansas City Royals infielder Jonathan India breaks a bat against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jonathan India burst onto the scene with impressive offensive potential and a mature approach at the plate. He combines patience, power, and situational awareness, making him a tough out for opposing pitchers. India’s confidence and intensity give him the tools to become a long-term centerpiece for the Cincinnati Reds. As he gains more experience, many expect him to grow into one of the league’s premier second basemen.
Los Angeles Angels left fielder Chris Taylor (33) bats against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Chris Taylor exemplifies the modern utility player, capable of contributing almost anywhere on the field. Though often deployed at second base, his defensive flexibility allows him to fill multiple roles for his team. Taylor also brings solid contact skills and a disciplined approach at the plate. His versatility and baseball IQ make him an extremely valuable player in today’s game.
Conclusion
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) flips his bat before the start of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The players on this list showcase the incredible talent currently defining the second base position in Major League Baseball. Through a combination of offensive production, defensive reliability, and overall versatility, each of them plays a crucial role in their team’s success. As the game continues to evolve, these second basemen remain among the most exciting and impactful players to watch.
Now, the managing director of sport has confirmed that Niklas Süle and Salih Özcan will also leave Dortmund when their contracts expire at the end of June:
“We had very open and respectful discussions with both of them this week. In the end, we agreed with both Niklas and Salih that we would go our separate ways at the end of the season. But until then, we still have nine games ahead of us, which we all want to play as successfully as possible and qualify for the Champions League again this year.”
Süle and Özcan’s Dortmund careers:
Both the defender and midfielder moved to the Westfalenstadion in the summer of 2022, and both were meant to play key roles in an upcoming successful period for die Schwarzgelben.
However, nothing materialised for any parties. Özcan failed to become a regular in the first team and spent time on loan at Wolfsburg.
While Süle joined as one of the club’s biggest earners from Bayern Munich on a free transfer and was expected to form the heart of the defence, constant injuries led to inconsistent performances, keeping him from his best physical condition.
Girona wants to turn the fans' support into victory
Girona FC hosts Athletic Club this Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 PM at the Montilivi Stadium in the match corresponding to the 28th round of LaLiga.
Girona arrives after a series of close results in recent matches. In their last four league games, Míchel's team drew at Levante's field (1-1), lost at Montilivi against Celta de Vigo (1-2), drew at Deportivo Alavés' field (2-2), and achieved a notable home victory against Barça (2-1).
As for Athletic, the team has recorded one win, one draw, and two losses. The most recent match was a 0–1 home defeat against FC Barcelona, with a goal by Lamine Yamal. Before that, Athletic lost 1-0 against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinals, being eliminated, and subsequently, in the league, they drew 1–1 at Rayo Vallecano's field with a goal by Iñaki Williams. On February 20, they won 2–1 against Elche, with two goals by Gorka Guruzeta. In this four-match stretch, the Bilbao team has scored three goals and conceded four.
Regarding the head-to-head record between the two teams, recent encounters show equality. In the match played this season at San Mamés, Athletic Club and Girona drew 1-1. Before that, the Basque team won 3-0 in February 2025, while Girona won at Montilivi 2-1 in October 2024. The previous encounter also went in favor of Bilbao, with a 3-2 victory for Athletic in 2024.
With this background, Saturday's match presents itself as a new challenging test for Girona, which will seek to strengthen its position at Montilivi in front of its fans and secure three important points against an Athletic Club that has historically always posed intense and highly competitive matches.
Alvaro Arbeloa ‘confident’ Kylian Mbappe will travel to face Manchester City
Real Madrid have been given a major boost following Alvaro Arbeloa’s latest update on Kylian Mbappe’s fitness. Los Blancos could have their goalscoring talisman back in time to face Manchester City in the return leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, which they lead 3-0.
“He’s getting better every day, his recovery is progressing as it should. We made a plan, it depends on his progress, but I see him doing very well. He won’t be available tomorrow, but I’m confident he’ll travel to Manchester.”
Mbappe will miss the tie against Elche, and Arbeloa would not confirm whether he could play in the Madrid derby next weekend, or for France in the international window.
“You’re taking me too far afield; I want him to be able to travel to Manchester. We’ll see how he is tomorrow, and on Sunday we’ll make the final decision.”
‘He won’t have any problems becoming an elite player’
While the news has been about Thiago Pitarch’s contribution in recent games, Manuel Angel has also had a positive impact against City. Arbeloa was asked about his size, and whether it could be disadvantage at the top level.
“His size is the size of his heart. I’ve been very lucky to play with wonderful players; I’ve been a European and World champion with players who weren’t even 1.70 meters tall. And they were sensational. I’m aware that football is like this now, but he won’t have any problems becoming an elite player.”
“Ambidextrous, he can play on either wing… I’m not going to say he’s my favorite, which he is, I really believe in him. He did very well, he has a lot of work ahead of him. I hope he can continue to show how good he is.”
Focus on Elche
Despite the euphoria of their win over Manchester City, Real Madrid have a quick turnaround against Elche before the return leg. Arbeloa was keen to avoid a third slip up in four in La Liga.
“It’s difficult, of course. You have to ensure your own standards match the other team’s motivation. We certainly won’t see the same Elche as in previous matches, and that’s normal; they’re coming to the Bernabeu. That’s why it’s so difficult to be a Real Madrid player, to have a winning mentality. We have to give our all, we know that. We have to make an extra effort. There are no doubts or excuses for not playing a great match.”
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold admitted during the week that the major difference against City, and admitted there was a different motivation for that kind of game. Arbeloa will have to find a way of ensuring they are sharp to avoid handing a major advantage to Barcelona in the title race.
Iran responded with military action of its own against Israel and US interests and allies in the Gulf, further escalating a conflict that has run since the end of February.
And while US president Trump claimed that Iran is “welcome” at this summer’s tournament, he has outlined that he does not think it is “appropriate that they be there”.
Iran have been drawn to play against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand this summer (Getty Images)
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” said Trump in a post on Truth Social on Thursday.
Iran’s national team quickly posted a reply to Trump post on their Instagram account, stating: “The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA - not any individual or country.
“Iran's national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament.
“Certainly, no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Donyamali told state television on Wednesday.
"Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence,” he added.
Iran have been drawn to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in this summer’s tournament, which takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July.
No official decision has been taken over Iran’s withdrawal, though tournament regulations state that Fifa can “decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary”, potentially replacing Iran “with another association”.
FOXBOROUGH - With most of their work in free agency completed, Eliot Wolf says the Patriots are in a good place. They are “happy with the guys we signed.”
Wide receiver Romeo Dobbs, defensive lineman Dre-Mont Jones, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and safety Kevin Byard are the headliners of the group.
Later, at a different point of his session with the media on Thursday, the Patriots executive VP of Player Personnel also indicated the team would still be looking for ways to improve the team.
Cutting to the chase, Wolf didn’t exactly close the door on several other options. There’s the not-so-secret trade for A.J. Brown. There’s also the possibility of re-signing Stefon Diggs, who was officially released Wednesday. And, finally, the chance of re-visiting a trade for Maxx Crosby, who’s now back in Las Vegas after a canceled deal with Baltimore.
“We’re always open to trying to improve the team any way we can,” Wolf said. “If we see something out there that we think can help us out, we’ll look into it.”
Maybe that’s just lip service by Wolf. Or, there’s some substance behind all the rumors.
Having Brown, a true No. 1 receiver, and pairing him with the newly acquired Romeo Doubs, would fall into the category of helping the Patriots out.
Bringing back Diggs, if it’s the Diggs that showed up last season, would help and wouldn’t require handing over draft picks.
Getting Crosby at a reduced rate, along with his ability to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks would also be beneficial for a defense that barely registered on the sack meter.
So there’s three possibilities. If the Patriots are going to put their eggs in one of those baskets, which avenue should they choose?
Brown? Diggs? Or Crosby?
If it’s me, I’m going with Curtain No. 1. I’m making a trade for Brown.
Why him over Diggs?
At this stage, he’s a better player and a few years younger. He’s a game-changer who can line up anywhere. And, combined with Doubs, the Patriots will finally have a 1-2 punch that will bring even more greatness out of Drake Maye.
Why Brown over Crosby?
There’s no question the Patriots biggest need right now is an edge rusher. They could really use a sack artist and Crosby is one of the best in the game.
Last month, Patriots great Rodney Harrison even lobbied for the Patriots to go after Crosby and bring him to New England.
“The Patriots need to level up in terms of talent. You have to go out and get difference makers. And it starts up front,” Harrison told MassLive. “I’m not giving up two firsts for him, but I’d give up a first and a second for Crosby. I would work hard to try and get him in there. That’s the way you get to the promised land. Getting guys like him.”
Wolf has a good relationship with Raiders GM John Spytek and dispelled the notion that Tom Brady doesn’t want to make any trades with the Patriots.
Crosby’s injury, however, is a concern whether the Baltimore Ravens used that as an excuse to back out of their deal with the Raiders, or it’s a legitimate issue.
The biggest reason to go with Brown over every other option?
Outfitting Maye with a better arsenal should be the top priority.
The most important thing the Patriots can do to not only get them back to the Super Bowl, but put them over the top is to bring in game-changers. While Doubs mitigates the loss of Diggs to some degree, adding a true No. 1 alongside him would work wonders for the Patriots offense.
And Brown fits that bill.
While the cost for Philadelphia’s wideout has currently been set by the Eagles as a first and second round pick, it was reported that price tag might be lessoned to a second and fourth-round pick if the deal is consummated after June 1.
For financial reasons, the Eagles don’t want to deal Brown until that point. They also understand holding off until then makes it harder to set up a bidding war.
It’s not the easiest thing for teams who commit money in free agency, and later in the draft, to have a ton of money and cap space leftover in June.
When asked if there was a deadline where the Patriots would have to move on from pursuit of Brown, Wolf didn’t indicate there was a cut-off point, per se.
“I think the only real deadlines you have are salary-cap related,” Wolf said. “For instance, did we spend money in free agency that would take us out of something else?
“But I wouldn’t say there’s a deadline on trying to improve the team.”
The Patriots currently have the cash and the cap space. They can also create more if need be.
So picking between the three possibilities, Brown should be the target. He also seems the most likely one the Patriots will continue to pursue given his relationship with Mike Vrabel during their time in Tennessee.
Although, in considering all three, the Patriots really can’t go wrong no matter which way they turn.
Chelsea captain Reece James has committed his long-term future to the club by signing a six-year contract.
The Blues skipper’s previous deal was set to expire in 2028 but Chelsea have headed off any risk of his contract entering its final stages and in turn stopped any speculation over his future from developing.
The extension will keep James at the club until 2032, by which time the England international will be 32.
"I am over the moon to have extended my contract - Chelsea means so much to me," he told the club's official website.
"I have always said I want my peak years to be here, and I truly believe we have everything it takes to build on our previous successes. I'm excited for the future under this ownership, sporting directors, coach and all the staff and hopefully we will lift many more trophies together over the coming years."
Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart added: "On behalf of ownership and everyone connected to Chelsea, it is a proud moment for all of us to have Reece extend his contract.
"He is the leader of this team, both on and off the pitch."
James, an academy graduate, has made 225 appearances in all competitions since making his debut in 2019 and was appointed captain in 2023 following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.
The right-back, who has also operated in defensive midfield, is enjoying his most fruitful season in terms of minutes since becoming a mainstay in the team, finally overcoming persistent hamstring and knee problems which wreaked much of his previous three campaigns.
Reece James has penned a new long-term extension at Chelsea (Getty Images)
Going into this term, James had missed 114 matches due to injury since the start of the 2021/22 season, undergoing hamstring surgery in December 2023 which left him sidelined for a run of 31 games.
The club have been extremely careful about how much time he spends on the pitch and have employed a carefully regimented model to ensure he is not overstretched.
He has played 35 times in all competitions this season, his highest tally since 2021/22, and has only missed five outings, the least since 2020/21.
James is a Champions League winner with Chelsea, helping the Blues to the European crown in 2021, and last year guided the club to glory in the Club World Cup and Conference League while wearing the armband.
COURCHEVEL, France (AP) — Marco Odermatt locked up both the World Cup overall and downhill title Friday after the Swiss star posted the third-fastest time in the penultimate downhill of the season.
It’s the fifth straight overall title for Odermatt, which puts him level with Marc Girardelli in second place on the all-time winners list, behind Marcel Hirscher with eight titles.
Clinching the big crystal globe was a formality for Odermatt, since the only racer who could mathematically overtake him, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, doesn’t compete in downhills. The six remaining races this season are not enough for Pinheiro Braathen to close his deficit of more than 600 points in the overall standings.
Odermatt won the downhill globe for the third straight season, marking his 10th career discipline title. He’s expected to add the super-G globe this weekend and is in a strong position to win the giant slalom title at the World Cup Finals next week.
He also won those four globes in each of the past two seasons.
Odermatt knew before his run Friday that the downhill globe was secured, since his only remaining challenger, teammate and Olympic champion Franjo von Allmen, started earlier but skied out.
Von Allmen needed to finish first or second to keep any hopes alive. Racing in warm and sunny conditions, he came off the race line in a right turn and wasn’t able to adjust when he skied through soft snow outside of the course.
Odermatt then clocked the third time, 0.31 seconds behind race leader Vincent Kriechmayr of Austria, with Giovanni Franzoni of Italy trailing by 0.09 in second.
Lower-ranked skiers were still coming down the course which was used for the 2023 world championships.
World Cup flops ‘left a mark’ on Italy Euro winner
Lorenzo Insigne admits he still thinks about Italy’s World Cup flops in 2018 and 2022, but jokes that ‘he will retire’ if he secures Serie B survival with Pescara and plays in the World Cup next summer.
Insigne was part of the Italy squad that failed to secure World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2022.
He remained on the bench in a play-off second leg tie against Sweden in November 2017, but was involved against North Macedonia in March 2022.
“Not winning those two matches left a mark on me for sure,” Insigne told Gazzetta.
“Who knows when that thought will go away…But you must never look back; this time, we have to make it.”
Lorenzo Insigne celebrates as captain of Pescara (@Lega_B)
Insigne played under Gennaro Gattuso at Napoli and built a strong bond with the Italian tactician.
“I talk to him almost every day,” said the Pescara winger.
Insigne: I never said I’m done with the national team’
“I remember that I never said, ‘I’m done with the national team.’ He knows my qualities and my availability, so he’ll make the best choice. Of course, if we stay up with Pescara and I go to the World Cup, then I can retire! I’m just joking though…”
epa09847646 Italy’s forward Domenico Berardi in action against North Macedonia’s defender Ezgjan Alioski during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off qualifying soccer match between Italy and North Macedonia at the Renzo Barbera stadium in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, 24 March 2022. EPA-EFE/CARMELO IMBESI
Senne Lammens reveals Tom Heaton’s surprise impact on his rise
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has detailed Tom Heaton’s influence on his breakthrough at the club.
Safe pair of hands
Lammens joined United on the last day of the summer transfer window in an £18.2million deal from Royal Antwerp.
United dipped into the market and secured his services after Andre Onana lost his place in the team and it became abundantly clear that Altay Bayindir could not be relied upon to be the number one. Lammens had to wait for his opportunities, only making his debut in October. He kept a clean sheet as United beat Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford.
The Belgian has never looked back, establishing himself as a reliably steady presence in goal. Having made few to no errors, he has brought a sense of calm and composure that was sorely lacking under his predecessors.
Lammens has caught the eye with his incredible shot-stopping, while he has also shown himself to be brilliant on the ball.
Signed in a window that brought in the attacking talents of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the young Belgian was the unglamorous addition. Yet, his impact has proven just as vital. In Lammens, United appear to have secured their number one for the next ten years.
He spoke to Ben Foster on the Fozcast podcast and credited Heaton for his key role in his rise.
Lammens credits Heaton
Lammens said, “He’s been really helpful. He helped me a lot the first couple of weeks especially to get me like eased in.”
“It’s always nice to have someone who knows so much about the Premier League and this club and everything in between, to help me out when I need to but also to help me to relax and joke around sometimes. Coming from him, it’s a good feeling.”
The 23-year-old added, “Still today, at almost 40 years old, I can still see him in training, so I can only imagine in his prime how good he was. For a Belgian guy, he didn’t really have the recognition probably in the world. Especially, the most important thing, every team-mate you speak to about – or even his team-mates now in training – the way they talk about him, his qualities on the pitch, but even more so his qualities off the pitch, as the guy he is.”
“Probably why our friendship has grown so much is because we’re a bit similar as well in every aspect – I can see a lot of myself in him. And it’s the same the other way around, he tells me a lot: ‘you’re so much like me when I was younger.'”
“He knows what I’m thinking in every situation almost, so that’s also where he helps me, maybe in more difficult situations, or when I’m doing really well, in those situations, trying to help me not get too outside of my head.”
Lammens hails Fernandes
Lammens also had words of praise for Bruno Fernandes, naming the skipper as the best trainer at the club.
The United shot-stopper said about Fernandes, “I think that’s why he’s been the way he is all these years is just the guy you see on the pitch every Saturday. You also see on training every day.”
Asked who has the hardest shot in training, Lammens answered, “Benjamin Sesko. It’s crazy sometimes. You know, as a goalkeeper, when people are like five yards in front of you, you don’t really want to swat the ball.”
“He still does it sometimes. And I’m just thinking, easy, relax.”
Lammens and his teammates are next in action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa at the Theatre of Dreams. The game kicks off at 2pm.
Photo Credit: Vikings Spin via X, and espncfb via Instagram
Kyler Murray just shook up the NFL world with a fresh start that's got everyone talking. The star quarterback, known for his quick feet and strong arm, said goodbye to the Arizona Cardinals after seven years and hello to the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal.
This move happened fast, right after his release on March 11, 2026, at the start of the new league year. It's a smart pickup for the Vikings, who only pay the veteran minimum of about $1.3 million, while the Cardinals cover the bulk of his $36.8 million guaranteed salary.
Murray's contract also includes a no-tag clause, so the Vikings can't slap a franchise tag on him next year if things don't click. At 28, turning 29 in August, he's pumped about the change. During his visit to the Vikings' facility, he opened up about being a lifelong fan of the team.
As a kid playing for a youth squad called the Vikings, he got hooked and even cried after Brett Favre's tough interception in the 2009 NFC Championship loss to the Saints. "I cannot wait to touch that field and be a Minnesota Viking," Murray said in a press conference, grinning ear to ear.
The Big Move: From Arizona to Minnesota
Photo Credit: Vikings Spin/X
This switch feels like a plot twist in a sports movie. Murray flew to Minnesota right after becoming a free agent and met with head coach Kevin O'Connell and the staff. They clicked during film sessions and casual chats about life challenges. O'Connell called it a "two-way interview," where Murray got to know the team's genuine vibe.
The Vikings had eyed him as the top choice even before the release, seeing his skills as a perfect fit for their offense loaded with stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. It's a low-risk bet for Minnesota, especially after a rocky 2025 season where quarterback play held them back.
Murray signed quickly, eager for a system that plays to his strengths in passing and running. He shared his excitement in a YouTube video, talking about joining a team he rooted for growing up.
Fans on X lit up with memes, like one showing Murray acing his physical or edited photos of him linking up with Jefferson. One viral post from NFL Memes captured him greeting staffers at the practice facility, racking up over 21,000 likes.
Murray's Rollercoaster Career So Far
Murray burst onto the scene as the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, bringing hype from his Heisman-winning days at Oklahoma. Over seven seasons with the Cardinals, he threw for 121 touchdowns and ran for 32 more, earning Pro Bowl spots in 2020 and 2021. His dual-threat style made highlights, like scrambling for big gains or firing deep balls.
But bumps came too: 60 interceptions, a 38-48-1 record, and only one playoff victory, a wild-card loss to the Rams in 2021. Injuries hit hard, including a torn ACL in late 2022 and a foot issue in 2025 that limited him to five games.
Despite the ups and downs, experts like NFL analyst Ben Solak call this Vikings spot "the best for a QB to rebuild," thanks to the talent around him. Murray's mobility and arm could thrive here, turning short passes into explosive plays with Jefferson's speed or Hockenson's reliability.
The QB Battle: Murray vs. McCarthy
Get ready for some serious drama in training camp. Murray joins a quarterback room headlined by J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 No. 10 pick who's entering his third year. McCarthy started 10 games in 2025 but struggled, posting a low 35.6 QBR with accuracy issues and some injuries.
O'Connell wants competition to spark growth, saying, "The goal of adding a talented player like Kyler was to create a world where guys are pushing each other." He chatted with McCarthy about the addition, and the young QB took it in stride, ready to battle.
No one's named starter yet; it's all about who shines in practices and preseason games. Murray's experience gives him an edge, but McCarthy's familiarity with the system keeps it close.
Screenshot from Kyler Murray's post/X
Posts on X are already brainstorming nicknames for the duo, like one suggesting fans "give this Vikings QB duo a nickname" that got hundreds of likes. This rivalry could elevate the Vikings' offense, which has the pieces to score big if the QB delivers.
Looking ahead, this one-year prove-it deal sets Murray up for a big payday in 2027 if he wins the job and performs. For the Vikings, it's a shot at stability after McCarthy's inconsistencies. Training camp starts in July, and all eyes will be on who grabs the QB1 spot. This story's just beginning, full of potential fireworks on and off the field.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The opening round of the 2026 Players Championship featured a 21-minute rain delay, and the first round didn't finish because of it. Four players had to return Friday morning to complete play, but the sun shined on TPC Sawgrass in the morning and evening with the storm mashed between during Thursday's first round.
What's the weather forecast like the rest of the week?
Friday and Saturday look fantastic. There's a 10 percent chance of rain Friday, though plenty of sun is expected with a high of 71. It'll be breezy in the morning, with winds gusting to 24 miles per hour while it calms down as the day progresses.
On Saturday, the high jumps to 73 with winds expected to blow between 10-16 mph.
Come Sunday, the forecast is iffy. The high is 75 with winds also reaching 10-16 mph, but there's a 60 percent chance of storms, likely in the afternoon. Rain amounts are expected to be just under half an inch.
Is weather going to interrupt the final round for the second straight year? We'll have to wait and see. But for fans attending TPC Sawgrass on Friday or Saturday, the weather looks like a treat.
Michigan will get Salem Hills (Utah) junior safety-wide receiver Peyton Higginson on campus for their April 18 spring game, and then again for a May 29 official.
Schools like Higginson’s size (6-3, 185 pounds) and versatility. He is a standout receiver for Salem Hills, but it is on defense, where made 81 tackles (65 solo) and intercepted three passes, where Michigan likes him.
That is where defensive coordinator Jay Hill comes in. When Hill was at BYU, he was Higginson’s third offer.
“I have a great relationship with Coach Hill, who was the one who recruited me to BYU,” Higginson said. “Coach Hill has been really good to me through this process. When he took the Michigan job he reached out and said he would be back to see me. He then visited me at my home and offered me to Michigan. I could go on and on about Coach Hill.”
Utah was also a school that started recruiting Higginson early, and several of those staff members he met there are also in Ann Arbor now.
“I also got to know coach Micah Simon (now coaching receivers at Michigan) and (current Michigan defensive line coach) Lewis Powell when I was being recruited by Utah,” he said. “In the early days of my recruiting, coach Ali’i Niumatalolo (now an assistant tight ends coach at Michigan) was the first coach that ever reached out to me to tell me that he thought I was a next-level player, and that really meant a lot to me. He was at a BYU camp, but coaching at Utah Tech at the time.”
Higginson needs the two looks at Michigan because, prior to head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff coming to Ann Arbor, the Wolverines were not in the picture.
With the relationships he has there, the missing pieces are getting to the campus and getting a feel for the town and program.
“I have never been to Michigan, but I have no problem at all moving away for college and football,” Higginson said. “I plan on serving a two-year LDS mission and that could be anywhere in the world, so I won’t have an issue moving away for college. Especially if it’s a school and football program like Michigan.”
Higginson just finished with a visit at Oregon State. He will get to BYU, Utah, Utah State, UCLA and Colorado State. He just visited UNLV, California, San Jose State and Stanford. His recruitment is heavily skewed to the west, but Michigan’s relationships could pull him to the Midwest.
“I’m having fun, but I know it will be a little stressful narrowing it down,” he said. “I plan on picking a school by July-August before my senior year of high school begins. I want the distractions behind me so I can just focus on my last high school season. I want to land at a school that I feel good about their program, staff and culture, and my No. 1 reason is I want to feel like I can develop as a player and see the field as early as I can and just play football.”
Rivals sees Higginson as the No. 50 athlete nationally and No. 14 junior in Utah.
Belleville receiver sets visit to Michigan
Belleville wide receiver Charles Britton III will visit Michigan on April 7.
The Wolverines are competing with Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama for Britton, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound prospect with excellent quickness and route-running acumen.
He played with current Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood in his freshman and sophomore seasons.
Allen Trieu covers Midwest football recruiting for On3. He has been featured on the Big Ten Network on its annual Signing Day Show. His Michigan and Michigan State recruiting columns appear weekly at detroitnews.com.
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There has been a rise in female participation in sports like cricket and badminton [Getty Images]
One in 10 women who participated in a new BBC study conducted across 14 Indian states say they play cricket, a significant increase on the last survey six years ago.
The 2020 study found there were five times more men playing cricket than women. This gap had narrowed to three times more men than women in 2026.
Playing, in the context of the survey, refers to anyone saying they currently play the sport. Forty per cent of the women who play cricket do so at least once a week.
The survey, commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom as part of the Indian Sportswoman of the Year initiative, aimed to assess participation of Indian women in sport, and wider societal attitudes towards sportswomen.
It was conducted by interviewing 10,304 respondents aged 15 or older.
Around 51% of respondents said they have followed coverage of women's sports in the past six months. This is not very far behind the proportion of people who said they have followed men's sports coverage (63%).
Young women (aged 15-24) are the key demographic driving these changes in participation and viewership of women's sports, the survey findings suggest. One in four (26%) respondents in this category said they had considered sports as a career option, up from 16% in 2020.
India shooter Manu Bhaker won two medals at the 2024 Olympics [Getty Images]
The latest survey comes against the backdrop of significant achievements by Indian sportswomen. Shooter Manu Bhaker made history by winning two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Indian women won 10 medals at the Paralympics the same year. In 2025, the Indian women's cricket team brought joy to the country by winning their first World Cup on home soil.
These success stories seem to be inspiring others. Forty-three per cent of the study's respondents said that they watched women's games live in the past six months, compared with 54% for men's events. The viewership gap is narrower when it comes to attending games in person - 29% say they have attended women's sporting events, against 37% for men's events.
Badminton is also a popular sport - 6% of the women surveyed now play the sport, up from 4% in 2020.
The study also indicated that long-standing attitudes and expectations about women's suitability for sport and their appearance persist. Some of these beliefs are more subscribed to now than they were in 2020, the findings suggest.
Around 43% of respondents said they believe that women's sports are less entertaining than men's sports, up from 38% in 2020. There was a similar rise in respondents who said that female sportspersons are not feminine enough.
India won their first ICC Women's World Cup in 2025 [Getty Images]
Notably, such responses were not confined to men. The study highlighted that nearly one in two respondents thought that sportswomen should look attractive, and women were more likely than men to agree with this statement.
The findings indicated only a modest improvement in the proportion of Indians playing sports overall, across all disciplines, in the fourteen states covered. Even as 74% of Indians in the study (up from 69% in 2020) said that they played games or sport as children, only half of them said they continued to do so as adults.
Two-thirds of the respondents said that they did not participate in any sport because of time constraints.
Methodology:
The 2026 survey was conducted by Kantar India, who also ran the 2020 study. The project interviewed 10,304 people aged 15 years and up across 14 Indian states. The sample aimed to represent all 14 states surveyed in terms of age, gender, socio-economic class and rural/urban locations. The survey questionnaire administered remained the same with the exception of a few questions being added; as did the survey's sampling methodology, so that the two studies remained comparable.
Already relegated Sheffield Wednesday will try again to pick up a first home win of the season when they welcome Ipswich to Hillsborough on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
The Owls were denied only their second victory of the campaign when they conceded at the death to draw 1-1 with Watford last time out.
Fourth-placed Ipswich are unbeaten in five and just four points adrift of the automatic promotion spots, but have only managed to draw their past two Championship games.
Sheffield Wednesday have lost their last three league games against Ipswich Town by an aggregate score of 10-1.
Ipswich have only lost on two of their last 13 league visits to Sheffield Wednesday (W5 D6) and won 1-0 there on their last visit in September 2023.
Sheffield Wednesday's last home league win on a Saturday was back in December 2024, when they beat Stoke in a 12.30pm kick off (D4 L13 since). In 3:00pm kick-offs on Saturdays, their last win at Hillsborough was in the 2023-24 season, 3-0 against West Brom in April 2024.
Ipswich haven't won any of their away Championship games this season against sides currently in the bottom six of the table, losing at Oxford and Leicester and drawing with Blackburn.
Ipswich Town's Jack Clarke has been involved in four goals in his last four league games against Sheffield Wednesday (3 goals, 1 assist) and scored twice on his last trip to Hillsborough for Sunderland in September 2023.
Spencer Fano is an offensive tackle from Utah who recorded a 2025 season with zero sacks and zero QB hits allowed over 822 snaps. While he primarily played right tackle in college, his technical skills suggest he could offer the Lions positional flexibility if needed. He could potentially be a long-term solution to bolster the Detroit Lions offensive line.Below is the excerpt from my medical report on Fano.
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Fano has been very reliable in college. His position of RT at Utah works out just fine as I expect Penei Sewell to be moved to LT. His young age is a big positive.
Hellas Verona have picked up 18 points and currently lie in 19th position. Last time out, Paolo Sammarco's team triumphed 1-2 against Bologna (Serie A 2025/26).
Genoa have won 30 points to date and are placed in 13th position. In their last game, Daniele De Rossi's team won 2-1 against Roma (Serie A 2025/26).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Genoa winning 2-1.
Celtic Chairman Brian Wilson provides Green Brigade update
Celtic’s interim Chairman Brian Wilson has addressed the ongoing situation involving the Green Brigade and their absence from Celtic Park…
Members of the ultras group have not been attending Celtic matches, home or away, since being banned following an incident during the club’s clash with Falkirk in October last year.
The issue has remained unresolved for several months, with discussions continuing between the club and representatives of the supporter group.
After previously commenting on last weekend’s Glasgow Derby encounter, interim chairman Brian Wilson has now provided a brief update on the current state of talks between the club and Green Brigade.
Our Dear Green Place tifo by the Green Brigade, September 2024. Photo IMAGO
Speaking about the matter, Wilson said via Celtic TV: “If I can just go through the process, we met with the Green Brigade. The purpose of that meeting was to have a shared approach that would allow us to go to Glasgow City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and to advocate for the group’s return.”
“That meeting of the Safety Advisory Group took place about three weeks ago. Celtic made that case, and Police Scotland said they were not prepared to go along with it.”
Mounted police officers watch Celtic fans near Ibrox stadium. theRangers v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Ibrox, 11 March 2018. Photo by Stuart Wallace Shutterstock/IMAGO
“The two grounds for that were: one, they said that the members of the Green Brigade had continued to attend most games in defiance of the suspensions, so in that respect nothing had really changed; and also that behaviours had not changed, particularly behaviours towards the police and stewarding.”
“I am reporting that as the position of Police Scotland, which also became the position of the Safety Advisory Group. We met again this week with the Green Brigade and explained this to be the position. The conclusion of that meeting of the Safety Advisory Group was that there were conditions set which would begin again to create a pathway for the return of the full section. We have communicated these to them. I think that they should accept them.”
“If they accept them, they get into a dialogue about the management of the policing and stewarding of the section. It creates a pathway to resolving this certainly until the end of the season, and then let us look at the whole protocol all over again. These have been communicated both verbally and in writing, and we now await a response. It is possible, but the ball is very much in their court.”
Wilson added: “They are not unreasonable or draconian conditions; they are conditions which apply to every other part of the stadium. It is not unilateral, as the Green Brigade like to claim, that it is a club decision whether we let them back in or not. It is a matter for the police and the Safety Advisory Group, and we cannot override the advice they have given.”
Police on horseback are seen outside the stadium prior to the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“It is basically the terms and conditions of season tickets which they do not accept. It is the acceptance of the principle of respecting stewarding and policing arrangements within the section. It is supporting efforts to prevent overcrowding by preventing incursions from elsewhere in the stadium into the section.”
“There is also strong concern from the police about anti-police activities, photographing police, ‘Pig Watch’ campaigns, and so on within the ground. I do not think any of these things, saying these are unacceptable behaviours or things that can be accepted as the basis of finding a pathway in, are in any way unreasonable.”
“If there was a will to find a solution to this, the ball is in their court, and they have not yet come back to us.”
The Green Brigade are seen during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Livingston FC at Celtic Park on December 23, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It would perhaps be worthwhile for the Green Brigade to agree to the conditions until the end of the season then work towards a permanent solution in the summer that will bring an end to the bans. That would be the best possible outcome.
If the Green Brigade can get back in to the remaining home games that would bring an immediate benefit for Celtic’s title chances.
Sebastian Tounekti at his fan media conference at Celtic Park, 16 September 2025. Photo The Celtic Star
No further news from the club on a lifting of the ridiculous Celtic fan media ban, more collective punishment brought about because someone took offence to a few things said by unnamed podcasters. That has zero to do with The Celtic Star!
Quick Tip – Add thecelticstar.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
Harvey Elliott finally appears for Aston Villa but Liverpool concern remains
Harvey Elliott made another rare Aston Villa appearance on Thursday night, with the Liverpool loanee coming on late in their Europa League win against Lille.
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The Villans posted during stoppage time: “On comes Harvey for Morgan 🔄 🔴 0-1 ⚪️ || 90′ #UEL.”
That moment came as Unai Emery’s side closed out a narrow 1-0 victory in France, with Ollie Watkins’ second-half header giving Villa the advantage in their last-16 tie.
While the result ended a four-match winless run for the Midlands club, Elliott’s involvement once again highlighted how limited his opportunities have been since leaving Liverpool on loan.
A late cameo in stoppage time was his first appearance in over a month.
For a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who should be playing regularly, it is becoming increasingly clear that this move has not worked out.
Elliott struggling for opportunities at Aston Villa
The England under-21 international joined Aston Villa in the summer in what was expected to be an important development step away from Anfield.
Instead, his season has stalled.
Elliott has made just eight appearances in all competitions for Emery’s side so far, with only three starts, which is far below what a player of his potential needs at this stage of his career.
Our former managing director suggested the financial stakes surrounding Champions League qualification were too high to help a direct rival, pointing out the difference could be worth £90m to £100m.
Liverpool loanee paying the price
While that position may make sense strategically, it has left Elliott caught in the middle.
Certainly, it’s not easy to digest the kind of loss the New Jersey Devils suffered on Thursday. It’s a self-inflicted wound. Perhaps their $6 million goaltender shouldn’t have started his seventh game in a row. Perhaps, the defense should have given him better support. And perhaps they shouldn’t have waited until the last 10 minutes of the game to give it a real push.
However, all of that happened, and they ultimately lost to a team that sold their best players by the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, and are in the running for the worst team in the NHL. That’s demoralizing, even with the way the Devils’ season has gone.
After the game, Jack Hughes was clearly frustrated. It’s the first time since the Olympic break we’ve seen him like that. That reaction from the locker room is linked below.
Elsewhere, this summer’s diluted free agency, Toronto willing to listen on William Nylander, and post-deadline trades.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: It’s hardly Devils-related news, but do you remember when Evgenii Dadonov was illegally traded by the Ottawa Senators to the Vegas Golden Knights—which was ultimately canceled? Yeah, we’ll the NHL has reviewed Ottawa’s appeal. More inside on the punishment to the Senators.
Last night was a good night to be an ex-Devil. Two of them beat Jacob Markstrom en route to New Jersey’s embarassing loss to the Calgary Flames.
Here’s Jack Hughes after the game spilling his frustrations with a few things, including the Devils’ lack of scoring ability, from the locker room.
📺 Devils Rink Report: Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils certainly got away from what their strengths were in the 2022-23 season that made them so successful. It’s not too late to fix, however. And, no, I don’t mean in 2025-26. But, moving forward, the Devils can return to form and get back to what saw them explode a few seasons ago. I dive into how on the latest Devils Rink Report.
Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink Report here:
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The Athletic: Here’s why the already thin crop of pending unrestricted free agents this summer could become even more diluted with potential upcoming contract extensions.
If the Devils are going to retool, it will have to be through trade.
Boston Hockey Now: The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline has passed, but the AHL deadline did not. The Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators engaged in a minor league swap yesterday.
San Jose Hockey Now: EBUG alert! The San Jose Sharks signed Kyle Chauvette—who tends the net for the University of New Hampshire—to fill in for the injured Yarslov Askarok, backing up Alex Nedeljkovic.
Toronto Hockey Now: Are the Toronto Maple Leafs willing to listen on William Nylander in a potential trade? One insider thinks they are.
Forever Blueshirts: Here’s how the Adam Fox conundrum hangs over the head of the New York Rangers retool.
Iran says no one can exclude it from the football World Cup later this year, in response to President Donald Trump’s warning that the team’s “life and safety” would be at risk in the United States.
The Iranian team also said in the social media post on Thursday that the US should not be allowed to co-host the tournament if it could not guarantee the safety of the teams taking part.
Trump’s comments came just two days after he told FIFA chief Gianni Infantino the Iranian players would be welcome, despite the Middle East war.
“The Iran National Football Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.
Iran’s team responded: “The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual, country.
“Iran’s national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament.
“Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that can be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation at this summer’s tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Trump later posted another message on his social media platform to emphasise that the event would be safe for players and spectators from around the world.
“The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” Trump wrote. “Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!'”
The social media spat comes after the country’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said the team would not be participating after the US killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister told state television on Wednesday.
Louth v Derry will be shown live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website & app on Saturday at 15:00 GMT [Getty Images]
It's tight at the top of Division Two of the National Football League and on Saturday, Louth welcome Derry to Ardee in a pivotal clash for both [15:00 GMT, live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI app & website].
As it stands, the Oak Leafers lead the way on scoring difference, level on eight points with Cork and Meath, with Louth just two behind as we enter the penultimate round of fixtures.
Victory for Ciaran Meenagh's side will leave them in a strong position going into the final day with the head-to-head tie-breaker on Cork who host relegation-threatened Kildare on Saturday, but Meath hold that advantage over Derry due to their victory in round one.
Scoring difference [currently 28 points on Meath and 53 on Cork] may well prove decisive should all three remain locked and therefore, a win on Saturday will put them in a commanding position.
Louth enter the game knowing they must win to give themselves a realistic chance of joining the race for promotion.
At Croke Park on Saturday [17:00] Meath take on Tyrone, who are not out of the running at either end of the table.
Malachy O'Rourke's side still have an outside shot at promotion, but will need other results to fall their way should they prevail. Victory will ensure the threat of relegation is gone.
There is also a crunch relegation battle in the division on Sunday in Tullamore as Offaly host Cavan [14:00].
The Faithful's fate could be sealed on Saturday should Kildare defeat Cork, but a win for the Rebels or even a draw will then give Cavan the opportunity to move out of the bottom two with victory as they currently sit one point off the Lilywhites with head-to-head advantage.
Relegation picture could emerge in Division One
Armagh travel to face Dublin on Saturday for a crucial game in the Division One relegation battle [Getty Images]
In Division One, Donegal's place in the final will be sealed with a victory on Sunday away to Roscommon [13:30].
Jim McGuinness' side currently lead the way and with third-place Kerry hosting second-place Mayo on Saturday [16:00], the Ulster champions will know what they have to do prior to throw-in.
It is much tighter at the opposite end of the table where Monaghan must defeat Galway in Inniskeen on Sunday [15:45] to give themselves any chance of avoiding the drop.
The second relegation place is much less certain but a Galway win will ease their worries, while a key game in this battle takes place at Croke Park on Saturday evening [19:00] when Dublin host Armagh.
Kieran McGeeney's side currently sit second from bottom, two points adrift of the Dubs and Galway who meet in the final round, so they know they must avoid defeat to give themselves any chance on the final day.
In Division Three, Down have already sealed their promotion with five wins from five and Conor Laverty's side will seek to maintain their fine form when they travel to face Sligo on Sunday [14:00].
Should they do so, it will give Fermanagh an outside chance of beating the drop, but only if they have beaten Laois on Saturday [18:00] and Limerick draw away to Westmeath on Sunday to set up a possible three-way tie by the end of the campaign.
Those odds look long, just as Antrim's hopes of an unlikely promotion from Division Four.
After a nightmare start, Mark Doran's side have put together back-to-back wins and a victory away to Waterford on Sunday [13:00) may keep them alive, but only if a host of results fall their way.
According to Kyle Kelly of On3, Grant Bowen, a 6-foot, 4-inch and 220-pound athlete from IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst, Ill., who has set his visit date to South Bend on March 27. Bowen has not yet been ranked by the 247 Sports Composite, which is not a surprise with him being a 2028 prospect.
As the son of a former Iowa All-American defensive back and NFL veteran Matt Bowen, he already carries offers from some of the top names in college football such as Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, and Texas A&M.
In his sophomore season, Bowen played had 34-receptions and recorded 731-yards showing he is ready to be a go-to target. It should be mentioned as well that he carries a reported 4.6 GPA, which is right in the wheelhouse of the type academic profile that Notre Dame likes to pursue.
On the field, Bowen brings an ideal tight end frame and combines it with wide receiver skills. He is capable of lining up all over the formation as a tight end/wide receiver hybrid or even as an outside linebacker. Evaluators note his advanced route running and knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. He is also regarded as a physical blocker on the perimeter, with length and speed which can translate to the defensive side.
Elmhurst (Ill.) IC Catholic Prep 2028 TE Grant Bowen will visit Notre Dame on March 27, he tells Blue & Gold‼️
"You have to be really, really smart to get in there. They’re all smart and academically motivated — and athletically." ☘️
Notre Dame offered Bowen as an athlete, and his March 27 visit will give the Irish staff another opportunity to evaluate and continue building a relationship with this potential 2028 star.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Manchester United's Premier League International Cup quarter-final against Real Madrid will be played at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 7 April (1900 BST).
There had been a delay in sorting the game out as organisers wanted to use Old Trafford rather than Leigh for what the Premier League believe will be a chance to showcase their competition.
Southampton had a crowd of almost 11,000 for their group-stage meeting with Real at St Mary's Stadium in October.
Remarkably, Real's scorer in their 1-1 draw that night was Thiago Pitarch, who started against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
United are looking to become the fourth English winner of the annual tournament, and the third in a row following the previous successes of Crystal Palace and, last season, Nottingham Forest.
ESPN’s Field Yates believes the Titans go with Tate at No. 4 overall.
Much of this offseason for Tennessee will be dedicated to improving the supporting cast around second-year quarterback Cam Ward. Signing slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was a good start, but adding Tate would further that commitment. He is a sure-handed, nuanced and detailed route runner who averaged over 17 yards per reception during his final college season. Tate is among the most pro-ready prospects and would carve out a significant role in Tennessee from the jump.
The Titans signed wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. Robinson recorded 1,014 receiving yards for the New York Giants in 2025. He will offer needed support to Titans quarterback Cam Ward in short-yardage and intermediate situations next season.
Tate posted 875 yards on a 17.2 yards-per-reception average in 2025 for Ohio State. The Chicago native has deep-ball capabilities that rank him as the No. 1 wide receiver on most draft boards. Those traits also give him strong potential to emerge as a top wideout at the NFL level for any team, including the Titans.
This will likely be the final installment of our Buckeye Bracketology series for the season. If Ohio State upsets Michigan in the Big Ten quarterfinal on Friday, maybe we'll come back and look in detail at the possibilities for the Buckeyes' seed line. For now, though, we'll look at where the resume stands now, and why it's firmly into this year's NCAA Tournament.
Yes, after the Big Ten Tournament win over Iowa, I can safely say that the Buckeyes will be in the NCAA Tournament. This resume was dicey all season, with no bad losses but no real superlative wins, either. It was a middling resume in a weak-but-not-awful bubble. The selection committee would have had to make some decisions about Ohio State. Do you take teams that at least won some big games, even if there are also some bad losses? How do you slot a bland resume in with those?
Well, the Buckeyes put all those questions out of mind with a strong finish to the season. This resume had zero Quad 1 wins a month ago. Now it has four, with a 3-2 record in the last five Quad 1 games (plus the Northwestern win from earlier this year moving up to Quad 1). The early-season loss to Pitt is no longer at risk of falling to Quad 3. The UCLA win could move up from Quad 2 to Quad 1 if the Bruins upset Michigan State on Friday. There are no more chances at bad losses.
This resume is solid. No power conference team has ever been left out with a NET, KenPom, and SOS rating as high as Ohio State's. 12 losses is a lot (including a loss in the Big Ten Tournament, whatever round it happens in), but it's not too much for an at-large team nowadays, especially one with ten wins over Quads 1 and 2. When you compare this resume to other bubble teams, the Buckeyes are just better. Some (for example, Texas and Auburn) might have more Quad 1 wins, but they also have far fewer Quad 2 wins, plus worse losses.
All of this is why I say the Buckeyes are in. Even if we get maximum conference tournament chaos and bid thieves, the Buckeyes shouldn't have a problem. Miami (Oh) getting an at-large wouldn't bump Ohio State. Neither would Santa Clara. A three-bid Atlantic 10 won't hurt Ohio State. No. The Buckeyes are firmly locked into the tournament.
Which means now we just have to wonder about the seed line. When you look at the resumes, there's a pretty big jump in resume quality right around the middle of the eight line. Basically every team with a NET higher than Ohio State has a more impressive collection of win than the Buckeyes have, as do a few other teams in the 30s. As things stand now, the Buckeyes are probably looking at the nine line, maybe the ten if a few teams impress in their conference tournaments. This resume definitely looks more than strong enough to avoid the First Four, no matter what else happens the rest of the way.
That leaves us with one final question: how strong does this resume get if the Buckeyes beat Michigan? While that would be massive, there's still a pretty big gap between the resumes of teams currently looking at the seven line and where the Buckeyes are now. If Ohio State wants to get out of the 8/9 line and avoid playing a No. 1 seed in the second right, the Buckeyes might need to reach the Big Ten final. If they get that far, we'll definitely have a final post with a lot of nitty gritty to see where the Buckeyes land.
In 31 games this season, Sandfort averages 17.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He is shooting 47% from the floor, 40% from the 3-point line and 85% on free throws.
The Iowa transfer was named first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and second-team by the media. The 2026 award will be announced in Indianapolis, IN, the site of the men’s Division I Basketball Championship.
Nebraska ended the regular season with a 26-5 record and a 15-5 mark in the Big Ten. The Huskers enter the conference tournament as the No. 2 seed and will play Purdue in the quarterfinals on Friday at 5:30 p.m. CT on BTN.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
Ferrari’s ground-breaking Formula 1 rear wing, which rotates 180 degrees, returned at the Chinese Grand Prix – but the experiment was short-lived.
The wing, which was first seen in action during pre-season testing, was trialled by both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the only free practice session of the Shanghai weekend. This featured a spin from Hamilton, when the wing closed coming into the Turn 6 braking zone – “Brakes locked up,” he summarised on the radio.
The Scuderia eventually returned to its more conventional, Melbourne-spec rear wing in sprint qualifying.
“I don't really know why we went back on it,” Hamilton commented. “I think we rushed it to get it here and it was not supposed to be on the cards until I think it was race four or five or something like that. So they did a great job to rush it here.
“We only had two of them and it was maybe a little bit premature. So we took it off. The car was still great and we'll work to try and bring it back when it's ready.”
Motorsport understands Ferrari was satisfied with the wing’s performance relative to its conventional version and encouraged by its reliability, but decided it didn’t have enough guarantees to take the risk of running it during a whole race.
The fact that the wing still wouldn’t bring enough performance to be a game changer made the decision easier.
The Scuderia will now run further analysis back in Maranello ahead of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, in two weeks’ time.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Hamilton and Leclerc qualified in fourth and sixth, with the seven-time world champion 0.641s slower than polesetter George Russell and the Monegasque a further 0.367s adrift. That gap was down to Leclerc being hampered by an unspecified issue on the back straight, which the team will investigate further – team boss Fred Vasseur explained “he didn't have the same deployment as the lap before”.
“My team did a really great job,” Hamilton commented. “My engineers did a fantastic job to turn the car around, because in P1 it was a tricky session with that spin and the car generally felt great. It’s just we're losing, I think it is on the straights, it's a lot of time to be losing.
“So we have a lot of work to do. We really have to push so hard back in Maranello to improve on power. It was something that I think we were conscious of last year that we thought that Mercedes started earlier than us or the rest, which they did last time as well. So they've done a fantastic job and we've got to step up. We've got to push to be able to close that gap.
“I think car-wise, the car feels great, I think we can compete with them through corners. But when you're down on power, it's just the way it is.”
Leclerc, who insisted the innovative rear wing “doesn't really change the picture from where we are”, expects to be stronger in the race but corroborated Hamilton’s analysis regarding Mercedes’ dominance.
“In qualifying, for some reason, the Mercedes power unit finds a lot of lap time. We don't quite find that amount of lap time just yet in qualifying, but in the race we are closer. So I'm still hopeful we can come back tomorrow,” he concluded.
Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings, 2026 NFC North champions – take it to the bank (but keep it liquid in case an immediate withdrawal becomes necessary).
But the team that helped bring franchise quarterback reclamation projects into vogue appears positioned to cash in again – while merely paying the $1.3 million veteran minimum to Murray while the Arizona Cardinals foot the bill for the remainder of the $36.8 million he’s owed this year – as K1 gets a fresh, optimized QB1 opportunity.
Remember, Minnesota is only 14 months removed from being a 14-win team, one that was on the cusp of winning the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. (And some visionaries foresaw a level of success for the Vikings in 2024, despite the season-ending knee injury suffered by first-round rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, if not the second-most regular-season wins in franchise history.)
Of course, it didn’t end well, that group of Norsemen – led by breakout quarterback Sam Darnold, who’d broken free of his early career struggles (with very bad teams) – losing the 2024 regular-season finale before being ousted in the playoffs when his protection was overrun by the Los Angeles Rams.
Yet that iteration of the Vikings erroneously thought a loaded roster bubble-wrapped around whomever they put behind center – even while Darnold threw a career-best 35 TD passes on the way to his first Pro Bowl nod – was proof of some concept. So they didn’t bother to build on success at least significantly engendered by a guy embraced in the locker room and didn’t even slap a franchise tag on Darnold, a tack that would have at least given Minnesota more options. And time. Instead, they made a similar mistake to the New York Jets, who drafted Darnold third overall in 2018 … but never sufficiently developed nor supported him and also opted instead to build around Zach Wilson’s rookie QB contract in 2021 − much as the Vikings did with McCarthy. Oops. And oops.
A year later? Minnesota missed the playoffs in 2025, finishing 9-8 – a record burnished by a largely inconsequential five-game winning streak at the end when the team was already out of postseason contention. McCarthy struggled during his professional baptism by fire, missing seven games with injuries and laboring mightily during many of his 10 starts. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired in late January, even if it was largely coincidental timing as the Seattle Seahawks, now helmed by Darnold, were on the road to a decisive win in Super Bowl 60.
So now the Vikings revert to what could and should be an improved version of the Darnold plan – even if the original version with him may have been conceived as little more than the once and future franchise QB serving as an experienced backup to McCarthy prior to his injury in the 2024 preseason. But Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, is a two-time Pro Bowler, was the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a dual-threat QB who's led Arizona to the playoffs – none of those being descriptors that would have applied to Darnold two years ago.
Can history now repeat itself in the Twin Cities? Could new history even be forged for the Vikings, who now have one fewer Super Bowl win than Darnold has and haven't appeared on Super Sunday in 49 years?
Darnold, who admittedly benefited greatly from a year spent as Kyle Shanahan’s QB2 with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, was further coached up by Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, a reputed quarterback whisperer, and Josh McCown, a highly regarded positional coach who started 76 NFL games and was briefly Darnold’s backup with the Jets.
O'Connell's pre-exiting relationship with Murray, which extends to his high school days, should be a boon as their partnership goes to a new level. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner, who grew up as a "genuine" Vikings fan, was hitting all the right notes Thursday evening.
"I'm super excited, and I can't wait to the touch the field as a Minnesota Viking. It's a great day for me and my family," said Murray.
"Me and KO go back … Getting to play for him and have that relationship with him means the world. Obviously, he's had a lot of success with quarterbacks, different quarterbacks, and he's one of the best offensive minds in the game. So, I'm looking forward to going to work with him."
Top-tier coaching should help resuscitate Murray, who's flashed extended MVP-caliber potential but ultimately produced diminishing returns in Arizona – the Cardinals’ individual seasons under him something of a microcosm of his larger body of work – as the team around him got younger. He also missed 27 games over the past four seasons due to an array of injuries invited by his often hellbent playing style. Maybe a helping of humble pie also ignites a player who doesn’t arrive with the on-field questions Darnold once had but carries off-field baggage Darnold never has.
Murray’s work ethic has been questioned more than once – by the media and former teammates – with frequent speculation that he enjoys fashion, “Call of Duty” and maybe even baseball more than his day job. His occasional petulance in press conferences and on the field, including his infamous exit from Arizona’s 34-11 wild-card loss to the Rams at the end of the 2021 season, haven’t helped a guy whose team has gone 16-25 since that ignominious defeat.
“I think the one thing that we kind of, like, dance around a little bit with Kyler Murray – but I think teams definitely have this discussion internally – (and say), ‘Look, we understand what you’re getting on the field with Kyler Murray. But what are you getting off the field and how does that fit with us?’” said ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick, a former NFL safety and front office executive.
“Is he what you want for your organization? No question on the field he’s what you want – but some of the reasons why Arizona’s moving on from him don’t really have to do with what he did on the field. That wasn’t the issue.”
But you know what fixes a lot of issues – O’Connell’s and McCown's tutelage notwithstanding? Justin Jefferson. Jordan Addison. T.J. Hockenson. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. An offensive line that should be better than the one Murray had in the desert. An unrelenting defense that should definitely provide a greater margin for error – and more takeaways – than Arizona’s did in recent years.
Also? Murray’s ability to play out of structure when a play breaks down can take an offense to a new level. Surely you’ve seen the social media memes of him darting about the field like a miniature Russell Wilson – don’t worry, Kyler, Russ (he’s allegedly 5-foot-11) looks down in no man – and pulling rabbits out of hats the way “Mr. Unlimited” did during his heyday.
Also? The Detroit Lions are busy shedding once pivotal veterans to free up cap space. The Chicago Bears just unloaded DJ Moore and are facing at least a partial overhaul of a defense – an opportunistic one intrinsic to winning the division in 2025 – after it was ravaged by free agency. The Green Bay Packers? Good team … but one that’s barely made the playoffs three years running and may not have a fully healthy Micah Parsons in 2026.
As for the Vikings? They’ll be playing a third-place schedule. They’re living in a league set up for drastic turnarounds, like the one Darnold engineered two years ago. Jefferson, who has a strong argument as the league’s best receiver, seems poised to explode despite maintaining his cool during a 2025 slog that severely depressed his numbers.
Enter Murray, a sublime talent – one who brings a dimension with his legs that Darnold and Kirk Cousins before him didn’t as well as a new chip on his shoulder to prove that the Cardinals let the wrong guy get away. Murray, who’s only 28, is also playing for at least one more big contract − like the ones Darnold and Cousins landed after playing some of their peak football for O'Connell. The bet here is that Minnesota also gets the best version of Murray.
Take it to the bank. And U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the 2026 NFC North champs.
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Denver Broncos fans didn't see much of outside linebacker Que Robinson during his rookie season, but the edge defender left a great impression among his teammates and coaches.
After being picked by the Broncos in the fourth round of last year's NFL draft out of Alabama, Robinson was buried on the team's OLB depth chart behind Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman. Robinson only played six games during the regular season and one playoff game, but he took advantage of his limited reps.
“He’s going to be a great player," Cooper said of Robinson after the season ended. "He’s going to be a phenomenal player in this league, truthfully. [He] plays hard, he plays the right way. He was a great addition to the room, and I’m excited to see where his career goes.”
Robinson totaled three quarterback hits and a half-sack on 150 snaps in the regular season, then he grabbed the first solo sack of his career in the AFC Championship Game. Denver general manager George Paton was full of praise for the 24-year-old pass rusher during his end-of-season press conference.
"Que, he may have the most upside of anyone in our draft class, and you could see it [in the AFC title game]," Paton said in January. "He’s long, he’s athletic. He can run and is really good in the run game. He’s just learning how to rush, just learning to rush the passer, but has all the traits. Then you see what he does on special teams. We’re really encouraged with him."
With Robinson getting such glowing reviews, the Broncos might consider trading one of the OLBs above him on the depth chart. It's great to have so much depth, but Denver could address other positions of need if they part with a pass rusher in exchange for extra draft picks.
Regardless of what happens at OLB this offseason, Robinson figures to see more snaps in 2026.
Luka Doncic turned heads before a recent Los Angeles Lakers game after arriving wearing one of the most talked-about football jerseys ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The NBA superstar was spotted sporting Brazil’s new away kit, a look that immediately caught the attention of both basketball and football fans online.
The crossover moment quickly went viral as supporters recognized the jersey ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Luka Doncic spotted wearing Brazil 2026 World Cup away kit before Lakers game
The moment was shared widely on social media, including in a clip posted by FOX Soccer showing the Lakers star arriving in the Brazil national team’s latest design.
“NBA star Luka Doncic was rocking the new Brazil FIFA World Cup away kit ahead of the Lakers game tonight,” the tweet read.
The sight of Doncic wearing the jersey sparked discussion across both NBA and football communities, with many fans highlighting the growing crossover between global sports culture.
Doncic has long been known for his appreciation of football, frequently referencing the sport and appearing in football-related gear off the court.
This time, however, the jersey choice drew extra attention because it relates directly to one of the most anticipated kit releases ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil 2026 away kit marks historic Jordan Brand partnership
Brazil’s new away kit has generated major attention because it represents the national team’s first-ever partnership with Jordan Brand.
The collaboration brings the iconic Jumpman logo to the Brazil national team jersey, replacing Nike’s traditional swoosh on the away kit design.
Jordan Brand has previously collaborated with football clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, but the Brazil partnership marks a significant step into international football.
The design blends Brazil’s traditional identity with the Jordan aesthetic, creating a modern look that has already gained strong interest among football fans and collectors.
The kit will be worn by Brazil during international competitions leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Bayern Munich's CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen (R) and Bayern Munich's English forward #09 Harry Kane pose with Kane's new jersey during a press conference on his presentation after signing a four-years deal with German first division football club FC Bayern Munich, in Munich, southern Germany on August 13, 2023. Record England goalscorer Kane joined from Tottenham for a fee in excess of 100 million euros ($109.6 million) earlier on August 12. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is one of the world’s biggest superstars and this season is going down as his best yet. Beyond the goals — he’s chasing the all-time Bundesliga record, no big deal — he is doing everything, all over the pitch, and coming into his own as one of the team’s most authoritative voices of leadership.
Kane’s importance to Bayern means that the club would be fools not to pursue a contract renewal to keep the England captain in Bavaria. Not that it will be easy: after all, Kane is already a top earner, and with his next contract, he could rightly command even higher wages.
For now, it is early. Bayern is at the stage of negotiations where it is just about making clear how much they appreciate the player.
Said club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen (captured via @iMiaSanMia): “Harry still has a contract until 2027. The release clause has expired at the end of January. We have a fantastic relationship with Harry. He feels very comfortable in Munich with his family. We’ll discuss the future very calmly before next season. We’re extremely happy with him.”
After some recent dramatics, a calm round of contract talks is just what Bayern needs. We will see, though, just how straightforward they will actually turn out to be.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 25: The ABS challenge screen is seen on the scoreboard during a spring training game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 25, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Every MLB season gives us something new, but 2026’s changes will be quite drastic. The automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system will take center stage this year, as pitchers, catchers, and hitters will all have the ability to double-check whether or not a called strike was actually a strike. I’m a big fan of the challenge system over pure roboumps, in large part because it introduces a new tactic: who gets to challenge, how frequently does a team challenge, and how good are you at it?
In short, a team’s approach to ABS will fall somewhere inside this matrix:
For our definitions, we’ll use liberal and conservative to describe how many players on a given team are allowed to challenge at all. Some of the early returns in spring training have indicated that pitchers, because they’re naturally falling away from the plate, have poor angles of view and shouldn’t be allowed to challenge. Some hitters have excellent command of the strike zone and others are free swingers; Juan Soto should be allowed to ask for reviews on close pitches, but I’m not sure Javy Baez should.
How readily you challenge falls on that x-axis, rarely or frequently. Every team has a limited number of challenges, but some — or indeed even some individuals — will no doubt choose to keep a challenge in reserve for a hypothetical scenario later in the game. I’m not a fan of this personally. Yes, you may want to have a review in your pocket for a 50/50 call in the ninth inning when you’re down by a run, but if an overturned strike gives you a 3-1 count in the 5th and you break the frame open with a big hit, you never run into that close ninth inning. There’s no way of telling when the Big At Bat is in a game, so don’t let a possible moment go by and end the game with a challenge to give.
And then of course there’s the thing that matters most, our inclined axis, are you good at challenging? Your approach to the two above axes probably derives from where you are here. If your team consistently wins more challenges than it loses, you should probably allow more hitters and catchers to call for review, and you should probably be more ready to use those reviews earlier in the game. If your team consistently gets these reviews wrong, the opposite will happen — pare down who is allowed to challenge, and keep one in your pocket.
I think for April most teams will be pretty high on our x and y axis, to determine where on our inclined axis they fall. For the Yankees in particular, I expect them for most of the season to be pretty liberal in who is allowed to challenge, but in the midpoint in how readily they do it. Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman are far from the most aggressive people running MLB teams, and whether you like it or not the Yankee teams they’ve constructed have always had multiple redundancies — Paul Goldschmidt back again just in case Ben Rice can’t hit lefties, things like that. That kind of behavior indicates to me that they’ll prefer to keep a challenge in hand in case of that big ninth inning moment, even if just about anyone 1-through-9 will be allowed to use one review earlier in the game.
Since the last round of changes to the replay review system in 2015, Aaron Boone has been the fifth-most-successful manager, with just over 60 percent of his challenges being won, and he’s had far more games under his belt than anyone else in the top 10 except Alex Cora. Now this isn’t really credit to Boone himself but rather the group the Yankees have assembled that advise the manager on whether to challenge or not, but it should give us confidence that the ABS review will be a strength for the club in 2026. There’s also the small factor of them rostering the player who has had more incorrect strikes called against him than any other player since he debuted, and I’m holding out hope for a .600 OBP season from a challenge-enabled Aaron Judge.
Scottie Scheffler’s recent struggles have continued at The Players Championship.
The world number one has been out of sorts lately, finishing outside of the top 10 in both of his last two events and T24 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. And things don’t look to be improving in a hurry at The Players.
He shot even par for his first round at TPC Sawgrass, and cut a frustrated figure throughout. He fist pumped a missed putt for par late in the round, and consistently hit drives way right of the fairway.
The biggest narrative surrounding Scheffler has been his poor play off the tee. He was the player who never missed to the right with his driver last year, but has been really struggling with that miss of late.
But diving into the numbers, it’s clear that Scheffler’s biggest weakness in round one of The Players wasn’t actually his driver.
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Scottie Scheffler was poor with his chipping during round one of The Players
Despite his wayward drives early, Scheffler recovered his play off the tee later in the round and began finding some fairways. In the end, he marginally gained strokes off the tee over the course of his round.
The one area where Scheffler lost strokes to the field was around the green. Scheffler lost -0.92 strokes to the field with his chipping, as he consistently struggled to get up and down throughout his opening round.
Scheffler’s short game has traditionally been his weakness. Usually, he’s laser accurate with his driver, and he’s the best ball striker in the game, but where he’s fallen short is on and around the greens.
It’s obviously not ideal that Scheffler is struggling with his wedge game, but when so much has been made of his ball striking with both his irons and driver, this shows that actually, he’s not too far from his brilliant best.
That’s a worry for the rest of the field at Sawgrass.
Scottie Scheffler has started 2026 better than he started 2025
While there are serious questions being put to Scheffler about his early-season form this year, he’s actually started this season far better than his historic 2025 season.
Not only did he win his first event of the year, the American Express at PGA National, but he’s had three top fives, two more than this stage last season.
Statistically, Scheffler has been playing better, too. Despite his frustrations on the greens, Scheffler’s putting stats are way up from this time last year, despite traditionally struggling in that department on the West Coast.
In fact, every single statistical category, including his driving, is up significantly compared to how he was playing in the early stages of 2025.
Scheffler went on to dominate the PGA Tour after the Masters and was being compared to Tiger Woods, so it’s clear to see why he’s beginning to get a little frustrated with the questions surrounding his form.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 04: Trevor Lawrence #16 fakes a hands off to Travis Etienne Jr. #1 during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Friday, Big Cat Country! Let’s look at some of this week’s Jacksonville Jaguars highlights, hype, and more from X/Twitter.
The Jaguars’ athletic training staff received the Ed Block Courage Award for PFATS Staff of the Year:
In recognition for their exemplary work during the 2025 season, our athletic training staff has received the Ed Block Courage Award for PFATS Staff of the Year! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ktt4V7gLCL
Coach Coen spoke on the importance of drawing plays:
NFL coaches talking about the importance of drawing or “padding” plays.
Drawing up X’s and O’s against different fronts and coverages can teach you so much about the game in a short amount of time! pic.twitter.com/Ku56ukorKP
— Jake Franklin Football (@JakeFranklinFB) March 10, 2026
The defense led the league during the 2025 season with 110 points from takeaways:
In what felt like a miracle, Filip Hronek scored with 1:01 left in regulation, and Jake DeBrusk buried the only goal of the shootout. Considering the Canucks trailed 3-1 in the third, it’s quite a surprise to report that Vancouver beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 at Rogers Arena on Thursday night.
Hronek tied it by using Drew O’Connor as a screen from the right circle, then Nikita Tolopilo shut the door in the shootout against Ryan O’Reilly, Filip Forsberg, and Steven Stamkos.
Marco Rossi had a goal and two assists, Brock Boeser added a goal and an assist, and the win ended the Canucks’ five-game home losing streak.
A game the Canucks nearly wasted
I’ve seen plenty of Canucks games where a decent start fades the moment something goes wrong. This one nearly followed that script. The team carried the play early, Juuse Saros kept Nashville alive, and for a while it felt like another night where the better stretches wouldn’t matter much by the end.
At 8:40 of the first period, Boeser opened the scoring on a double deflection after Hronek fired from the point, and Rossi got a touch in the slot.
Saros then turned aside breakaways from Drew O’Connor and Linus Karlsson, plus another Boeser look off a 3-on-2, and that sequence kept the Predators close when they easily could have been buried.
Then the game flipped. Tyson Jost scored late in the first and again at 5:20 of the second, both times cashing in around the net, and Matthew Wood made it 3-1 at 14:06 when his sharp-angle try went in off Liam Ohgren’s skate.
Reuters reported that Wood was playing near his hometown in British Columbia, in front of family and friends, which only added to Nashville’s second-period surge.
Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
What changed in the third?
Instead of the usual approach of losing, with just 4:05 left in regulation, the Canucks pulled one back through Marco Rossi’s rebound finish. This made it 3-2.
In NHL.com’s coverage, Adam Foote reportedly said the Canucks believed they had played a strong game and stayed in it, rather than letting the score get to them. An interesting insight on what may have gone wrong in previous games.
Hronek’s game tying shot came with only 61 seconds left. He ripped it off the post and through traffic. Considering the team has spent much of the season watching late chases fade away, this instead lifted the roof at the Rogers Arena.
Tolopilo finished with 16 saves through regulation and overtime.
Two interesting facts stood out at the end of the game:
The Canucks had lost nine of their previous 10 NHL games before this one
It was only the fifth time in franchise history that they had won after trailing by multiple goals in the final five minutes of regulation.
This comeback doesn’t change what has been a bad season, but it was a reminder that this group still has some fight.
The off-ball linebacker position is one that often goes overlooked, but when teams get a good one, they can transform a defense.
The 2026 NFL Draft has a number of quality linebackers who could be in the mix for starting jobs immediately, and Anthony Hill Jr. is one of them looking to leave his mark at the NFL level.
Background
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates after a defensive stop against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
It takes a talented player to step in as a starter on an SEC defense as a freshman, but that is exactly what Hill did. After spending the first half of the season getting pretty consistent snaps as a rotational defender, he took over a starting job in Week 9 of his freshman season in 2023 and never looked back.
2025 did bring a setback for hill though as he suffered a broken hand against Georgia in November. The game ended what had been a very productive season for the linebacker, and then, he suffered a hamstring injury at the NFL Combine that forced him to miss the on-field drills out of an “abundance of caution.”
Strengths
Ohio State Buckeyes running back CJ Donaldson (12) is wrapped up by Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.
NFL teams can expect lightning in a bottle out of Anthony Hill Jr. He is an explosive athlete with great size for an off-ball linebacker at 238 pounds. He stuffed the stat sheet during his time at Texas, and it should be no different at the NFL level due to his versatility.
Hill’s greatest strength is his prowess in the running game combined with great tackling technique. He is alarmingly quick off the snap as a downhill blitzer, and as a result, he racked up tackles for loss during his collegiate career with 31.5 in 40 career games including 17 sacks.
Once he gets through the line of scrimmage, he makes his presence known with big hits, leading to eight career forced fumbles. He also has the versatility to play over the middle or drop down towards the line and play off the edge occasionally. He’ll be a great chess piece for an NFL defensive coordinator.
Weaknesses
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Hill’s downhill ability to make plays near the line of scrimmage can be a blessing and a curse. He doesn’t have the most refined technique in coverage and can struggle with his hip movement.
He can also get caught looking downfield too often, biting on play action and losing the man he should be covering.
Finally, while he has prototypical size for an off-ball linebacker, the fact that he is an off-ball linebacker because noticeable at times when he goes up against bigger offensive linemen. He doesn’t do well trying to disengage from blocks.
2026 NFL Draft Projection
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne (1) powers past Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) to score the game winning touchdown during overtime of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
NFL Draft Projection: Day 2 (Early 2nd Round)
Team Fits: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Denver Broncos
Hill isn’t a perfect prospect by any means, but there is a ton of talent that is ready to explode at the NFL level. He is ready to step in and make some big plays at the NFL level.
In major international competitions in recent years, the Americans have had a solve for when things get “clunky,” as Caitlin Clark described Team USA’s World Cup qualifier against Puerto Rico on Thursday evening in San Juan. The solution is Stew’ja.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the combined individual excellence of A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart could overcome sticky situations. And the same will be true at the 2026 World Cup in Berlin in September.
For now, however, as USA Basketball managing director Sue Bird and head coach Kara Lawson use this current qualifying tournament to evaluate the players who could surround A’ja and Stewie in Berlin, the Americans might not win as seamlessly as their presumed talent advantage suggests they should. In addition to the lack of chemistry on a team featuring a number of players making their official senior national team debuts, the qualifiers serve as opportunities for experimentation, with process prioritized over results.
On Thursday, Team USA still got the expected result over Puerto Rico, beating the hosts 91-48. But, the process wasn’t always pretty, as the Puerto Ricans succeeded in mucking up the US offense with zone defense.
I thought Puerto Rico played very, very hard. I thought we had some good spots, but also I thought we had some rough spots, and that’s good. It’s good to have rough spots sometimes, you’re able to figure some things out, and we’re still figuring things out.
Lawson went with a different starting group, with Chelsea Gray the only holdover from the starting five against Senegal. Against Puerto Rico, Gray was joined by Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, Kiki Iriafen and Monique Billings. Lawson again subbed in an entire new five during the first quarter, with Caitlin Clark, Kahleah Copper, Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese and Dearica Hamby composing the Americans’ second wave.
Bueckers ended up leading the Americans in scoring with an efficient 16 points, plus four boards and three assists.
Stacking wins & stacking days.@paigebueckers1 recaps a team-high 16 pts vs 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico.
Iriafen again showed off her post scoring prowess, going 5-for-5 for 10 points while also grabbing five boards. Reese finished with a double-double of 10 points and 13 boards, with Kelsey Plum also scratching double figures with 12 points.
Plum, in particular, reminded of her value in such settings. She assumed the off-ball role she more freuquently occupied as a member of the Las Vegas Aces, moving off the ball and firing off 3s or attacking closeouts. Her constant movement and quick decision-making on the offensive end can compensate for some of the size concerns she brings as Team USA’s smallest player.
Off on Friday, Team USA returns to action on Saturday against Italy. In all likelihood, Lawson will deploy a different starting group as the experimentation continues. As she emphasized after Thursday’s win:
This tournament is our only chance before the World Cup to have games. We can have training, but not actual games—actual FIBA games in an environment … and it’s not just the reps and the games. It’s also having the opportunity to be around our veteran players and be around our staff. There’s on-court chemistry, and there’s also off-court chemistry.
Stats and scores from around other WWC qualifiers
In Wuhan, the Belgian Cats showed why they will be an unwelcome opponent in September’s World Cup.
Their 80-65 win over China was not spurred by their usual suspects, namely Emma Meesseman or Julie Allemand, but Antonia Delaere and her 7-for-10 performance from 3. Delaere’s 27 points led Belgium, which shot almost 43 percent on 35 3-point attempts overall. Such shooting nullified any size advantage the Chinese might have had.
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) March 12, 2026
At the qualifying tournament in Istanbul, Australia earned another win, shutting down Japan in the final frame to prevail 81-71. Sami Whitcomb’s four triples and 17 points led the Opals, while Ezi Magbegor added 14 points and Alanna Smith contributed 12 points and nine boards.
Canada also rebounded from their tough loss to Türkiye, locking in a more than 20-point win, 75-53, over Hungary. The Canadians effectively held Dorka Juhász in check, as she she scored 13 points on 13 shot attempts. Shaina Pellington led Canada in scoring with 16 points, while Bridget Carleton finished with 12 points. Türkiye, meanwhile, was upset by Argentina, 59-55.
In Lyon, Germany rolled over the Philippines, 113-80, with Freida Bühner again turning in an efficient scoring performance of 19 points. France likewise cruised to another win, running away 88-48 from Colombia. Leïla Lacan’s 16 points tied for the team lead for the French, with Gabby Williams chipping in 11 points.
The midfielder has recently stepped into the first-team spotlight and is quickly gaining recognition inside the club.
During Real Madrid’s impressive victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, Pitarch experienced a challenging moment when a mistake nearly led to a dangerous opportunity for the opposition.
However, the reaction from both teammates and supporters showed just how much belief there is in the young player.
When he was substituted later in the match, the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium gave him a standing ovation. The gesture clearly meant a lot to the academy graduate.
Speaking later on Real Madrid TV, Pitarch reflected on the emotional support he has received throughout his journey.
“From day one, they’ve always believed in me. They’re the ones who taught me this sport from a young age, who took me everywhere, and who never left me alone.
“They’ve never missed a single training session or match. After all, this gift that life has given me is very much thanks to them.
“Now I want to enjoy it fully with them and, above all, thank them. They’ve been a huge turning point in my life,” he reflected.
Early years
Pitarch has made quite an impact. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The young midfielder also looked back at the early stages of his football journey.
His development began very close to home before he gradually moved through several academies on his way to Real Madrid.
“I started at age three at the Atleti Foundation, which was right next to my house. I was there until I was 12, when I went to Getafe.
“I was there for five and a half years, then I went to Leganes, and then the opportunity of a lifetime came along: to be at Real Madrid.”
The moment Real Madrid first showed interest remains one of the most unforgettable memories of his career so far.
Pitarch described how quickly the decision was made once the opportunity appeared.
“It was during a training session. They told me that Real Madrid was interested in me, and I didn’t think twice.
“I told my parents yes, that we were heading there right away. It all happened very quickly because there wasn’t much to think about,” he remembered.
Training with the first team
Now training alongside some of the biggest names in football, the young player admitted that the experience still feels surreal.
“Not even in my wildest dreams would these things be happening to me. Being with these players, who are the best in the world.
“You have to enjoy playing with them and learn as much as possible.”
Inside the dressing room, Pitarch says he has been welcomed warmly by his teammates.
In particular, he highlighted the support he receives from Federico Valverde and Brahim Diaz.
“I think I’ve fit into the group pretty well. Especially with Valverde and Brahim. I talk to the Spaniards the most, but those two help me a lot during games.
“They tell me to stay calm, to play the way I know how, to fight, to work hard, and not to be afraid when I have the ball.”
Pitarch also praised the trust shown in him by his coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who has played a key role in his development.
“He’s very important to me. He’s always given me his full confidence, from the very first minute. I always try to repay him because I have no choice but to do so.
“From the very beginning, he’s talked to me. He tells me to have personality, to be myself, and not to be afraid to show who I am.
“That’s what I try to do to repay all the confidence he gives me.”
The Bernabeu moment
Thiago Pitarch is living the dream. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
One of the most unforgettable moments for the young player came when he heard the Bernabeu crowd applauding him after being substituted.
“I heard it just as I was heading to the bench, and it gave me goosebumps. I said, ‘Are they calling me?’
“I’m very happy; I saw it on video, and it’s a source of pride. Especially for my family and me, it’s been many years of hard work.”
The connection with supporters has already begun to grow, something Pitarch deeply appreciates.
“I’ve felt it from day one. I think they’ve really taken a liking to me; I’ll always be grateful for that, and I’m going to prove that I’ll never let them down.
“I’ll always give my all for this jersey so we can keep winning games like yesterday’s.”
Real Madrid’s values
The youngster also spoke about the culture within the club’s academy and the values that players are taught as they progress toward the first team.
“Never give up, fight until the end, give it your all every day, train hard, play the way they teach you here.
“The youth academy is very well run. They teach us the values of this club 100%.”
Legends at the club
Finally, Pitarch revealed which legendary players have inspired him the most during his development.
“Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kroos, Sergio Ramos… They’re players who have defined an era, especially at this club, and in the history of football.”
Looking ahead, the youngster made it clear that his dream is to keep growing with Real Madrid and win trophies wearing the famous white shirt.
“To keep playing in this jersey at the best stadium in the world and for the best club in the world. And above all, to win titles with this team,” he concluded.
Dec 21, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) reacts to making a tackle against New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (not pictured) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Tennessee Titans have been incredibly active in free agency, acquiring more than a dozen players thus far. They’ve been busiest at cornerback, where they signed Alontae Taylor, Cor’Dale Flott, and Joshua Williams. Collectively, the Titans committed $113 million to them, with Taylor ($58 million) and Flott ($45m) claiming the majority of that money.
The expectation is that L’Jarius Sneed will be released in the coming days. Darrell Baker Jr. already signed elsewhere. The Titans aren’t expected to bring Jalyn Armour-Davis or Kaiir Elam back, either. No, this is a totally different Titans cornerback room, with the three additions joining sophomore Marcus Harris as the top four players at the position.
When it comes to aligning these cornerbacks in the defensive backfield, the Titans will have options. The question starts with where Taylor will line up. The former Tennessee Volunteers standout played 566 snaps as a slot corner last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Taylor earned 295 reps as a boundary cornerback, and definitely has inside-outside flexibility. In 2024, he actually played way more snaps outside (605) compared to inside (358).
Our evaluation indicates Taylor has been most effective when playing the nickel. That role allows Taylor to help dictate action around the line of scrimmage. He’s a strong tackler in run support and can utilize his high football IQ to dissect offenses.
If Taylor plays the slot, the Titans would probably align Flott and Williams as the outside corners. Flott is 6-1 and Williams is 6-3 with near 33-inch arms. They are boundary corners, exclusively.
Is Williams good enough to be considered a full-time starter, though? He was a backup rotational corner for the Chiefs. Asking him to be a full-time starter may be a stretch of his abilities.
If Taylor plays outside with Flott, the Titans would have Harris at nickel. The sophomore inside corner performed very admirably during his rookie campaign, albeit through a small sample size.
The decision may come down to who the Titans prefer to field between Harris and Williams. That should be a legitimate battle throughout training camp. Perhaps Taylor and Flott play outside in base defense with Taylor moving to slot corner in nickel sets, with Williams replacing him outside. The Titans will have options.
Brentford defender Nathan Collins says he is thrilled for Keith Andrews as he has had exposure to how hard his head coach has worked to earn his position.
Andrews took charge of the Bees during the summer - stepping up from set-piece coach - with some onlookers questioning his experience.
The 45-year-old is now attracting widespread praise in his first season as a head coach.
"I have known Keith a long time - since I was 16," Collins told The Football Interview on BBC Sounds.
"I had him Under-17s with Ireland. I was buzzing for him as I know how hard he has worked. He has that balance where he knows when to shout at you and when to be your mate. That man-management is really important."
In sitting down with Kelly Somers, Collins discusses his childhood, love of cooking and how he would spend a day off.
"If it's a weekday and good weather I'll play golf with a few of the lads here," he says.
"Me, Hakon Valdimarsson, Keane Lewis-Potter, Kristoffer Ajer. It's a good group and we do a little Ryder Cup style here as there are a lot of us - staff against players. We did it last year - 18 holes in the morning , lunch and 18 in the afternoon, really good fun. The players won."
Asked what people get wrong about him, 24-yearpold Collins said: "Maybe I get the stereotypical, 'he's just a footballer'. And then you get 'ah he's pretty nice to talk to'.
"The main thing I want to be is just a good person, a nice person, a caring person. As much as I want to be the best footballer I can ever be, I want to be the best person."
Time for Celtic to kick-on against Motherwell to close gap on Hearts
Last weekend’s success is now history, it’s time to kick on, starting against Motherwell in our must-win match tomorrow back at Celtic Park…
Celtic celebrations at Ibrox after Celtic won the Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Amidst all the euphoria of last weekend’s dramatic penalty shootout win over the Rangers at Ibrox, and all the drama that followed, you’d be forgiven for forgetting we had a vital game looming tomorrow afternoon.
A game that sees us take on an impressive Motherwell side, and collecting the three points is an absolute must if Celtic harbour any hopes of retaining our title. Martin O’Neill has done brilliantly to get us back in the mix and above the Rangers but we have to chase down Hearts not give them the chance to increase their five points advantage after we play.
We all know how difficult it will be to overcome the Steelmen, despite their surprise 2-1 loss at Dens Park last weekend. Jens Berthel Askou’s side beat Celtic 2-0 in North Lanarkshire back in December when we were under the inept leadership of Wilfried Nancy. Motherwell were totally worthy of their win that night, playing us off the park in a very impressive showing against a Celtic side that looked completely lost.
Jens Berthel Askou. Motherwell 1-1 theRangers. Scottish Premiership. Fir Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
Our last clash with the Steelmen at Celtic Park was also a difficult encounter, when we had Daizen Maeda to thank for earning us all three points with a last minute winner, in a game we were fortunate to walk away with anything.
We should expect very much of the same tomorrow, and it will take a huge effort to come out on top, but one that we can achieve, especially if we show the same grit and determination that we did at Ibrox last Sunday. Celtic will be unusually rested for this one after so many tough away games in such a short period of time.
The players were given two days off after Ibrox and with no midweek match there’s likely to be a little more energy in the tanks as we take on Jens Berthel Askou who will be without Stephen Welsh, as he can’t play against Celtic. And Celtic will have to do without Auston Trusty who continues to serve his three match ban in the Scottish Premiership after that disgraceful red card decision against Hibs.
The Celtic team comes together at the final whistle during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles Shutterstock)
A win would put us just two points behind leaders Hearts who travel to relegation threatened Kilmarnock on Saturday evening, so it’s the perfect opportunity to see how the Jambos will react to the pressure of having the current champions breathing down their necks as it comes down to the business end of the campaign. Kilmarnock are in desperate need of the points and will certainly give Hearts a game.
As hugely satisfying as last week was, it’s now in the past, and we must now look forward. We have a league title to defend, and a win against the claret and amber of Motherwell would be a great result and a brilliant confidence booster as we look to achieve that target.
Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores a late goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock
Can we still win the league? Yes of course we can, and victory over the Steelmen tomorrow will further strengthen that argument.
Incidentally third placed the Rangers are away to manageress St Mirren on Sunday as they try to pick themselves up after Celtic completed a double by knocking them out of both cups this season.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 08: New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) lines up for a play during the game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets on December 8, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Once he returns to the field, that will come with the 26-year-old at left guard.
“I think that’s probably the plan right now,” Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said. “We have some guys that do have versatility, which is always a good thing, but I think that would probably be the plan at the moment.”
When healthy over the past several seasons, Vera-Tucker primarily played right guard for the New York Jets. Left guard is not foreign ground for Vera-Tucker, however, as he started 15 games at the position his rookie season in 2021. Now set to move back, he is confident the transition will be seamless.
“It’s been a little while since I’ve been over there. But give me a couple practices, couple weeks, I’ll be good,” he said. “I’m a team first type of player. I’ve played at left guard before so I don’t mind going over there.”
The move would then slot Vera-Tucker between Will Campbell and Jared Wilson on the Patriots’ offensive line. Despite a rough playoff stretch, New England has stood by Campbell as the team’s left tackle moving forward.
“We know who the free agents are going to be at left tackle. We know who’s in the draft at left tackle. We know that we’re picking 31st,” Wolf said. “If there’s somebody that’s a better left tackle than Will Campbell’s that’s available, we’ll look at anything. I’m just not sure how realistic that is at this time.”
Wilson is then set to move back to his natural center position, one that became vacant after the Patriots traded veteran Garrett Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for draft capital.
Vera-Tucker was impressed with the duo in their first NFL season.
“I thought they were very talented guys. I think for Jared to never play guard before, then go out there and do his thing — I think he’s very strong, he’s a talented player. I’m excited to play next to him. And then Will, too, there’s a reason why they got him so early in the draft,” he shared.
“Just looking at their tape, not too much of it, but when they played against the Jets last year, I got to witness it firsthand, and I liked what I saw, and then I was excited to come in here and work with the group.”
Mercedes is among “three or four potential buyers” for a 24% stake in rival Formula 1 team Alpine, the French team's executive adviser Flavio Briatore said Friday.
Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Briatore said Mercedes was keen on the minority share — held by a private equity firm which has worked with sports stars like Patrick Mahomes — but suggested it wouldn't come with influence over how Alpine is run. He also dismissed reports Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was in talks to buy the stake on his own behalf.
“Every day is a new situation. I don’t know what is the latest one, but what I say is that I know it’s a negotiation with Mercedes, not with Toto, with Mercedes, and we see. In this moment we have three or four potential buyers,” said Briatore, who has been Alpine's de-facto team boss since last year.
Asked if that could lead to conflict-of-interest concerns about Mercedes — which already supplies Alpine's engines — gaining influence over how it's run or how it votes on future rule changes, Briatore suggested any minority shareholder would be a “passenger” in those talks.
“Normally one company, 75% decide and the 25% is a passenger, and this is the reality,” Briatore said.
Alpine is majority-owned by French automaker Renault, which sold the 24% stake to a group led by private equity firm Otro Capital, which attracted attention by including sports stars like Mahomes and Travis Kelce and the actor Ryan Reynolds in its investment group.
Alpine is coming off a tough year as it placed last in the constructors' standings in 2025. Pierre Gasly earned the team's first point with 10th in Australia last week but Briatore said he wasn't pleased with the team's progress as F1 begins a new era of regulations.
“We are not happy at all. Our performance was very weak and was a combination of different factors, and we know what is the major problem we have in the car,” he said.
Bernie Collins says it’s “good to see” Haas already using the exhaust flap design Ferrari introduced, after noticing the change at the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
Formula 1 hasn’t wasted any time shifting its focus from Melbourne to Shanghai. Haas started the new season on a positive note, with Oliver Bearman finishing P7 in Australia.
Ferrari had a solid outing too, with Charles Leclerc taking third place and Lewis Hamilton right behind him in fourth. Leclerc even made a play for the lead at one point, but Ferrari opted not to follow Mercedes’ strategy of pitting under the virtual safety car.
The rear of Ferrari’s SF-26 had already drawn attention during pre-season testing in Bahrain, thanks to their new exhaust flap design. Now, Collins has noticed that Haas are running something very similar on their VF-26 at this weekend’s race in China.
Bernie Collins impressed by Haas’s quick adoption of Ferrari’s exhaust flap
Ferrari needed special approval from the FIA for their exhaust flap at the second pre-season test in Bahrain. But their part was approved, as the Scuderia designed their entire rear crash structure so they could use a small plate to cover the lower half of the exhaust on the SF-26.
The design required Ferrari to position their differential as far back as possible to stay within the 60mm limit, raising doubts about how easily others could replicate it. Still, Haas, who use Ferrari power units, managed to fit a similar plate onto their car.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Collins said: “Haas have been keeping an eye, I think, on what Ferrari are doing with their car. In the pit lane, all the teams walk up and down.
“And one of the upgrades that’s been brought this week is Haas have brought a little rear winglet that’s on the rear crash structure, in behind the exhaust. It is smaller but not a million miles away from Ferrari’s little rear winglet that goes behind their exhaust.
“I just went down to Haas. I’ve seen it. It’s definitely there. It’s in a very similar location and a little bit smaller. But they’re obviously trying that out in the P1 session.”
“And it’s good to see teams – it’s only race two [and] only a week since we were racing in Australia – already bringing these upgrades and trying them.”
How Ferrari and Haas are using exhaust flaps to boost their 2026 F1 cars
Haas have followed Ferrari’s lead by fitting a small plate over the lower half of the exhaust, a change designed to boost the efficiency of both the rear diffuser and rear wing. Observers noted during pre-season testing that this modification also seemed to help Ferrari with tyre wear.
Some rival aerodynamicists believe that while the flap helps improve airflow around the diffuser, it might come at a cost to rear wing performance because of the upwash it creates. Collins has pointed out similarities between this feature and the old monkey seats previously seen in Formula 1.
Collins added: “I think they’re trying to use the exhaust gases in order to move a little bit of downforce.
“We used to have what we called a monkey seat that was further back on the rear wing, more in line with the rear wing pillar, so this is just a method of using that exhaust gas in order to promote a little bit of downforce in the rear of the car.”
The Washington Commanders knew they were in for a battle at tight end during free agency. Zach Ertz is on his way out, aging, and currently recovering from a torn ACL, and the Commanders' remaining tight ends (Ben Sinnott and John Bates) aren't receiving threats. Sinnott is more capable than Bates when it comes to catching passes, but neither is one who typically lines up to catch the ball — at least not yet.
The problem the Commanders faced was narrowing down which tight end to add because there were a ton of impending free agents. After a few big names came off the board (Isaiah Likely, Cade Otton, etc.), the Commanders elected to lure Tennessee Titans' tight end Chig Okonkwo back to the DMV.
Here are five things to know about the Commanders' tight end.
East Coast familiarity
Okonkwo attended college at the University of Maryland, a mere hop-skip-and-jump away from where the Commanders play in Landover. His familiarity with the area will make his transition from Nashville that much easier, as he won't have to learn to navigate the area. A three-star recruit out of Powder Springs, Georgia, Okonkwo received offers from Georgia Tech and Wisconsin before ultimately deciding to become a Terrapin.
Underutilization in Tennessee
The Titans drafted Okonkwo in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he joined the team during a tumultuous time. Since being drafted, Okonkwo has played for three different head coaches and two different general managers, all of whom had different ideas of how a tight end should be used. This resulted in low usage, which somehow did not lead to reduced production. In Tennessee, Chig recorded 194 receptions for 2,017 yards and eight touchdowns over four seasons. He had his best season in 2025, with 56 receptions for 560 yards and two touchdowns.
Originally developed as a wide receiver
If you've ever watched tape of Chig, you already know he's a speed mismatch at tight end. That's because he wasn't viewed as a traditional tight end prior to college and was trained and developed like a wide receiver or hybrid athlete. He focused heavily on speed work, on-field movement, and agility drills. Once his coaches realized his frame could hold more weight, he bulked up and slid right into the tight end position. This is why he runs fluidly and isn't stiff, it's why he can change direction with seeming ease, and it's why he's more dangerous after the catch than most tight ends.
Don't rely on him for blocking
Because he wasn't developed as a trench player first, Okonkwo isn't a strong blocker. He ranks near the bottom of all tight ends in run blocking, which may be why Tennessee didn't use him more often. But the Commanders have Ben Sinnott and John Bates for that, while Okonkwo's value is as a dynamic pass-catcher with a speed mismatch who can bail out Jayden Daniels in times of need.
What he does for Washington
Aside from being a receiving tight end who will be a security blanket for Jayden Daniels, Okonkwo gives the Commanders' offense flexibility. While he's the catching tight end, Ben Sinnott is a versatile piece, and John Bates is a blocking tight end. This allows the Commanders to use multiple-tight end schemes and create confusion for opposing defenses. On top of that, Okonkwo can line up as an inline tight end, a slot receiver, a wing/halfback, or motion across formation. In college, he was known for lining up all over the formation, giving new offensive coordinator David Blough extra freedom in designing plays.
PHOENIX – Jake Bauers can still remember how the bat, as weightless in his hand as the burden gone from his shoulders, felt.
As he stood on the on-deck circle, Bauers turned to Sal Frelick and said, “Let’s have some fun” before walking to home plate and unleashing fury on a baseball with the grandest swing of his life, he was free. Gone was the pressure of being a former top prospect, of striking out too much, of bouncing around from team to team simply hoping to keep a job.
In its place was a new lens to baseball – and the world.
Its’s why Bauers, only 30 years old but already having experienced a lifetime of ups and downs in his eight years in the majors, enters 2026 with a fresh perspective.
It’s why, when asked how to describe his circuitous career to this point, he gets philosophical.
“It’s been what feels like a spiritual journey,” Bauers says.
Bauers had to learn to let go of expectations
As Bauers enters this year with the Brewers, he feels that he is at his best yet. That’s because, baseball aside, he’s the most present he’s ever been. Whether in the box or at home, he’s made an effort to be grounded in the moment.
But this didn’t just happen.
On the baseball field, Bauers failed. Plenty. In 2019, his first year with Cleveland, he hit .219. The next year, two seasons removed from being a top-50 prospect in the game, he didn’t play in the majors. He spent the next three years between four organizations, up and down from the minor leagues, and hit a paltry .206.
As he bounced around, he found it tough to feel like he ever truly fit in.
Yet as he got older, he learned – some about the game but mostly about himself. Over time, those failures made Bauers face himself in the mirror and ask what he really wanted.
Was it baseball success? Or was there more?
His paradigm began to change late in 2024, his first year in Milwaukee. He was on his seventh organization in 10 years and fifth in four, and during that time his primary concern was simply sticking around.
After a hot month of May in Year 1 with the Brewers, Bauers’ numbers dipped and he was flirting with the Mendoza line – again. Already having been traded five times in his career and with his seventh organization, he found himself in the familiar position of being on the fringe of a roster, feeling expendable.
This wasn’t how his career was supposed to go.
But, then, toward the dusk of the 2024 season, Bauers began to think differently: What if it doesn’t matter how it’s supposed to go?
So, Bauers set out to not care anymore, to allow himself to decide was constitutes success and to be in the moment, just like he was when he stepped into the box in that seventh inning of Game 3 against the Mets.
“Sports will help you grow if you let it,” Bauers said. “Especially for guys like myself who don’t necessarily have the straightest path in it. I mean, I made my debut in 2018 and that’s, what, eight years ago now? Sports will allow you to have that opportunity if you let it. But it’s so easy to get wrapped up in expectations, desires, things like that.”
For years, Bauers did get wrapped up in those things.
He arrived as a buzzy prospect, considered one of the best in all of baseball at the time he arrived in the big leagues on June 7, 2018. He was all of 22 years old when he debuted and went 0 for 4 with Tampa Bay.
Perhaps, in hindsight, that was an allegory for the first years of Bauers’ career.
Others expected a lot from Bauers. In turn, he placed that on himself. And, just like on that first big-league evening in St. Petersburg, he didn’t produce.
“I think for a long time my identity was tied to being a baseball player,” Bauers said. “Once I was able to disconnect that and understand I’m just a person navigating the world like everyone else, it really allowed me to take a step back and analyze life through an objective lens.”
Where Bauers has found his purpose
With time, Bauers now views himself primarily as a husband, father and son. Becoming a dad early in 2024 came at the right time for Bauers in his career, helping to shift how he views what is most important. Now a father of two, both under three years old, his kids have shifted how he views baseball.
“I’ve reached a point where I’m searching for lessons and searching for chances to apply them not only in baseball but in my daily life,” Bauers said. “The goal has shifted from playing in the major leagues to maximizing whatever my potential is in every aspect of my life.
"Baseball is included in that, but there’s so many other facets of it that it’s a constant day-in, day-out process of, 'What is this situation trying to get out of me? And how can I best approach this situation?'”
And how does that show itself?
“I think when everything is good and I’m in the right state of mind, it shows up in me being in the present moment as much as possible,” Bauers said. “That’s how you’re going to catch these things: Making the decision to be as good as I want to be. Not getting wrapped up in expectations or desires that don’t match where I’m at currently.”
Bauers tilts his head to the side, locks eyes and speaks with emphasis.
“My kids deserve that,” he continues. “As much as we’re away playing baseball, it’s easy to be wrapped in it all the time. But at the same time, I got two kids that deserve more from me than the game of baseball. Just being able to separate everything and give them the best that I have, day-in and day-out is enough for me.”
Could a breakout at 30 be coming for Bauers?
Baseball is a funny game. In the room where Bauers is speaking are rows of lockers, the nameplates adorning them are those of the best of the best in the world at their craft, and yet nearly all of them will tell you the thing they have experienced most in this game is failure.
Bauers knows that well; his career Wins Above Replacement is still below zero. But he no longer worries about asking himself what needs to be changed mechanically in order to avoid failure. Instead, he’s found a different thought process that he relies on.
“‘What are you doing well? What are you not doing well? What can you improve on?'” Bauers asks himself. “It’s made me a better husband, better father, better son. I’ve just learned a lot about myself.”
The numbers would tell you it’s atypical for a breakout to happen at that age or in year eight in the majors. Don’t tell that to Bauers, who has no reason to not believe he’s still coming into his own as a player, even if he’s taken an unusual route to get here.
“From a baseball aspect I don’t think it’s crazy to say that you ever stop learning or you ever stop getting better,” Bauers said. “For some guys, that happens their rookie year, and for some guys it happens in year six, year seven. So just trying to keep that perspective and understand that I might be 30 and I might be 6 years into my big league career but that doesn't mean that my past has to dictate my future.
“I can be as good as I want to be if I just let it happen.”
Arbeloa talks Mbappe, Courtois, Manuel Angel, Pintus ahead of Real Madrid vs Elche
Real Madrid lock horns with Elche on Saturday night in La Liga, aiming to stay in touch with league leaders FC Barcelona.
The Merengues are four points behind Barça, who play Sevilla earlier on Saturday, meaning their lead could potentially be up to seven points or down to one point.
What is clear is that Real Madrid cannot afford to slip up either way and ensure that they continue to put pressure on the reigning champions.
Ahead of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa addressed the media in his press conference, discussing various issues, including Kylian Mbappe’s fitness.
There have been talks of Arbeloa possibly rotating his troops keeping an eye on next week’s Champions League clash against Manchester City. However, the manager dismissed those claims, stating:
“Tomorrow we’ll field our best possible eleven to win. I’m not thinking about anything else. The players have to leave every match exhausted; it’s their job. It’s not easy, that’s why they’re here. They have to be prepared to fight like they did on Wednesday.”
Issuing an update on Mbappe, Arbeloa confirmed the Frenchman will miss the Elche clash but could return for the trip to Manchester.
“He’s getting better every day, his recovery is progressing as it should. We made a plan, it depends on his progress, but I see him doing very well. He won’t be available tomorrow, but I’m confident he’ll travel to Manchester,” he said.
“I want him to be able to go to Manchester, we’ll see how he is. We’ll decide on Sunday. Hopefully he can be there, then we’ll discuss it with France.”
The former defender was full of praise for veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, saying: “I’ve played with some of the best goalkeepers in the world, some of whom have been considered the best in history.
“But what Courtois does, I haven’t seen from anyone else. There’s no debate, he’s surely the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid’s history. In my opinion.”
When the topic of rotations was broached again, Arbeloa replied: “I only have players who raise their hands to play.
“We have nothing else on our minds but winning tomorrow; they’ll have more energy in their legs than we do. We’re made of different stuff, and we have to show it.”
Arbeloa not thinking of rotation. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“His size is the size of his heart. I’ve been very lucky to play with wonderful players; I’ve been a European and World champion with players who weren’t even 1.70 meters tall. And they were sensational.
“I’m aware that football is like this now, but he won’t have any problems becoming an elite player. He’s ambidextrous, he can play on either wing… I’m not going to say he’s my favorite, which he is, I really believe in him.
“He did very well, he has a lot of work ahead of him. I hope he can continue to show how good he is.”
On whether the 3-0 win over Manchester City this week will serve to dispel the doubts about him at Real Madrid, Arbeloa said:
“I don’t bask in praise; I know that the next time I stumble, I’ll be viewed with doubt again. It’s normal; it’s not about me, it’s about being in this position. The pressure is high.
“People who have won several Champions Leagues here have faced criticism, often incomprehensible to me. It’s nothing new to me, it doesn’t surprise me. I’m only thinking about beating Elche and making sure my players are fit and bring us joy.”
The manager also touched upon the work being done by fitness coach Antonio Pintus and what he brought to the table, saying:
“Everyone does their own analysis. All I can say about Pintus is that he’s an exceptional professional; it’s a privilege to have him by my side. We’re going to continue working with him, and hopefully we can keep going like this for the sequels.”
Concluding, Arbeloa spoke in detail about the mental switch from matches in the Champions League to that in La Liga, saying:
“It’s complicated, of course. You have to ensure your own standards match the other team’s motivation. We certainly won’t see the same Elche as in previous matches, and that’s normal; they’re coming to the Bernabeu.
“That’s why it’s so difficult to be a Real Madrid player, to have a winning mentality. We have to give our all, we’re aware of that. We have to make an extra effort. There are no doubts or excuses for not playing a great match.”
Inter Milan & Italy Starlet Close To Joining Elite Company In Serie A Goalscoring Record Books
Pio Esposito is one goal away from etching his name alongside some of Inter Milan’s most celebrated young talents, with the Italy starlet on the verge of a milestone that only four players in the club’s history have reached in the modern era.
The 2005-born forward has scored four Serie A goals this season in what has been a breakthrough campaign of remarkable maturity.
Indeed, particularly given that he was playing in Serie B with Spezia just twelve months ago.
Pio Esposito Could Join Inter History Books With One More League Goal
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
In the three-points-for-a-win era, only Nicola Ventola, Obafemi Martins, Mario Balotelli and Mateo Kovacic have scored five or more Serie A goals for Inter before turning 21.
The names alone underline the significance of the feat.
Martins and Balotelli are among the most naturally gifted forwards the club has ever produced at youth level, while Kovacic went on to become one of Europe’s finest midfielders.
For Esposito to be approaching their company at the same age speaks volumes about the season he is having.
And, indeed, about the trajectory of a career that is only just beginning.
With ten league games remaining, the opportunity to reach the landmark and write another chapter in what is already a remarkable debut season at the top level is very much alive.
Mar 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) dunks the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
In Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” one of the most notable lines is “Playing anything to roll the dice just one more time.” That’s the opportunity Kentucky Basketball has on Friday afternoon in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals. They have a third shot at the Florida Gators, this year’s SEC regular-season outright champions and reigning National Champions.
Kentucky has been close against the Gators twice this season. Even though they haven’t led at any point in either game, they’ve been right there. They have had chances to seize control of both games. Could the third time be the charm?
The Cats have momentum with two wins so far in the SEC Tournament. Now, on to Friday, Big Blue Nation is showing up. Bridgestone Arena is becoming Rupp Arena South, and it could prove to be a factor in Friday’s battle.
We know who Florida is at this point. They are looking like a team that could win the national championship… again. They are extremely talented, deep, physical, and experienced. They’re also extremely battle-tested. Nothing fazes them. They played a ridiculously tough non-conference schedule, and it prepared them for SEC play and the Postseason. It’s going to take everything Kentucky has to beat this Gators team.
Let’s look at the key players to watch on the Gators and keys to tomorrow’s game, plus one stat that could be what ultimately decides this game.
Haugh is on the First Team All-SEC after a magnificent season. He’s an extremely experienced player, and he’s also got really good versatility. A really good scorer, Haugh will look to get to the basket and not be afraid to let it fly from three-point range.
2. No. 21: Alex Condon — 6-11, 236 lbs. Jr. Forward/Center; PERTH, Australia Stats: 14.8 pts, 7.6 rebs, 43 blk, 54.5 FG%, 15.7 3-PT FG%, 65.1 FT%, 30.5 mpg Feb. 14 vs. Kentucky: 14 pts (4-9 FG), 6-9 FT, 11 rebs, 2 ast, 1 blk, 35 mins March 7 at Kentucky: 14 pts (6-8 FG), 2-4 FT, 5 rebs, 4 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk, 28 mins
Condon is an efficient big man who gets to the rim on offense and protects it on defense. He’s a fundamentally sound, polished player who does countless things right. This will be a tough cover for Kentucky.
Despite being hot and cold shooting the ball, Fland is a really good player. He can distribute the ball and get to the rim. In addition, he’s active on defense and looks to swipe the ball from the opposing offense. Kentucky has done a good job so far in the SEC Tournament limiting the turnovers. It will be paramount to keep that going against Florida on Friday afternoon.
4. No. 1: Xaivian Lee — 6-4, 180 lbs. Sr. Guard; TORONTO (Princeton Transfer) Stats: 11.6 pts, 3.8 rebs, 129 ast.-53 TO, 41.5 FG%, 27.7 3-PT FG%, 78.7 FT%, 27.1 mpg Feb. 14 vs. Kentucky: 22 pts (7-12 FG, 4-7 3-PT FG), 4-4 FT, 2 rebs, 3 ast, 1 stl, 25 mins March 7 at Kentucky: 11 pts (4-11 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG), 2-4 FT, 7 rebs, 5 ast, 31 mins
Lee cannot afford to get lost in the shuffle when Kentucky is on defense. He leads the Gators in assists and can shoot it from three-point range. Pressuring him with the ball is paramount, and the Cats must contest every shot he takes.
Chinyelu is going to get his points and rebounds Friday. He’s just that good. It’s a matter of Kentucky containing him and limiting the impact he makes that will go a long way towards determining the outcome of this game Friday.
6. No. 7: Urban Klavzar — 6-1, 190 lbs. Jr. Guard; DOMZALE, Slovenia Stats: 9.9 pts, 1.5 rebs, 43.8 FG%, 40.6 3-PT FG%, 91.1 FT%, 21.3 mpg Feb. 14 vs. Kentucky: 19 pts (7-13 FG, 5-11 3-PT FG), 1 reb, 29 mins March 7 at Kentucky: 3 pts (1-3 FG, 1-2 3-PT FG), 15 mins
Like Lee, Klavzar is a player Kentucky cannot lose track of. He can shoot it from deep, and that’s crucial for a guy like him who comes off the bench as the 6th man.
7. No. 20: Isaiah Brown — 6-4, 210 lbs. So. Guard; ORLANDO, Fla. Stats: 5.7 pts, 2.5 rebs, 48.8 FG%, 37.8 3-PT FG%, 74.4 FT%, 12.6 mpg Feb. 14 vs. Kentucky: 1 reb., 2 ast, 2 stl, 11 mins March 7 at Kentucky: 7 pts (2-6 FG, 1-4 3-PT FG), 2-3 FT, 2 rebs, 2 ast, 1 stl, 15 mins
Brown has been more of a scorer recently for the Gators. Kentucky cannot let him get too many touches and shots when he’s on the court Friday.
8. No. 3: Micah Handlogten — 7-1, 260 lbs. Sr. Center; LAKE NORMAN, N.C. (Marshall Transfer) Stats: 4.2 pts, 6 rebs/gm., 63% FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 37% FT, 15 mpg Feb. 14 vs. Kentucky: 2 pts (1-1 FG), 0-1 FT, 5 rebs, 1 ast, 2 stl, 17 mins March 7 at Kentucky: 5 rebs, 2 blk, 14 mins
Handlogten is a terrific backup big man. He comes in and impacts the game in multiple areas, and that’s why this Gators team is so good.
Head Coach: Todd Golden (4th Season, 101-39; 7th Season, 158-75) — 40 years old
The 2026 SEC Coach of the Year, Golden led the Gators to the SEC Tournament championship last year, and he and the Gators backed that up with a national championship in the NCAA Tournament. Say what you want about his personality, but Golden has gotten the Gators back to the top of the college basketball world. Players love playing for him, and that’s important in today’s world of college basketball.
Prior to Florida, Golden led the San Francisco Dons for three seasons and took them to the 2022 NCAA Tournament, the Dons’ first berth in the Big Dance since 1998.
As a senior point guard at Saint Mary’s, he ranked second in the nation with a 3.68 assists-to-turnovers ratio and led the West Coast Conference with a .574 3-point field goal percentage. The lone captain of Saint Mary’s 2007-08 team, Golden finished his career as the Gaels’ all-time leader in free-throw percentage (.852) and eighth with 269 career assists. Golden also played on Saint Mary’s on their 2005 NCAA Tournament team.
Feb. 14 at Florida: Gators 92, Wildcats 83
Florida went 10-28 from three-point range, with Klavzar making five of them, in a wire-to-wire win. They took advantage of 14 Kentucky turnovers into 25 points and out-rebounded the Wildcats 45-37. Lee led the Gators with 22 points, including four three-pointers.
Kentucky fell behind by as many as 16 points midway through the second half. But behind Collin Chandler’s five three-pointers, they made it a two-possession game in the final minute. The Cats had four players in double figures, including Denzel Aberdeen, playing his first game in Gainesville since transferring, leading the Cats with 19 points.
March 7 vs. Florida: Gators 84, Wildcats 77
This game was weird. Florida started the game on an 11-0 run, and then unleashed a 13-0 run to effectively take control later in the first half. If you take those runs away, Kentucky outscored the Gators 77-60.
Otega Oweh had 28 points on his Senior Day, making four three-pointers. Denzel Aberdeen has 15 points on his Senior Day.
The stat sheet was pretty even in this game, and Kentucky made a run late to get it to two possessions in the final minute. If they hadn’t fallen behind 11-0 early and by 20 points midway through the second half, they could have easily won this game. They were right there, even keeping the rebound battle tight at 41-40 and equalling Florida 14-14 on the offensive glass.
Keys to the Game
1. Win the first eight minutes
If Kentucky can get out in front, or at least stay within one possession, they can absolutely win this game. But the first eight minutes will decide this game.
2. Rebounding
Kentucky must keep the battle on the boards close. That means Malachi Moreno, Andrija Jelavic, Mouhamed Dioubate, Brandon Garrison, and even the guards stepping up and making an impact on the glass.
3. Three-point shooting
The Cats must knock down some open shots to stretch the Gators’ defense. They also must contest the Gators from three-point range if they have open shots from beyond the arc. It will be very interesting to watch how Kam Williams, who missed the first two games against Florida, impacts the Cats’ defense against Florida’s wings. That could be a deciding factor in this game.
4. 40 minutes
Mark Pope and the Cats are not mincing words and holding back when saying what they have to do on Friday. They have to play 40 minutes to beat this Gators team. It can be done.
Score Prediction: Wildcats 79, Gators 78
Here’s a stat to give you some optimism. Since becoming a Power Five head coach prior to the 2023-24 season, when he was at BYU, Mark Pope is 5-0 on the 13th day of any month. The Cougars won on January, February, and March 13th in 2024. Kentucky beat Indiana on December 13th earlier this season. Last year on March 13th, Otega Oweh turned the corner and swished a floater to beat Oklahoma in a memorable 85-84 win here in Nashville.
Friday is March 13th. I’m someone who believes in good luck on Friday the 13th. Given that, Pope’s record on the 13th day of any month, and the Cats winning two games already in the SEC Tournament, I believe the Cats will finally beat Florida this season when it really counts and advance to the weekend in Nashville for the first time in seven years.
"He'll continue to develop significantly" – Vincent Kompany hails "terrific" Michael Olise
After an impressive debut season in Germany, Michael Olise has taken his game to another level this term, scoring 15 goals and providing 26 assists in 37 games across all competitions so far.
The Frenchman was rested for last week's 4-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach before returning to the starting eleven to score twice and provide an assist in Wednesday's 6-1 victory over Atalanta. However, he picked up a yellow card in that game, meaning he will serve a suspension in next week’s return leg.
At a press conference on Friday, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reflected on managing Olise’s minutes this season and coping without him at times, highlighting that the winger hasn’t missed a single game through injury since joining the club.
"You can never replace players of his quality on a one-to-one basis. We'll play differently, we'll compensate for him with other players. Michael was consistently available for over 18 months, which is incredible. He's very important to us, he's done a lot for us, also physically. I hope he stays available, what he's been doing recently has been terrific,” said Kompany.
He went on to praise Olise's off-pitch work, saying it has helped him avoid injuries.
"If you've had previous injuries, it's always easier to get injured again. Michael also had injuries from time to time at Crystal Palace. What Michael does for his fitness off the pitch at his young age is incredible. If he continues like this, he'll stay fit for a long time to come. He'll continue to develop significantly."
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 06: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 and Aaron Judge #99 of the United States talk between innings during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s about that time in spring where the real games start to get close, we’ve seen everyone take the field for a few weeks, and some surprise names have had hot starts while others are working off the rust. The Yankees are making their roster decisions on a near-daily basis, whittling down their invitee list starting with the obvious prospects that were always here just to get a look-see and some time with their hopefully-future teammates and coaches. Everyone else around the league is doing the same, and as those rosters begin to take shape we can start to consider where our relative preseason rankings fall.
The Yankees are expected to be contenders, both within the locker room and by the media at large. It’s expected, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted that their aim is playing in October because as we’ve seen in recent years… there’s plenty of teams that aren’t. Still, sometimes the team that’s finally looking to make some strides towards contention manages to skip a step or two and finds themselves playing deeper in the fall then they’ve done in a long time, or a team that’s been in the dance a bunch of times just to get kicked right out finally puts it all together to go on a magical run. You can’t predict baseball, as a famous radio broadcaster once said, and every year there’s one or two teams that really turn heads just based on how far they got in the end. Who could it be this year?
The Mariners and Blue Jays both fit the bill last year, meeting in the ALCS after years of playoff frustration with the latter making their first World Series since the early 90s. This year teams will be ready for them, but will they be ready for a team like the Rangers, who had a stellar rotation bogged down by one of the weakest lineups in baseball? Perhaps it all turns around for them, and they find themselves back in it like their 2023 run. Or maybe the AL Central finally gets some respect, with the Guardians once again getting little fanfare despite winning the division three out of the last four years. The Tigers have the flashiest piece with their ace Tarik Skubal and they added Framber Valdez to form a monster 1-2 combo, but don’t count Kansas City out with Bobby Witt Jr. leading the charge. Their rotation is formidable as well, and their supplementary hitters could be enough to get them back into a Wild Card Series.
Over in the National League, the Mets and Phillies have leapfrogged Atlanta after the Braves spent more than a half-decade ruling it. Atlanta missed the postseason altogether, and they face an uphill battle to get back into it, but perhaps Ronald Acuna Jr. and company can surprise some folks and get back on top this year. The NL Central could be the most ripe field for dark horses, as Milwaukee stunned with an MLB-best 97 wins last year but faces competition to hold onto their new crown. The Cubs remain a threat, and while the Cardinals have faded into the foreground of a division they once dominated the Reds could take a leap and prove that ownership should have invested in them more with another ticket to October. The Pirates would be a truly absurd team to rise out of the ashes due to their overall ineptitude, but they do have Paul Skenes — and wouldn’t it be fun to see him in meaningful games come September? About the only division that doesn’t seem interesting on this front is the NL West, as the Dodgers have remained kings for over a decade barring one strange 2021 run from the Giants and the Padres are known contenders who’ve had to settle for the Wild Card.
If you forced me to pick one team from each side to watch out for, I’d go with Kansas City and Atlanta. I don’t expect the Royals to go very deep, but I think they could give their contemporaries in the Central a run for their money and perhaps upset one of them in the standings. As for Atlanta, despite all their years ruling the East it was the year that they looked their least appealing in that span that they won it all. The Mets and Phillies are flashier, but there’s plenty of room for one of them to combust this season, and I’ll believe Atlanta’s down for the count when I see it. Who would your picks be, and how far do you think they’ll go?
Today on the site, Josh leads off with some thoughts on the ABS Challenge influence on this season and how teams will be poised to utilize it. Matt takes us back to the Deadball Era to wish Home Run Baker a happy birthday, Jeff walks us through how the Yankees’ archrivals will look heading into 2026 with a Red Sox preview, and after the exhibition I’ll be around to answer your latest mailbag questions.
ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion Regian “The Immortal” Eersel will challenge surging 30-year-old Thai native Rungrawee “Legatron” Sitsongpeenong on April 10, live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium for the division’s vacant kickboxing crown.
With the stage set, all eyes turn to one of the most accomplished titleholders in ONE history.
Eersel has long been the gold standard of the lightweight ranks. “The Immortal” carved out a staggering 22-fight winning streak spanning eight years of competition, including a perfect 10-0 start inside ONE.
Behind that towering frame and whip-like limbs lay something more dangerous than raw athleticism. Eersel backed those physical gifts with sniper-like precision. The timing, the power, and the relentless will to win delivered him both the inaugural ONE Lightweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Titles, making him a rare fighter to conquer two sports.
His resolve faced its sternest test when Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas handed him a unanimous decision loss at ONE Fight Night 21 in 2024. That defeat cost him the kickboxing crown.
The measure of a champion is how they answer adversity, and the 33-year-old answered emphatically. He dismantled Nicolas in dominant fashion at ONE Fight Night 25 to reclaim his throne. Unfortunately, Eersel failed to make weight in the pair’s trilogy bout at ONE Fight Night 30 and, although he won, he was stripped of his kickboxing crown.
With that rivalry settled, Eersel turned his attention back to “the art of eight limbs” and made an unforgettable statement.
Facing British brawler George “G-Unit” Jarvis at ONE Fight Night 34 last August, he unleashed the full weight of his arsenal, finishing the challenger in just 84 seconds.
That devastating knockout pushed his record to 64-5 and further cemented his reputation as one of the pound-for-pound best strikers in the world.
Looking to pull off a monumental upset under kickboxing rules is Rungrawee, a fighter whose legend was built long before the ONE spotlight.
A fighter with over 200 career bouts, “Legatron” is a revered figure in Thai striking circles. His technical ring savvy, devastating leg kicks, and ruthless combinations have left a trail of opponents limping.
Global audiences have since witnessed that brilliance firsthand, as Rungrawee dazzled in each of his first three promotional appearances.
He continued building his case for a title shot with a string of commanding performances. A clinical TKO victory over Shakir Al-Tekreeti displayed his finishing instincts, while a composed split-decision win over Bogdan Shumarov in his ONE kickboxing debut showcased his adaptability across rule sets.
That momentum carried into ONE Fight Night 34, where Rungrawee delivered perhaps his most complete performance to date. The calculating Thai picked apart Youssef Assouik with surgical precision to earn a unanimous decision victory that snapped the Danish-Moroccan’s six-year winning streak.
What makes this matchup compelling is the physical symmetry. Rungrawee carries the height and length to operate in Eersel’s range, setting the stage for a battle between two cerebral technicians who thrive on timing and precision.
Slot gives update on Alisson fitness ahead of Spurs clash
Arne Slot has said Alisson Becker will be assessed ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The goalkeeper missed the midweek Champions League defeat at Galatasaray with a muscular issue, with Giorgi Mamardashvili making two impressive saves as Liverpool left Istanbul with a 1-0 deficit to overturn next week.
The Georgian could be in line to start again against Spurs, as Alisson faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said Liverpool are ‘hopeful’ on the Brazilian but refused to confirm his availability. The Liverpool boss did confirm that Federico Chiesa is back after illness.
“He [Alisson] felt something when he passed the ball in one of his muscles, but after we checked it it was so minor we think it doesn’t have to take very long. But as always games follow up so fast that he had to miss the one against Galatasaray and hopefully he is available and ready for Sunday.
“If not, I am expecting him, if things go as planned, definitely against Galatasaray [on Wednesday].
“I expect he [Chiesa] feels better now because he felt unwell the day before the game. I think we are now three or four days further ahead so i think he is able to train with us today again.”
Read – Noughties Nines: Didier Drogba – Cup final King
See more – Champions League Team of the Week – Valverde, Olise, Alvarez
Reece James signs new long-term contract at Chelsea
Reece James has committed his future to Chelsea by signing a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The club captain has penned fresh terms with the West Londoners on a deal that will run until June 2032.
James’s had less than 18 months to run on previous contract and Chelsea are delighted to reach terms on a new agreement that The Athletic are reporting fits into the club’s ‘incentivised wage structure’.
James has made 225 appearances for Chelsea since progressing through the club’s academy and was appointed captain following the departure of César Azpilicueta in 2023.
After an injury-hit period, the England right-back has featured regularly this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.
He is expected to be named in the England squad for March’s friendly fixtures with Uruguay and Japan later this month, having featured prominently for the Three Lions under former Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel.
Oxford United will be aiming to continue their winning streak to take them out of the bottom three when they host Charlton Athletic on Saturday (12:30 GMT).
The U's have won all of their past three league games, only kept inside the relegation zone by goal difference.
But the Addicks have won their past two league matches back-to-back and will be full of confidence after beating second placed Middlesbrough last time out.
Oxford are unbeaten in seven home league meeting with Charlton (W4 D3) since a 2-1 defeat in January 1998.
Charlton Athletic are looking to complete their first league double over Oxford United since the 1997-98 campaign.
Oxford have won just one of their last 12 league games that have kicked off at 12:30pm (D7 L4), a 1-0 home win over Derby in October this season.
Charlton boss Nathan Jones has won all three of his Football League matches against Oxford United, beating them twice with Luton and with the Addicks earlier this season.
Charlton have won their last four league games against sides with United in their name, winning all four games 1-0.
The deliberations among the Men's NCAA Tournament selection committee remain mostly private each year, with only a few interviews done by its chair each year on Selection Sunday serving as the only official rationale for who's in, who's out and where every team is seeded for March Madness.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be a fascinating bracket, as season-long favorites appear headed for a No. 1 seed and a particularly soft bubble filled with iffy resumes comes into focus ahead of Selection Sunday. Like last season, the selection committee will have seven metrics based on computer models and formulas listed on its team sheets and how each is weighed can be a point of contention that has lasting impact given the importance NCAA tournament performance has on the overall perception of a program.
Each ranking or rating is separated into two distinct categories — predictive metrics and results-based metrics. The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET), KenPom, ESPN's BPI and the Torvik rankings are considered predictive rankings that measure how good a team is based on its offensive and defensive efficiency, adjusted for opponent strength and location. The KPI, ESPN's Strength of Record (SOR) and Wins Above Bubble (WAB) are results-based rankings that judge how hard it was for a team to attain its résumé.
For many teams, the two types of ratings largely converge by the end of the regular season. For others, however, there can be a wide swath of outcomes based on how a game was played and whether it was won or lost. These are the schools from major and mid-major conferences that often inspire the most robust conversation and debate among committee members, either over their selection into the NCAA tournament field as an at-large bid and/or their potential seeding.
Here are 10 teams with the most at stake heading into Selection Sunday based on their polarizing rankings among the metrics used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee:
The RedHawks’ undefeated run through the regular season is one of the most compelling stories heading into this year’s March Madness, in part because of the uncertainty about what the NCAA Tournament selection committee might do if Miami (Ohio) didn’t win the Mid-American Conference tournament and the league’s automatic bid. Well, that discussion is now reality after Miami’s stunning loss to UMass in the MAC tournament quarterfinals on Thursday.
While the RedHawks’ predictive metrics are that of a team from a one-bid league, their results-based numbers suggest they’re deserving of an at-large bid into the bracket despite not playing a quadrant one game this season. The selection committee’s decision here is likely to shape the larger narrative surrounding the mid-major selection process on Selection Sunday and mid-major scheduling moving forward.
Perhaps no team could potentially benefit from this year’s soft bubble like the Tigers, who took another step toward securing an at-large bid by beating Mississippi State to open the SEC Tournament. Auburn’s late-season swoon put it in jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament and then former coach Bruce Pearl brought a national spotlight when he recently argued the Tigers were more deserving of a March Madness at-large bid than Miami (Ohio). Steven Pearl’s hiring as coach will get even more uncomfortable should Auburn complete this collapse and not hear its name called on Selection Sunday.
The Tar Heels are going dancing for the second year in a row under coach Hubert Davis, but their seeding on Selection Sunday bears watching. The results-based metrics suggest North Carolina could potentially warrant a top-four seed, especially if it were to reel off a couple more quality wins at the ACC tournament. But predictive metrics like KenPom and ESPN’s BPI currently have UNC hovering around the top 30, which would be more in line with earning a No. 7 or No. 8 seed. How the NCAA tournament selection committee views that gap could affect the Tar Heels’ odds of advancing and Davis felt pressure after last season’s first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament.
The Cardinals could be a quandary to seed, with a wider range of metrics than most top 25 teams. Louisville doesn’t have a bad loss on its resumé but it also had just four wins over teams currently projected to make the NCAA Tournament field during the regular season. Its best win is over Kentucky (NET: 27) at home more than four months ago. However, three of the four predictive metrics used by the selection committee – including the NET – have Louisville projected as a top-15 team. This seed line will be hard to project on Selection Sunday.
The Hawkeyes are lucky a lot of bubble teams lost this week or else their quick exit from the Big Ten tournament against Ohio State on Thursday might make the next couple days more nerve-wracking. Iowa will enter the 2026 NCAA Tournament having lost four of its past five games and seven of its previous 10 games, including road setbacks to conference doormats Maryland and Penn State. Its seeding profile was already going to be a challenge for the selection committee and the Hawkeyes’ recent issues could leave them with a lower seed than expected despite predictive metrics mostly inside the top 25.
The Knights seemed safely in the field for most of February (and probably still get into the field after a dramatic comeback win in overtime against Cincinnati on Wednesday at the Big 12 tournament). But UCF’s seed line could test the NCAA Tournament selection committee because its predictive metrics have lagged behind its results-based rankings all season long. UCF’s 10-9 record in quad one and two games this season compares favorably with other teams competing for the last at large bids, but the Knights remain outside the top 50 in the KenPom and Torvik rankings after a three-game losing skid to Baylor, Oklahoma State and West Virginia to close the regular season.
There could be a fascinating debate in the selection committee room revolving around the Longhorns, Missouri and Oklahoma of the SEC. Texas has the best NET, KenPom and BPI rating among the three thanks to its top-20 offense, but enters Selection Sunday with losses in five of its past six games after a first-round setback to Ole Miss on Wednesday at the SEC tournament. Oklahoma’s five-game winning streak entering Thursday included wins over Missouri and Texas. Missouri, meanwhile, leads in every results-based metric, which is why the Tigers’ spot in the field feels more secure than Texas or Oklahoma. The Longhorns have notable wins over Alabama and Vanderbilt in January, a 2-1 record this season against Missouri and Oklahoma, and several blowouts early to boost their predictive metrics. But they’ve also got a quad three loss on their resume, something neither Missouri nor Oklahoma have on theirs.
Coach Wes Miller entered his fifth season leading the Bearcats mentioned on hot seat lists and his departure seemed a foregone conclusion once Cincinnati began this season poorly. A surge in recent weeks, including wins over BYU and Kansas, boosted the Bearcats’ predictive metrics to that of a bubble team. Their results-based metrics still lag, however, with a quad four loss to Eastern Michigan in November looming particularly large now that they lost Wednesday’s Big 12 tournament game to UCF. This year’s soft bubble offers a glimmer of hope ahead of Selection Sunday, which could well determine Miller’s future.
The Cardinal’s metrics aren’t going to help them in the bubble conversation ahead of Selection Sunday, especially after their loss to Pittsburgh in the opening round of the ACC tournament. Stanford is outside the top 60 in predictive metrics and outside the 50 in results-based rankings, but a closer look at their resume explains why they will be considered by the selection committee. The Cardinal have a 9-8 record in quad one and quad two games. Most of their competition for the final at large spots have better metrics but don’t have an above .500 mark against the best teams on the schedule like Stanford.
If the Rams can’t secure the Atlantic-10 Conference’s automatic NCAA Tournament berth, their at-large candidacy could become a talking point on Selection Sunday. They certainly don’t want to risk losing Friday’s A-10 Conference tournament quarterfinal matchup. VCU’s predictive metrics lag behind its results-based metrics because its only loss in the past two months occurred on the road against league leader Saint Louis. But the Rams’ best wins in non conference play were over Virginia Tech and South Florida. VCU’s latest trip to March Madness could be decided by how tough the selection committee perceives the rest of the A-10 to be this season.
Following the New York Giants' agreement with John Harbaugh to become their next head coach, speculation quickly arose about the team targeting free agents from the Baltimore Ravens.
The Giants followed through, signing several former Ravens players to join Harbaugh in New York. The most notable addition was tight end Isaiah Likely, who signed a lucrative three-year deal.
On Thursday, Likely addressed the media for the first time as a Giant and spoke about quarterback Jaxson Dart, who—like Harbaugh—drew him to the team.
"Man, Jaxson, you know, a great quarterback, a great young quarterback. Obviously shows a lot of charisma when he's out there. Excited to get out there and play with him," Likely said. "When you watch him, you see the type of drive he has to win any game by any means necessary. You love that when you have a quarterback like that that's ready to do whatever it takes to win the game."
When asked if Dart was a strong recruiter, Likely later added, "He got me here."
Likely's strongest season came in 2024, when he recorded 42 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns while with the Ravens.
Likely now becomes the top tight end on the Giants' roster, no longer competing with Mark Andrews for targets. After losing Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and with Darius Slayton positioned as the No. 2 receiver, it appears Harbaugh envisions a larger role for Likely in the passing game.
The transition from Lamar Jackson to Jaxson Dart should not be too drastic, as the two quarterbacks share similar play styles. Dart's competitive nature proved infectious on the team last season, and his drive to win clearly helped attract Likely to New York.
Non‑conference play is officially in the books, and No. 20 Texas A&M (15–1, 0–0 SEC) will open SEC action with a marquee top‑10 matchup on the road against No. 9 Oklahoma (15–2, 0–0 SEC) at Kimrey Family Stadium in Norman.
The Aggies’ lone blemish came at the hands of No. 1 UCLA, which run‑ruled A&M in the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series. That loss came without two of the Aggies’ most important bats—Chris Hacopian and Wesley Jordan—both sidelined at the time. This weekend, A&M is expected to be much closer to full strength. Hacopian was not listed on the injury report, and Jordan is officially probable, giving the Aggies a strong chance to see both return at some point in the series.
In their absence, Sawyer Farr and Blake Binderup have stepped up in a big way. Binderup, in particular, has been one of the breakout stories of the early season, hitting .450 with four home runs and 14 RBI in limited at‑bats. As a team, the Aggies enter SEC play swinging with confidence—posting a .344 average, a 1.086 OPS, and 32 home runs. Caden Sorrell leads the club with eight homers and 28 RBI while hitting .407, and sophomore Terrence Kiel II is right behind him at .404.
Oklahoma has matched A&M stride for stride statistically and brings two high‑end weekend arms into the series. The Sooners also play a contrasting brand of baseball—aggressive, contact‑driven, and disruptive on the bases. Their 56 stolen bases are more than double the number of attempts by the Aggies, setting up a fascinating clash of styles against an A&M pitching staff focused on filling up the strike zone.
This weekend marks the 69th meeting between the programs, with the all‑time series deadlocked at 34–34. Oklahoma has taken the last two matchups, while A&M won the previous six. With decades of history behind them and the series tied entering the weekend, the winner in Norman will take the all‑time lead—at least until the next chapter is written.
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Jerry Jones's air conditioning bills in the sultry Texas summers must be ridiculous, because the man absolutely hates to close a door. Just as the Maxx Crosby fiasco seemed to die down on Thursday- with even the edge rusher himself seemingly confirming for fans he's a Raider to stay- Jones declined "to rule anything out" when asked if the Cowboys might re-engage in trade talks with Las Vegas. That bit of intrigue comes as Rashan Gary, the Cowboys' apparent Plan B after their first offer for Crosby fell through, immediately gets his Dallas contract re-worked and tells Cowboy Nation he's here to start "playing for some trophies."
The dust is also still settling on the departure of Osa Odighizuwa. Fans had thoughts on the trade that sent the popular defensive lineman to San Francisco, and one outlet suggests Dallas may have sent the wrong guy packing. We also got our first taste of what Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke will bring to the party, with the always-candid Sean Payton weighing on on what he really thinks of the safety he just lost in Denver.
In all, the Cowboys haven't truly "busted the budget" in free agency, but they do seem to be approaching this offseason with a different sense of urgency and defined purpose.
With the initial wave of signings seemingly over, Dallas added a late-night snack to the menu and signed CB Cobie Durant, formerly of the Los Ageneles Rams. With the needs changing for several teams, welcome a new slew of mock drafts. The Cowboys are still leaning heavily to defensive picks in the first round, with the usual suspects- Mansoor Delane, Akheem Mesidor, Jermod McCoy, and Caleb Downs- still in play. But there are also some lesser-buzzed-about names popping up now: hello, Jacob Rodriguez and... Zion Young???
Deals are still being done around the league, though. Former DFW product Kyler Murray is heading north to Minnesota, Dre Greenlaw is staying put in San Francisco, and former Cowboy Al-Quadin Muhammad is on his way to Tampa. There's a possibly contentious vote coming to the NFL players union that could ultimately have a massive ripple effect on pretty much everything, and while the Cowboys will no doubt remain the centerpiece of the league's annual Thanksgiving Week table, there may be a new appetizer on the menu as the NFL seriously explores a Wednesday night "Thanksgiving Eve" game.
Miami (Ohio) dropped its MAC quarterfinal to UMass to fall to 31-1 but the RedHawks don’t fall out of the USA TODAY Sports bracketology field prediction after an unbeaten regular season.
Thanks to results elsewhere during conference championship week – including one crucial result in the SEC – the RedHawks dip down the No. 11 line into one of the NCAA tournament play-in games. This wouldn’t be a terrible result for Miami, which is located just an hour from Dayton, Ohio, which hosts the play-in round.
Miami stays ahead of fellow bubble teams such as Auburn and Missouri, which lost in the second round of the SEC tournament, and Indiana, a loser to Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament.
Auburn had a chance to punch its NCAA ticket by beating Tennessee but couldn’t stop freshman Nate Ament, who returned from injury after missing about two weeks and poured in 27 points in the Volunteers’ 72-62 win. Missouri lost 78-72 to Kentucky and is now on the wrong side of the bubble.
Indiana was in position to make the field before its second loss of the season to Northwestern.
The bubble remains messy but is starting to get a little clearer as contenders advance in or fall out of tournament play.
One contender making a late move is Oklahoma, which dropped nine midseason games in a row but has rebounded to go 8-2 in its last 10. The Sooners have recently added wins against Auburn, Texas before strong efforts against South Carolina and Texas A&M at the SEC tournament.
Two contenders to watch are Mountain West rivals San Diego State and New Mexico, which will meet in the conference semifinals. While the Aztecs or Lobos could make it easy by going ahead and winning the MWC title, the winner of the semifinal is in good shape for an at-large spot.
With the first wave of free agency in the books, it is clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers and new head coach Mike McCarthy are committed to building a contending team in 2026. We've already dug in on who we think the Steelers will start on offense in Week One as things stand now and so this time around we turn our attention to the defense.
Defensive tackle - Cameron Heyward
The ageless returns and signed a one-year contract extension. We hope he bounces back after a bad 2025 season.
Nose tackle - Keeanu Benton
When Benton is good, he's great but we want to see more of those moments in 2026 as he inches closer to free agency.
Defensive end - Derrick Harmon
Harmon was the best defensive lineman on the team last season as a rookie and the sky is the limit for him as a pro.
Outside linebacker - T.J. Watt
Watt was just plain bad in 2025 and could be the player to benefit most from a new defensive coordinator.
Outside linebacker - Alex Highsmith
We were tempted to put Nick Herbig here and we do expect to see him take a larger and larger share of the snaps this season.
Inside linebacker - Payton Wilson
Wilson was the best inside linebacker on the team and we expect him to be the top guy again this year over Patrick Queen.
Inside linebacker - Patrick Queen
By the time the season starts, we won't be shocked if Queen has been traded to another team and it would change all of this. But if Queen stays, he could be supplanted by Wilson as the lead insider linebacker.
Cornerback - Joey Porter Jr.
Porter takes a lot of heat from the fans because of penalties but there isn't a better cornerback in the NFL at keeping receivers out of the end zone. This is the season where Porter can earn a massive payday.
Cornerback - Jamel Dean
Getting Dean in free agency gives the Steelers one of the best tandems in the AFC. Like Porter, Dean is a shutdown cornerback who just doesn't let receivers score.
Slot cornerback - Asante Samuel Jr.
Pittsburgh was quick to re-sign Samuel and we fully expect him to play even better than he did those final six games of the season and be a shutdown slot cornerback.
Free safety - Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey flourished once he was moved to free safety, so we are thankful the Steelers' offseason moves are going to allow Ramsey to stay in that spot in 2026.
Strong safety - Jaquan Brisker
The Steelers signed Brisker in free agency and this signals to us that the team isn't planning to bring Kyle Dugger back and the coaching staff and front office aren't sure about the upcoming status of DeShone Elliott.
CHICAGO – There was little bulletin board material coming out of the Ohio State men’s basketball locker room on March 12.
A 72-69 win against No. 9 seed Iowa punched a ticket to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament for the eighth-seeded Buckeyes. It also presented them with their latest, greatest opportunity. On March 13, in the first game of the day inside the United Center, Ohio State will get a third chance against its rival, No. 1 seed Michigan.
After a season of back-and-forth between the two programs, the Buckeyes didn’t add any fuel to the fire before playing the Wolverines.
“It’s just another opponent that’s in front of us, but our coaches are going to give us a great scout,” senior captain Bruce Thornton said. “We’re going to go out there and play our hardest and see where the ball lands.”
A few miles away during the preseason's Big Ten media day, Thornton said he was happy that the Big Ten had protected Ohio State and Michigan as a home-and-home series in the schedule because he would get to beat them twice in his final season of college basketball. Leading into the first game, sophomore Colin White said the Buckeyes were going into Ann Arbor “out for blood.”
Michigan won that game. Then it handed the Buckeyes a 21-point loss in Columbus, leading senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg to say he didn’t feel Ohio State was on the same level as the Wolverines.
Clearly, these teams don’t like each other a whole lot.
“It feels good,” senior center Christoph Tilly said when asked about a third shot at Michigan. “They’re a good team. We’re excited. We’re a good team, too. We’re excited for that game.”
Ohio State is 7-1 against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, but the two haven’t played each other in the postseason for five years. The Buckeyes won the matchup six years ago 68-67, while playing in the COVID-19 bubble tournament inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Michigan has never gone 3-0 against Ohio State in a season, but the Buckeyes have gone 3-0 against the Wolverines three times: the 2001-02, 2006-07 and 2010-11 seasons.
“We’ve talked about playing in big-time, meaningful games in March and late February,” coach Jake Diebler said. “We’re doing that. We’re living that out, and not only have we lived that out, we’ve won. This is another big opportunity.”
Diebler said rebounding would be the key to taking advantage of this latest opportunity and pointed out that sixth-year forward Brandon Noel, who is back to health after a foot injury suffered Jan. 5, could be an option against the Wolverines. Noel was a healthy, unused substitute against the Hawkeyes. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound veteran could help Ohio State’s interior presence.
Michigan is 29-2 overall and went 19-1 in the Big Ten with only a three-point home loss to Wisconsin on Jan. 10, depriving the Wolverines of a perfect conference season but still giving them an outright regular-season league title by four games.
As Ohio State warmed up for Iowa, the Wolverines and coach Dusty May walked into the arena and grabbed seats behind the basket the Buckeyes would shoot on during the second half. They stayed for the entire game.
“We’re used to playing in these big-opportunity games, because that’s how we’ve approached all of [our games],” Diebler said. “This one’s no different. We get to play against our rival again, which any time you get to do that is added bonus to the game. We’re excited about the opportunity in front of us [March 13].”
Ohio State men's basketball beat writer Adam Jardy can be reached at ajardy@dispatch.com, on Bluesky at @cdadamjardy.bsky.social or on Twitter at @AdamJardy.
Hame Faiva played for Italy in the 2023 World Cup in France [Getty Images]
Newcastle Red Bulls hooker Hame Faiva has retired from professional rugby because of injury at the age of 31.
Faiva, who won 10 caps for Italy and also played for Worcester Warriors and Bath, joined Newcastle last summer.
The New Zealand-born hooker only managed three games for the Red Bulls, the last of which was in November in a Prem Rugby Cup match.
"Hame is an outstanding character who can look back on a fantastic career, and it has been a pleasure having him as part of our group," said sporting general manager Neil McIlroy.
We asked for your opinions on title-chasing Scotland's team selection and chances of beating Ireland on Super Saturday in the Six Nations.
Here's what some of you said:
Dennis: Delighted to see Kyle Rowe get a chance. He performs week in week out for Glasgow and should have been given a chance before Blair Kinghorn given current form.
Ethan: I'd have picked Josh Bayliss in the second row ahead of Max Williamson. Not his natural position but he's been playing really well and has done a job at lock for Bath. Closest like for like for Gregor Brown of available players.
Kev: Looking forward to this. Slightly nervous about the Irish's ability to stifle the 13 channel, but if we can play with tempo like we did against France and keep the proverbial foot on the throat, we have a shout. Staying switched on, minimising JGP's [Jamison Gibson-Park] involvement and keeping the penalty count low will go a long way to allowing our backs to play. The forwards have to play as if it's the last game of their lives. Can't wait (and come on England).
Graeme: Two big calls, Williamson in the second row and the 5/3 split on the bench.
Frazer: Delighted, and slightly amazed, that Jack Dempsey is fit again! Thought he was carrying his arm at the end of the France game. Also expected a 6-2 split, Rowe coming is a classic Toony flip.
Ben: Strong backline but worried about the pack's relative quality. How many of the pack would start in the Irish pack? Rory Darge and both props is all I can think of based off this Championship's form.
Ewan: Not quite understanding the Bayliss decision or why he is not holding Zander Fagerson back for the second half. If it works he'll be a genius, if not questions will likely be asked.
The 2026 NWSL season kicks off on Friday with a pair of USWNT gold medalists going head-to-head. The Washington Spirit and Trinity Rodman will face off against the Portland Thorns and Sophia Wilson, who is set to make her highly-anticipated return from maternity leave. (More on that later).
Friday's Spirit-Thorns match is one of eight games on the NWSL's opening weekend slate as the league expands to 18 teams with the addition of expansion franchises Boston Legacy FC and Summit FC.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 NWSL season, from the biggest trades and biggest stars returning to the pitch, to the two new teams joining the league in Denver and Boston.
Recap of 2025 NWSL season
Before we look ahead to the 2026 season, let's take a second to catch up of all the action from 2025:
2025 NWSL Champions: Gotham FC
Gotham FC completed an unlikely underdog postseason run, defeating the Washington Spirit to win the 2025 NWSL championship 1-0 on Nov. 22. Rose Lavelle scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute. As the No. 8 seed, Gotham became the lowest seed to win an NWSL championship.
2025 NWSL Shield winner: Kansas City Current
The Kansas City Current recorded the winningest regular season in NWSL history. Kansas City claimed the NWSL Shield faster than any other team in league history with five matches left and had the most wins (21), points scored in a single season (65) and clean sheets (16). Despite the record year, the Current were stunned in the quarterfinals by Gotham FC. It's unlikely the Current will replicate the dominant season, but expect them to be at the top of the pack again, with head coach Chris Armas.
2025 NSWL MVP, Golden Boot Winner: Temwa Chawinga
Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga was named the NWSL's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, becoming the first player in league history to win the honor back-to-back. Sam Kerr is the only other player to win NWSL MVP twice. Chawinga also picked up her second straight Golden Boot with a league-high 15 goals in 23 matches.
Can Chawinga win the MVP and Golden Boot three consecutive years? She's starting at a slight disadvantage. Chawinga suffered a leg injury late last year and enters this season on the season-ending injury list. Kerr is the only player to win three straight Golden Boots (2017-19) and no player has won three straight MVPs.
Bring on the star power
Trinity Rodman
The biggest offseason question was whether or not Trinity Rodman would remain in Washington DC. That was answered when Rodman signed a deal reportedly worth more than $1 million a year through 2028, making her the highest paid player in league history. The deal was made possible by the high impact player rule, which allows clubs to exceed the league's salary cap by up to $1 million for players that meet certain criteria. (The NWSLPA filed a lawsuit, saying the league violated federal labor law.)
“We have raised the salary cap. We quadrupled the salary cap in the last three years,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said on Wednesday during her 2026 Kickoff Address. “If we want to … attract and retain top talent, we believe that having a targeted, tailored mechanism to do that will allow us to better achieve and more quickly achieve that objective.”
Rodman's health will be a big storyline heading into the season. The Olympic gold medalist was limited to a career-low 17 regular-season matches for the Spirit last season due to a lingering back issue. Rodman appeared to reaggravate her back injury late in the USWNT's 2-0 win over Argentina on March 1, but she went on to start the next two games in the SheBelieves Cup and lead the USWNT to its eighth title in the tournament.
Sophia Wilson, Mallory Swanson return from maternity leave
The NWSL is getting back a pair of Olympic gold medalists. Portland Thorns' Sophia Wilson and Chicago Stars' Mallory Swanson are expected to return to the pitch following maternity leave. Wilson welcomed daughter Gianna with NFL husband Michael Wilson in September. Swanson gave birth to daughter Josie with MLB husband Dansby Swanson in November.
Wilson, the 2022 NWSL MVP, made her return on March 6 in the Thorns' 5-1 preseason win over C.F. Monterrey, her first match since November 2024. Wilson subbed in the final 15 minutes and received a loud applause from the crowd. Wilson is on the Thorns' active roster ahead of the team's season opener against the Spirit on Friday.
It's not clear when Swanson will rejoin the Stars, but head coach Martin Sjögre confirmed it would happen at some point this season. Swanson didn't make an appearance during the preseason, but she'll give Chicago a much-needed boost whenever she returns after the Stars finished last in the standings with a 3-12-11 record last year.
Key offseason signings, trades
The Kansas City Current acquired forwardPenelope Hocking from Bay FC on March 11 for a $350,000 transfer fee. Hocking led Bay FC with six goals and one assist in 18 regular-season games.
The Kansas City Current acquiredmidfielder Croix Bethune from the Washington Spirit in a $1 million transfer on Feb. 11. Bethune was named midfielder of the year and rookie of the year in 2024. “Her elite creativity and passing ability combined with her tactical versatility... make her a great fit for our club," KC Current general manager Ryan Dell said.
Bay FC acquired midfielder Claire Hutton from the Kansas City Current in a $1.1 million transfer on Feb. 11, marking one of the highest transfer fees between two NWSL teams and one of the highest for any women’s player worldwide. Hutton was named to the NWSL Best XI First Team last season.
Gotham FC acquired veteran midfielder Savannah McCaskill from San Diego Wave FC in a $175,000 transfer on Jan. 2. She appeared in 21 regular-season games least season.
Denver Summit, Boston FC make their debuts
The NWSL is expanding from 14 to 16 teams with the additions of Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC. Expect the expansion franchises to come out of the gate hot.
"We want to be competitive from the very first day," Legacy FC GM Domènec Guasch told USA TODAY Sports.
Both teams assembled their inaugural rosters without the help of the NWSL draft or expansion draft, which were eliminated in the latest collective bargaining agreement following the 2024 season. Summit FC may have landed the biggest offseason signing right from their own backyard. USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps will join Summit FC in June following the conclusion of her 2025–26 season with OL Lyonnes in France. The midfielder played for the Portland Thorns from 2016-2022.
The excitement for both teams is palpable. Summit FC has already sold 50,000 tickets for the team's first home match at Empower Field at Mile High on March 28, which will break the single-game NWSL attendance record of 40,091 and set a record for the highest attended women's professional game in any sport in the U.S., Berman said.
The NWSL isn't done growing. By 2028, the league will expand to 18 teams. The 17th franchise was awarded to Atlanta in November and the 18th team will "be awarded later this year," Berman added.
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
Matthew Tkachuk embraces the role of NHL villain, so his smirk after goading referee Cody Beach into a soft tripping call on Adam Fantilli’s hustle play in overtime wasn’t surprising.
Neither was Sam Reinhart’s goal at 2:19 into OT on March 12 at Amerant Bank Arena, lifting the Florida Panthers to a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jackets on the resulting power play. The Jackets grumbled as they left the ice, but one soft call wasn’t the only reason they dropped a big point in Sunrise, Florida.
The main reason stood in front of the Panthers’ net all night, as goalie Sergei Bobrovsky did to his former team what he usually does to them. Stopping 30 of 31 shots, Bobrovsky improved to 15-2-1 against the Blue Jackets, who gained just one point on the Boston Bruins instead of tying them at 78 points in a race for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.
"We should've scored more goals,” Fantilli told reporters during a televised interview on FanDuel Sports Network. “Their goalie stood on his head, but I thought we carried the play for the majority of that game. We made a push in the third, but I thought we dominated, for the most part.”
They just couldn’t beat Bobrovsky, who's now 37 and a pending free agent again.
Even when Bobrovsky struggled against the Jackets on Dec. 6 in Sunrise, allowing six goals, he still got a win after the Panthers staged a huge comeback aided by bad officiating and a Blue Jackets meltdown.
Columbus should’ve won that game, but didn’t and lost a point in overtime. The Jackets should’ve won this one, too, but Bobrovsky played like the guy who twice won the Vezina Trophy in Columbus as the NHL’s top goalie. He was razor sharp from start to finish.
Fantilli fired the only shot that beat him, and that was a hard wrist shot off a 2-on-1 rush in the second period. Otherwise, Bobrovsky stopped 30 of 31 shots to frustrate the Blue Jackets while they mostly dictated play.
“Listen, we gave up 16 shots on net for 60 minutes,” Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness said during his televised press conference on FanDuel Sports Network. “We dominated the game. Give Bob credit. He was the difference in the game, it’s as simple as that. We had our chance in overtime. We miss the net by inches, and they get the power play.”
During his seven seasons with the Blue Jackets, Bobrovsky backstopped them into the postseason four times (2016-2019. He struggled during the postseason, especially against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he was elite in the regular season.
Bobrovsky was 30 when his last contract with the Jackets was up in 2019, so former general manager Jarmo Kekalainen balked at paying him $10 million a year for eight years. Bobrovsky took that as a slight, played his final season fin Columbus angry at management, and bolted for South Florida to accept an offer of $70 million over seven years.
He struggled in the first few years of it, making the Blue Jackets look wise, but Bobrovsky eventually found his second wind. He led the Panthers to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Vegas Golden Knights, before backstopping them to the past two Stanley Cup titles.
After struggling most of this season, he rounded into form again facing the Blue Jackets.
"Bobby's sitting on his head all night," Panthers forward Sam Bennett said. "He was really the spark all game. He's the one that kept us fighting right to the end and we were just fortunate to capitalize on the power (play)."
It’s that time of year again, free agency is upon us. NFL teams can begin to negotiate with free agents starting on Monday at 11 a.m. CT and players can officially be signed by a new team on Wednesday, March 11 at 3 pm CT, which marks the start of the new league year.
Canal Street Chronicles will keep you updated on the New Orleans Saints latest signings, rumors, trades and more with this free agency live tracker and feel free to leave your thoughts on all the latest moves in the comment section below.
MONDAY, MARCH 9:
Saints re-sign DT John Ridgeway
The Saints re-signed DT John Ridgeway to a two-year deal worth $6.2 million, per source
Another big punter deal: Former Vikings punter Ryan Wright is signing a four-year, $14 million deal that includes $8 million guaranteed with the Saints, per source.
Source: Former Jaguars RB Travis Etienne will be signing with the New Orleans Saints. He’s from Louisiana and it was important for him to be near home. pic.twitter.com/fDFkejvqe5
The Saints restructured the contract of center Erik McCoy, adding a void year and converting $8.7 million of his base salary + his 500,000 roster bonus into a signing bonus to save $7.36 million against the 2026 salary cap.
The #Saints are adding a lynchpin on defense, signing former #Falcons LB Kaden Elliss, sources say.
He gets a 3-year, $33M deal with $23M guaranteed in a deal done by agents Malki Kawa and Ethan Lock of @FirstRoundMgmt. Max value is nearly $39M. pic.twitter.com/pz1sWTmSih
Punter trade! The #Texans are trading for #Saints punter Kai Kroeger, sources say, with the teams swapping 6th and 7th rounders in 2028. pic.twitter.com/Oe5r1maAAp
Veteran center Luke Fortner is signing with the Panthers on a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million, per source. Deal negotiated by Octagon Football. pic.twitter.com/bniFoppvF0
Alex Bowman's struggle with vertigo has made the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup season stressful for Hendrick Motorsports, said Kyle Larson, 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, will miss a second consecutive race on March 15 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He was replaced on March 8 by Anthony Alfredo at Phoenix. Justin Allgaier will replace Bowman at Las Vegas.
"You hate to see any driver go through any medical condition where they have to sit out, and with Alex being a great teammate for us, you really hate to see it," Larson said. "I hope that Alex can get recovered and get back in the car and be fresh and confident. It's been a stressful beginning of the year for Hendrick Motorsports, but I think everybody's handled it very well."
This is not the first time that Bowman, 32, has dealt with an injury-related absence. He missed five consecutive races in 2022 after sustaining a concussion in a wreck at Texas Motor Speedway.
And in 2023, Bowman fractured his vertebra in a sprint car crash.
These issues, along with his inability to keep pace with Larson and fellow Hedrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott, made 2026 a pivotal year for Bowman, who is nearing the end of the three-year contract extension he signed in 2023.
Larson said he has remained in touch with Bowman since Bowman had to sit out Circuit of the Americas on March 1.
"It's sad all the things Alex has gone through ... with concussions and a broken back or neck, sitting out from all of that," Larson said. "He's just a great guy, and you want to see him in the car. It's just unfortunate."
Hendrick Motorsports provided an update on Bowman's condition on March 11.
"Alex continues to work closely with doctors toward being medically cleared, but he’s still experiencing some lingering symptoms," Hendrick Motorsports president Jeff Andrews said in a news release. "He’s put a lot into the recovery process, and we will continue to support him every step of the way. Our priority remains making sure Alex is fully ready before returning to the race car."
While it is still early in the season, the time off has made Bowman a long shot for the playoffs. He is last in the regular-season standings among the 36 full-time drivers.
Alfredo, who competes full-time in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, finished 33rd, filling in for Bowman at Phoenix. He was in the top 10 before getting caught up in a wreck.
"Anthony Alfredo did an amazing job last week stepping in," Larson said. "I was very happy to see him get an opportunity in top-tier equipment. I wish he wouldn't have gotten caught up in that wreck because I think he was going to have a great finish. And Allgaeir has got a lot of experience for sure. He's been racing stock cars for a long time. He did a great job filling in for me when I did the double stuff."
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
Both sides were evenly poised for 75 minutes as Chelsea came from behind twice to match the European champions.
However, Filip Jorgensen’s howler gifted PSG a third goal via Vitinha before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came off the bench to net a brace, leaving Chelsea on the brink of elimination.
Chelsea have won 11 of their last 12 Premier League home games against Newcastle, and Liam Rosenior’s side will be keen to extend that record to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.
Newcastle were denied a historic Barcelona victory by Lamine Yamal’s last-gasp penalty.
Harvey Barnes had put the Magpies ahead in the 86th minute before Yamal’s 95th-minute penalty tied the game heading into the second leg next week at Camp Nou.
Newcastle ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start at Manchester United with a 2-1 win in their last Premier League outing thanks to William Osula’s stoppage-time winner.
The Magpies have avoided defeat in five of their last seven Premier League games against Chelsea (W3 D2 L2), more times than they had in their previous 15 (W3 D1 L11).
Team news
Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian could return to the matchday squad after their respective injury spells, while this fixture is too early for Levi Colwill after returning to full team training following a hamstring injury.
Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes and Emil Krafth are sidelined for the Magpies.
How Arsenal coach called out Bayer Leverkusen boss
Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand has shared how Nicolas Jover called him out after the opening goal of Wednesday’s Champions League first leg against Arsenal.
Image via TNT Sports
Bayer Leverkusen scored the opening goal of their Champions League last-16 tie against Arsenal on Wednesday with a set piece, as Robert Andrich headed home at the far post for 1-0.
The goal came from a smart bit of blocking, with Bayer Leverkusen players jamming up the middle of the six-yard box to allow Andrich space for the header.
But the irony was that Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand had been complaining about this very technique the previous day.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
“We set blocks to create space for other players. Sometimes it happens far away from the ball. And as I understand football, when you make a body check, the ball has to be in play,” Hjulmand said on Tuesday.
“I just wonder: is it within the rules that you can block without the ball being near you?”
After Andrich’s goal, Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover could be seen speaking to Hjulmand, and the Leverkusen boss explained afterwards what was said.
“I’m just questioning (before the game), is it actually in the rules that you can bodycheck and take players out without the ball? So he was just looking [and saying], ‘you do it too?’ Yeah, we are doing it too,” Hjulmand admitted.
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
Fortunately, Arsenal managed to get a late equaliser to ensure the corner goal wasn’t the winner on the night, and the Gunners will now have the chance for revenge at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
As for Hjulmand’s dispute with Jover, it just goes to show that everyone is ready to complain about Arsenal benefitting from the way the game is officiated, but that won’t stop them trying to exploit the same weaknesses themselves.
To Hjulmand’s credit, it seems he’s more than happy to admit as much.
First league match in 2026: BVB women set to return to league action
The scenarioThe BVB women have completed a week of varied training sessions and challenging friendly matches. They ended their 14-week break from competitive action with a 1-0 victory in a friendly against Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen. This weekend, the team will be back in action in the Regionalliga West. With 11 matchdays remaining, the Black & Yellows are in second place in the table with 35 points and an excellent goal difference (65 goals scored and only 9 conceded). Six points separate the team from the league leaders, 1. FC Köln's U21s, who have already played one game more.
Personnel mattersAlmost the entire team will travel to Mönchengladbach on Sunday. The game comes too soon for Ann-Sophie Vogel after her partial integration into team training. “She trained very intensively yesterday, but she'll probably need another week or two,” explains Markus Högner. After her shoulder surgery, Sara Ito completed part of her rehabilitation in Japan and she is expected to rejoin team training soon. Marah Tayeh, who was briefly sidelined with a cold after the international break, has returned to full training. Dana Marquardt (cruciate ligament rupture) and Mia Scholle (cruciate ligament rupture) remain sidelined for the long term.
The opponentBorussia Mönchengladbach's second team has so far been unable to build on its performances from last season. Last year's runners-up are currently tenth in the table after the winter break. They have picked up 14 points (three wins and five draws) from 15 games. In their most recent preparations, the team lost friendly matches against league rivals Deutz 05 (2-3) and 1. FFC Recklinghausen (4-7). Given the young team and after the long break, Markus Högner nevertheless expects “a surprise package”.
Focus on the second half of the seasonLeague matches instead of friendlies – starting this week, the coaching team and the squad will be changing their training routine again. “When we play in the league each week, we prepare specifically for the upcoming opponent on a weekly basis,” reveals Markus Högner. Nevertheless, the focus must remain on our own game. “Control of the game, solutions in tight spaces and good counter-pressing” are the head coach's main tasks for the coming weeks. These are attributes that his team implemented in their 7-0 victory in the reverse fixture. Ronja Leubner, Dana Marquardt and Rita Schumacher scored twice each, while captain Paula Reimann made it 4-0 before half-time.
Inter Milan Close In On Move For Former Arsenal Defender As Media Play Down Speculation Linking France Forward With Juventus
Inter Milan’s interest in Genoa wing-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy is set to be revived this summer, while speculation linking Marcus Thuram with a move to Juventus has been firmly dismissed by transfer expert Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s channel.
Inter had already moved to block a deal for the former Arsenal defender in January, with the Englishman a genuine and concrete target at the time.
His arrival was contingent on Denzel Dumfries departing, a move that ultimately did not materialise, shelving the pursuit.
But with Norton-Cuffy still expected to leave Genoa in June, Moretto confirms that the door remains open.
Inter Among Clubs Chasing Genoa Wing-Back Norton-Cuffy As Thuram To Juventus Played Down
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Clubs from both Serie A and the Premier League are monitoring the situation.
And, indeed, Inter are well positioned to reignite their interest given the groundwork already laid in the winter window.
On Thuram, Moretto was unequivocal in shooting down the Juventus links that had circulated in recent hours.
There are no contacts between the parties, Juventus have other priorities in attack, and the France forward is simply not on their radar.
The suggestion that Thuram could reunite with his brother Khephren at the Allianz Stadium made for an appealing narrative.
However, Moretto makes clear it has no substance at this stage.
Indeed, with the striker’s name currently dividing opinion within Inter’s own board rather than generating concrete interest elsewhere.
Q: Ira, after listening to Erik Spoelstra speak before the Bucks game, do you think he would have done that for any other player? – Sam.
A: If you’re asking whether he would do it for a player who had 30 in the first quarter, 40 at half and 70 after three, then the answer is a definitive yes. The moment creates itself and doesn’t matter whether it’s a favorite of the coach or someone in the midst of something magical. The pathway to Bam Adebayo’s 83 was organic until the closing minutes, when it, as it should have, took on a life of its own. So, yes, it would have been the same with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Jimmy Butler, heck, Hassan Whiteside, if that was the case. Sports are about moments. Tuesday night provided the opportunity for a moment and Erik Spoelstra was just and obligated to live in that moment. A coach who stands by his players, what a novel notion.
Q: Ira, when Tyler Herro sat out against the Wizards, I thought it was because it was the Wizards. But the Bucks, too? That’s a damn shame. – Nick.
A: Yes, it is, because by all indications, Tyler Herro was committed to do everything in his power to ride it out when he returned from his rib injury. But quad strains can be tricky, and there are enough remaining significant games, that perhaps it’s better for all involved just to get it right. The fact that he had been upgraded to questionable for Thursday night perhaps creates hope for Saturday against the visiting Magic.
Q: The falloff and fatigue after 83 points is very real. – B.C.
A: How could it not be? And the problem is the lack of much in the way of a support system, with Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Tyler Herro out. What Bam Adebayo needs is a support system, preferably by Saturday night’s showdown against the Magic. Still, when needed most, he came through at the finish on Thursday night. What looked like an off night, turned into a typical night, it not necessary an 83-point night.
The Athletic journalist drops Man Utd transfer bombshell: West Ham’s ‘Assist King’ could join the Reds
Manchester United have reportedly added young West Ham United left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf to their summer shortlist.
INEOS are bracing themselves for what should be an eventful summer, especially if Michael Carrick were to lead them to Champions League qualification and thus unlock additional resources.
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While the major emphasis has thus far been on the midfield revamp, other departments need to be addressed as well, including the full-back slots.
Man Utd add El Hadji Malick Diouf to left-back shortlist
But if Man Utd were to return to Europe next season, they would certainly need extra depth on the left flank. After all, Shaw’s injury struggles are well-documented, despite being mostly fit this season.
The Athletic journalist Carl Anka reckons that a new left-back could be on the agenda for Jason Wilcox and Co.
While he doesn’t 100% confirm the news, the inside hints that El Hadji Malick Diouf is one profile that Man Utd officials have been keeping an eye on.
“I believe they have an LB long-list somewhere. I have an idea on some players who might emerge on it, such as West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf,” said Anka.
“I cannot say United are looking to sign a left-back. Nor should you say United want to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf.”
Why Man Utd are interested in Diouf
Diouf is a Senegalese international who started his career in his home country before making the move to Europe. He had a couple of experiences with Tromso in Norway and Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic before joining West Ham last summer on a deal worth £20 million.
The 21-year-old has been one of the best revelations in the Premier League this season. He was hailed as the club’s new ‘Assist King’ after creating five goals for his teammates.
Transfermarkt estimates his value at €28 million (£24m), but West Ham will likely request a higher figure to part ways with one of the most promising young stars in their ranks.
That being said, the East Londoners are currently involved in a relegation dogfight, and their demotion could force them to relinquish the services of some of their most prized assets on unfavourable terms.
The Crew's lineup in three games under new head coach Henrik Rydstrom has looked very similar to last season's lineup. However, "new blood" has arrived in Columbus and could shake up the starting 11.
Over the last year, multiple Crew players and coaches coming from overseas have dealt with prolonged waiting periods for visas, including Rydstrom and designated player Wessam Abou Ali.
With Gomes and Akhundzade officially joining the team ahead of the matchup against Nashville SC on March 14, the Crew have their full roster for the first time this season.
"We went into this season without, really, a new player," Rydstrom said. "When you have that kind of new player like Gomes, it will always be that other players will look up to him. But, they also want to perform good because he is here, it's very natural as human beings. So, you need that to find even more motivation and energy. We needed new blood."
Gomes, 32, has one of the longest resumes on the roster, spending multiple seasons with Premier League's Everton FC and La Liga's FC Barcelona since starting his professional career in 2012.
Gomes fills a big need for Columbus.
After Darlington Nagbe retired, the Crew had to find someone to slot next to Dylan Chambost in the center midfield. Rydstrom had hoped on that being 2026 MLS SuperDraft selection Tarun Karumanchi.
Karumanchi spent the preseason working with the first team after being drafted out of UCLA with the 49th pick. But before the 22-year-old could sign a contract with the Crew on the first-team or MLS NEXT Pro level, he suffered a broken ankle and is now working with the club on his recovery.
Without Chambost or Karumanchi, Amar Sejdic and Taha Habroune have been at center midfield, but Gomes brings a veteran presence 20-year-old Habroune has yet to obtain and more experience at the position that 29-year-old Sejdic.
"If we talk about the players that are not available, it sounds like bad excuses, and I don't want to have it," Rydstrom said. "But Dylan has not been able to play now, and Tarun. ... So, two central players that have not been able to play together. Of course, that affects a lot of things.
"So, to have more options, it's important."
Akhundzade, a U22 initiative player out of Azerbaijan, is likely going to have more of an impact on the offensive end, compared to Gomes, especially when the Crew play with four center backs.
"We have the wingbacks that are providing the width," Rydstrom said. "But Nariman is a natural winger to the right that can cut inside, and that's what we have missed, a little bit."
The Wisconsin Badgers have not one, but two official visits lined up with class of 2027 defensive tackle Will Zaccagnino.
After previously learning Zaccagnino would be visiting on April 28, the No. 4 defensive end in New England has now added another visit to his already busy schedule. With upcoming visits planned at UConn, Navy, Army, Michigan State, Duke, and Penn State, Zaccagnino announced on March 11 that he would also be visiting Madison from May 28-31.
Zaccagnino tagged Badgers head coach Luke Fickell, defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow, and safeties coach Jack Cooper in his post.
Wisconsin currently has two defensive commitments in its class of 2027, though both are in-state recruits. In fact, all four of its commitments come from Wisconsin natives.
Zaccagnino currently plays for St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, CT. He visited UConn on March 7, so it's up to the Badgers to convince him that Wisconsin is the best place for him to go. Standing 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Zaccagnino was named First Team All-FCIAC, CHSCA First-Team All-State Top 30, New Haven Register First-Team All-State, and Walter Camp All-CT First Team in his junior season.
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CLEMSON – Clemson football defensive back and former Mauldin High standout Jaedyn Lukus had some NFL scouts doing double-takes March 12 at Pro Day.
His broad jump of 11 feet, 7 inches was 4 inches better than anybody at the NFL Combine, which was held Feb. 26-March 1 in Indianapolis and open to a select group of prospects.
“I knew I would test well,” said Lukus, whose 40-yard dash of 4.41 seconds was tied for the best at Clemson Pro Day with wide receiver Antonio Williams. “I’ve always been super-athletic, so I knew that would help me out, especially after this past year.”
Lukus played in 14 games in 2024 with 38 tackles and seven pass breakups. In 2025, he played 11 games with 13 tackles and no passes defended.
“I have more than enough athletic ability to play on any team anywhere,” Lukus said. “Everyone hopes that everything goes perfectly. But I know that I wouldn’t be the same person with the ups and downs.”
Why Clemson OL felt ‘special angel’ on Pro Day
Clemson offensive Ryan Linthicum thinks he got a boost as he worked out for NFL scouts at Pro Day.
Linthicum’s best friend, former Clemson teammate Bryan Bresee, a defensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, was there to support Linthicum on a bittersweet day.
It was the birthday of Bresee’s late sister, Ella, who died at age 15 on Sept. 15, 2022, of medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
"I had a special angel looking over me today,” Linthicum said. “I had a really, really good day. There’s always good and there’s always bad. But I knew Ella was watching over me. It got me a little teary-eyed. ... For Bryan to be here on her birthday was surreal.”
Clemson's Blake Miller sees draft stock rising
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller had long been considered by NFL scouts as a second-round draft pick at best.
But Miller (6-6, 315) is creeping up draft boards and now is seen as a player who might not make it to the second round.
“Teams don’t give you a concrete, Hey, we think you’re here.’ I’m not worried about that right now,” Miller said. “I try not to get stressed out about it. I just try to take it one day at a time, you know? Like today, I wasn’t worried about what drill we had coming up. I was just having a good time with my friends. If you’re enjoying things, there’s no stress.”
Clemson RB Adam Randall showed WR skills
Adam Randall began his Clemson career as a wide receiver and finished as the team’s No. 1 tailback.
Even some of the scouts didn’t know that first part, he said.
“Not everyone remembers that," Randall said. "Today, I wanted to show scouts my versatility. I can be used in so many different ways, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I think I did a good job of showing that. ... I Just wanted to show people that I’m still comfortable doing everything on a football field.”
Randall (6-2, 235) finished his career with 84 catches for 787 yards and five touchdowns. Used exclusively as a running back in 2025, he ran for 814 yards (4.8 per carry) and 10 TDs.
Todd Shanesy covers high school athletics for the Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail in the USA TODAY Network. Contact him by email at todd.shanesy@shj.com. Follow him on X, formerly called Twitter, at @ToddShanesySHJ.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Doncic knows he is now the face of the franchise in the Lakers organization. However, he made it clear this past summer that he wants to win now.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
The thing is, James and Doncic haven’t always played their best together this season. Doncic and Austin Reaves have often been more dominant while James has taken a backseat. On Thursday night, Doncic made it clear what the Lakers need to do for James.
“We gotta get him some more shots and keep getting him involved on offense,” Doncic told the media.
James has been very unselfish with his playstyle this season, trying to accommodate Doncic and Reaves. Now, it seems the offense is working on a way to get him more involved.
With some crucial games down the stretch, it will be interesting to see how the Lakers implement a more ball-dominant James. Perhaps the team is more comfortable together now than they have been all season.
The Tigers will face West Chester Lakota West at 7 p.m. March 14 at Taft. The Firebirds pulled away in the second half for a 55-35 win over Olentangy Berlin in the other semifinal March 12.
Elsewhere, Grandview Heights lost to Berlin Hiland 70-44 in Division VI and Shekinah Christian lost to Leesburg Fairfield 54-41 in Division VII.
Here are two takeaways from the Division I regional semifinals:
Pickerington Central holds on to defeat Centerville
Central coach Eric Krueger believed his team was better than its No. 9 seed in the district tournament.
The Tigers (17-8) have shown that in the postseason, moving one win from a state tournament berth.
“I think we were a little bit better than the ninth seed,” Krueger said. “We played a really tough schedule. We want to play for March. There’s going to be some times during the season where you battle adversity. We definitely did that. We were finally healthy at the district [tournament] and we had our full roster.”
Holding a 57-56 lead on Centerville with 30.4 seconds remaining, the Tigers were aided by a foul and subsequent technical foul against the Elks’ Trey Sam, leading to four free throws by Albee Moore and a 61-56 advantage.
Moore led Central with 19 points, and KD Smith and Landon Evans added 13 apiece.
“Our kids are battle-tested, and they’re a great group of kids,” Krueger said. “I really love coaching them. It’s been a lot of fun coaching these guys, and I’m glad we’re finally where we need to be as far as our personnel and actually having a full group of starters and our rotation.”
Julian Sam led the Elks (18-7) with 20 points. Sam Keely scored 12 and Ty Rohrer added 10.
Big second half sends Lakota West past Olentangy Berlin
The Firebirds (23-1) outscored Berlin 33-17 in the second half, running away from a Bears team making its regional semifinal debut.
“We felt really good at halftime [trailing 22-18],” Berlin coach Donovon Barrett said. “We felt like we could compete and we just kept talking about competing and being physical, rebound and don’t give them too many transition buckets.”
Noah Bruns led the Bears (17-8) with 15 points.
Bryce Curry led Lakota West with 14 points and Josh Tyson added 10.
“We hung around in the game in the third even though it was a little shaky for a while,” Barrett said. “About the middle of the fourth, they wore us down a little bit and we started making some mistakes. ... That’s what happens when you play good teams.”
Seeded 13th in the district tournament, Berlin knocked off No. 6 Dublin Coffman 53-50 and No. 10 Westland 60-51 in its first district final. The school opened in 2018.
“We upset two higher-seeded teams in the district,” Barrett said. “We felt really good, excited. We really didn’t know how good we could be. We just kept talking about getting a little bit better. The good sign is we were playing our best basketball at the end of the year. That’s good for our program. It’s good for our school.”
Lakota West now prepares for Central.
“It’s a really good matchup for us,” coach Kelven Moss said. “We’re excited to compete. [Krueger] does a great job preparing his guys, so it should be fun on Saturday.”
Dundee have gone from being many people's tips for relegation, to a team that could well finish top of the bottom six.
While it's open to debate whether achieving that feat in a 12-team league is anything to celebrate, it is all about context and Dundee - and head coach Steven Pressley - have proved their doubters wrong as the weeks have ticked by.
Last weekend's 2-1 Premiership win over Motherwell felt important. It was a significant victory over a side flying high and who have been riding a wave of plaudits. Now those plaudits are coming the Dark Blues' way.
It has rightly been noted Dundee's improved performances haven't necessarily been reflected in their results – but that is starting to change.
They have now lost just three of their past 11 league games.
And that success over Motherwell not only lifted them up to eighth in the table – just two points behind neighbours United – it also had the air of being a statement win.
They have the chance to deliver another serious statement when they host United in the derby on Sunday.
I've sensed a feelgood factor on numerous occasions at Dens Park in recent times. A win over their big rivals would make it soar further and help them leapfrog their neighbours in the table.
No stranger to the trade rumor mill this offseason, there’s another theory to suggest Minnesota Vikings wideout Jordan Addison could be shipped elsewhere, this time a fancy proposal involving the Las Vegas Raiders.
The latest Addison rumor sends him to Las Vegas in a splashy draft-week proposal.
Las Vegas already grabbed one Vikings wide receiver this week; why not two, says SI.com‘s Thomas Carelli.
Raiders Proposal Put Addison Back in the Trade Spotlight
It would be the Vikings’ first trade of the offseason.
A detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet rests on the sideline before preseason action at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 23, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. The equipment shot captured the calm before kickoff as players prepared for exhibition play during the NFL preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
SI.com: Addison to Raiders Makes Sense
Carelli believes the Raiders could secure Addison’s services for a tight end and two draft picks.
He wrote this week, “Raiders Get: Jordan Addison. Vikings Get: Michael Mayer. 2026 2nd Round Pick. 2027 4th Round Pick. Coach Kubiak needs to add weapons around Fernando Mendoza. With their depth chart so brutally thin at wide receiver, the team may look to an elusive, proven weapon by dealing for Addison. In doing so, they can avoid giving up too much while having a player with great, explosive ability to jump-start the offense, avoiding the need to give up this low-tiered offense.”
“The one advantage that the Vikings have with Addison is that they owe him less than $5 million against the 2026 cap. In 2027, he will demand his backloaded $18 million. The Vikings may desire to escape this reality and push the money to another team to pay. In making this deal, they shed long-term money, and that helps them reshuffle, which supports their short-term rebuild.”
It’s worth noting that 2nd-Rounder in Carelli’s deal would be Pick No. 36 overall — the fourth selection in Round 2.
Addison, Nailor, and the New LV WR Corps, if So
Vikings WR3 from the last few seasons, Jalen Nailor, signed with the Raiders on Wednesday, bringing home $35 million over the next three seasons. So, yes, Las Vegas has already pilfered a Minnesota wideout; how about a duo, says Carelli.
If so, the Raiders would be on tap for the WR group in 2026:
Jordan Addison
Jalen Nailor
Tre Tucker
Jack Bech
Dont’e Thornton
Shedrick Jackson
Justin Shorter
Brenden Rice
Phillips Dorsett II
For the start of Mendoza’s early career, assuming the Raiders don’t swerve and trade out of the pick, the Indiana alumnus would basically have Vikings-lite.
The Addison Deadline
Meanwhile, Minnesota must decide to exercise Addison’s fifth-year option by May 1st. Some interpret that day as an Addison trade deadline — if getting rid of him is real in the first place. Speculation about trading Addison stems from a series of troubling off-field incidents. In 2023, Addison was stopped near the Twin Cities for driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone. Although he attributed the incident to a dog emergency and it was ultimately classified as a misdemeanor, the incident raised concerns.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) goes through pregame warmups before kickoff at Lumen Field on Aug. 10, 2023, in Seattle, Washington. Addison prepared with teammates ahead of the preseason matchup as the rookie receiver adjusted to NFL game routines early in his professional career. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.
The following year, more serious trouble emerged when Addison was found intoxicated and asleep in his car on a Los Angeles freeway. The ordeal cast a shadow over the Vikings for months, eventually leading to probation and a three-game suspension from the NFL.
Then, during the 2025 season, Addison further strained his relationship with the team by skipping a walkthrough in London, prompting head coach Kevin O’Connell to bench him for a quarter in the subsequent game. Most recently, Addison was reportedly removed from a Florida casino and briefly detained for trespassing.
If Addison is traded, it will be because Addison isn’t worth the headache, and it will likely happen in six weeks during the draft.
The Package
Minnesota would actually grab a sweet haul from Las Vegas in Carelli’s. Mayer could still have TE1 upside; he was buried on the depth chart after the Raiders drafted Brock Bowers. He’s probably entitled to a fresh start and may be hiding a real TE1 skill set.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison celebrates after scoring his first NFL touchdown during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sep. 10, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rookie reached the end zone against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking an early-career milestone during his debut season with Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The 2nd-Rounder, too, is intriguing. Minnesota could realistically flip the 36th overall pick into one of these players from April’s draftboard, given their current draft outlook:
C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
Generally speaking, the likelihood of an Addison trade is low. The club has stuck with him thus far; there’s no reason to believe they would let him go now, especially since the next two years of Addison’s contract are somewhat affordable.
On the other hand, a Minnesota trade involving outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, possibly to the Philadelphia Eagles, does feel likely. Greenard wants an extension that the Vikings may not have in the budget.
Sometimes the only way to talk about a strange, transitional fulcrum point in the history of a 66-year-old organization still trying to figure out its identity is to start with a sentence no one's ever typed before.
Approximately 2,500 fans packed into The Pinnacle for an evening that was part light show, part orchestral performance, part variety act, part professional wrestling promotion, part catwalk and part cultural reset.
The main event, introduced by Titans legend Eddie George, featured a promo video that introduced the season ticket holders in attendance to the Titans' sleeker, flame-less logo and sleeker, practically-navy-free uniforms. Hundreds of smartphones shot into the air as the video began, with the auteurs blissfully unaware that the pre-tape they were re-taping was concurrently being shared online to the 1.2 million users on X who watched the video within the first 90 minutes of it being posted, plus the viewers who found and circulated the video on Facebook (127,000 views in those first 90 minutes), Instagram (37,000 likes in the first 90 minutes) and TikTok (21,000 more likes in those 90 minutes).
So... why?
"The inspiration here was 2045," said Burke Nihill, Titans CEO, earlier in the day a couple hours before the big reveal in a private session with local media. "Who is this team in 2045? If you’re going to take a moment and you’re going to bring all of those best elements together to create a next chapter that’s going to stand the test of time, we felt like it was possible and we felt like we pulled it off."
Twenty-seven years ago, the Tennessee Titans were born. The Houston Oilers were fazed out. The oil derrick gave way to a fireball affectionately (or derisively) nicknamed the "flaming thumbtack." Those Titans won 49.2% of their games, made the playoffs 10 times in 27 seasons and haven't been back to the Super Bowl since their debut season.
Twenty-seven years from now, it'll be 2053. Nihill's betting he won't be CEO then. But he's betting on the decisions made over the course of this rebrand surviving that long and beyond. He and Titans senior vice president of brand marketing Erin Swartz are evoking terms like "classic" and "timeless" and "iconic." The bet on simplicity is a bet on resonance. The most famous and longest-lasting brands in American sports are basic in their memorability. Just a couple of colors, an elemental font and an uncomplicated, un-busy, ageless logo. Hence three circles, three stars and a block T.
The problem with pitching something as timeless is, well, we live in time. Calling something instantly timeless is a lot like calling something "orangely green."
All the Titans have is the now, a now that's been racked with failure after failure after devastating failure. Fired coaches. Fired GMs. Draft busts. Fired coaches who go on to coach in the Super Bowl two years later. The works.
Ask one fan at The Pinnacle before the reveal and he'll see the main reason he wants to see new uniforms is to "wash the stink off" the franchise. Ask another unimpressed fan and he'll say "nobody's gonna care if we don't start winning games." Ask a third fan if he'll miss the thumbtack and he'll say "I don't care. I want wins."
Sure.
All that makes sense. But plenty of folks were excited. NFL Network's Kyle Brandt put on a heckuva show as emcee, promising "no Cowboys, no Aaron Rodgers and no Shedeur Sanders" talk. A 50-piece orchestra opened the show to much fanfare. Locals wore shirts branded with catchphrases supporting new coach Robert Saleh: think "In Bob We Trust" and "Holleh for Saleh!"
One fan showed up wearing a freshly-carved, frisbee-sized wooden medallion of the new logo around his neck, crossing his fingers that the leaked images he saw were accurate. Otherwise, that's $25 on Facebook Marketplace wasted.
Yet more fans flocked to the merch tables as soon as the presentation ended, forking over $140 at a time for hats, jerseys, sweaters, fleeces, bucket hats, baby onesies, hot glasses and faux-crystal chains.
Let's call this a "custom jersey" crowd. These were the types of Titans fans who showed up with catchphrases and inside jokes and the names of their individual fan clubs on their chests and their backs.
They're their own part of the team. (Yes, this includes "Bandit," the aforementioned fan who wears a multiple-feet-tall foam flame on his head. He's still going to wear it in the future, even with the Titans extinguishing the fire from their brand.)
Before the event, The Tennessean asked a smattering of fans their excitement level on a scale of 1-10. The average answer was roughly 9.9.
After the event, The Tennessean asked a smattering of fans their excitement level on a scale of 1-10. The average answer was, again, somewhere between 9 and 10.
The symmetry of the new logo is appealing. The color scheme is livelier, more vibrant. After years of losing, the old navy started feeling muted.
The question, of course, is still why. The answer, of course, is because now's the time to be something new.
Anything new.
Even if the brand is just "fun." Consider the four-song medley the orchestra played to open the festivities. It started with "Enter Sandman," a metal song from a San Francisco-based band, followed by "Seven Nation Army," a garage rock anthem from Detroit. Then came "Still D.R.E.," a Los Angeles hip hop staple, and "Get Lucky," a techno anthem from two Frenchmen.
The intro video was set to Eminem's "Lose Yourself," another Detroit shout. The confetti drop and runway show with the new jerseys was set to Bruno Mars.
No Dolly Parton or Johnny Cash or Garth Brooks or Morgan Wallen. No finger-pickin' Nashville signifiers. Just a swing at rollicking, triumphant joy.
Maybe that's the point.
The Titans are trying to sell collective, communal joy. Joy that lasts. Joy that binds. Check out the promo commercial released shortly after the announcement of a father and son aging together from the Music City Miracle into their seats in the new Nissan Stadium. It's classic emotional manipulation, a sports story as old as sports stories.
That's thinking about 2045.
It's not about wondering whether Bandit's going to miss the flames. It's about selling the next generation of Bandits on the orangely-green idea of an instantly timeless look.
The decisive moment arrived at 5-5, trailing 0-15 in the second set, with Draper already a set down. Needing to fight back to deny Medvedev the chance to serve for the match, the British No 1 levelled the score after his opponent hit a backhand into the net, only for Medvedev to appeal to umpire Aurelie Torte claiming hindrance.
Medvedev had taken issue with Draper raising his arms at a disputed line call midway through the point and after a video review, Torte deemed Draper to have distracted his opponent and awarded a crucial point to Medvedev, allowing him to break.
The California crowd made their feelings clear, booing Medvedev at the change of ends and after he sealed victory. The two players had a long chat at the net as they shook hands, with Medvedev saying: "If you're mad at me, I'm sorry," and Draper responding: "I'm not at all - but I don't think it distracted you enough".
It’s the latest instance of contention surrounding the hindrance rule - but why is it in the game, and what are its ins and outs? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the point of the hindrance rule?
The hindrance rule in tennis is designed to stop a player affecting their opponent’s shot.
It can also relate to a line judge making the wrong call (i.e. shouting “out” when the ball was actually in), which results in the point being replayed unless “it was a clear ace or a clear winning shot that the player could not possibly have retrieved”. But we will be focussing on “inadvertent or deliberate” hindrances, as detailed under Rule 7.22(F) of the ATP Tour’s 2026 Rulebook.
What constitutes as an “inadvertent or deliberate” hindrance?
When a hindrance occurs, it may ruled as inadvertent or deliberate. This will influence the umpire’s course of action - which will likely see the point either replayed or awarded to the opponent.
Inadvertent distractions can relate to next to anything happening unintentionally. This includes but is not limited to a ball falling out of a player’s pocket, a hat falling off, or an involuntary sound or exclamation from a player, such as a verbal exclamation to an injury. Per the rulebook, these unintentional offences will lead to a let (the point is replayed) and a warning, with the umpire advising the player in question that a repeat of the incident will result in the loss of a point.
Deliberate hindrances, on the other hand, will lead to the loss of a point without warning. ATP says “the player meant to do what it was that caused the hindrance or distraction” for an offence to be deemed deliberate. Offences can include exclaiming or speaking during the point, as well as waving your arms in a manner deemed distracting for your opponent.
The latter applies to Draper’s incident, with the umpire telling the Brit: “You did something different in the rally than you would normally do. Now if he [Medvedev] is asking for it, it means that he saw it.” She went on to stress that in this scenario, “the benefit of the doubt” is given to the opponent.
Jack Draper was deemed to have waved his arm in a distracting manner against Daniil Medvedev (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Notable examples
Controversy regularly surrounds deliberate hindrance calls due to the often-subjective nature of the decisions, which can lead to pivotal points being awarded the other way - as Draper has just experienced first-hand.
World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka was notably called out during her 2026 Australian Open semi-final against Elina Svitolina after reacting to a shot she thought she had missed with her trademark grunt. The ball actually went in but umpire Louise Engzell deemed the extra noise as a hindrance to Svitolina as she went to return the ball. Sabalenka protested, albeit briefly, and lost the point.
Aryna Sabalenka during her Australian Open semi-final against Elina Svitolina (Getty)
Medvedev, the beneficiary of Draper’s umpiring row at Indian Wells, has himself been at the centre of hindrance drama in a viral moment from the 2021 Toronto Open.
Against Alexander Bublik, Medvedev leathered a smash close to the net that accidentally went straight at the Kazakh player. Bublik somehow managed to block it with his racket but with the ball looping harmlessly back over the net and Bublik on his backside, Medvedev had the simple task of hitting into an open court and win the point. But silence is golden in tennis and after Medvedev audibly said “sorry” while the ball was still in the air, the umpire ruled a hindrance and awarded Bublik the point.
“Can you imagine how stupid this call is?” Medvedev said over the net. “He’s laughing at you [the umpire]! This is unbelievable what you have done!”
Inadvertent hindrances, meanwhile, rarely spark outrage to the same extent due to the fact they are often brushed off by the umpire, but that didn’t stop Dan Evans calling for the “worst rule” in tennis to be changed after overcoming Jeremy Chardy at the 2023 Australian Open.
Chardy, who suffered defeat in their second-round match, was left furious after a ball fell out of Evans’ pocket, which by the book should’ve led the point to be replayed - but umpire Miriam Bley did not pick up on what had happened until a split second after the Frenchman netted.
An irate Chardy accused the umpire of lying but Evans later argued that it was the rule, not the incident, that should come under scrutiny. “If a ball comes out of your pocket, it's your own fault." he said.
What have Draper and Medvedev said on the call?
Draper was not satisfied with the judgement but did not dispute the result, telling BBC Sport: "First of all, Daniil was the stronger player fair and square.
"It's a difficult situation for the ref. I don't think I did enough to hinder him but, at the end of the day, I did make a slight thing with my hands. On one hand, I get it but on the other I don't think it was enough to distract Daniil.
"If he had missed the next ball and it was very clear that I had hindered him, then I would get it.
"I think he's played the rules quite well. The rally carried on and I was able to win the point so I don't think I should have lost the point. I think it's pretty harsh."
Medvedev (left) and Draper speak at the net after the conclusion of their quarter-final (Getty Images)
Medvedev, who told Draper during the review that he “whatever she decides, I will be OK with it”, made it clear he had done nothing against the rules, despite the crowd's opprobrium.
"Was I distracted big time? No. Was I distracted a bit? Yes," he said.
"Is it enough to win the point? I don't know. If you look on the first forehand I do after it happened, I think I could have done a better shot if there was no gesture from Jack.
"Do I feel good about it? Not really, but I also don't feel like I cheated. I let the referee decide."
The Russian later added that he had grown more regretful of how the incident played out, telling Sky Sports: “My thoughts during it were different. Now honestly I feel a bit tough with what happened because it was an important point in the match and to win a point like this is not amazing.”
Based on recent NCAA tournament trends, only a few teams are likely true national championship contenders once March Madness officially gets underway.
Seven of the last eight national champions were No. 1 seeds, with Connecticut the lone exception as a No. 4 seed in 2023. The Huskies were also a bit more talented than their seed displayed, especially as they repeated as national champions the following season.
Moreover, 18 of the last 25 national champions since 2000 have been No. 1 seeds. The last team higher than a No. 4 seed to win the national championship was also UConn in 2014, meaning the Huskies hold both spots as the highest-seeded teams to win a title since 2000.
Three No. 3 seeds have won national titles since 2000, and one No. 2 seed has won during that time.
Suffice to say, if a team dominates the regular season, it's a good predictor of national championship odds. Here's a look at the nine teams that can win a national championship in 2026 based on seeding trends:
Duke, the No. 1 overall seed in USA TODAY Sports' bracket projections, has been a wagon this season. Led by true freshman Cameron Boozer, one of the top national player of the year candidates, the Blue Devils finished 29-2 in the regular season with a long list of impressive wins over fellow projected 1-seeds in Michigan and Florida; 2-seed Michigan State; 4-seeds Kansas and Virginia; and 6-seed North Carolina (twice).
Duke ranks No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 5 in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom, and is likely the national championship front runner right now.
Arizona is a lock for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament alongside Duke, Michigan and Florida. All the Wildcats did this season was dominate one of the best conferences in college basketball.
Arizona finished the season with a 29-2 record, including a 16-2 mark in Big 12 play. The Wildcats lost back-to-back games to Kansas and Texas Tech in February, but won every other game otherwise, including wins over Iowa State, Kansas, Houston, Alabama, UConn and Florida.
Arizona ranks No. 3 in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 7 in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom. It also ranks No. 15 in strength of schedule.
Another lock for a No. 1 seed, Michigan also dominated the regular season. The Wolverines suffered one loss in Big Ten play, which came to Wisconsin early in the season before they ran the table in the conference, only losing again to Duke in a neutral site game in February.
Michigan has the tools to win a national title and forms a big three alongside Duke and Arizona as the top contenders for the national title, with Florida likely right behind.
Defending national champion Florida was 9-5 at one point this season after dropping its SEC opener to Missouri. That followed nonconference losses to UConn, Duke, Arizona and TCU. But then something clicked for the Gators, and they went on to win 16 of their last 17 games to end the regular season, looking like one of the top national title contenders once again.
Led by a trio of returners from last season's national championship team in Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, Florida boasts one of the strongest frontcourts in college basketball. The Gators are the current front runners to earn the last No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which puts them easily in national title contention, especially with their run to end the regular season.
Florida ranks fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom, which coincidentally is only behind the three teams ahead of it on this list.
UConn has proven capable in the past of winning a national championship from a variety of different seeding spots in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies are shaping up to be a No. 2 seed in 2026, though, putting them near the very top of national title contenders.
UConn's upset loss to Marquette to end the regular season might have cost its chance at a No. 1 seed, but coach Dan Hurley's squad has the potential to win the school's third title in four seasons. The Huskies lack a go-to scorer, but have a trio of veterans in Solo Ball, Tarris Reed Jr. and Alex Karaban, along with projected NBA lottery pick Braylon Mullins and Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. that makes one of the best starting lineups in college basketball.
UConn was a No. 8 seed last season and still nearly took down eventual national champion Florida in the second round of March Madness.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has one of his better squads in recent years, led by standout guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who leads the Big Ten in assists per game (9.1) this season.
The Spartans last won a national title in 2000, although they were runners-up in 2009. They've also reached three Final Fours since 2010. Michigan State is projected as a No. 2 seed in USA TODAY Sports' projections.
Houston returned three starters from its runners-up squad a season ago, and replaced the players it lost with a pair of five-star true freshman, including Kingston Flemings, a projected top-five pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Flemings raised the Cougars' offensive ceiling this season, pacing the team with 16.5 points and 6.4 assists per game. They also have their typical strong defense, which ranks No. 6 nationally, per KenPom.
Coach Kelvin Sampson is one of the best coaches to never win a national title, and he has led Houston agonizingly close in recent years. Maybe the Cougars get over the hump in 2026 as a projected No. 2 seed, per USA TODAY Sports.
Three No. 3 seeds have won the national championship since 2003, and Gonzaga is projected to be on the No. 3 line in 2026, per USA TODAY Sports. The Bulldogs have one of the best frontcourts in college basketball with Graham Ike and Braden Huff, and will be a tough out if they can get strong play from their backcourt or get hot from 3-point range.
Gonzaga has one of the best coaches in the sport in Mark Few and have been runners-up for the national championship in both 2017 and 2021. It also has the defense to make a run, which ranks ninth, per KenPom.
Never count out the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self in March Madness, especially with one of the best scorers in college basketball on their roster.
True freshman Darryn Peterson has been healthy as of late, playing 29 or more minutes in all five of Kansas' final games of the regular season. His availability raises Kansas' ceiling tremendously in the NCAA tournament.
Kansas also has a strong defense, led by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Flory Bidunga. Kansas, also led by veteran guards Tre White and Melvin Council Jr., has a team capable of winning a national championship when Peterson is at his best.
Kansas is projected to be a No. 4 seed by USA TODAY Sports, and one No. 4 seed has won a national title since 2000 (UConn in 2023).
Four-star class of 2027 quarterback recruit Peter Bourque has drawn interest from several elite college football programs across the country following his decommitment from the Michigan Wolverines.
The Georgia Bulldogs currently remain in the mix for the talented quarterback, as Bourque would be a massive addition to the Dawgs’ 2027 recruiting class. Coach Kirby Smart and Georgia currently lack a commitment from a quarterback in the class of 2027. However, Georgia does have a commitment from five-star class of 2028 quarterback Jayden Wade, who could be Georgia's future at the position.
At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Bourque was excellent throughout his sophomore campaign at Tabor Academy (Marion, Massachusetts) despite appearing in just two games, as the signal caller recorded 276 yards and a touchdown last season. On3 recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong recently took a moment to share an update on Bourque’s recruitment, as Wiltfong believes Georgia could be the top team on the talented quarterback’s radar.
“I think Georgia’s the program that’s really picking up the most momentum in the recruitment of Peter Bourque.” Wiltfong stated. “Penn State and Virginia Tech are also heavily in the mix, but he has a chance to get back on the Athens campus and Georgia was a finalist the first time around. A lot of the reasons why he picked Michigan, I think you look at Georgia and see them checking a lot of boxes. A tradition-rich, championship level program that’s going to compete consistently year-in and year-out in front of a passionate fan base.”
Bourque is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback and the No. 76 player from the class of 2027, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is ranked as the No. 1 overall player from Massachusetts. Bourque’s decision to decommit from Michigan on Feb. 17 came as a surprise to the college football world, as Georgia will now look to take full advantage of the situation and sign the talented signal caller as soon as possible.
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The 2025 NWSL Championship featured Gotham FC winning over the Washington Spirit. Photograph: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
The 2026 NWSL season will be remembered for …
How the High Impact Player (HIP) rule evolves the NWSL’s place in the global transfer market. The league has regained some control of the “is the NWSL still the best league in the world” narrative, keeping Trinity Rodman on a deal via this new mechanism. The next transfer window or two will be a fascinating test of the league’s willingness to ease restrictions and let its teams reach as far as they’d like. JR
The several controversies set to be resolved, or at least progressed. Currently, there are two grievances filed by NWSLPA against the league about how players can be paid – an issue that is at the core of the league as both a sporting competition and a place of work. Also, the jury trial about the six former employees’ lawsuit against the NWSL and San Diego Wave alleging a discriminatory and abusive work environment is set to take place in late summer. AS
How the league continues to establish its presence in the US sports landscape. The two seasons after this one will have the added interest bumps of international tournaments in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 LA Olympics. How can the NWSL use this year to build momentum? ESPN’s new Sunday night double-header of NWSL and WNBA games should help. EB
Post-college breakout players. Who will be this year’s Riley Tiernan or Lilly Reale, launching their career at a club of their choosing? Names to watch include Chicago’s Elise Evans, Stanford’s finest defender since Naomi Girma, and Houston’s Kat Rader, a dynamic goal scorer with considerable chance-creation chops. JR
A 50,000-strong crowd at Denver Summit’s opener. The expansion team’s home debut against Washington Spirit on 28 March will be nothing short of epic. The speed with which these newcomers have built a fanbase has been impressive to watch from afar and their league opener has the potential to be a landmark event for the NWSL. TG
The league’s many new international players. General managers the league over ushered in an influx of great athletes who represent national teams around the world. The expansion teams, who had to build their rosters without any drafts, led the way. Highlights include Boston’s Amanda Gutierres and Jorelyn Carabalí, Denver’s Emma Regan, Utah’s Kiana Palacios, Bay FC’s Cristiana Girelli, and Washington’s Claudia Martínez. AS
The return of ‘Triple Espresso’. The last NWSL match weekend in which Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson all suited up? That would be 8-10 November 2024. Swanson and Wilson were out for the entirety of last season on maternity leave, while Rodman missed significant time managing a back injury. Once all three are back in action, I’d expect to see their names reappearing at the top of the league’s goals and assists tables. EB
The most impactful offseason move will be …
Claire Hutton from Kansas City Current to Bay FC. Bay’s first three years in the NWSL have been a rollercoaster: very poor in 2023 and 2025 on either side of a steadily successful 2024. Hutton should provide needed stability from week to week, giving Bay arguably the league’s best d-mid at just 20 years old following Sam Coffey’s transfer to Manchester City. JR
Kansas City persuading Croix Bethune to swap the Spirit for the Current felt like a huge flex and it is a move a lot of people are understandably very excited about. Longer-term, Hutton’s addition for Bay FC looks like a very clever one as they add one of the sport’s top young talents. TG
Hutton’s departure from Kansas City. The midfielder was key to the Current’s historic 2025 run, providing defensive grit and brilliant passes in the buildup. Without her, the Current’s midfield is significantly weakened, and the team is thrown back into the realm of mortals. Unfortunately for Hutton herself, I’m unconvinced that even her robust skills will move the needle enough for her new club, Bay FC, to put together a strong season. AS
Hutton’s $1.1m move was the biggest surprise of the NWSL offseason; her departure will be felt by Kansas City, and her arrival could swing Bay into playoff contention. Also worth noting: Angel City signing Emily Sams to boost a defense that conceded the third-most goals in the league last year, and Washington keeping Rodman from making an offseason move. EB
An under-the-radar player to watch …
One year after leaving UCLA for Pachuca, Ayo Oke is now responsible for the highest fee paid for a US player by an NWSL club ($450,000, per ESPN). She debuted for the USWNT in January, and should be a regular at right back or right wing for Denver Summit. JR
Look out for Sarah Schupansky. The Gotham midfielder had a fantastic rookie season that flew under the radar. Her quality was made especially obvious when she wasn’t playing, as Gotham seemed to struggle without her brilliant distribution and defending high up the pitch. In her sophomore outing, I expect her value to soar. AS
I’m intrigued by the rookie talent the Houston Dash added this offseason. North Carolina’s Kate Faasse won the MAC Hermann Trophy as the top player in college soccer two years ago; defender Leah Klenke and forward Kat Rader were first-team All-Americans last year. Will one of them follow Avery Patterson and become the next young star to launch out of Houston? EB
These teams will make the playoffs …
Washington, Gotham, Kansas City, Orlando, Louisville, Bay, Houston, Seattle. JR
Kansas City, Gotham, Washington, Orlando and San Diego feel like fairly safe bankers, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Denver sneak in despite being newcomers, but the final few places are anyone’s guess – there’s not a lot between some of those mid-table sides. I’ll take a punt and say Bay and Angel City to both improve this year and both make the cut. TG
Washington, Gotham, Kansas City, San Diego, Portland, Orlando, Denver, Seattle. AS
Washington, Gotham, Kansas City, Portland, Orlando, San Diego, Denver, Bay. EB
The MVP will be …
I’m using this space to manifest at least 25 starts (remember, it’s a 30-game season now) for Bethune, who on her day is one of the most entertaining players in this or any league. If she can avoid injuries, she could be unstoppable in Kansas City with Temwa Chawinga, Ally Sentnor and Michelle Cooper sprinting alongside her. JR
Manaka Matsukubo, if the Courage can prove themselves worthy of having her. The 21-year-old Japanese international can play at midfield and forward with immense dexterity and precision. Last year, she notched 11 goals and four assists for ninth place North Carolina, and was named NWSL midfielder of the year. If North Carolina can find success as a team, Manaka’s contributions might be too big to deny her the biggest accolade there is. AS
Temwa Chawinga is no stranger to making league history – she set the single-season record for goals scored in her first season, and she’s already climbing her way up the all-time leading scorers table (35 goals in just two years). If she stays healthy – and the rest of Kansas City’s attacking talents can do the same – she makes more history as the NWSL’s first three-time MVP. EB
The Golden Boot winner will be …
She’s won it twice in a row, and while I’ve given Bethune a narrow edge for MVP, this is truly Chawinga’s award until someone else takes it. Sentnor should be more settled after joining last summer, and defenses shouldn’t be able to concentrate so specifically on Chawinga as KC enters the final third. Goalkeepers, be ready! JR
Ludmila. The Brazilian international proved she can spin gold out of nothing while at Chicago, scoring 10 goals for the last-place side in 2025. Now she’s at San Diego, who Jonas Eidevall has developed into a high-flying, high-scoring squad. With Perle Morroni, Kenza Dali, Gia Corley, and Dudinha as teammates, it’s hard to imagine that the tenacious striker won’t rack up goals. AS
It’s hard to see anyone challenging Chawinga, especially with four additional chances to add to her tally given the expansion of the schedule to 30 games. I’ll also give shouts to San Diego’s Ludmila and Gotham’s Esther González, the latter of whom certainly stands a chance to win the Golden Boot for headers (a real-to-me award that needs a better name.) EB
The NWSL Shield winner will be …
Nobody enters 2026 with more to prove than the Washington Spirit, who were one moment of coaching indecision away from winning last year’s championship. Even after parting with Bethune, the Spirit have an awfully deep squad and have proven they can rack up results even when Rodman misses time. Audi Field should be rowdy as usual if their form sustains. JR
Kansas City Current may seem like the obvious, lazy or unimaginative choice but they are also the very sensible choice. The squad looks supreme. The only question mark is whether the new coach Chris Armas can hit the ground running, but he has inherited a very talented group who were 21 points above the chasing pack last time around. TG
Washington, as long as they can leave their injury problems behind. They’ll feel the loss of Croix Bethune (transfer to KC) and Aubrey Kingsbury (maternity leave), but the Spirit have proven they have more than enough depth to find success. Plus, they’ll finally have managerial continuity as Adrián González starts the year as head coach. The Spirit are runners-up two years in a row, so they’ll be hungrier than ever to grab the elusive Shield. AS
In the past two seasons, Washington found themselves second to two history-making teams – 2024 Orlando and 2025 Kansas City. They have the depth to withstand wear-and-tear and pull out results during the slog of the season. Third time’s the charm. EB
The NWSL championship winner will be …
Every year, Gotham see key contributors exit as they’ve played themselves into better deals. So far, they’ve proven very capable of identifying those rising talents (see: replacing Jenna Nighswonger with Lilly Reale) and other holdovers from the core thrive in elevated roles. They’re rightfully the team to beat in 2026, and would deservedly earn dynasty status if they claim a third NWSL championship in four seasons. JR
As a Brit, it can sometimes take a while to wrap my head around the US concept of a team finishing eighth and still becoming the champions, and it is likely to be wide open again once the playoffs arrive, but perhaps Kansas City will be able to take the experience of last year’s playoff disappointment and use it a fuel to focus their minds for the all-important end-of-season games this time around. TG
Gotham, again. The team that took the playoffs by storm last year has only sharpened its toolkit with the addition of rookie Jordynn Dudley and the return of captain Tierna Davidson from injury. Plus, it’ll be Jaedyn Shaw’s first full season with the team, so Juan Carlos Amorós can build the team around her from jump. This team relishes knockout soccer, and has proven more than any other in recent history it knows how to come out on top. AS
Could a third trip to the final for Washington also be the charm? I’ve watched enough NWSL playoff action to know we have to expect the unexpected. Should everyone stay healthy – and the Chris Armas Experiment doesn’t completely backfire – I could see Kansas City exacting revenge for their quarter-final exit last year and lifting the city’s first championship trophy since FC Kansas City did so in 2015. (These predictions will all look silly if/when Gotham runs it back.) EB
Iran was among the first sides to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Photograph: Mohamed Farag/Getty Images
Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup appears to change on an almost hourly basis. US president Donald Trump caused more confusion on Thursday by saying he did not believe it “is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety”.
The incendiary post on Truth Social came less than 48 hours after Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, said Trump had told him in a meeting at the White House on Tuesday evening that Iran would be “welcome” at the World Cup. Hours later, Iran’s football federation posted its response on Instagram, stating: “No one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup” and going on to say that the US should be removed as host due to Trump’s implicit threat.
On Wednesday, Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, told state media that his country would not take part. “Under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
So what is really going on, and when will the saga be resolved?
Could Fifa remove Iran?
There is no modern-day precedent for a team withdrawing or being removed from a World Cup. The closest parallel is the 1992 European Championship, when Uefa replaced Yugoslavia 10 days before the tournament in Sweden after the United Nations imposed sanctions due to the war in the Balkans. Their replacements, Denmark, famously went on to win Euro 92 after the players were summoned from their summer holidays.
Multiple sources at Fifa have told the Guardian that no decision on Iran’s World Cup involvement has been made, with the world governing body giving itself until its annual Congress in Vancouver on 30 April to reach a conclusion.
Fifa’s official position remains that it wants Iran to take part, with its general secretary, Mattias Grafström, saying last week that “our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating”.
Fifa’s statutes strictly mandate political and religious neutrality, so it will do everything it can to avoid an Iranian withdrawal, and will certainly not want to be seen to have played a role in forcing them out, despite Infantino’s desire to stay close to Trump.
Fifa did ban Iran from taking part in the Asian qualifying competition for the 1986 World Cup after they refused to play home matches on neutral territory, which was a punishment for their refusal to play against Kuwait in qualifiers for the 1982 tournament.
Could Iran withdraw and would there be consequences?
There was a seemingly significant softening of Iran’s stance before Trump waded into the debate again on Thursday, with multiple publications among the country’s state media reporting that no decision to withdraw had been made, and even expressing surprise at Donyamali’s comments. Although Donyamali’s views carry weight as a minister, the ultimate decision will be made at a higher level of government.
Under Fifa statutes, member associations are not permitted to withdraw from its competitions, and Iran would face disciplinary sanctions if they did so. No country has pulled out of the World Cup after the draw was made since France and India did not take part in 1950, citing travel costs.
Fifa has protections in its tournament rules, which sources have told the Guardian would be upheld. The regulations state that withdrawing before the tournament incurs a fine of between €275,000 and €555,000 ($316,000-$640,000), depending on the date of the withdrawal. It would also trigger a referral to Fifa’s disciplinary committee, which could impose sporting sanctions, including a ban from tournaments.
“The Fifa disciplinary committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, taking into account in particular the timing of the withdrawal or exclusion, the seriousness of the infringement that led to the inadmission or exclusion, possible mitigating factors and any other relevant circumstances,” the regulations state. “These disciplinary sanctions may include the exclusion of the association concerned from a future Fifa competition or the replacement of that association by another.”
Who could replace Iran if they are no longer in the competition?
Fifa’s World Cup regulations are vague on replacing a team that have qualified for the finals, stating only that it has “sole discretion” to “take whatever action is deemed necessary”, and that it “may decide to replace the participating member association in question with another association”.
Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are viewed as the most likely beneficiaries should Iran withdraw because they are the next highest-ranked teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) not to have qualified, but any swap would likely not be straightforward.
Iran secured their World Cup place by winning Group A of the third round of AFC qualifying, with the UAE losing a playoff against Iraq, whose reward was a place in an intercontinental playoff on 31 March against Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, from which the winners will reach the finals.
As revealed by the Guardian last weekend, however, Iraq have asked Fifa to postpone that game because most of their squad are stranded in Baghdad with airspace closed due to the war.
Replacing Iran with Iraq may appear an obvious solution but would have political ramifications. The UAE, a close strategic ally of the US and an economic powerhouse, are also believed to be lobbying Fifa to be awarded Iran’s place should it become available.
Today in Boston Celtics history, The Celtics became the first team in NBA history to win 60 games in a regular season with a victory on this date in 1962. They finished the 1961-62 NBA season with an overall record of 60-20, including a 142-110 victory over the (then) Syracuse Nationals (now the Philadelphia 76ers).
The game was held at the old Boston Garden, where forward Tom Sanders led the Celtics in scoring with 30 points and 26 rebounds. Iconic Boston big man Bill Russell contributed an impressive 26 points and 37 rebounds to help secure the win, while forward Tom Heinsohn added another 19 points.
Boston held that record for three seasons, only to break it themselves with 62 wins in the 1964-65 season. The Celtics went on to win their fifth title that year, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals in seven games.
Birthdays
It is also the birthday of former Celtics president Jack Waldron. Born in 1912, Waldron was an executive who also served as President of the Rupert Knickerbocker Brewing Company, and in 1965 helped negotiate his company’s purchase of the Celtics after the death of team founder Walter A. Brown. He served in that role from 1965 to 1967 and then again from 1968 to 1970.
Finally, it’s also the birthday of former Boston big man Tristan Thompson, who came into this world in 1991 in Toronto, Canada. A product of Texas, Double T was taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the fourth overall selection of the 2011 NBA Draft. He played 9 seasons with the Cavs before signing with the Celtics, for whom he played 54 games before being dealt to the Sacramento Kings. Thompson averaged 7.6 points, 8.1 boards, and 1.2 assists per game over that stretch.
This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke with retired Pro Bowl center Mitch Morse.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Morse opened up about his experience during the Kansas City Chiefs-Buffalo Bills rivalry after playing for both teams and teaming up with a young Josh Allen.
"It was kind of like Pat's (Patrick Mahomes) first year. You just kind of strap in and you're along for a ride, I feel like, as a center, you get a lot more credit than you deserve. Regarding developing players, no matter who his center is, he will be just fine—figured this thing out." said Morse, "I was fortunate enough to be along for that ride for five years, Josh (Allen), in the same vein as Pat, has that look in his eye when he walks into the huddle, where you understand that. He's exuding confidence, no matter what the stakes. The stakes are at their highest. These guys enter the calmest, which is freaky, and something that will have my cortisol shooting out of my eye sockets. It was such a blessing, dude."
Morse joined the Bills before the 2019 season after beginning his career with the Chiefs. He formed a strong bond with Allen in Buffalo that stretches beyond the football field.
"I think my football career, if you just had to preface it as me being around a lot better players than myself, and me just riding their coattails until it's time for me to retire. Josh was no exception. Besides that, he's a good friend, he's a good person, he's a guy who, in the locker room, is taking the time to foster relationships, no matter who you are," said Morse, "There's not a lot going on in Buffalo. It's not a knock, it's just the truth. So he built this absolute cast lot there where he'd have folks over. That was the place where you could be yourself. You can invest in a fellowship, or you can let your guard down. He's the MVP, a fantastic football player, and one of my best buddies."
The Chiefs and Bills have battled each other over the years, with Buffalo winning many regular-season matchups in the Mahomes and Allen eras. Kansas City has, however, dominated Buffalo in the playoffs as Allen has yet to defeat Mahomes in the postseason, which adds more fuel to the rivalry, according to Morse.
"I mean, you bang out five appearances, three Super Bowl wins, and they (Chiefs) send you home. I think three of the five years that I was there, they're definitely on your mind. They're not the sole reason why you try to better yourself as a competitor. You understand what it takes to get to that moment," said Morse. "It was an interesting situation, being on my prior team, saying goodbye to my friends, you know, still some of my very good friends." There was never malice, but there was definitely, I'm like, damn, I want to beat these f****** dudes once in the playoffs. I mean, because we'd win every so often in the regular season, these dudes kept sending us home. They were always extraordinary games, I mean, you talk about in 2021, the 13 seconds (divisional round game), when you have these, these games where it's just some other monocle, or whatever that describes it, that's how you know these games are extraordinary. They earned that right to be on everyone's mind, and I assume they might be back on people's minds here sooner rather than later."
Morse played center for 10 seasons in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2022. He also played college football for the Missouri Tigers. He hosts a weekly podcast, Monday Mornings with Mitch, and can be followed on Instagram and X.
Luke Littler has been virtually an unstoppable force in the world of darts over the last two years, with his 2026 UK Open title as the most recent major trophy he's added to his collection.
He makes deep runs in almost every tournament he plays in, making it difficult for other players to make a run at titles.
Luckily for the opposing players, they might have a better chance of winning this weekend's event.
Is Luke Littler playing at the 2026 European Darts Trophy?
Unfortunately, Littler will not be playing in the European Darts Trophy this weekend.
Littler tends to play fewer Pro Tour events overall, but it's become clear over the last year that he doesn't love playing in Germany because of the crowds.
Fans won't have to wait long to see Littler play, as he'll still be in the Premier League every Thursday night, as well as at the upcoming Belgian Darts Open.
In 2026, Littler has already won the World Championship, World Masters, UK Open, Night 5 (PL), Poland Darts Open and the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters.
As Team India embarks on a new cycle that will culminate in the ODI World Cup next year, will Sanju and Ishan’s T20 WC heroics be good enough for them to be candidates in the set up?
The bubbly of euphoria of the T20 World Cup triumph was still spilling over when Gautam Gambhir was asked whether the current Indian white-ball generation is the best in business. The coach was at his pragmatic best when he said: “I am not so sure when you’ve lost two bilateral ODI series recently.”
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The indications were quite clear. The T20 World Cup win is all fine but it’s time to look forward because India will be judged in the next one-and-a-half years on its ODI performances. Reason: The ODI World Cup in South Africa in October-November 2027.
While the Indian T20 team has been a force of nature in the last couple of years, the ODI team has stuttered a bit. While the Mr Matchwinner for India, Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played a single ODI since the 2023 World Cup final, the results haven’t always been that convincing.
In 2024, India lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka, one in Australia in 2025 and one at home to New Zealand earlier this year. In between, there was a Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai, but those matches were played in designer spinfriendly conditions which won’t be replicated in South Africa.
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That brings us to a pertinent question — is India lacking something in the ODI format?
Given the way new-age whiteball cricket is being played, one may be tempted to say it is the explosivity in the batting department that can be an area of discussion. Of course, ODIs are not T20s -- which is mostly sixth gear cricket -- and you need a little bit of balance in the 50-over format. Still, it won’t be a bad time to ask whether some of the T20 superstars who have the wherewithal to play the longer format should be looked at in ODIs in the lead-up to the World Cup.
The two obvious names that can come up for immediate discussion are that of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. Sanju made the difference at the most crucial stages of the T20 World Cup while Ishan is a proven player in 50 overs -- boasting of a highest score of 210 in ODIs. Sanju, on the other hand, has an impressive ODI average of 56.66 and a strike-rate of 99.60.
Former India batter WV Raman feels Sanju has all the elements in his game that can make him a success in ODIs. “He is a terrific player and whatever problems he was having with his temperament, he has addressed that. I am convinced that Sanju has the game to succeed in ODIs,” Raman told TOI.
But then, the question begs: Where is the vacancy? Sanju is essentially an opener and India’s two current ODI openers are Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit has been a little up and down in the only format that he plays, while Shubman is team captain. Former national selector Devang Gandhi added the name of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the list. “Next in line is Jaiswal and if a slot opens up, how can you give somebody a go ahead of him? I have nothing against Samson, but let him go back to domestic one-day cricket get runs, and then try for an ODI comeback. That’s how the selectors should think,” Gandhi said.
Raman, though, is a believer of backing a player when he is in form. “It’s for the team management to find a place for Sanju. For me, Sanju is good enough for ODIs,” Raman said.
Ishan, meanwhile, may have a little more flexibility in finding a place. The Jharkhand left-hander can play in top-three as well as lower down the order. Additionally, like Sanju, he is a keeper as well and can be a deputy to KL Rahul. “But then, there’s Rishabh Pant. What has Pant done wrong to be dropped from the ODI set-up? These are very talented young players we are talking about and they should be handled with care,” Gandhi said.
Indian cricket will dive deep into IPL in a couple of weeks’ time and as per the recent trend, performances in the two-month tournament will become a serious benchmark for selection across formats.
Ishan, playing at No. 3 for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Sanju, opening the batting for his new side Chennai Super Kings, will have the opportunity to break every selection door down.
Gandhi, though, argues that shouldn’t be the case.
“Don’t forget, there are hardly any close-in fielders in T20s. The aim of every bowler is containment. It’s not always the case in ODIs,” the former India opener said.
Accept back-up role or leave, Richard Hughes tells £160k p/w star
Liverpool have got a couple of big players out of contract at the end of the current season.
Ibrahima Konate, 26, will become a free agent if no new deal is agreed - with the French defender thought to be keen on a move to Real Madrid. His departure would be a sizeable blow - following a £35m arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021.
, meanwhile, is also out of contract at the end of the season. Having joined the club all the way back in 2017 for £8m from Hull City the Scotland captain has gone on to establish himself as an all-time Liverpool great.
But the 32-year-old has now lost his starting status - with sporting director Richard Hughes completing a £40m deal to sign left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last summer.
The Scottish captain is facing a crucial decision therefore - with it widely being accepted that he will bid farewell to Anfield at the end of the season. But there is a window opening to Robertson STAYING on Merseyside beyond the end of his current deal.
Football Insider is reporting that Robbo’s future is now in his own hands and that he can stay at the club if he accepts his role as a back-up.
Accept back-up role or leave
“The Reds have decided to let the veteran control his own destiny in terms of his future,” the report reads.
“Robertson could yet remain part of Liverpool’s plans for next season if he is content with the idea of being a squad player again next term.”
No doubt Robertson still has plenty to offer - and could probably be a first-team player at a lot of other clubs. He has demonstrated when given the chance - most recently at Wolves in the FA Cup - that he can still be a big player for the Reds.
His presence provides cover and competition for Kerkez with the Hungarian international taking his time to settle in his new surroundings.
It’ll be interesting to see how Robertson responds to Liverpool’s latest contract play - especially if it comes with a pay cut. He is making around £160k per week - excessive for a reserve - and may well have to accept lesser terms to stay.
Wayne Rooney welcomes his former England and Manchester United team-mate Michael Owen on the latest edition of The Wayne Rooney Show.
Like Rooney at Everton, Owen burst on to the scene as a teenager at Liverpool, so the pair discuss who was the better player at 18, and also whether Michael Carrick should get the United job permanently.
The conversation began in September when Owen backed himself, saying injuries had hindered his own career, before adding: "He'll go down as a better player than me. But, at 17, please... "
However, the 2001 Ballon d'Or winner was more diplomatic on Rooney's podcast when they considered who was the better footballer at 18.
Owen recalled the period when Rooney emerged as a teenage England star at Euro 2004 - six years after Owen had made a similar splash at the 1998 World Cup.
"It felt like it took me ages to become England's number one striker and it felt like I was only there for two weeks before he came along and I had to become the sideshow," said Owen, who played 89 times for England compared to Rooney's 120 appearances.
Rooney said: "I used to pretend to be Michael in the World Cup in 1998, and then I was in the squad and playing up front with him.
"I was in the garden two years before hitting the ball against my nan's wall pretending to be Michael and all of a sudden I'm playing alongside him."
Alphonso Davies: United identify Bayern Munich star as solution to key issue
Manchester United are plotting a blockbuster raid for Alphonso Davies after identifying the Bayern Munich juggernaut as the solution to one of the team’s key weaknesses, according to a new report.
Balance out wide
The departure of Ruben Amorim in January saw an end to his much-maligned 3-4-2-1 system and a return of traditional wide men at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick, handed the reins as caretaker in place of the Portuguese coach, immediately switched his new team back to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 shape with two wingers either side of Bruno Fernandes as the No. 10.
The left-hand side lacks the same strength as the potent right, however, with both Amad and Bryan Mbeumo jostling for the starting berth, though the 26-year-old Cameroonian has been deployed as a false nine by Carrick as well. Patrick Dorgu enjoyed a resurgence under his new interim boss, redeployed as a left winger in the back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal – with two imperious performances, and goals, in both.
However, the 21-year-old Dane picked up a serious hamstring injury at the Emirates at the end of January, ruling him out for 10 weeks. In his absence, Matheus Cunha came into the side.
Signed for £62.5 million last summer, the Brazil international was targeted because of his suitability to Amorim’s system, with his profile being one as an attacking hybrid: a cross between a winger and an attacking midfielder. He is less suited to the demands of a winger who stays wide, however, with a preference to cut inside and drive at the heart of opposition defences, rather than going on the outside.
When combined with the lack of overlapping threat from Luke Shaw, who is incapable of charging up and down his flank at this stage of his injury-ridden career, this has led United’s left-hand side to become too narrow and predictable. INEOS are understood to be considering targets at both left wing and full-back in an effort to address this issue, with the long-term position for Dorgu likely to prove key to this decision.
The prospect of a much busier schedule next season – with a return to Europe, be it the Champions League or the Europa League, looking likely – will put further strain on Shaw. This will create the need for more depth at full-back, as well as more attacking thrust out wide.
Overlapping Fullback
An outstanding new left-back, able to provide an overlapping threat and destabilise defences, would solve two of these issues in one fell swoop. Cunha’s preference to invert would be balanced, and enhanced, by a marauding full-back bombing down the outside of him, while Shaw would become an excellent option off the bench.
It’s clear, therefore, why United are “ready to crank up their pursuit” of Bayern’s Davies as the best option available for this role, according to Sports Boom.
“Our sources understand Old Trafford chiefs have made strengthening the left side of their defence a top priority after a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency in the role. And experienced Canada international Davies has emerged as one of the club’s headline targets, even though he sustained a frustrating torn muscle in his right thigh in Bayern’s last game.
“United scouts have been closely tracking the Bayern star, with the Red Devils prepared to splash serious cash to lure one of the world’s most electrifying full-backs to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old “Roadrunner” has established himself as one of the finest full-backs in Europe since breaking through at the Allianz Arena eight years ago. He possesses a potent pairing of speed and skill, capable of decisively affecting games in all areas of the pitch.
Davies’ contract in Bavaria runs until 2030, making the prospect of luring him to England a difficult one. Sources in Germany indicate Bayern will “demand upwards of £70 million” before considering an exit this summer.
Final Thoughts
The prospect of a Cunha-Davies partnership on the left is a tantalising one, given how perfectly balanced the pairing would be as an attacking combination. It would create defensive issues, though these could be remedied by playing a more conservative full-back – such as Noussair Mazraoui – on the other side.
Davies’ injury record with Bayern is more of a concern, however, as is his contract status and expected transfer fee. It will require a mammoth offer to convince the Canadian and the German giant to allow a switch to Old Trafford this summer, both in terms of price and wages.
But this could prove the key to unlocking Cunha’s potential in a 4-2-3-1 system – which is expected to remain in place next year, whether Carrick is at the helm or not.
Arsenal vs Everton: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Where to Watch
Everton will make the trip to the capital to take on league leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The Blues will return to action after consecutive victories over Newcastle and Burnley.
David Moyes’ men have had about 10 days of rest since the 2-0 win over Burnley - their first at home since early December. James Tarkowski headed in the opener in the first half while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the insurance goal to keep Everton’s European dreams alive.
They’re currently eighth in the league table with 43 points, just one point behind Brentford in seventh. The gap to Chelsea and Liverpool in fifth and sixth respectively is five points heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Toffees have been excellent on the road and are on a six-match unbeaten run. They’ve collected 24 points away from home, with only Arsenal and Chelsea having a better record this campaign.
Arsenal, meanwhile, picked up a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Kai Havertz scored late from the spot to deny his former club a famous win. Mikel Arteta’s side maintain their position at the top of the table, beating Chelsea and Brighton by one-goal margins in their recent games. The league leaders have won each of their last five matches in front of their own fans since January's loss to Manchester United.
The last time these two sides faced each other, Arsenal secured a 1-0 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium with Viktor Gyokeres’s first-half penalty making the difference.
Arsenal vs Everton - Team News and Predicted Starting XI
Everton Team News
Everton have had nearly 10 days of rest since their win over Burnley and the players had gone for a warm weather training camp over the weekend. Speculations suggest that Jarrad Branthwaite wasn’t part of the trip and the defender stayed back to focus on individual workload instead.
It will be interesting to see whether Moyes starts with Branthwaite or manages his minutes given his injury struggles of late. Club captain Seamus Coleman should also make his return after missing the clash against Burnley.
Carlos Alcaraz’s participation is in doubt while Jack Grealish is out for the remainder of the season.
Arsenal vs Everton - Form Guide
Arsenal: D-D-W-W-W
Everton: W-L-L-W-W
When is Arsenal vs Everton?
Everton will face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, March 14. Kick-off is scheduled at 5:30 pm UK time.
Where to Watch Arsenal vs Everton?
The Premier League contest between Arsenal and Everton will be available on the Sky Sports Network.
George Russell was also fastest in practice and won in Australia last Sunday [Getty Images]
George Russell led team-mate Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes dominated qualifying for the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Russell was 0.289 seconds clear of the Italian and a massive 0.621secs ahead of the first non-Mercedes, world champion Lando Norris in the McLaren.
Lewis Hamilton was fourth for Ferrari, just 0.02secs slower than Norris, while McLaren's Oscar Piastri took fifth ahead of the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen could manage only eighth place, 1.734secs off the pace and behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly.
Haas' Oliver Bearman was ninth ahead of the second Red Bull of Isack Hadjar.
Russell's pole was his second in six days after he took pole and win in the season-opening race in Australia.
And the qualifying session followed a very similar pattern to Melbourne - Russell about 0.3secs quicker than Antonelli and the quickest Ferrari a similar chunk further behind.
In Australia, the Ferrari was much more competitive in the race.
The big outliers were Red Bull. Hadjar qualified third in Australia but both cars were way off the pace in Shanghai.
Verstappen, who crashed on his first lap in Australia after his rear brakes locked at the first corner, did at least complete a session and was nearly 0.5secs ahead of his team-mate.
But that will be no consolation for the four-time champion when the gap to the front is so large.
Ten California high school soccer teams will be able to claim the title of state champion by the end of this weekend as the CIF wraps up its inaugural girls' and boys' state tournaments.
The CIF playoffs had previously concluded with NorCal and SoCal champions, but this year the top eight teams from each region were seeded into state brackets across five divisions.
The top two divisions feature the possibility of a title sweep, with the Mater Dei boys and girls in the Division I finals and San Ramon Valley in the same position in Division II. While it's no surprise to see the Monarchs in that position given their top-two seeds, the Wolves' boys were the eighth and final seed in the NorCal half of the bracket and the girls entered the state tournament as the No. 7 seed in the region.
Who will claim the first statewide championships in California high school soccer this weekend?
Here's everything you need to know about watching the CIF girls' and boys' finals.
The CIF soccer state championships will not be available to watch on a national TV channel, but fans can stream games on the NFHS Network.
The NFHS Network offers two basic plans: an Annual Pass ($6.67 per month) or a Monthly Pass ($13.99 per month). These plans give subscribers the ability to watch live sporting events and create clips of their favorite moments from games.
CIF soccer state championships schedule 2026
Here's a look at the championship schedule for the weekend. All games will be played at Natomas High School in Sacramento.
Joan Laporta and Victor Font clash in fiery last debate before Barcelona President is elected
Victor Font and Joan Laporta clashed on Thursday night in a fiery debate, in what is perhaps their final chance to win over the hearts and minds of members before the elections on Sunday. By popular vote, Barcelona members will have a choice between the two candidates to elect the president for the next five years.
Laporta is running for a fourth mandate, and is playing the continuity card, claiming that his presence is the only way to guarantee Hansi Flick’s position as manager. On the other hand, Font, who was his closest challenger in 2021, is battling on the grounds that Barcelona’s precarious finances are threatening Barcelona’s sustainability.
A technocrat v a Barcelona catered to tourists
Laporta was on the offensive from the outset of the debate, and sought to cast Font as someone without real-life experience of the job.
“Font denies the obvious and tells lies. He’s a technocrat who works behind a computer. He wants to destroy everything we’ve built,” Sport quote. One of the questions over Laporta’s management in recent years is the significant delays to the renovation of Camp Nou.
“The plan is to have the roof by 2028. These projects aren’t an exact science; there are unforeseen circumstances. 80% of the capacity will be for season ticket holders, and there will be 5,000 more on the waiting list. Non-season ticket holders will get a 50% discount on tickets.”
Meanwhile Font pointed out that Laporta has hiked the prices for match-going fans and members.
“On Sunday, we have to choose between a model of confrontation and a president who hands out membership cards, caters to tourists, and criminalises the supporters’ section; a Barca that limits us or an unstoppable one.”
“The current economic model depends on tourism. A member who wants to go to a match has to spend a fortune.”
‘We can’t have fascists at Barcelona’ – Font
Another key point of digression between the two are Deco and Alejandro Echevarria. Laporta has credited his sporting director with building a successful side, and defended his work.
“Victor Font bases his campaign on lies. He wants to replace Deco with three people. Deco’s departure jeopardises Hansi Flick’s job security. This shows a complete lack of understanding of how things work. Deco is better than Mateu Alemany [his predecessor]. Alemany knows about as much about football as me. He has built the squad, revitalised a whole generation of young players. There’s a structure in place that works.”
On the other hand, Font attacked the presence of Laporta’s brother-in-law, who resigned from the Barcelona board after it was found out that he is a patron of the Francisco Franco Foundation. With Laporta’s return to power in 2021, Echevarria returned as an unofficial advisor and fixer.
“Deco is a partner of Alejandro Echevarria, which is his main qualification for being Barca’s sporting director. He replaced Johan Cruyff’s son, who left undervalued, and Mateu Alemany. What he has, he inherited. We can’t have fascists at Barcelona [referring to Echevarria].”
Erling Haaland talk
Font has also claimed that he is negotiating a first right of refusal on Erling Haaland.
“We had to give Inigo Martinez away, and we’re really missing him this year. We’re negotiating a purchase option for Erling Haaland for when he wants to leave Manchester City.”
“The Haaland thing is a complete lie, which has already been debunked. It’s backfired on him. You have no sense of shame,” Laporta fired back, referencing a message from Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta.
The Lionel Messi question
One the main criticisms of Laporta’s tenure this time around has been both the fact of and the manner of Lionel Messi’s exit. Laporta ran on a platform of promising Messi’s continuity last time, and Font has said he would try to bring him back.
“To say that Messi is the past is to belittle the best player in history. Messi is the present and also the future. We’ll offer him the honorary presidency. Flick, along with the sporting director, will decide how his career should end.”
Laporta’s relationship with Messi and his family deteriorated after that, but he has denied Xavi Hernandez’s contention that he sabotaged a deal to bring him back in 2023.
“Messi deserves a statue; he’s been the best player in history. However, Barca fans want to focus on the present. We’re not going to use him like others have.”
Barcelona face Sevilla on Sunday, and members will have the chance to vote on the day of the game. Laporta is the heavy favourite to win, but Font was generally perceived to have performed well in the debate, especially considering Laporta’s excellent oratory ability.
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 06: Max Eberl, Sporting Director of Bayern Munich looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on March 06, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just over two years ago at the time of writing, Max Eberl joined Bayern Munich. At that point, the club was directionless and reeling from many poor decisions. Julian Nagelsmann, who was supposed to Bayern’s future as head coach, was abruptly sacked and replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who had lasted less than 12 months in the job before he, too, was announced as sacked-though only at the end of the season. Eberl was installed just a couple of weeks after this announcement.
There were plenty of bumps along the road. Bayern lost the Bundesliga title in Eberl’s first few months in charge, though it would be unbelievably harsh to saddle him with much of the blame, considering how late in the season he joined. There was much more critique for the embarrassing coaching search that followed, while many lambasted the eventual choice of Vincent Kompany. Furthermore, his 2025 summer transfer window-in which both top targets Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade both left to different clubs- was heavily criticized.
And yet, Bayern have emerged from the doldrums, reestablished their dominance of the Bundesliga and look one of the form teams in Europe at the time of writing under Kompany. Eberl took a Bayern in chaos and completely turned them around to become one of the best teams in the world again. Surely, he has done a good job.
And yet… Sport Bild reports, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, that this is not enough to guarantee Eberl will continue beyond the expiry of his deal in June 2027. Here is the report:
Max Eberl’s Bayern future is more open than initially thought. The chances of a contract extension are currently 50-50. An indication of the uncertainty is that Eberl would have liked to extend the contract of Nils Schmadtke, whom he brought to the club as head of scouting in 2024, for the long-term. However, the club’s decision was to only give Schmadtke another one-year contract. So should Eberl’s contract not be extended, his confidant’s contract will also expire on June 30, 2027. It may seem surprising from the outside that Eberl is being discussed controversially internally, and that an extension is uncertain. After all, he fulfilled the supervisory board’s demands to make the squad smaller and reduce the wage bill while maintaining the sporting success. Vincent Kompany, Luis Díaz, Michael Olise, Jonathan Tah, Jonas Urbig, whom he signed, have all been a success Despite that, There’s still no complete relationship of trust between Eberl and higher-ups. Eberl is said to have often involved the supervisory board very late in the process. Furthermore, he is said to want to push through contract decisions very quickly instead of renegotiating, which often cost the club money Eberl’s contract situation will be addressed at the next supervisory board meeting in May, before it is placed on the agenda for the following meeting in August, where a final decision will be made.
Again captured by @iMiaSanMia, it seems that the club sees no need to get someone else if Eberl departs:
Even if the supervisory board decided against extending Max Eberl’s contract, they’re currently not considering bringing in a replacement. Rumoured names like Markus Krösche are not a topic. With Jan-Christian Dreesen and Christoph Freund in the decision-making, the club’s bosses believe they would be well-equipped even in the event of Eberl’s departure.
Given Dreesen is a CFO in the role of a CEO and Christoph Freund is set to take over as head of the FC Bayern Campus, one has to wonder if the duo would make the most ideal pairing. Especially considering it seems that every piece of transfer business seems to run through Eberl these days. Ultimately, there are still many months left for a decision to be made. 15 months before the expiry of Eberl’s contract, things seem uncertain (if you believe BILD). Who knows what the situation is like after the 2026 summer transfer window?
You know, most teams get to celebrate 6-1 away wins in the Champions League without the media trying to spoil it with uncertainty. But not FC Hollywood.
☕️🥐 FC Breakfast: Brazil unveil their Jordan kit for the World Cup 🤩
New Jersey for Brazil 🤩
On Thursday evening, Brazil unveiled its new away jersey for the World Cup. Like PSG, it comes from a partnership with Jordan Brand and will be worn for the first time during the friendly match against France on March 26th.
Do you approve?
Mbeumo and his WTF Username 🤣
Guest on the show Zack en roue libre, Bryan Mbeumo revealed himself to be a huge competitive video game player. Call of Duty, APEX Legends, League of Legends... it seems he plays them all.
But where the Manchester United forward surprised everyone was with his quite spicy username.
Supporter's Fail of the Week 😭
While he wanted to watch the Barcelona match against Newcastle in the Champions League, this Blaugrana supporter made a huge mistake.
After searching for St. James Park on Google Maps, the young Spanish man was completely misled by the app. Instead of heading to the Magpies' stadium, he actually traveled to St. James Park in Exeter... which is 600 kilometers away from Newcastle.
Ronaldinho Arrives on Netflix 🎥
On Thursday afternoon, Netflix announced the arrival of a three-episode documentary series on Ronaldinho on April 16th! Lionel Messi and Neymar are expected to be part of the cast.
Like he did in Melbourne, Russell was fastest in all three qualifying segments at Shanghai; Mercedes outpaced rivals McLaren and Ferrari, with Max Verstappen down in eighth for Red Bull.
Russell set the tone by topping Q1 in 1m33.030s, leading the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The second Mercedes was four tenths off, with the McLarens nearly eight tenths adrift.
Verstappen was only 11th then, complaining about his RB22’s “horrendous” driveability, followed by Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto, who both made it through despite excursions in the gravel trap at the exit of the last corner.
A lock-up at Turn 11 and lap time improvements at Alpine meant Alex Albon was eliminated alongside team-mate Carlos Sainz, the Aston Martins and Valtteri Bottas’ Cadillac, nearly two seconds slower than Fernando Alonso. Sergio Perez was unable to partake in the session due to a fuel system issue, after a similar gremlin took Bottas out of the Australian GP.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
The Silver Arrows were last to take to the track in Q2 but rose to the top straight away, with Russell in 1m32.241s and Antonelli in 1m32.570s – but the Italian seemingly blocked Lando Norris in Turn 1. Other than Leclerc in 1m32.602s, nobody was fewer than nine tenths away from the lead Mercedes.
As Antonelli improved to a 1m32.291s, Verstappen went wide in the final corner; the Red Bull very narrowly emerged out of Q2, with the Dutchman 0.071s quicker than 11th-placed Nico Hulkenberg while his team-mate Isack Hadjar was just 0.015s ahead of the Audi.
Russell’s first Q3 benchmark was a 1m31.520s, outpacing Antonelli, Hamilton, Leclerc and Verstappen by 0.36s, 0.64s, 1.21s and 1.73s respectively. The other five cars, including the McLarens and Hadjar, remained in the garage until the last possible moment.
Antonelli improved by 0.07s on his second attempt; so did Leclerc by 0.20s, but it wasn’t enough to match their respective British team-mates. Norris climbed to third, narrowly beating Hamilton and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen and Hadjar qualified down in eighth and 10th, with Gasly a convincing seventh.
🗞️ Front pages: from 'Valverdemania' to crossfire at Can Barça
Two very different topics occupy the front pages on either side of the Air Bridge. In Madrid, they are still basking in happiness after the Champions League victory against Manchester City and Fede Valverde’s outstanding performance.
And with good reason: the Uruguayan emerged as the team leader and delivered a masterclass—one of those performances that change careers and destinies at Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, the final stretch of the elections at Barça takes center stage. Last night, the final electoral debate between Laporta and Font took place, with plenty of crossfire. On Sunday, the 'socis' will vote for their new president.
Brian Wilson delivers Celtic response with criticism for Police Scotland
The Celtic response to the shameful events at Ibrox on Sunday when hundreds of Rangers supporters charged across the Ibrox pitch with violent intent after some Celtic fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrate the penalty shootout victory, was last night delivered by Celtic’s interim Chairman Brian Wilson…
Last night we covered the response from The Scottish FA and the Rangers statement on the unsavoury events at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon at the Scottish Cup quarter-final where Celtic won the tie on a penalty shoot out.
Scotland’s Shame – theRangers fans attacking the Celtic support at Ibrox after Celtic won the Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Brian Wilson the interim Celtic Chairman then appeared on a club video being interviewed by Gerry McCulloch to provide a Celtic response with our highly paid CEO Michael Nicholson nowhere to be seen, pointing to a disengagement from him ahead of a summer exit from the club.
Celtic Director Brian Wilson with CEO Michael Nicholson at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Wilson dealt with two matters – the trouble at Ibrox caused by the Rangers fans aggression and the on going stadium ban of the Green Brigade from Celtic Park with both separate issues having the role of Police Scotland entwined across the issues.
Ibrox Stadium. Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Speaking about Sunday’s Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox the interim Celtic chairman said:
“It is unfortunate that the events after the game have to some extent detracted or overshadowed the actual result. I was frankly disappointed by the chief constable’s comments, as she presumably knows we work closely with Police Scotland.
“We respect the role of the safety advisory group and when there is evidence of unacceptable behaviours, we act against both individuals and groups. All of that is on the record. Measuring responses by condemnatory statements isn’t really accurate,” Wilson said.
“If this could be resolved by statements of condemnation, it would have been resolved decades ago. It’s actions that matter and the way we handle these experiences as a club and the way others handle these experiences.
“If you’re going to be asking for condemnation, you have to be more specific and I would happily condemn and regret. But the highest profile aspect of this (the chaos) was after the penalties and Celtic had won.
“What you had there was a euphoric response from our supporters. It is not uncommon. It has happened on numerous occasions this season alone in Scottish football where you have an overspill onto the pitch.
“That in itself does not usually draw expressions of condemnation. What I would say is that I welcome the SFA’s intention to have a full inquiry. Let’s look at the evidence. If there’s evidence of violence, if there’s evidence of threats of violence, then of course I will condemn that – but let’s look at the evidence before we create maybe a false narrative.”
The Police have plenty of questions to answer themselves, particularly surrounding their match day plan to use the same entry procedures for the away support as the previous week for the Scottish Premiership match with a much lower crowd rather than the tried and tested system last used in March 2018 when Celtic supporters were occupying the entire Free Broomloan. This always worked well so it was reckless and stupid for Police Scotland’s actions to lead to another near crush event involving large numbers of Celtic supporters.
Will they never learn?
On this Wilson said: “That will be part of this inquiry by the SFA, and I welcome that. We met this week with the Celtic Supporters Association, a well-established, well-respected organisation which doesn’t raise issues lightly.
“They had real concerns about the access to the Broomloan Stand – a departure from previous procedures which they believed had worked well. They had a genuine concern about supporter safety.”
Wilson concluded: “We didn’t rush out a statement on that because we think the way to address that is through discussion with the authorities and an evidence based approach. We take that very seriously and I can assure you that people with a lot of experience attending these games had genuine concerns.”
Yesterday The Celtic Star posted five questions for Police Scotland.
Continues on the next page…
A senior Scottish police official has rebuked Celtic and the Ibrox club for not publicly denouncing the conduct of their supporters following the disturbances at the weekend.
Meanwhile we have five questions for Chief Constable Jo Farrell….
Chief Constable Jo Farrell urged both clubs to take stronger action, including measures to remove their respective ultra supporter groups.
Farrell is the latest figure to speak out after chaotic scenes unfolded following the Scottish Cup quarter-final clash. The encounter ended in a 0-0 draw before the Hoops secured a sweet victory through a penalty shootout.
Post-match, supporters from both sides entered the pitch. Police are also investigating an incident involving a member of Celtic’s backroom staff who appeared to be assaulted by a Rangers supporter. Separate incidents of disorder were reported in areas surrounding the stadium.
Police Scotland confirmed that nine individuals have been arrested so far and warned that additional arrests are expected as investigations continue.
The chief constable discussed the situation while appearing before the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit Committee, where the events at Ibrox were raised during proceedings.
She said: “The events of Sunday afternoon were absolutely disgraceful and I condemn the people involved in violence. Fans, families, friends, people working at the clubs, my officers, do not go to and work within that environment to witness or receive or be on the receiving end of threats and violence.”
Union Bears with flares.Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Referring to the intense media discussion that has followed the incident, Farrell also pointed out that neither club has issued a public statement addressing the matter.
“When we got to Monday evening, there was still no commentary from either of those clubs in respect of the violence that was witnessed,”she said. “Nobody came out to condemn that violence.”
Farrell was later asked on whether the clubs should consider restricting ticket allocations to ultra supporter groups as a potential step towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
She said: “That would seem like an obvious action that needs to be considered and taken by the clubs.”
“How do they ensure the safety of their broader fan base and eliminate those individuals who come in and have prepared the balaclavas and the pyrotechnics in order with the intent of causing disruption, harm to those other people around them.”
Scotland’s Shame – theRangers fans attacking the Celtic support at Ibrox after Celtic won the Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Police Scotland have plenty of questions to answer themselves after the events on Sunday. Here are a few but there will be many more.
Why did Police Scotland use the same entry procedures for the Celtic support from the previous week when the allocation was much smaller at 1800 when they could have used the tried and tested procedures that were successfully implements at Ibrox for Rangers v Celtic games for decades where the Celtic support had the full Broomloan Road stand?
Why did Police officers instruct some Celtic buses to park on Helen Street causing serious risks which could have resulted in a fatality?
Why was there not a pile cordon in place in front of the Broomloan Road and Copeland Road (which houses the Rangers ultra group the Union Bears) stands at the end of the match?
Did Police Scotland discuss these matters with Rangers in advance and has there been an element of cost cutting on behalf of the Ibrox club to reduce the cost of policing inside the stadium.
Does Police Scotland accept that they failed to learn the lessons from the Janefield Street crush and that their procedures on Sunday were in danger of leading to a similar dangerous situation re-occurring?
The last words on the Premier Sports commentary on the video above sums up the situation perfectly and in real time.
Premier Sport commentator Rory Hamilton is in no doubt about what he is seeing.
“Supporters [are]making their way on to the pitch at both ends of the stadium, Celtic in celebration, Rangers fans in retaliation.”
Luka Doncic is unanimously the Los Angeles Lakers' best player. Everyone is well aware of that, but head coach JJ Redick still believes that he is not getting enough love. Considering most people are looking at names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, Redick might have a point.
This season, Doncic has been playing well at an MVP level again. However, he has been overshadowed by his peers, especially SGA. With this 51-point outburst against the Chicago Bulls, Doncic is in the headlines again, which could be the key to him getting the well-deserved spotlight again.
Redick continues to campaign for Doncic to get his well-deserved spotlight
As a head coach who wants his players to be as confident as possible, Redick wants more people to appreciate Doncic. He brings up great points because Doncic has been stellar yet again this season. Unfortunately for him, he is not getting the same plaudits as his peers.
Of course, the other players deserve the praise because they have been carrying their teams. SGA, Jokic, Cade Cunningham, and Victor Wembanyama are all playing at an MVP level, and they all have arguments for the award by the end of the season.
Against the Bulls on Thursday, Doncic had arguably his best game of the season. He posted a stat line of 51 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. It was a dominant game that was further strengthened by his spat with the Bulls' Matas Buzelis during the game.
Moving forward, this game shows Doncic's potential in carrying his team. Of course, he had help with stellar performances from Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton, but Redick wants to highlight Doncic's contributions as the star player.
As the Lakers wind down their season, they are getting better performances across the board. Of course, most people look at the big three of Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron James. However, since Luka is playing at a high level, the rest of the team is benefiting, including Ayton.
If they can maintain this level moving forward, the Lakers are a tough team to beat. In the Playoffs, they will be a tough team to go against, and Redick is ready to coach a team that is ready to keep fighting in their quest for success.
Joan Laporta promises 50% discount to non-season ticket holders
The debate between Joan Laporta and Victor Font ahead of the presidential elections at Barcelona produced several strong exchanges, covering many of the issues currently affecting the club.
Throughout the discussion, both candidates addressed a wide range of topics.
The debate included questions about the sporting project, the management of different sections within the club, possible future signings, and the general direction Barcelona should take in the coming years.
However, one of the most sensitive topics raised during the debate involved the rising cost of attending matches.
Ticket prices have been a major concern for many Barcelona supporters, especially those who are not season ticket holders.
Font’s bullet on Barcelona
Victor Font used the opportunity to challenge Laporta directly on the issue, highlighting how expensive it has become for some families to attend matches at the stadium.
In particular, Font raised a scenario that many fans could easily relate to. While questioning Laporta about the situation facing supporters, Font asked,
“What would you say to a family of four members who have to spend €636 to go to the Barça-Sevilla game?”
Laporta promised a reduction in price of match tickets. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)
The question immediately brought attention to a problem that has been widely discussed among Barcelona supporters in recent years.
Many fans have expressed frustration over the increasing costs associated with attending matches, particularly for those who do not hold season tickets.
Laporta’s response
Laporta responded to the criticism by acknowledging that the club has gone through a difficult period financially, which has influenced many of the decisions made in recent years.
At the same time, he suggested that the situation could improve moving forward, now that the club is stabilising financially.
Explaining his position during the debate, Laporta responded,
“Now that we have recovered the club, after going through the wilderness, what we will do is give a 50% discount to non-season ticket holders.
“I’m not just talking, like you. We have done a very good job and are entering a phase of consolidation,” Laporta replied.
If this proposal were to become reality, it could represent a major shift for the fans who currently struggle with ticket prices for big matches.
"He's obviously down and frustrated" – Canada coach Jesse Marsch on Alphonso Davies' latest injury setback
Canada coach Jesse Marsch has revealed that Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is unlikely to be called up for his national team’s international fixtures this month due to injury.
The left-back was forced off with a muscle problem during Bayern’s 6-1 victory over Atalanta earlier this week and is expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks.
“I spoke to him today. He’s obviously a bit down and frustrated, but he said this injury, compared to the one he suffered a month ago, is much less severe. He’ll probably need 2-3 weeks before he’s back,” Marsch told TSN.
“He’s probably not going to be with us for March, which is okay. We’ll leave him in Munich to ensure he gets fully fit and back to 100%, but I’m confident he will.”
Davies, who had only just returned from an injury, has made 13 appearances for FC Bayern this season.
Real Madrid midfielder matches Lionel Messi’s record after stunning performance vs Man City
Federico Valverde delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career as Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The Uruguayan midfielder produced a remarkable first-half display at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, scoring all three goals to give Real Madrid a commanding advantage heading into the second leg.
Valverde’s performance not only secured a major result for Real Madrid but also placed his name among some of the biggest stars in Champions League history.
Three remarkable goals
The breakthrough came early in the match. In the 20th minute, Valverde opened the scoring with an impressive individual effort.
Just eight minutes later, the midfielder doubled Real Madrid’s advantage and the third goal, which completed the hat-trick before halftime, was arguably the most spectacular.
In the 43rd minute, Brahim Diaz played a clever pass into the box. Valverde controlled the ball with a brilliant sombrero over Marc Guehi and, without letting it drop, finished perfectly to beat Donnarumma once again.
What’s the story?
Scoring three goals in the first half of a Champions League knockout match is an extremely rare achievement.
Valverde is now in the history books. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to AS, with this performance, Valverde joined a very exclusive group of players who have managed the same feat.
The list includes legendary names such as Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland and Anthony Gordon.
Valverde also entered another remarkable list connected to teams coached by Pep Guardiola.
Over the years, only a handful of players have managed to score a hat-trick against a Guardiola side.
That group includes famous names such as Sergio Aguero, Messi, Jamie Vardy, Christopher Nkunku, Viktor Gyokeres and Kylian Mbappe.
What makes Valverde’s achievement even more impressive is that he becomes the first midfielder among these players to accomplish this feat.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss Friday and elected to field against Pakistan in the second one-day cricket international.
Bangladesh leads the three-match after fast bowler Nahid Rana skittled Pakistan for 114 with a career-best figures of 5-24 in a resounding eight-wicket win on Wednesday.
While Bangladesh retained the same playing XI, Pakistan made one change.
Pakistan gave another chance to its inexperienced batters despite Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat and Abdul Samad, who were all on ODI debut in the first game, struggling to cope with the pace of Rana and off-spin of Mehidy.
Pakistan recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf in place of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in a hope the wicket will suit the fast bowlers more.
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Lineups:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.
Donald Trump recently addressed questions surrounding Iran’s potential participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The US president commented on whether the Iranian national football team should take part in the tournament scheduled to be held in North America. His remarks came as uncertainty continues over Iran’s involvement in the competition.
Donald Trump comments on Iranian Team’s participation in World Cup
US President Donald Trump said Iran’s men’s national football team is “welcome” to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, he added that he does not believe it is “appropriate” for the team to attend due to security concerns (via BBC). The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will begin on 11 June 2026.
Trump made the remarks in a Truth Social post on Thursday while discussing Iran’s possible participation in the North American tournament. He wrote, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali also questioned the country’s participation. He said Iran is not in a position to attend the competition. In an interview with IRIB Sports Network, he said: “Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup.”
Security concerns increased after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran later launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf Arab countries hosting United States military bases. These countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Trump had previously told him Iran would be welcomed at the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June. The team is also scheduled to face Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. FIFA regulations allow the governing body to replace a withdrawing team if necessary before the tournament begins.
We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg beteen Nottingham Forest and Midtjylland.
Here are some of your comments:
Sean: A common theme of our season, regardless of manager, has been that we have been really good to watch, with great attacking play, at times, but we can't take our chances. It's not acceptable any more. We need to score, or we win nothing and we go down. The amount of passes we had in their penalty area without getting a shot away, when it would have been simpler to shoot, is nothing short of ridiculous. You could make a case for poor conditions, but Midtjylland had the same conditions and they took their chance. We need to be more clinical. Take note, Ange... I mean, Sean... I mean, Vitor!
Jonathan: That sums up our season. Even when we play well, there aren't enough goals in the team. Poor defending gives away a free header and a game we dominated is lost.
Tim: Three months since Forest won at home, so wasn't expecting much. We aren't great when teams sit back and let us have the ball. Might do better at their place, but now they can sit back there too. Fulham will do the same on Sunday, which doesn't bode well.
Gaz: Moved the ball too slowly and toothless up front. That's exactly the type of performance that's got us into this situation in the league. Far too inconsistent. And Morato, I'm sorry to say, is a liability.
Ian: Hard luck actually - we played very well and we just needed a bit of luck. No complaints with team selection or substitutions as we needed to give rest to some players. We are certainly playing well enough so keep it going - the tide will turn!
The Hundred auction on Thursday produced several talking points, with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and two Pakistan players finding buyers and grabbing headlines.
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Mustafizur was snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 100,000 (approximately Rs 1.23 crore), marking a fresh chapter after a turbulent few months that began with his sudden release from Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.
The Bangladesh left-arm pacer had been let go by KKR at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, triggering widespread debate in Bangladesh. The decision created a diplomatic and cricketing ripple effect that eventually culminated in Bangladesh withdrawing from the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup, turning Mustafizur’s franchise exit into one of the most talked-about controversies of the season.
While Mustafizur’s signing grabbed attention, the auction also saw two Pakistan players picked. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought by Sunrisers Leeds for GBP 190,000 (around Rs 2.34 crore) after a bidding war with Trent Rockets. Abrar’s signing is significant as Sunrisers Leeds are owned by the Chennai-based Sun Group, making him the first Pakistan player to join an Indian-owned franchise in the competition.
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Another Pakistan mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, was picked by Birmingham Phoenix for GBP 140,000 (about Rs 1.72 crore). However, Phoenix have no direct connection to any IPL franchise.
Several other Pakistan stars failed to attract bids. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, all-rounder Saim Ayub and spinner Shadab Khan went unsold, while seasoned pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi had earlier withdrawn from the auction.
Among other big deals, Sussex all-rounder James Coles secured the top bid of the day, joining London Spirit for GBP 390,000 (around Rs 4.8 crore).
The upcoming edition of The Hundred is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 16.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gives honest opinion on Chelsea after PSG’s 5-2 Champions League win
PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has shared his thoughts on Chelsea after the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie.
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The Blues conceded three goals in the final 15 minutes as they suffered a 5-2 defeat in Paris on Wednesday night, to all but eliminate them from the competition.
The second leg takes place at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening, with the Blues needing a miracle to overturn a three goal deficit.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shares honest thoughts on Chelsea
Chelsea caused PSG problems in the game, but as has so often been the case the Blues hit the self destruct button.
Once again issues in defence and with the goalkeeper cost the Blues, with Rosenior’s decision to pick Filip Jorgensen backfiring spectacularly.
“I’m happy that I can help to the team and I’m more happy that we won against Chelsea because they are good team,” he told CBS Sports Golazo.
“And yeah, I’m happy for that game.”
Chelsea under pressure to secure top five finish
With the Blues virtually out of the competition attention now turns to securing a top five finish and making sure there’s Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season.
Chelsea currently sit fifth, three points behind Manchester United and Aston Villa in third and fourth respectively.
The Blues face Newcastle on Saturday evening in what is a must win game, and with United and Villa playing each other there’s an opportunity to close the gap on one of both teams.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
"There is pressure to win if they want to have a title challenge."
Well, we are getting to crunch time in the Championship.
Thistle's narrow Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat at St Mirren on Sunday focused the minds on it being a potential dress rehearsal come the Premiership play-off final later in the season.
But, for now, the Firhill side remain very much in the hunt for the title. They currently trail St Johnstone by eight points and have a game in hand.
They also host the leaders next week in what could be a defining match in the second-tier season – live on the BBC.
But first, Thistle need to ensure they take care of a Morton side toiling for form.
Ian Murray's side have lost their last three matches - away at Queen's Park and Airdrieonians, and last weekend at home to St Johnstone.
Having Cammy Ballantyne and Curtis Main sent off at Airdrie was clearly of no help.
Third bottom of the table, Morton are in choppy waters, especially with Queen's Park suddenly in a run of form and Ross County breathing down their necks.
Be in no doubt, they are in a relegation battle.
Ignore any naysayers who claim the Premiership is trouncing the Championship for storylines this season - for once.
Nothing is certain in this final quarter of the season, and three points on Friday is crucial for both sides.
Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-11, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (31-23-11, in the Metropolitan Division)
Philadelphia; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia Flyers host the Columbus Blue Jackets after the Flyers knocked off the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in a shootout.
Philadelphia is 31-23-11 overall with a 9-7-4 record against the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers have a 4-4-8 record in games decided by a goal.
Columbus has a 7-7-4 record in Metropolitan Division games and a 33-21-11 record overall. The Blue Jackets have a 10-7-10 record in games decided by a goal.
The matchup Saturday is the second time these teams meet this season. The Blue Jackets won 5-3 in the previous matchup.
TOP PERFORMERS: Trevor Zegras has scored 22 goals with 32 assists for the Flyers. Owen Tippett has three goals and two assists over the last 10 games.
Zachary Werenski has 20 goals and 48 assists for the Blue Jackets. Adam Fantilli has scored six goals with five assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Flyers: 6-3-1, averaging 2.1 goals, 3.8 assists, 3.6 penalties and 8.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.3 goals per game.
Blue Jackets: 5-1-4, averaging 3.5 goals, 5.8 assists, 3.2 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.
INJURIES: Flyers: None listed.
Blue Jackets: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Carolina Hurricanes (41-18-6, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (40-20-4, in the Atlantic Division)
Tampa, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Carolina Hurricanes after Gage Goncalves' two-goal game against the Detroit Red Wings in the Lightning's 4-1 win.
Tampa Bay has a 40-20-4 record overall and a 20-11-0 record in home games. The Lightning have committed 327 total penalties (5.1 per game) to rank first in the league.
Carolina has gone 17-9-4 on the road and 41-18-6 overall. The Hurricanes have a 17-6-1 record in games they convert at least one power play.
Saturday's game is the third time these teams match up this season. The Hurricanes won the previous meeting 5-4.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nikita Kucherov has 34 goals and 72 assists for the Lightning. Brayden Point has five goals and seven assists over the past 10 games.
Seth Jarvis has 28 goals and 25 assists for the Hurricanes. Nikolaj Ehlers has six goals and four assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lightning: 4-6-0, averaging 3.6 goals, 6.1 assists, 6.6 penalties and 22.6 penalty minutes while giving up 3.6 goals per game.
Hurricanes: 7-3-0, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.3 assists, three penalties and six penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.
INJURIES: Lightning: None listed.
Hurricanes: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Toronto Maple Leafs (28-27-11, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (40-20-6, in the Atlantic Division)
Buffalo, New York; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to the Buffalo Sabres looking to break a five-game road slide.
Buffalo has a 40-20-6 record overall and a 14-4-3 record in Atlantic Division games. The Sabres rank third in league play with 229 total goals (averaging 3.5 per game).
Toronto is 28-27-11 overall and 6-12-3 against the Atlantic Division. The Maple Leafs have allowed 230 goals while scoring 208 for a -22 scoring differential.
Saturday's game is the fourth time these teams square off this season. The Sabres won 7-4 in the previous matchup. Rasmus Dahlin led the Sabres with three goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tage Thompson has 34 goals and 36 assists for the Sabres. Alex Tuch has six goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Matthew Knies has 17 goals and 38 assists for the Maple Leafs. William Nylander has five goals and six assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Sabres: 8-2-0, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.5 assists, 4.7 penalties and 12.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.
Maple Leafs: 2-6-2, averaging 2.6 goals, four assists, 4.8 penalties and 13.8 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game.
INJURIES: Sabres: None listed.
Maple Leafs: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
San Jose Sharks (31-26-6, in the Pacific Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (36-18-10, in the Atlantic Division)
Montreal, Quebec; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens take on the San Jose Sharks with a three win streak on the line.
Montreal has an 18-11-2 record in home games and a 36-18-10 record overall. The Canadiens are fourth in the league with 272 total penalties (averaging 4.3 per game).
San Jose is 14-16-1 on the road and 31-26-6 overall. The Sharks have a 28-8-3 record in games they score at least three goals.
The teams match up Saturday for the second time this season. The Sharks won 7-5 in the previous matchup.
TOP PERFORMERS: Lane Hutson has 11 goals and 55 assists for the Canadiens. Cole Caufield has seven goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
Macklin Celebrini has 33 goals and 58 assists for the Sharks. Michael Misa has four goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Canadiens: 6-1-3, averaging 4.1 goals, 7.2 assists, 3.7 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game.
Sharks: 4-4-2, averaging three goals, 4.7 assists, four penalties and 11.6 penalty minutes while giving up 3.4 goals per game.
INJURIES: Canadiens: None listed.
Sharks: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Detroit Red Wings (36-23-7, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Dallas Stars (41-14-10, in the Central Division)
Dallas; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars host the Detroit Red Wings after Jason Robertson's two-goal game against the Edmonton Oilers in the Stars' 7-2 win.
Dallas has a 21-7-4 record at home and a 41-14-10 record overall. The Stars rank first in the Western Conference with 59 power-play goals.
Detroit has a 36-23-7 record overall and an 18-12-4 record in road games. The Red Wings have gone 16-3-4 in one-goal games.
Saturday's game is the second time these teams meet this season. The Red Wings won 4-3 in overtime in the last matchup. Dylan Larkin led the Red Wings with two goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Robertson has scored 36 goals with 42 assists for the Stars. Matt Duchene has four goals and 12 assists over the last 10 games.
Lucas Raymond has 20 goals and 45 assists for the Red Wings. Larkin has scored three goals and added four assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Stars: 9-0-1, averaging 4.5 goals, 7.9 assists, 4.4 penalties and 9.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.2 goals per game.
Red Wings: 4-5-1, averaging 2.2 goals, four assists, three penalties and 6.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game.
INJURIES: Stars: None listed.
Red Wings: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Blackhawks (25-29-11, in the Central Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (30-22-14, in the Pacific Division)
Paradise, Nevada; Saturday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Vegas Golden Knights host the Chicago Blackhawks after Pavel Dorofeyev's two-goal game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Golden Knights' 6-2 win.
Vegas has a 15-10-7 record in home games and a 30-22-14 record overall. The Golden Knights are 29-6-8 when scoring at least three goals.
Chicago has a 25-29-11 record overall and a 12-14-6 record in road games. The Blackhawks have a -32 scoring differential, with 172 total goals scored and 204 conceded.
Saturday's game is the third time these teams meet this season. The Blackhawks won the previous meeting 3-2 in overtime. Tyler Bertuzzi scored three goals in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Eichel has 24 goals and 50 assists for the Golden Knights. Dorofeyev has seven goals and five assists over the past 10 games.
Connor Bedard has 27 goals and 34 assists for the Blackhawks. Ryan Donato has scored three goals and added three assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Golden Knights: 4-6-0, averaging 2.9 goals, five assists, 4.2 penalties and 9.9 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game.
Blackhawks: 4-4-2, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.8 assists, 2.9 penalties and 5.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.
INJURIES: Golden Knights: None listed.
Blackhawks: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Pittsburgh Penguins (32-18-15, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Utah Mammoth (34-26-6, in the Central Division)
Salt Lake City; Saturday, 9 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Utah Mammoth look to stop a three-game slide when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Utah has a 34-26-6 record overall and an 18-10-3 record on its home ice. The Mammoth have allowed 184 goals while scoring 205 for a +21 scoring differential.
Pittsburgh has a 16-9-7 record on the road and a 32-18-15 record overall. The Penguins have a +29 scoring differential, with 218 total goals scored and 189 given up.
The teams match up Saturday for the second time this season. The Mammoth won 5-4 in overtime in the previous meeting. Michael Carcone led the Mammoth with two goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dylan Guenther has 30 goals and 26 assists for the Mammoth. Clayton Keller has three goals and nine assists over the past 10 games.
Anthony Mantha has 24 goals and 25 assists for the Penguins. Benjamin Kindel has scored four goals with two assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mammoth: 5-3-2, averaging 2.6 goals, 4.5 assists, 3.7 penalties and 9.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.
Penguins: 4-3-3, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.1 assists, 4.4 penalties and 10.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.
INJURIES: Mammoth: None listed.
Penguins: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Bulinews' Fantasy Bundesliga writers have each put together a squad of 10 outfield players for the upcoming matchday.
Managers have full freedom with formations, but squads can’t exceed 110M, can only include up to three players from the same club and must be built around low-ownership picks (under 20%).
On top of that, every manager can choose one captain, whose points will be doubled.
With the rules set, let’s take a look at the squads our writers have assembled for Matchday 26:
Liverpool scout €33m defender also wanted by Manchester United
Liverpool’s hunt for defensive reinforcements has seen them linked with many of the top names in Europe.
The Reds are in the process of a defensive rebuild, adding three defenders to their senior squad last summer as well as several to their academy over the course of the season.
Lutsharel Geertruida was almost added late in the winter window too, but a deal could not be finalised.
With uncertainty surrounding all of Arne Slot’s current senior central defenders, the Reds are now looking to reinforce further ahead of next season.
Liverpool join Manchester United in race for elite defender
A whole host of names have been linked with Merseyside moves, but the latest defender reportedly being considered by Liverpool is Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu.
According to a fresh report from Caught Offside, the Frenchman is being monitored by both Liverpool and Manchester ahead of a potential summer move.
Although under contract until 2029, Kalulu will likely be the target of a summer bid, with several other Premier League clubs also showing some interest.
The Reds’ recruitment team have been present to watch the 25-year-old play this season, and have been impressed by his performances according to the report.
Kalulu has become an important figure in Juve’s defence this season and is valued at around €33 million (~£28.5m) according to FootballTransfers.
With so many teams interested, and so long remaining on his current deal, it will likely take a fee higher than that valuation to secure Kalulu’s services, but Liverpool have shown their spending ability in recent windows.
Capped three times by France, the Juventus defender represents an option with experience and potential and has also been frequently utilised as a right-back, which will be a big positive for Liverpool.
Ekitike says one Liverpool teammate makes him ‘shine’
Hugo Ekitike has revealed just how much he enjoys playing alongside Florian Wirtz, explaining that the German playmaker helps him shine in attack.
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The two attackers arrived at Anfield during a blockbuster summer transfer window and already appear to be forming an exciting partnership under Arne Slot.
Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal reportedly worth £116m, briefly making him the most expensive signing in British football history.
Although the 22-year-old initially needed time to adjust to the Premier League, the German international has now begun to show exactly why Liverpool invested so heavily.
The creative midfielder has registered 13 goal contributions and continues to grow in influence within Slot’s attacking system.
For Ekitike, having a player like Wirtz operating just behind him makes the striker’s role far easier.
Speaking to Owen Hargreaves for TNT Sports, our No.22 was clear about how much he values the partnership.
Ekitike said: “In this team, I think he’s the player I like to play with the most.
“I like the other players as well, but when you play as a striker and you have a No.10 that understands football so much and wants to play the same football as you, it makes things easy.”
Ekitike believes partnership with Wirtz can produce big things
The Liverpool forward also revealed that he had already spoken to Wirtz about how well they could combine together in the future.
The 23-year-old striker explained that both players quickly realised their styles complement each other.
Ekitike said: “I told him that if we play together, we’re going to do great things. If he gives me the ball, I give it back and things will happen.”
The French attacker believes the German international’s creativity will continue to produce goals and assists as their understanding grows.
He added: “I enjoy playing with him so much, and I know he’s a player who can give me so many assists throughout the season.”
That belief in Wirtz’s quality reflects the confidence already building within Liverpool’s attack.
The striker concluded by explaining just how valuable it is to have a creative player capable of elevating the performances of those around him.
Ekitike said: “That’s good to have a player on this on your side that can make you shine.”
Liverpool building their future around young attackers
Ekitike’s comments also underline the long-term attacking project Liverpool appear to be building under Slot.
He previously said: “I think I can, I think I can… there’s room for improvement, I have to work more, progress.”
Meanwhile Wirtz has continued to earn praise for his growing influence in Liverpool’s midfield.
Speaking on TNT Sports earlier this season, Owen Hargreaves even suggested the Germany international had already become Liverpool’s most important player.
Hargreaves said: “I think right now Wirtz is Liverpool’s best player.”
With the pair beginning to build chemistry on the pitch, Liverpool supporters will hope their partnership can develop into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking combinations.
Brentford's Thiago has scored 21 goals in the Premier League this season [Getty Images]
Gameweek 32 is emerging as a popular point to play the wildcard for Fantasy Premier League managers, and there is a chance to make short-term gains by targeting teams with good fixtures in weeks 30 and 31.
Expert FPL Heisenberg and some of the team from the FPL Podcast from BBC Sport look at three teams you could take a chance on.
Brentford
Brentford face bottom-of-the-table Wolves followed by a Leeds side who are in a relegation scrap.
Igor Thiago (£7.2m) is a good pick in the forward line and doesn't need much explaining: he's on penalties and has 18 goals and one assist in 28 starts so far this season.
He has been a little quiet of late though, with only one attacking return in his last four.
You could also have midfielders Dango Ouattara (£6m) and Kevin Schade (£6.9m) - who I like for these fixtures as they grabbed an attacking return each away to Burnley in gameweek 28.
Defensively they have the likes of Sepp van den Berg (£4.5m) and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (£4.7m).
Van den Berg has two assists in his past four and Kelleher has a decent record saving penalties, having stopped three in the Premier League so far this season.
Liverpool face a Spurs side who have shipped a massive 14 goals in their past four games in all competitions.
Plenty of options exist in the attacking positions, with Mohamed Salah (£14m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.9m), Alexis Mac Allister (£6.3m) and Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) all viable.
It's worth noting that just because Salah is the most expensive, and historically has been an amazing FPL pick, there's no evidence to suggest the Egyptian will outscore the cheaper Liverpool midfielders over the next two gameweeks.
Striker Hugo Ekitike (£9.1m) has been disappointing of late (apart from the haul v West Ham) but I'm confident he will come good against Spurs and Brighton. He has 11 goals and four assists in 20 starts this season.
Virgil van Dijk (£6.2m) would be my defender of choice, especially as he has three attacking returns in the past four gameweeks, but if money is tight then go for the cheaper Ibrahima Konate (£5.5m).
However, BBC commentator Chris Coles, who was a guest on the podcast this week, has decided not to include any Liverpool players in his team.
"I have no Liverpool players... but I am worried about Liverpool because Tottenham at home is a great fixture for them," he said.
"I'm tempted by Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike is off the market [price] - there is no way I can get two in without completely ripping up my team."
Fulham
Like Brentford, Fulham also face two teams in the bottom six so let's take a look at their assets.
Harry Wilson (£6m) has been the standout pick for Fulham this season. If he's not fit, go for the in-form midfielder Alex Iwobi (£6.4m) who has three goal contributions in his past three games.
Defensively it's a bit trickier. Assuming Joachim Andersen (£4.5m) gets his place back in the team after missing the past two matches, he's still the best pick due to his potential for defensive contributions.
Another safe route would be Bernd Leno (£4.9m) if you are looking for a goalkeeper this week.
🥐 Finalissima challenge, plenty of transfer talk... Today's top 5️⃣ stories
Spanish football is experiencing a moment of maximum excitement, with Rayo Vallecano determined to write its own European epic while giants like Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid undergo internal transformations that will shape their short- and long-term destinies.
However, the news does not stop at our borders. From the offices of UEFA to the corridors of the White House, the threads of power are tightening around the organization of the Finalissima and the security of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Battle for the Finalissima Venue
The venue for the clash between Spain and Argentina has become a political chessboard. While Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA) pushes for the Santiago Bernabéu, Chiqui Tapia, president of the AFA, challenges the proposal by demanding River Plate’s Monumental stadium. The problem is logistical: AC/DC is playing in Buenos Aires that day, complicating a standoff already marked by the judicial investigation surrounding Tapia.
Maximum Tension at FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana electoral campaign is reaching new heights, with a fierce exchange of blows between Joan Laporta and Víctor Font. In the latest debate, Laporta accused his rival of lying about the club’s conversion into a public limited sports company, while Font attacked the “ideology” of the president’s inner circle. The social fracture is evident on the eve of the elections.
New Financial Era at Atlético
Atlético de Madrid is taking a historic turn in its management. With the entry of the Apollo Sports Capital fund and a capital increase of 100 million euros, the club is seeking financial stability. The big surprise is the return of David Villa, who joins a new Board of Directors designed to modernize the club’s structure.
Lights and Shadows in Europe
A day of contrasts for Spanish teams in continental competition. Rayo Vallecano shines after conquering Samsunspor’s field (1-3) with a stellar performance from Alemao, already dreaming of the quarterfinals. On the other hand, Betis narrowly lost in Athens, and Celta saw Endrick snatch victory away in the dying moments.
Trump Influences the 2026 World Cup
International politics have burst onto the World Cup scene. Donald Trump has sparked debate by “recommending” that Iran not attend the tournament, citing security reasons. These statements generate enormous uncertainty about the neutrality of the tournament on U.S. soil and the safety of foreign delegations.
There have been a number of famous goalkeeper goals down the years, but it would be hard to find one more significant than Alan Patterson's winner for Glentoran against Linfield in the 1988-89 League Cup final.
At a rain-swept Oval, with the game finely poised at 1-1, the Glens keeper launched a huge clearance up field which bounced over opposite number George Dunlop and into the net.
It was enough to secure the trophy for his team for the first time and create British football history as Patterson became the first goalkeeper to score a winner in a cup final.
With Glentoran and Linfield set to meet again in Sunday's BetMcLean Cup final, Patterson has been reminiscing on that famous goal, which thanks to the power of social media, has gone 'viral' nearly 40 years on.
"It's nice to see it again. I remember it was close to the end of the game, minutes to go and my thoughts were to just get the ball to the other end of the pitch and really I thought Gary Macartney had got a touch on it and it went past Geordie (Dunlop), but when John Devine jumped all over me I realised it had gone straight in which was great at the time," he told BBC Sport NI's Thomas Kane.
"It took a while for it to sink in and you feel for George, that was my first reaction, I wouldn't like it to happen to me, the second reaction was the joy of winning the cup and especially against Linfield and to score the winner, it's one you live on for.
"That's the strange thing, being a goalkeeper you want people to talk about your saves, but most of the time they talk about the goal, it's different. It was brilliant and it's still brilliant."
'Any cup final is special, against Linfield it's more special'
There's plenty of intrigue around this first 'Big Two' final meeting in 16 years with VAR in use for the first time in the domestic game in Northern Ireland and a place in the end of season European play-offs up for grabs, with all the action live on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer.
Glentoran have not won this trophy since 2010 and were narrowly beaten by Linfield the last time the two sides met in the league in February after a famous Boxing Day win at Windsor last year.
The Glens sit second in the table, three points ahead of the Blues, but Patterson, who played over 500 times for the club across two spells, believes the old adage that anything can happen on cup final day.
"Any cup final is special, against Linfield it's more special," he added.
"I've played in several of them and form goes out the window. Glentoran are riding the crest of the wave. On form, they're probably the favourites, but it's a cup final, it's against Linfield and for me, you can't predict anything when it comes to that.
"It will be a great atmosphere, a huge crowd and it will be what team believes they can actually go and win it."
Jack Draper's Indian Wells title defence ended in controversial circumstances during his quarter-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev, with a contentious hindrance call proving pivotal in the 6-1 7-5 loss.
The decisive moment arrived at 5-5, 0-15 in the second set. Umpire Aurelie Torte, after a video review, awarded a crucial point to Medvedev.
The call came after Draper, visibly weary from his victory over Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, raised his arms at a disputed line call, deemed to have distracted his opponent. This controversial decision allowed Medvedev to secure a vital break.
The California crowd made their feelings clear, booing Medvedev at the change of ends and after he sealed victory.
The two players had a long chat at the net as they shook hands, with Medvedev saying "If you're mad at me, I'm sorry" and Draper responding "I'm not at all - but I don't think it distracted you enough".
Despite the contentious circumstances, Draper shook hands with both Medvedev and Torte before leaving the court.
The opening set had been one-sided, with Draper broken in his first service game after a net cord favoured Medvedev, who then raced to a 4-0 lead within 15 minutes.
Jack Draper gestures toward a chair umpire during a quarterfinal match against Daniil Medvedev (AP)
Draper finally got on the board with a hold of serve to make it 5-1 but it was only a temporary reprieve as Medvedev wrapped up the set in 25 minutes.
The second set was a closer contest, although it was the Draper serve which was consistently coming under the greater pressure, with Medvedev telling his opponent he “didn’t feel great” about the incident which ultimately contributed to him sealing a semi-final spot at the end of the match.
British interest in the singles came to an end as Cameron Norrie went down 6-3 6-4 to Carlos Alcaraz.
The British number two fought gamely against the world number one but was eventually outclassed.
Norrie struggled to land a blow on the Alcaraz serve in the early stages while struggling to hold his own and the 30-year-old was eventually broken in the sixth game of the contest.
Jack Draper, looking understandably weary from his exploits in beating Novak Djokovic less than 24 hours earlier, went down 6-1 7-5 to Daniil Medvedev (Getty Images)
Surprisingly that led to a temporary lapse of concentration from the Spaniard, who was broken back to love only to then force a third straight break before wrapping up the opening set.
Norrie gained an early break in the second set but his own service problems saw Alcaraz haul his way back in front.
Norrie saved the first three match points he faced but Alcaraz duly converted the fourth to set up a semi-final showdown with Medvedev.
In the women’s singles, Elena Rybakina overcame Jessica Pegula in straight sets and will face Elina Svitolina in the last four.
Koné will be in the stands at the Dall’Ara, but there’s no need to worry.
This is a precautionary decision made by Gasperini after a minor thigh problem he experienced following Wednesday’s training session.
Yesterday, during the warm-up, Koné played comfortably with his teammates, who were excluded from the starting eleven. His condition isn’t a concern, and he should be available on Sunday.
The Piedmontese coach will rejoin Mancini, who was suspended in Bologna. Hermoso is also expected to start.
The Spaniard returned to the pitch last night, playing just over twenty minutes, and is ready to reclaim his starting spot.
N’Dicka, however, will be out, having served a one-match suspension. As Il Tempo reports, the Grugliasco coach could again choose Ghilardi to replace the Ivorian.
Manchester United duo Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez were absent from midweek training
Manchester United duo Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez were not involved in first-team training during the week, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
Mount last played for Man United in January and has missed the last six games, with Red Devils manager Michael Carrick revealing back on February 1 that the Englishman would return very soon after suffering a knock in training.
The nature of Mount’s injury is unknown but he has yet to return to training while Martinez has been out for three weeks and is set to miss a fourth consecutive fixture following a minor setback after a calf injury.
Carrick promoted 18-year-old centre-back Albert Mills to first-team training on Wednesday but he is unlikely to be named in the matchday squad against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Man United under-21s play their Southampton counterparts in the Premier League 2 tonight and Mills is expected to feature.
The Norwich-born youngster once trained with the Red Devils first-team under Ruben Amorim last October and would have been delighted to be back during the week.
Mills has been a regular for the youth teams this term, with 17 starts to his name in the under-18 Premier League and three appearances for the under-21s.
He bagged a goal as the under-18s secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup last month and will hope to feature more in subsequent first-team trainings.
Matthijs de Ligt was also unavailable in training this week as he continues to nurse a back problem, while Patrick Dorgu is yet to fully recover from his hamstring injury.
Man United will be desperate to return to winning ways following the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United last time out.
They face Bournemouth next after the Villa game and will look to head into the international break with back-to-back league victories.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This was not the original column you were going to read.
Thanks to howling winds outside my hotel on this blissful evening, I was unable to sleep, preparing for my drive back to Lubbock after my three-day stay at the Big 12 Tournament, which ended earlier than usual after Texas Tech basketball's thud against Iowa State.
Much like earlier this week, my penchant for writing ahead bit me in the behind. After Texas Tech's game, one of the stories I wrote was a column about, you guessed it, the court, that monstrosity known as the ASB GlassFloor LED court the Big 12 has put its basketball players on for the past two weeks.
Honestly, it was probably one of my better columns. Had some good quips in there that'll probably never see the light of day. The gist of it, though, was this: Yormark came to the Big 12 with an innovative aspiration for what the league can be. That comes with gambles and outside-the-box ideas to draw attention to a league fighting for space at the top of the food chain.
Of course, this leads to failures, and this court was perhaps the biggest. It was an issue far earlier than Christian Anderson slipping and sliding all over the floor Thursday morning, coming out of the game injured and not returning — the game was well over by then, so no need to risk further injury to he or LeJuan Watts with the NCAA Tournament to think about.
Yormark was defensive of the reception the court got for the women's tournament last week. Every single player and coach has been asked about the court at the postgame press conferences. In almost every instance, players said it was. ... fine. Slippery, weird, but acceptable.
"It's obviously a different surface that we're used to playing on," Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland said, "and there's some challenging moments today, is what I would say. I think with size around the basket it's not, but the quickness and the guard play and stop and start change in direction, it just has a different response than what we're used to and I thought we had a hard time handling changing directions of the course of the game."
No player, and no coach, is going to outright blast the floor in a press conference setting. That's why I took to the locker rooms, talked to people around the tournament from other schools, fans, fellow media in attendance, to get the actual reaction of the court.
The consensus was, "This ain't it."
It wasn't just that the court was an eyesore for those watching at home. It became a legitimate safety hazard. Anderson was just the most notable casualty of its unique gripping, causing his legs to go, as he put it, in "unnatural" ways when trying to maneuver around the floor.
In both passing and direct conversations, the court was the talking point. Not the basketball. And that is where it became the conference's biggest issue.
Yormark likes to say the Big 12 is the second-best basketball league in the world behind only the NBA. Yet the last three days, the basketball wasn't the biggest discussion point, or at least the only real discussion point. It quickly became about the court, and that was a PR nightmare for both the conference and Yormark himself.
During the night session of Thursday's quarterfinals, the Big 12's official X (formerly Twitter) account posted graphics and press conference video of Houston players Emanuel Sharp and Kingston Flemings saying they liked the court, that everybody had to play on it so it's not an advantage one way or another.
Shortly thereafter, the Big 12 sent out a press release stating it would be replacing the LED court with a traditional hardwood floor for the final two days of the tournament.
"After consultation with the coaches of our four Semifinal teams," Yormark's statement reads, "I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the Tournament."
What changed in the 90 minutes between those social media posts saying, "The floor is fine" and Yormark's statement? Perhaps the commissioner had the head honchos Kelvin Sampson of Houston and Bill Self of Kansas get in his ear a bit. Maybe he heard enough from school athletic directors and administrators to know this wasn't a good look for the Big 12, its teams or its players.
Yormark said Tuesday that he listens to feedback, and whatever it was that finally swayed him to not only act but act swiftly and in unprecedented fashion, the right call was finally made in the nick of time.
Trust me when I say this was not the original tone of the first column I wrote about this subject. But much like Yormark, I, too, must respond and adjust accordingly.
The Mets have begun the process of sending players to the minor leagues, but there is still a long way to go.
After four players were optioned and another reassigned to Triple A, the Mets still have 63 players left in big league camp. That number will need to be parsed down by another 47 members in less than two weeks.
It is a big task for the club's front office, but president of baseball operations David Stearns said this week that there are only a few questions left to answer before Opening Day: Who will occupy right field, the bullpen and bench?
While the Mets have had a relatively healthy camp, a few injuries have forced some longshot candidates to the sidelines.
With Opening Day approaching, and a matchup against Paul Skenes and the Pirates, here is how we see the Mets' 26-man roster:
In the conversation: RHPs Jonah Tong, Christian Scott
Longshot candidates: RHP Justin Hagenman
Summary: Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Clay Holmes would return from the World Baseball Classic after making one appearance for the United States because the national team could not guarantee his workload would continue. That came despite Holmes throwing three scoreless innings with six strikeouts in his first outing and in spite of Tarik Skubal's return to Tigers camp.
Nolan McLean remained with Team USA despite suffering the loss against Italy on Tuesday when he allowed three earned runs on a pair of home runs in three innings of work.
Sean Manaea had a shaky outing against the Cardinals on Thursday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk in 2⅔ innings. The left-hander's velocity remained down and continues to be worth monitoring.
In the conversation: RHPs Craig Kimbrel, Austin Warren, LHP Joe Jacques
Longshot candidates: RHPs Carl Edwards Jr. (NRI), Adbert Alzolay, Ryan Lambert
Summary: With five spots in the bullpen seemingly locked up as the Mets approach Opening Day, the competition is fierce for the final two roles.
Huascar Brazoban has one minor league option remaining but has been a revelation this spring. He's tossed three scoreless innings with five strikeouts in Grapefruit League play and 2⅔ scoreless frames with four strikeouts for the Dominican Republic in the WBC.
Bryan Hudson, one of two left-handed options behind Brooks Raley, gave up a home run in his first outing and followed it up with a scoreless frame. Craig Kimbrel has issued four walks, and hit a pair of batters in four innings, but managed to limit opponents to one earned run and has struck out five.
The first major injury to the Mets' pitching staff came when it was revealed that Robert Stock would need surgery to repair thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder after throwing three innings for Israel in the WBC. Stock was a down-roster option as an innings-eater out of the bullpen.
Mets infielders (7)
Jorge Polanco
Marcus Semien
Francisco Lindor
Bo Bichette
Brett Baty
Mark Vientos
Vidal Brujan
Injury notes: Francisco Lindor (hand), Grae Kessinger (knee)
In the conversation: Ronny Mauricio
Longshot candidates: Jared Young, Jackson Cluff (NRI), Christian Arroyo (NRI)
Summary: Francisco Lindor continues to progress in his recovery from left hand surgery. The Mets shortstop has played the position in minor league games this week but is still ramping up in his hitting progression. He has yet to take live batting practice.
Stearns said Lindor will need to play in games before he steps into the lineup on Opening Day.
Jorge Polanco had a productive week of Grapefruit League play, making four starts at first base. He homered from each side of the plate in back-to-back games against the Cardinals.
Mets outfielders (4)
Juan Soto
Luis Robert Jr.
Tyrone Taylor
Carson Benge
In the conversation: Mike Tauchman (NRI), MJ Melendez
Longshot candidates: Cristian Pache (NRI)
Summary: The Mets have been deliberate with Luis Robert Jr.'s preparation this spring after he suffered a hamstring injury in 2025 and hip injury in 2024 that factored in him missing a combined 114 games. The newly-acquired center fielder made his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday afternoon.
Carson Benge continues to strengthen his case to be included on the Mets' Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old collected five hits, including a triple, four RBI and two runs in three games over the last week. He's now 9-for-23 in his first major league spring action.
Elsewhere, Juan Soto helped the Dominican Republic advance to the quarterfinals at the WBC with two home runs, four RBI, four runs and five walks in four games.
Mets catchers (2)
Francisco Alvarez
Luis Torrens
In the conversation: Hayden Senger
Longshot candidates: Ben Rortvedt, Austin Barnes (NRI)
Summary: Since the Mets slow-played Francisco Alvarez's start to Grapefruit League action following a run of attrition in the last two seasons, the starting catcher has been one of the team's hottest hitters this spring.
In six games, Alvarez is 6-for-14 with one home run, double two RBI and two runs. He has had three multi-hit games in the last week.
The Washington Commanders have made it no secret that they plan to upgrade the wide receiver position this offseason. Washington was aggressive in trying to land Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency, but Pierce ultimately chose to remain in Indianapolis.
The Commanders also targeted Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, before he took a better offer from the New England Patriots. Washington did secure an offensive weapon for quarterback Jayden Daniels, signing explosive Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year deal.
With most of the top receivers already off the board in free agency, the Commanders could target one with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Drafting a receiver would not preclude the Commanders from adding a veteran before then, such as Brandon Aiyuk, if/when the 49ers finally release him.
The primary options at No. 7 for a wide receiver are Ohio State's Carnell Tate and SC's Makai Lemon. The Commanders met with most of the top receiver prospects at the 2026 NFL Combine, which included Tate, Lemon and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State). Now, per NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline, Lemon will visit Ashburn on a top-30 visit.
Even before pro day, Lemon has seven official-30 visits scheduled, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams.
Lemon had his pro day at USC this week, running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash.
You could make the case that the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Lemon is the top receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Lemon played three years at USC, starting the last two, and finishing his career with 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Lemon has drawn comparisons to Lions superstar receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who also happened to play at USC.
It's also worth noting that new Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough reportedly plans to run a similar scheme to the one the Lions used when he played under Ben Johnson. His teammate with the Lions: St. Brown.
Could Blough envision Lemon as his version of St. Brown to play opposite Terry McLaurin?
A new era of NFL football is kicking off in Nashville, as the Tennessee Titans returned to their NFL roots and unveiled their new uniforms to the world.
With Titans past and present in attendance at an intimate venue, the organization revealed what many have speculated about for months and officially displayed their new Houston Oilers-inspired uniforms.
While it was a night full of emotion and excitement, with even NFL Network personality Kyle Brandt in attendance to act as the hype man, picking the Titans to make the playoffs in 2026, it may have been the organization's media department that stole the show with their official rebrand video.
The Titans' media department is well known for its videos, and this one is another banger that celebrates the organization's history and the transformation taking place under the new staff.
No matter how you feel about the uniforms, this video will make you say #TitanUp.
The Licking County Basketball Officials Association again is partnering with its brethren in Muskingum County to operate the annual Licking-Muskingum All-Star basketball games, honoring many of the top seniors from around the area.
This year’s games will be March 15 at West Muskingum. The girls game will begin at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow after a 3-point shootout in between.
The Licking County teams will be coached by Utica’s Micah Keith and Spencer Kendall. Licking County players expected to participate are listed below.
The Butler boys basketball team is one win away from winning back-to-back GHSA 2A State Championships. Standing in their way is a tough Morgan County squad that has championship history and are looking to get back on track for their first state title since 2019. The showdown between Bulldogs (both teams are nicknamed the Bulldogs) will take place on Saturday, March 14 at 1 p.m.
Despite their success, head coach Chaz Clark and his staff act like they haven’t won anything. Their practices and film studies are both intense and intentional. Even when they are up 40 points, Clark will call a timeout to run plays and talk things over if it isn’t going exactly how it should. That level of discipline from up top trickles down to the last spot on the bench for Butler, and that’s exactly why he thinks they have a shot to win the title.
“[We need] to rebound at an elite level,” Clark said. “When we protect our defensive backboard, we’re really good. That allows us to get out in transition, get some easy buckets on the offensive end, execute offense and our sets. More importantly on the offensive end, don’t let the ball stick. One of my assistant coaches says all the time ‘let the ball choose whose might it is.’”
“And lastly,” Clark continued, “sit down in a stance, talk, communicate, and play defense at an elite level. We do those three things, we’re gonna bring home the state title for the second year.”
Embodying all three of those things is senior Kwamane Bridges. The guard leads the team in scoring with 20 points a night and is arguably the Bulldogs' best perimeter defender. He can also finish well in transition, and his sneaky bounce might catch his opposition off guard when he’s up in the air meeting them at the rim. His performance will be critical to Butler’s championship hopes.
Morgan County is looking to return back to prominence
The last time Morgan County (25-6) made it to the championship game was in 2019 when they won it all against Hart County. Since then, the Bulldogs had been enduring a multi-year rebuild. The year after their title they won only two games. Morgan County didn’t have a winning season until last year when they lost in the second round. But this season, the stars have finally aligned, and they are ready to capitalize on their latest title round appearance.
Morgan County’s current win streak is 18 games. The last time they lost was on Dec. 29 against Lee-Scott Academy from Auburn, Alabama. The Bulldogs' dominance in point differential also was similar to their championship opponents, consistently winning by double figures.
Two players to keep an eye on for Morgan County are seniors Zeki Locus and Kobi Jefferies. Locus won Player of the Year in Region 2-AA and averaged 13 points, nine rebounds, and six assists a night. Meanwhile Jefferies, the 6’6 forward, put up a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double to go along with two steals and a block a night.
Both squads have dynamic playmakers and lockdown defenders at their disposals. This game will surely come down to who can execute best under duress, finding a way to will their squads to a win. The game will take place at the Macon Coliseum in Macon, Ga. Tip-off is at 1 p.m.
Tom Izzo hates playing his friends, but he’ll have to put that aside on Friday.
No. 3 seeded Michigan State (25-6) will play No. 6 seed UCLA (22-10) in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at 9 p.m. Friday at the United Center in Chicago.
Michigan State beat UCLA 82-59 in the lone regular season meeting between the teams Feb. 17 in East Lansing. The Spartans hit a season-high 14 3-pointers on the Bruins in a blowout, though the game is best remembered for Mick Cronin ejecting his own player, Steven Jamerson II, after a hard foul on Carson Cooper late in the game.
The Spartans won their opening game in the Big Ten Tournament in three of the past four seasons, the anomaly being a quarterfinal loss to Ohio State in Chicago in 2023.
Michigan State owns an all-time Big Ten Tournament record of 36-21 and a quarterfinal record of 17-10 since the first Big Ten Tournament in 1998. Michigan State won 10 out of 12 quarterfinal appearances from 2008 to 2019, winning four of its six Big Ten tournaments in that span (2012, 2014, 2016, 2019).
In 11 Big Ten Tournament appearances in Chicago, Michigan State is 14-8 all time with three championship wins in 1999, 2000 and most recently in 2019. Michigan State is 5-3 all time as a No. 3 seed, with a championship win in 2014.
NO. 3 MICHIGAN STATE VS. NO. 6 UCLA▶ Tipoff: 9 p.m. Friday, United Center, Chicago▶ TV/radio: BTN/94.7▶ Records: Michigan State 25-6; UCLA 22-10▶ At stake: A spot in Saturday’s Big Ten tournament semifinals
Man Utd & Aston Villa ahead of Chelsea & Liverpool in top four stakes
Arsenal seem to be on the verge of halting a two-decade wait for the Premier League title, but there could still be a late twist in this two-way race with Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, though the Cityzens still have a game in hand, and there’s no doubt that they’ll keep trying until the end.
However, it’s difficult to envisage the Gunners wasting this opportunity despite their reputation as ‘serious bottlers,’ but they would be well-advised not to take anything for granted down the final stretch.
Not since Arsene Wenger’s famous ‘Invincibles’ have the North London giants tasted glory in the Premier League, and a potential home win against Everton this weekend would bring them a step closer towards achieving that goal.
Meanwhile, Man City’s hopes of leapfrogging Arteta’s side right at the death took a huge blow last time out as they dropped two precious points in a frustrating 2-2 home draw against Nottingham Forest.
Top Two Places Sealed
Sitting nine points clear of third-placed Manchester United, the Cityzens have already secured their eighth top-two finish in the last nine seasons.
However, that’s unlikely to quench Pep Guardiola’s endless thirst for trophies, especially now that his team is on the brink of an embarrassing Champions League elimination.
Despite admitting in the post-match presser that Man City ‘will try’ to reach the quarter-finals after a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Real Madrid on Wednesday, the Cityzens’ European season appears to be all but over.
If it’s any consolation, Guardiola’s side can still salvage the campaign by mounting a late push in the Premier League and attempting to apply pressure on Arsenal until the very end.
As for Arsenal, this is a chance they cannot afford to flush down the sink, with a historic domestic treble potentially waiting in the wings.
With Arsenal and Man City waltzing away with the top two spots, a race for the remaining two Champions League qualifying places promises to be far more exciting.
Four Teams – Two Spots
Man Utd’s incredible form resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick came to an abrupt end in the last round, as 10-man Newcastle United claimed a last-gasp 2-1 victory at St James’ Park.
That defeat snapped United’s near-flawless league run after parting ways with Ruben Amorim (W6, D1), leaving them level on points with fourth-placed Aston Villa and only three clear of fifth-placed Chelsea.
Despite that setback, Opta’s supercomputer still backs the Red Devils to secure a coveted return to the Champions League, giving them 28.5% chances of clinching a third-place finish.
However, that’s still a bit behind Villa’s 32.16%, but the Lions’ dramatic downfall in recent games cannot inspire much confidence around Unai Emery’s camp.
In addition to picking up just two wins in their last six league outings (D2, L3), Villa have lost back-to-back matches in the league ahead of a high-stakes trip to Old Trafford to face Man Utd this weekend. The win against Lille on Thursday will bolster morale but also add to the fatigue, with Villa having little time to recover and train before facing a well-rested United who haven’t played for 10 days.
This showdown is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the race for the top four, with both sides desperate to gain a crucial edge and find redemption for recent slumps.
High-profile Lurkers
Like Man City, Chelsea have set one foot outside the Champions League knockout stages after a dismal 5-2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Whether Liam Rosenior will have another chance to coach the Blues at Europe’s top table now solely hinges on his ability to steer his side back to winning ways amid a rough patch in the Premier League.
Chelsea did stem the bleeding last time out, at least partially, pulling off a stunning first-half comeback to beat Villa 4-1 in Birmingham and arrest a three-game winless league run (D2, L1).
Rosenior’s charges must build on that success, but Newcastle’s upcoming visit to Stamford Bridge could further complicate the Pensioners’ top-four push and potentially hand Liverpool a decisive boost.
Little did Arne Slot know that his side would be fighting tooth and nail to lock down a Champions League berth less than 12 months after lifting a long-awaited 20th top-flight title.
However, that’s the Reds’ reality, as they trail Villa by four points after a calamitous 2-1 defeat at basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that they’ve been given just 21.42% chances of finishing in the top four.
Marc Skinner: United Women boss reveals what he demands from all players
Manchester United Women are preparing to take on Chelsea in their first ever League Cup final on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils are aiming to win only the second trophy in their history, following their FA Cup victory in 2024.
Head coach Marc Skinner spoke earlier in the week to the Inside Carrington podcast and naturally discussed what is an exciting month for the Red Devils.
League Cup final
Giving an insight into what it is like to prepare for a final—his fourth as United manager—he stated, “preparing for a final is totally different from a normal week. You try to get every detail right and you end up focusing on every small thing. But the most important part is perspective. The staff have had a bit of a refresh recently, which helps you come back with clarity.”
He elaborated, “football is full of information, so the challenge is filtering through it and focusing on what matters most—people and making sure they’re in the right place mentally.”
Skinner also highlighted the challenge of the players returning from the international break straight into a final.
The manager said, “we’ve had that challenge all season with Champions League football as well. This week we’ve had the players for about four sessions, but even today is difficult because everyone’s coming back from flights at different times. The biggest job is getting everyone together again and reminding them who we are and what we do. Players immerse themselves in their national team environments, so you have to reset the team identity quickly.”
Achievements
The English coach was then asked which achievement he looks back on with the most fondness after five years at the club. Moments such as winning the FA Cup, managing 100 wins, and Champions League qualification were all mentioned, and he said, “I don’t think I’ll truly realise the magnitude of what we’ve done until I’m no longer in the job.”
He continued, “when you hear the milestones listed like that, it’s uncomfortable because in English culture you’re not supposed to take praise easily. But it reminds you that the whole club—the staff, the players, the fans—have achieved something really special in a short time.”
Positive team culture
One of the most obvious reasons behind United Women’s success in recent years has been the culture that Skinner has created in the dressing room.
Speaking on this team spirit, he said, “it’s everything. When people walk into our building, they’re instantly part of the team. That’s deliberate. Humility and work ethic are non-negotiables. If someone comes into our environment without those qualities, they won’t last long.”
Manchester United
Finally, Skinner was asked what his current role means to him, and he asserted proudly, “it’s more than just a job. It’s a connection to something bigger. This club has a spirit built on moments of tragedy and ecstasy, and being part of that story is incredibly special. It’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
The game of quarterback musical chairs was always going to get ugly. There were far more chairs in the game than competent quarterbacks to fill them.
And just a few days into free agency, some teams have to be wondering what to do.
The Miami Dolphins somehow worked around the record dead salary cap hit from Tua Tagovailoa to sign Malik Willis, who became the most attractive option by far. He got $67.5 million over three years with just six NFL starts to his name, which tells you how rough the quarterback market was.
At least the Dolphins got someone. Many teams are talking themselves into much less attractive options.
The Arizona Cardinals don’t have anyone. The Cleveland Browns don’t either, and seem likely to talk themselves into another season of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Or maybe it’s Deshaun Watson.
The New York Jets got a quarterback. They traded for Geno Smith, who was booed out of Las Vegas during his terrible time as the Raiders’ starter.
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be hoping that Aaron Rodgers, who will turn 43 next season, plays again. The Steelers said the situation won’t play out like last season when they were waiting seemingly forever for an answer, but free agency started and there hasn’t been a decision. And the Steelers are another team in bad shape if Rodgers, who was just decent last season and is at an age in which only Tom Brady has had any remote level of success, steps away from the NFL.
Kyler Murray was cut by the Arizona Cardinals after seven seasons with the team. He quickly found a new home in Minnesota. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Norm Hall via Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings needed quarterbacks to back up, or maybe replace, shaky young starters. The Falcons landed Tua Tagovailoa and the Vikings will sign Kyler Murray. The Dolphins decided they’d rather take a $99 million dead cap hit than spend any more time with Tagovailoa, and the Cardinals made the same choice with a $54.7 million dead cap hit on Murray. And, relatively speaking, the Falcons and Vikings were winners in the QB carousel because they picked up two players whose previous teams spent a small fortune to simply get them off the roster. It’s tough out there.
Kirk Cousins will provide a bridge for one of these teams, but that’s not exciting. There’s a reason the Colts held onto Daniel Jones for dear life. There will be some gruesome quarterbacks situations on Week 1 of this NFL season, and that’s before injuries roll in.
The unspoken part of some of these moves, particularly with the Cardinals, Jets and Browns, is that they are waiting on the 2027 NFL Draft. This year’s draft doesn’t have many exciting prospects outside of Fernando Mendoza, but next year should offer multiple quarterbacks who go in the first round. Some teams are leaving their options open until then. That’s a viable strategy, but it is going to be ugly for a year. It’s tough to lose hope for the upcoming season in mid-March. But there weren’t enough good quarterbacks to go around.
Running backs: Relatively speaking, it hasn’t been a bad offseason for running backs.
Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne Jr. are very good RBs but not necessarily in the elite tier. Still, they were paid well for their position. Etienne got $52 million over four years from the Saints and Walker got a little more than $43 million over three years from the Chiefs. Kenneth Gainwell (to the Buccaneers), Rico Dowdle (to the Steelers) and Tyler Allgeier (to the Cardinals) all signed two-year deals worth more than $6 million per season. None of the three were starters last season.
David Montgomery switched teams, going to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, which is a good haul for the Lions.
Even Chris Rodriguez Jr., who looked good at times with the Washington Commanders last season, got $10 million over two years from the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s not bad for a rusher coming off a 500-yard season.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad week for running backs.
Klint Kubiak and Robert Saleh: The two teams that spent the most, in terms of total contracts, over the first 24 official hours of free agency were the Titans ($294.5 million) and Raiders ($281.6 million), according to Spotrac. Only one other team, the Commanders at $233.8 million, were even over $200 million.
The previous head coaches of the Raiders and Titans must be wondering where that spending was when they were in charge.
The infusion of talent into two of the NFL’s worst rosters will help new coaches Kubiak and Saleh. Kubiak is a rookie head coach, and still will add quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the draft. He isn’t being hung out to dry as he starts his head coaching career. Saleh is trying to prove that his losing career record is the Jets’ fault by doing better with the Titans in his second head coaching job. His roster, particularly on defense, was remade with 13 additions, the most in the NFL in the early portion of free agency. Both coaches got a lot of help as free agency began.
Los Angeles Rams, your Super Bowl favorite: Rams general manager Les Snead had an easier job this offseason than many of his colleagues. He already had a fantastic roster, and he didn’t have any key players about to hit free agency.
Still credit Snead for doing his job as completely as anyone to start free agency.
The Rams seemed like they were a couple of cornerbacks away from not having any clear weakness. That was their only glaring need. So Snead got aggressive, as he has done in the past. He traded the 29th overall pick in this year's draft, a fifth-round and sixth-round pick in this year’s draft and a 2027 third-round pick to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. That’s costly (also consider the $124 million extension they gave him), but it’s highly unlikely in this unexciting draft that the 29th pick will have an impact like McDuffie, for a team that has Super Bowl dreams.
Then the Rams doubled up on Chiefs cornerbacks, signing Jaylen Watson to a three-year, $51 million deal.
L.A. was already good, but needed cornerbacks. It fixed that, and still held onto the 13th overall pick of the draft. It’s Super Bowl or bust now for the Rams.
LOSERS
George Pickens: Pickens should believe he’s a better receiver than Alec Pierce. He had more receptions, yards and touchdowns than Pierce last season. They’re both 25 years old.
But Pickens got the franchise tag, and Pierce did not.
Pierce cashed in on his best NFL season with a four-year deal that can be worth up to $116 million. That’s $29 million a year for Pierce if it reaches its peak. Pickens got tagged. The franchise tag is for one year at $27.3 million.
That’s a lot of money. But it’s also $88.7 million less than Pierce got. It’s not even the same in terms of average per year. There’s no better illustration for why the union needs to do something to get rid of the franchise tag. There’s a reason players hate it.
Quiet teams, maybe: As usual, NFL free agency hadn’t even officially started and most of the league had committed many millions to players during the contact period with pending free agents.
Almost every team added help, which made it seem bad for the few clubs that didn’t partake in the first wave. But maybe those teams are worth following.
The final four teams that hadn’t added an outside free agent were the Broncos, Eagles, Seahawks and Jaguars. Those four teams were the last two Super Bowl champions, a team that was the No. 1 seed in the AFC last season and a team that won the AFC South last season. Maybe they’re the teams everyone else should be following?
There are cap reasons for the relative inactivity early on for those four teams, but it’s also easy to look at the list of massive contracts being handed out and understand that almost every one was an overpay. There’s no way around that in free agency. Four of the best teams from last season, some of whom are among the most respected organizations in the sport, sat out that part of free agency. That might be telling.
J.J. McCarthy: After 10 starts for the Minnesota Vikings, the McCarthy era seems close to dead.
The Vikings made it fairly clear that they wanted a new quarterback, very likely as a Week 1 starter. They appeared to have him in Kyler Murray, who signed with them Thursday. They reportedly contacted Murray almost immediately after he was cut by the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals took on nearly $55 million in a dead cap hit just to be done with Murray. And the Vikings couldn’t wait to set up a meeting with him, and presumably make him their new starter if he’d sign with them.
That says a lot about McCarthy’s standing with the Vikings. He didn’t play well last season and has dealt with many injuries. It’s still possible McCarthy, who was the 10th pick of the NFL Draft less than 24 months ago, could figure things out and reemerge as a reliable starter in the NFL, maybe even for the Vikings. But it looks bleak at the moment.
At 19:00 GMT on 7 February, England had just won a 12th successive match - the third longest run of victories in their 155-year history of Test rugby, after crushing Wales by 41 points.
Grand Slam aspirations were in full effect.
By 19:00 GMT on 7 March, England had followed comprehensive defeats at the hands of Scotland and Ireland by losing to Italy for the first time.
What's gone wrong for England?
England lost to Italy for the first time in 33 meetings between the sides [Getty Images]
They start round five this Saturday staring into the abyss of four defeats in the same championship for the first time in half a century, with aspirations of a clean sweep fading into the prospect of a deeply uncomfortable inquest.
"We are all disappointed and frustrated," said head coach Steve Borthwick in the aftermath of the historic loss in Rome.
"We came to this tournament with really high aspirations, as did the players, and we've been unable to meet those targets we set for ourselves."
Perhaps what has frustrated the England boss most is that while losing to Italy was a first, the manner of that defeat was anything but a new thing - particularly in terms of defence.
The match-winning try scored by Italy utility back Leonardo Marin once again involved a line-break in the 10-metre channel - a microcosm of England's vulnerabilities out wide after being eviscerated there by Scotland and Ireland.
England missed 35 tackles leading to a break or a try in rounds two, three and four, with more than half of those coming in wide areas. Both tallies are the most of any team.
Defensive failings have dogged Borthwick's time in charge – he is the only England head coach in the men's Six Nations era whose team have conceded an average of more than 20 points per game.
Unhappy knack of unforced errors
England scored only 1.6 points per opposition 22 entry against Italy last weekend [Getty Images]
England's issues in defence have been compounded by myriad unforced mistakes in attack.
In 2025, England were only outscored by South Africa in terms of tries, including 25 scored in the Six Nations - their highest tally in this tournament in nearly a quarter of a century.
Borthwick's men then scored seven against Wales only five weeks ago, before an implosion with ball in hand began at Murrayfield.
England have scored just seven more tries across rounds two, three and four, failing to get a bonus point, a result of a chronic lack of composure in the opposition 22.
They have made 48 entries in this tournament and returned with only two points per visit.
England were turned over 17 times in the red zone against Scotland, Ireland and Italy, with seven of those because of unforced handling errors.
They have made 14 handling errors in the red zone in total - again, the most of any team.
108 minutes in the sin-bin
England winger Henry Arundell received two yellow cards against Scotland in February [Getty Images]
All have been reasonably used to explain England's sudden decline, but the simple fact remains that Test rugby is an unforgiving arena, especially in a highly competitive Six Nations campaign.
It gets even harder when you have fewer players on the pitch than the opposition.
Approaching the hour mark at the Stadio Olimpico, England led by eight points against an Italy team with 14 men.
But 15 minutes later, England were five points behind on the scoreboard with two men of their own in the sin-bin.
The yellow cards shown to Sam Underhill and captain Maro Itoje "hurt us badly", Borthwick said, the latest examples of indiscipline which have undermined England's tournament.
England have received at least two cards in every match so far. They have played 108 minutes - the equivalent of more than five quarters of rugby - with 14 men.
Discipline has been particularly poor at the breakdown, with exactly half of the 44 penalties England have conceded coming in this area.
Another yellow card against France this weekend would tie the record tally of cards across the entirety of the men's Six Nations era.
The highs and lows of Borthwick
Steve Borthwick is the first England coach to lose to Fiji and Italy [Getty Images]
A string of three defeats has led to familiar questions surrounding Borthwick's suitability to lead England amid a three-year reign of jarring juxtaposition.
Four wins from 10 matches in the final two Six Nations campaigns of his predecessor Eddie Jones' reign, including a record-equalling worst finish of fifth, had been followed by an autumn in which England lost to Argentina at home for the first time in 16 years, were hammered by South Africa and somehow scraped a draw against New Zealand.
Less than a year later, Borthwick's England came within three minutes of a World Cup final having so nearly beaten the Springboks.
But Borthwick has also overseen a first loss to Fiji. A first loss to Italy. Three of the four biggest tallies of points England have ever conceded at Twickenham.
And then, a 12-game winning run - the third longest in history for England's men - including exhilarating victories against France, Ireland and New Zealand.
That sequence of success, though, is threatening to be a fleeting narrative.
Of the nine coaches to have taken charge of England's men's side in the professional era, Borthwick has only the fifth best success rate.
His win record stands at 59.1% after 44 games, similar to that of Stuart Lancaster who had a rate of 60.9% after 46. Lancaster was sacked before he got to lead in a 47th game, following a desperate home World Cup in 2015.
Borthwick's England are now facing their own nadir - the possibility of four defeats in the same Five or Six Nations for the first time since 1976, and the likelihood of matching Jones' fifth-place finish.
Should such a result come to pass this weekend, England may appear even more ragged than they were when Borthwick's era began.
A tournament of upsets
Facing a formidable French side who know a bonus-point win will guarantee a record eighth title is far from an ideal assignment for any visiting team aiming to end a losing run.
England have lost 10 of their past 14 away games in this tournament. They have not won against France on French soil in nearly a decade.
Logic dictates that England's role on Saturday will be to simply bear witness to France's title-winning coronation.
And yet, Fabien Galthie's side conceded 50 points to Scotland for the very first time in round four, and seven tries in the Six Nations for the first time in 11 years.
Les Bleus have also shown vulnerability in the scrum - England's only real area of strength in this Six Nations.
Nine absentees leave Real Madrid in serious trouble before Elche match
Real Madrid may have secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, but the celebrations have quickly been replaced by concern.
The team must now shift its focus back to La Liga, where Elche awaits in the next fixture.
However, preparations for that match have been complicated by a growing injury crisis that has left the squad extremely thin.
As such, Alvaro Arbeloa is currently dealing with a difficult situation, as he only has 15 players available for the match, and two of those players are goalkeepers.
List of absentees
The biggest concern comes from the number of players currently sidelined through injury.
Among the injured players are Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba and Alvaro Carreras.
The latest player to join the injury list is Ferland Mendy, who suffered a physical problem during the Champions League clash against Manchester City.
Mendy picked up another injury. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
On top of the injured players, the team must also cope without Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine is serving the second game of a suspension after being sent off during the recent match against Getafe.
Stretching the capacity
Although the situation is already difficult, there are additional concerns regarding the physical condition of several players who are still available.
Defenders Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen have all been dealing with minor physical issues in recent weeks, even though they are currently expected to be fit enough to play.
Meanwhile, some of the team’s most important attacking and midfield players have been heavily used throughout the season.
Players such as Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr., Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler have played a significant number of matches recently.
Ideally, the coaching staff would like to rotate some of these players to keep them fresh ahead of the second leg against Manchester City, but the lack of available squad depth makes that extremely difficult.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has stirred debate after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 by suggesting that the South Africa national cricket team made a tactical mistake by defeating the West Indies cricket team in their Super 8 clash.
The encounter, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, ended with South Africa securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory. The result had a major impact on the tournament equation because it allowed the India national cricket team to remain in contention for the semi-finals. Later the same day, India beat the Zimbabwe national cricket team to keep their campaign alive.
Speaking on the ‘Stick to Cricket’ podcast, Vaughan remarked that South Africa may have inadvertently helped India stay in the race by winning that particular game.
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“I tell you, who I think is the stupidest team of the tournament? South Africa. Because if South Africa had allowed the West Indies to beat them in the Super 8s, India would have been knocked out. I’m just saying – if they had cleared them out, the juggernaut that was coming would have stopped.”
“By winning that game, they allowed the juggernaut to go on. India then beat Zimbabwe, then the West Indies in a kind of quarter-final, and then England. South Africa had to play Zimbabwe next, and they even rested three players for that match,” Vaughan said on the ‘Stick to Cricket’ podcast.
According to Vaughan, teams looking to win a World Cup sometimes benefit from eliminating the strongest side early in the competition rather than allowing them to gather momentum.
“Look, these things shouldn’t happen and usually don’t happen. I’m just saying that if you want to win a World Cup, the best way is to eliminate the best team early,” Vaughan added.
Following their victory over Zimbabwe, India’s next match against the West Indies effectively turned into a knockout contest. In that high-pressure game, Sanju Samson produced a match-winning unbeaten 97 to guide India to a five-wicket win and seal a place in the semi-finals while ending the West Indies’ campaign.
Meanwhile, South Africa travelled to Kolkata for the first semi-final, where they faced the New Zealand national cricket team. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps dominated the contest and sealed a nine-wicket victory. The highlight of the chase was a sensational 33-ball century from Finn Allen, which helped New Zealand cruise into the final. India ultimately won the T20 World Cup 2026.
NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 10: Ryan Huckabee of United States surfs in Heat 2 of the Round of 64 at the Bioglan Newcastle SURFEST on March 10, 2026 at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Anderson/World Surf League via Getty Images)
100th
100 – Unai Emery tonight won his 100th game as Aston Villa manager, reaching that total in fewer games than any other Villa manager in history (181). Centurion. pic.twitter.com/iMeOPEyCWF
2. Bundesliga Preview: 1. FC Magdeburg vs. SV Darmstadt 98
Darmstadt will hope to sit top of 2. Bundesliga on the opening night of matchday 26 as they face bottom-placed Magdeburg. After their 13-game unbeaten streak came to an end in Dresden, Florian Kohfeldt’s side are back to winning ways at home against Holstein Kiel.
Kohfeldt shared his surprise at Magdeburg’s league position ahead of the game. Following a strong end to 2025, Patrick Sander’s team dropped to the bottom of the league once again with four successive defeats.
However, they did manage a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Böllenfalltor. Darmstadt finished that matchday 9 game with ten after Sergio López’s sending off for two bookable offenses.
The 65-year-old Magdeburg boss is unbeaten against Darmstadt as a coach, while he also enjoyed playing them in his playing career. The hosts could also get inspiration from the fact that Darmstadt are winless away from home since matchday 12.
Team News
Fraser Hornby, who has scored five goals in only five appearances this year, will continue to be on the sidelines due to illness. Laurin Ulrich was subbed off during half-time in Magdeburg’s defeat to Elversberg, and Lubambo Musonda will now be expected to regain his starting berth.
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.
Since the introduction of yellow and red cards at the 1970 World Cup, only two players have managed the same unfortunate trick twice: getting sent off on the sport’s biggest stage.
Rigobert Song was the first. The Cameroon defender played in four World Cups, but his first appearance at the 1994 World Cup ended early when the 17-year-old was given a straight red card following a tackle on Brazil's Bebeto. Four years later, he earned a second yellow card after a foul on Chile's Marcelo Salas, becoming the first player sent off in two different World Cups.
Five days earlier in that same tournament, Zinedine Zidane received a straight red card for a stamp on Saudi Arabia's Fuad Amin. “Zizou” most famous exit would come eight years later in the final of the 2006 World Cup, when he was sent off in the 110th minute for head-butting Marco Materazzi. Italy went on to win in penalty kicks.
The moment became so iconic that a 16-foot statue of the head-butt was created in 2012 and displayed at the Pompidou Centre in Paris before being purchased by the Qatari Museum Authority and installed along the Corniche in Doha. After criticism, it was eventually moved to the Arab Museum of Modern Art.
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 06: Luis Diaz of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on March 06, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
Luis Díaz hails from Barrancas, La Guajira. It is a small, impoverished, neglected area in Colombia. He grew up malnourished, too. Whether this malnourishment was due to a disease or simply the result of poverty is unclear, but what is clear is that it severely hampered his ability to play the physical sport that is football.
The odds were stacked against Díaz from the start. In order to persevere, he learned to fight and work and give every single drop of effort he could.
UEFA were likely asking about Díaz’s incredible work ethic and effort on the football in their interview when they queried the Bayern Munich player on his fighting spirit. Instead, the Colombian chose to take his answer in a very different direction.
“In Colombia, there aren’t many opportunities and you have to seek them out yourself. [Joining Atlético Junior’s youth team in 2014 aged 17], it was difficult to be away from my parents, my siblings, because we’re very close-knit and tight. There were moments when I really thought that was it,” Díaz admitted ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash against Atalanta, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “But those moments also reminded me that I had to fight to give my family a better life and get what I wanted, which was to play football professionally. When you’re tired or there is a day when you haven’t slept well, I try to remember what has happened in the past. I try to enjoy what is happening in the present. I try to keep fighting for my goals, for my dreams, for my milestones. I have achieved a lot, but I still have a lot to do.”
Those who fight the hardest are usually those with the greatest motivation and focus. Certainly, Díaz has learned how to focus that fight into every moment on the pitch and it is not hard to imagine he is able to do so off the pitch as well. Combine this with his unquenchable desire to achieve more and it seems that the story of Díaz the footballer is far from over yet.
“Can’t go there” – Former Liverpool legend tells current player not to join Chelsea
Liverpool legend John Aldridge has been pleading with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher not to join Chelsea.
Kelleher came through the Liverpool academy but he is not playing for Premier League side Brentford. But he has had Chelsea links before.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea consider shock and ambitious move to sign Arsenal defender this summer!!
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Chelsea themselves have a right old goalkeeper situation going on right now. Robert Sanchez was number one, then Liam Rosenior handed that position to Filip Jorgensen. But he has already fumbled his chance with an awful performance against PSG in mid week. Many will say that Chelsea need to sign a new number one keeper, and many would not be wrong.
Is Kelleher the guy though? Well, Aldridge doesn’t want him anywhere near Chelsea!
Aldridge on Kelleher to Chelsea
Caoimhin Kelleher in action for Liverpool (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
In words picked up on X this week, Aldridge said on Kelleher to Chelsea links:
“Chelsea? He can’t go there. He’s done his apprenticeship at Liverpool, he’s in an apprenticeship now with a team that’s doing really well.”
OK. Odd reason to say he can’t go to Chelsea, but OK. I think Chelsea need to be looking at a better all round goalkeeper than him anyway, because this has become a really problematic position for us and it is something that finally needs to be sorted out one way or another.
In other news this week…
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensenhas been slammedfor some of his actions post game at PSG earlier this week. After what was a nightmare performance from the Blues stopper, he then tried to ignore Chelsea fans and walk off down the tunnel.
Reece Jameshas tried to claimthe PSG tie isn’t over yet – but we’re all being realistic about that now. Of course, factually it is not over, but realistically, it is all but over. Chelsea need to score three goals next week without conceding, to even take it to extra time.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Barcelona keeping close tabs on 16 G/A versatile Premier League winger
Barcelona are already laying the groundwork for potential reinforcements ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, and the club’s sporting department appears to be closely monitoring several attacking options.
According to a recent update from Mundo Deportivo, one of the names currently on the club’s radar is Pedro Neto.
The report suggests that the Chelsea winger is on Barcelona’s shortlist of possible attacking reinforcements.
However, the outlet makes it clear that the situation is still in an early phase, meaning that at this stage, Barcelona are simply keeping an eye on the player rather than actively pursuing a transfer.
Why Pedro Neto?
Neto, who has 10 goals and six assists so far this season, has caught the attention of Barcelona’s recruitment team because of the qualities he brings to the pitch.
The winger is known for his speed, unpredictability, and ability to create chances in difficult situations.
Another factor working in Neto’s favour is his versatility. The Portuguese forward is capable of operating on both the left and right wings, and he has even been used as a false centre-forward at times.
This flexibility makes him an appealing option for Barcelona, especially as the club looks to add depth across its attacking positions.
A new winger
Barcelona are keeping an eye on Pedro Neto. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
At present, Barcelona already have promising options out wide, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha reinforcing the flanks.
Even so, the lack of depth behind those two players has been noticeable at times during the season.
The club currently has Marcus Rashford on loan, and the forward has produced solid numbers during his spell.
Despite that option, Barcelona continue to explore other possibilities in the market and Neto’s technical reports are believed to be very positive.
So what now?
Another element that could potentially play a role is the presence of his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Mendes maintains a strong working relationship with Barcelona’s current leadership, including sporting director Deco, which could facilitate discussions if the club ever decides to move forward.
Still, Barcelona’s financial fair play situation, Chelsea’s asking price, and the club’s priorities in other areas of the squad will all play a role.
The Oklahoma City Thunder survived with a 104-102 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday. On top of it being an exciting game, we also saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander make some NBA history.
Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for the longest 20-point streak at 127 games. He ensured that it wouldn't happen in a loss as he carried OKC to the finish line.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and nine assists. Chet Holmgren had 14 points and nine rebounds. He made the game-winning free throws. Ajay Mitchell finished with 15 points and six assists.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown had 34 points and seven assists. Payton Pritchard had 14 points and four assists. Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez each scored 11 points apiece.
Let's look at some of the best photos from the Thunder's two-point win over the Celtics:
Carlos Vela joins LAFC ownership group in historic move for the club
LAFC announced a symbolic and historic change within the organization on Tuesday: Carlos Vela, one of the most important players in the club’s history and a longtime fan favorite, has officially joined the ownership group of the MLS franchise.
The former Mexican forward, who became the club’s first global star when LAFC entered the league, now returns to BMO Stadium in a new role off the field. Vela will remain connected to the project he helped build, this time as an investor and member of the club’s leadership structure.
The move reinforces Vela’s deep connection with LAFC and 2018, when he became the first Designated Player.
Official presentation scheduled at BMO Stadium
LAFC confirmed that Vela will be officially introduced as a member of the ownership group during a press conference at BMO Stadium.
Event details
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 6:00 p.m. PT
Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
In an official statement, the club highlighted the historic significance of Vela’s arrival in the ownership group, noting that the Mexican star was one of the most influential figures in the history of both LAFC and Major League Soccer.
Club leadership emphasized that the decision reflects a core principle of the organization: recognizing and honoring the individuals who helped shape the club’s identity on and off the field.
Vela celebrates new chapter with LAFC
Carlos Vela expressed enthusiasm about the new stage of his relationship with the club, describing LAFC as something much bigger than just a team in his career.
“LAFC has always been more than a club for me. It’s my home,” Vela said. “From day one, we wanted to build something special for Los Angeles, and I’m very proud of what we achieved together.”
The former captain acknowledged that joining the ownership group carries significant responsibility.
“Becoming an owner is an honor. I’m excited to continue supporting the club, the players, and the fans as we keep building the future of LAFC.”
Vela also reflected on his arrival in Los Angeles nearly a decade ago, when he accepted the challenge of leading a project in its early stages.
“When I arrived in Los Angeles almost ten years ago, I was looking for a new challenge. We wanted to create something from scratch. Today I look back with pride at everything we built.”
Club leadership highlights Vela’s legacy
LAFC lead owner Bennett Rosenthal praised Vela’s impact on the organization and described the move as a natural step in the club’s evolution.
Carlos Vela in 2022 with LAFC (Celso Oliveira / Pitchside US)
“Carlos has always personified the excellence, ambition, and leadership that define LAFC,” Rosenthal said. “Since his arrival, he has helped set the Black & Gold standard and elevated the club to a world-class level.”
For Rosenthal, Vela joining the ownership group represents recognition of the legacy he built during his playing career.
LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington also emphasized the Mexican star’s long-term influence on the club.
“Carlos Vela’s impact goes far beyond goals and trophies. This club simply wouldn’t be what it is today without him,” Thorrington said.
“He helped shape our style of play, our culture, and our connection to the city of Los Angeles from day one.”
Carlos Vela’s legacy at LAFC
Since the club’s inaugural season, Vela has become the most recognizable figure in LAFC history and one of the defining players of the MLS era.
Among his major achievements with the club:
• First player in LAFC history
• Longtime team captain
• MLS MVP winner
• MLS Cup champion
• Offensive leader and central figure in the club’s identity
With his new role as an owner, Vela will continue influencing the club’s direction, now participating in strategic and institutional decisions.
A growing trend in MLS
Vela’s move also reflects a broader trend across Major League Soccer, where former players increasingly transition into ownership or investment roles within clubs.
For LAFC, the decision ensures that one of the most important figures in the team’s history remains closely tied to the organization.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during a spring training game at Salt River Fields on March 22, 2024.
Hello friends, this is another #Laterecap (#Latercap? What do we like?) as your lovely blogueuse (thanks, Duolingo) is en route back to Seattle. Today was my last day in camp, and I’m sad to be leaving just as players are coming back from the WBC, but also so happy to have gotten to connect with many of the new faces brought in over the off-season and players I might not have talked to as much otherwise. Look for those stories over the coming weeks. For right now, I’m tucked up in the peacock blue-paneled Victorian-style library in the historic Grand Canyon Hotel in Williams, Arizona. Bless ample wifi, charming family-run historic hotels, and the ability to take a birds-eye view of today’s 7-4 loss in Mesa against the Cubs and put it in its proper size.
I was sad about leaving camp without seeing one final Emerson Hancock start, and very torn about disrupting my travel plans just to see it (which would have then led into sticking around for Kade Anderson’s start tomorrow, and so on…). Hancock has been sterling this spring, and with Bryce Miller questionable to start the season, the fifth starter job seems his for the taking. With the caveat that I was listening to this game while driving through the red rocks of Sedona and being shot full of positive energy from the vortex, today seemed like another notch in Hancock’s Bulldog-red belt. The sweeper continued to be a weapon, getting weak-contact outs, called strikes, and whiffs, including an inning-ending strikeout on the sweeper to Chas McCormick, and he was also able to use the changeup for outs.
The one tricky part is the fastball velocity: Hancock opened sitting around 95, ending the first on a strikeout looking to Ian Happ on 95.5 perfectly located. In the second, he undressed Dansby Swanson on three pitches, getting him swinging three times through the four-seamer. But as the outing went on, he dropped from 95-96 to 93-94 in his final inning of work, the fourth. That is the danger zone for Hancock, as we’ve noted in the past, and it means his secondaries have to be perfectly crisp in order to balance out that more hittable fastball. But, it is spring training, and this is an actual starter’s workload for Hancock rather than the piggyback situations he’s been pitching in behind Anderson, so some of this might be a mid-spring recalibration into a starter’s mindset.
(If you’re looking at Hancock’s line, take out one run from the third inning, which opened with a sun double to Michael Arroyo playing in a tough left field in Mesa. The other run definitely belongs to Hancock, who left a sweeper somewhere Ian Happ could get after it for a two-RBI double hit at 103 mph.)
The Mariners got their first – and only, for most of the game – run in the third after Leo Rivas singled and stole second, moved to third on a Brendan Donovan ground ball single, and scored on a Cole Young RBI groundout. Which is fine but man. Young had a four-seam fastball right in the heart of the plate, something he’s been really working on this spring, and you’d love to see him do more with it than hit a 100 mph groundout, although to be fair to Cole, he also had a hard-hit single in the first, torching an Eduwrd Cabrera changeup at 106.4 mph for another ground ball base hit.
Things got, as they often have this spring, out of hand after Hancock departed the game in the fifth. Casey Legumina gave up a run but not much else, and Alex Hoppe pitched a mostly-clean sixth, walking Dansby Swanson but since he’d just been hit in the leg by a comebacker from Happ (and still made the play!), we’ll let it slide. Plus, Hoppe then came out to strike out his next two hitters, getting Owen Ayers hacking after a cutter that was headed for the center of the Earth, Magic Schoolbus-style, and flummoxing Dylan Carlson on a slider for another swinging strike three. Look for a deeper dive on Hoppe, who I think is one of the most interesting arms in camp, in the coming weeks.
Unfortunately that was the end of the fun pitcher contingent, as lefty Josh Simpson really struggled, giving up three runs and leaving Peyton Alford a mess to clean up (Alford let in one of his inherited runners, making it 7-1. But hey, a scoreless Troy Taylor inning in the eighth! He did hit a batter but that’s all that happened so we’ll call this progress.
The Mariners did get some back as the kids made noise, with Colin Davis reminding everyone there’s more than one player named Davis in this camp. His three-run shot made the game a respectable 7-4, but unfortunately that’s as close as the Mariners could get.
Today en route from Phoenix to Williams I went through Sedona and the Grand Canyon, which resulted in a camera roll full of silly pictures where I’m trying to put myself into scale with first the enormous rock formations and later the massive chasm behind me. It’s an impossible task; they don’t call it the Just Fine Canyon. When I studied abroad in Rome, I had a professor tell us “Rome makes you feel small, which is your proper size.” The Grand Canyon also has this effect, watching people scrambling along the canyon rim like so many ants clinging to the edge of a picnic paper plate. Humbling spring training outings also can make you feel small, but like the ant, like the tourist in Rome or in the Grand Canyon, no less important, I think; just appropriately-sized, waiting for something else to come into frame.
“Another level compared to some” – McGinn cameo in Aston Villa win vs Lille earns plaudits
Aston Villa claimed an important 1-0 win over Lille in France in their round of 16 Europa League tie. Avoid defeat at Villa Park, and they will be in the quarter-final.
Villa endured a listless first half, especially in attack, where the final pass seemed to always break down.
The Villains attacking quartet failed to sync until the second half when Emiliano Buendia picked out Ollie Watkins, who ended his barren duck with a stunning header.
Unai Emery’s side desperately needed to see out the hard-fought win.
The Spanish tactician took off Douglas Luiz and brought on John McGinn, who has recovered from an injury he picked up in January.
The Scotsman played a key role in keeping the ball and frustrating the French side, ultimately sealing a key win.
In just 13 minutes, he completed 100% of his passes, won 2/4 ground duels, and won a foul, showing how physically robust he is.
Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell said, “McGinn showed in those 15 or so minutes when he came on that he’s one of #AVFC’s most important players and another level compared to some.
“He just can grab hold of a midfield and teammates. His return could not be more timely and hopefully solve a few issues.”
The Villains had recorded only one win in their previous seven games before this tie and needed this victory to end that miserable run.
McGinn can play a key role in their bid to bounce back, consolidate their place in the UEFA Champions League next season, and make memories in the Europa League.
The Villans needed a boost, and this win, along with the return of McGinn, can provide it.
Emery, who has now recorded a century of wins with the Villains, will be happy with the result. His side was tested defensively, and they responded with resolve.
Now, they will turn their attention to a crucial game against Manchester United on Sunday.
Brennan Johnson shines in new wing-back role as Larnaca hold Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace once again failed to get the better of AEK Larnaca following their 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park yesterday.
Palace hosted Larnaca in the first leg of their Europa Conference League match-up.
Unfortunately, the Eagles failed to convert their chances as Zlatan Alomerovic’s heroics in goal kept them at bay.
Palace stars like Tyrick Mitchell, Evann Guessand, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Brennan Johnson were all guilty of spurning decent chances.
Despite the disappointment of not securing a win at home, Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be impressed by the application.
He will take encouragement from the fact that they did not lose, unlike when they faced Larnaca in the group stage.
Also, his shock decision to play Johnson as wing-back in the absence of Daniel Munoz paid remarkable dividends.
Johnson joined in the January transfer window from Tottenham Hotspur but has struggled to make an impact for the Eagles.
He does not particularly fit into any of the number 10 roles in Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 set-up. However, playing him on the flank brought him closer to his natural position.
He was very influential in proceedings, especially in the second half.
Johnson created one big chance, played two key passes, and completed two of his three attempted dribbles. He won two fouls and recorded six progressive carries.
The 24-year-old was dribbled past twice, but still won 4/7 ground duels and showed diligence in his defensive duties.
“Wherever the manager needs me to play I’m happy to do so – it’s a privilege to play for this club,” Johnson remarked on playing as a wing-back (via the BBC).
Johnson has not gotten off to the best of starts in a Palace shirt, but this performance will offer some encouragement that he could be useful.
The Welshman thrived in this role and could keep his place in the side if Munoz is out for a long period of time.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic doesn't need an excuse to pile on points, so when Chicago guard Matas Buzelis started jawing with him Thursday night, it became the fuel for his first 50-point game with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic turned what he called unprovoked trash talk from Buzelis into 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the Lakers’ 142-130 victory.
“It always feels special,” Doncic said after his eighth career 50-point game. “I obviously haven’t had a 50-point game in a year, so it was very special. I mean, in the second quarter, I kind of felt it. You know, somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up.”
Doncic would not disclose what was said by Buzelis, a second-year forward, because, “I would say that I would definitely get a tech.”
Buzelis was asked if learned any lessons from his exchange with Doncic.
“Probably not to talk to him,” Buzelis said.
It wasn’t like Doncic needed any extra inspiration, either. The NBA scoring leader got off to a strong start with 12 points in the first quarter and had another 12 in the second by making 5 of 6 shots from the field once Buzelis decided to get garrulous.
Doncic ripped off 17 points in the third quarter before notching 10 points on just four field goal attempts in the fourth. He finished 17 of 31 from the field, going 9 of 14 from 3, and 8 for 9 on free throws.
Lakers coach JJ Redick described Doncic’s ability to direct the unsporting words or deeds of opponents into his own game as a “unique trait.
“It’s not just the fact that he response to a rough play or trash talking, it’s that he can channel it, and he can channel it while still doing all the other things that needs to be done,” Redick said. “That’s obviously reflective of, you know, his defensive rebounding, his assists, his steals. Again, another game where he gets a high assist number with low turnovers.”
Buzelis picked an especially bad time to challenge Doncic, who had averaged 39.5 points per game during the Lakers’ previous three wins with LeBron James out because of right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot. That included Doncic scoring 44 points against Indiana on Friday.
Doncic has 13 40-point games in 82 regular-season appearances for Los Angeles, moving into ninth in franchise history. Eleven of those have come this season.
Despite a mixed start to life at Hill Dickinson Stadium, this has the potential to be a successful season for Everton.
Currently sitting eighth and very much in the European mix, many of the early-season headlines were captured by the resurgence of on-loan Jack Grealish and the individual brilliance of Iliman Ndiaye.
In recent weeks, especially since Grealish's season-ending injury, it has been Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and the goalscoring of Thierno Barry which have come more to the fore.
Throughout, there is the undercurrent of a classically solid David Moyes defence led by James Tarkowski, in front of the perennially outstanding Jordan Pickford.
However, one of the Toffees' most unsung yet consistent performers this season has been midfielder James Garner.
Now in his fourth year at the club, the 24-year-old took time to find his feet after his move from Manchester United in September 2022, having been on loan at Nottingham Forest, missing chunks of both the 2022-23 and 2024-25 campaigns with back problems.
However, alongside Pickford and Tarkowski, Garner is the only Everton player to have started all 29 Premier League games this season.
His ability to win the ball back is a key facet of the way the Toffees impose themselves in the middle of the pitch. Garner ranks in the top three in the Premier League for both tackles (88) and interceptions (46).
It is the combination of this robustness and his playmaking ability that makes him such a key figure in dictating their play.
Only Grealish (six) has more than his five assists for Everton this season, while he also leads the squad in passes ending in the final third (448), big chances created (10) and line-breaking passes into the final third (94).
The Manchester United youth product can also progress play by carrying the ball. Only expansive wide players Grealish and Ndiaye have carried the ball further than Garner for Everton this season, while his 279 pass-ending carries is the most in the squad.
Versatility is a strength in Garner's game, with him playing three of the first four matches this season as a left-back and also filling in at right-back.
His outstanding performances saw him rewarded with a new four-and-a-half-year contract in January to commit him to the club until 2030, with Moyes describing him as a player who has "developed hugely during his time at Everton" and adding that he is "turning into a leader for us".
With both European qualification at club level and a place in England's World Cup squad still to fight for, it could prove to be a special end to what has already been a hugely impressive campaign for Garner.
Wrexham midfielder Lewis O'Brien started his career with Huddersfield Town [PA Media]
Lewis O'Brien says Wrexham has "felt like home" ever since he joined the club last summer as he prepares to face former club Swansea City on Friday night (20:00 GMT).
The midfielder spent the latter half of the 2024-25 season on loan with the Swans but made the permanent switch to Wrexham from Nottingham Forest before the current campaign.
"Since I've signed it's felt like home," O'Brien said.
"The lads are great, the staff are great and it's been one of them things where I'm really enjoying the football and obviously winning and being higher up in the league makes it a bit more enjoyable.
"It's a really nice place to be at the moment."
The 27-year-old attracted interest from Swansea among other clubs in the summer before joining the Red Dragons.
"I think there was a little bit (of interest from Swansea) in the summer and stuff, but I obviously chose the right place," he added.
O'Brien played alongside this season's Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik during his spell with the Swans last season.
The Slovenia international has netted 17 league goals so far this term, and O'Brien admits Wrexham's backline will have their hands full when it comes to keeping an eye on the striker.
"He's having a great season, he's always had the quality to be able to do that," O'Brien said.
"There's a lot of strikers in the league at the moment that are firing all cylinders and he'll be a hard one to keep quiet."
But only Millwall have averaged more points per game than Wrexham in the Championship since the Swans beat Wrexham 2-1 in the reverse fixture on 19 December.
And while excitement among fans has grown before the second contest of the season between the sides, O'Brien remains determined to treat the fixture like any other.
"People can big up this game as much as they can, but I think we just have to see it as another game," he said.
"We can't have the occasion get too much for us or us think that it's a bigger occasion than it actually is.
"It's another game in the Championship - that's how we've got to see it.
"It's a Friday night under lights, it's the Welsh derby and everything, but at the end of the day, it's two 11s going against each other like it is every week."
And with 10 games left to play in the regular season, O'Brien says the Red Dragons can relish having their play-off aspirations firmly in their own hands.
"Results are crazy in the Championship and fortunately it went our way after the loss (to Hull)," he said.
"We've stayed in sixth position and obviously Hull are a bit further away from us now, so we're chasing them a little bit to try and secure the place in it (top six).
"We can only focus on ourselves really and keep winning games. If we keep winning, no-one can catch us."
He added: "We're all excited for what's coming and it's just one of them things where now we're down to the last 10 games of the season.
"It's the business end of the season and whatever's going to happen is going to happen but we're going to make sure we try our best to get the right outcome."
“I’m backing” – Paul Merson makes Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction
Chelsea take on Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening and Paul Merson has given his prediction for the match.
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The Blues will be looking for an immediate response having lost 5-2 to PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
It’s a crucial game in the race for Champions League football with Chelsea currently sat fifth level on points with Liverpool in sixth, and three behind Manchester United and Aston Villa in third and fourth respectively.
Paul Merson gives Chelsea vs Newcastle prediction
Chelsea’s record at home in the league this season is poor, and the Blues have won just six of their 14 games at Stamford Bridge.
Their last two home games finished in draws against Leeds and Burnley, and Liam Rosenior desperately needs a positive result.
“Chelsea produced a brilliant result against Aston Villa,” he told Sportskeeda.
“But their display in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against PSG now means they are unlikely to go through to the next stage!
“I think it comes down to experience. Chelsea simply capitulated after the error from Filip Jorgensen. If they had a few more senior pros in that line-up, I’m sure they would have assessed the situation better and maybe managed the game a lot better to not concede the fourth and fifth goals.
“The only way I see Chelsea returning to the Champions League next season is if they can finish in the top five.
“So this is a must-win game at home against Newcastle.”
Newcastle to prioritise Barcelona game?
Newcastle face Barcelona next week in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, with the two teams level at 1-1, and Merson thinks Howe will prioritise that game over Chelsea.
“I know Barcelona are a different beast at home,” he added.
Celebrating the life of John Clark, aka Mr Celtic, born on this day in 1941
There are some people in life who seek fame and adulation, even when their efforts and abilities do not truly warrant this. Then there are those outstanding individuals who shun the spotlight, despite their achievements being genuinely worthy of celebration…
1967 European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan. The Celtic team line up, before defeating Inter Milan to win the European Cup. Back Row Left to Right: Jim Craig; Tommy Gemmell; Ronnie Simpson; Billy McNeill; Bobby Murdoch; and John Clark. In front, left to right: Stevie Chalmers; Willie Wallace, Jimmy Johnstone; Bobby Lennox; and Bertie Auld. 25 May 1967. Portugal Photo: Top Foto
One Celt who fell into the latter category – a true club hero but one who preferred to avoid public acclaim – was born 85 years ago today. John Clark was a Lisbon Lion and a man who truly lived a ‘Celtic life’. Over the decades, he carried out numerous important roles for the Bhoys.
This is his story.
John Clark from Celtic FC in May 1967. Ahead of the Final of European Cup in Lisbon as Inter Milan meets Celtic Photo United Archives – Imago (The Celtic Star)
John Clark was a Lanarkshire man, born on 13 March 1941 in Bellshill. He was raised in nearby Chapelhall and Holytown. From his earliest days, Clark knew adversity; when he was a child, his father was killed in a railway accident in England.
As well as having a strong work ethic, Clark grew to be an accomplished footballer with an impressive reputation in Lanarkshire. He played for Larkhall Thistle and from here caught the attention of scouts, including from Birmingham City. However, his destination was Celtic Park.
Aged just 17 years old, Clark signed for Celtic on 8 October 1958. He described this as feeling like he had “won the pools” and later appeared as a trialist. Within less than a year – on 3 October 1959 – he made his formal debut in a 5–0 win over Arbroath.
Clark quickly established himself as a dependable and capable player. However, he was not initially part of a Celtic team that was accustomed to winning. This all changed when Jock Stein arrived at Celtic in 1965. At that point, the Bhoys had not won a major trophy in eight years.
The Celtic team of 1964 Back row: Young , Thomas Gemmel , John Fallon , John Clark , Billy McNeill , Kennedy Front row: Jimmy Johnstone . Bobby Murdoch , Stevie Chalmers , Gallagher , Hughes. Photo TopFoto
Within weeks, the Celts once more celebrated major success as the Bhoys beat Dunfermline to claim the Scottish Cup. John Clark cheered as much as any other player, and had fought his way through the 90 minutes, despite receiving a serious injury during the game.
With this success achieved, life was about to change for Celtic and John Clark. Stein redeployed him from being a wing-half to a sweeper. In this role, he soon earned the nickname “The Brush” — Clark was someone who swept up danger before it could reach Celtic’s defence.
John Clark Tribute continues on the next page…
John Clark’s rise coincided with the most successful era in Celtic’s history. Between 1965 and 1967, during Celtic’s most dominant period, he played an extraordinary 140 consecutive matches in major competitions. This was evidence not simply of his fitness but also his crucial importance to the team.
Celtic and Clark’s greatest day came one sunny afternoon in Lisbon. As the Celts defeated Inter Milan to claim the European Cup, Clark and his teammates became immortalised as the Lisbon Lions. Along with Tommy Gemmell, John played in all the Bhoys’ games that season.
John Clark, the week before Lisbon…Photo Imago, The Celtic Star
Although a quiet man, he had one notable on-pitch moment in 1967 which defied this. In the so-called Battle of Montevideo when Celtic played Racing Club for the Inter-Continental Cup, Clark was incensed by an Argentinian player’s foul and raised his fists boxing-style to challenge him.
Surprisingly, Clark was not sent off at this point, although Bobby Lennox was. It seemed that the referee mixed up the two players.
It was not simply in Celtic’s green-and-white where John Clark excelled. He also turned out for Scotland on four occasions, making his debut in a 1-1 draw against Brazil in 1966. This let him face legends such as Pele and Jairzinho.
Clark also played against Wales, Northern Ireland and the USSR, the latter being the only time he lost when wearing dark blue.
Celtic players Jim Craig left and John Clark right about to take the ball off Tommy Rae the Partick Thistle forward, during the Scottish League Division 1 match here on Saturday. Celtic were bang on form again, defeating their opponents by 5 goals to 1. 16 October 1967 Photo TopFoto IMAGO
By 1971, John Clark’s time playing in green-and-white was coming to a close. Injuries had long afflicted him, and he was struggling to compete with many of the younger ‘Quality Street Gang’ players that were coming through the Celts’ ranks.
John Clark’s final Celtic match was a notable one for the entire club. On 1 May 1971, the Bhoys played Clyde at a Celtic Park that was undergoing significant renovation.
John Clark in Lisbon during the 1967 European Cup Final, Celtic 2 Inter Milan 1. Photo The Celtic Wiki
This was the final match in which the Lisbon Lions XI walked out onto the park, although Ronnie Simpson was injured and did not play. Celtic won 6-1 to officially confirm their sixth successive championship, and it was the farewell match for Clark as well as Bertie Auld and Stevie Chalmers.
John Clark Tribute continues on the next page…
Over 13 years at Celtic, Clark made 316 first-team appearances, scored three goals. His Celtic record is hugely impressive; he is one of the club’s most decorated players and won:
• Six Scottish League Championships
• Three Scottish Cups
• Five League Cups
• One European Cup
Leaving Celtic Park did not mark the end of John’s playing career. He journeyed westwards to Greenock where he turned out for Morton. His time there included scoring again for Celtic – although unfortunately for Clark it was an own-goal!
He spent two seasons at Cappielow before finally retiring as a player. At one point, Celtic looked to re-sign him but this fell through. However, he would still have the opportunity to once more work for the Celts.
Billy McNeill, Jock Stein and John Clark outside the doors of Celtic Park, as Billy is appointed Celtic manager and John his assistant, in summer 1978 Photo The Celtic Wiki
After retiring, his first destination was a familiar one. Clark returned to Celtic as a coach, working with the reserve and youth teams. His deep understanding of the game and his ability to nurture young talent made him a trusted figure.
After this, Aberdeen came calling. In 1977, he joined his old defensive partner Billy McNeill as assistant manager at Pittodrie. The two men enjoyed a successful spell which resulted in Aberdeen finishing as League runners-up.
However, soon it was time to once more head for his true home: Celtic Park. In 1978, John Clark returned to the Bhoys as assistant manager, helping Celtic win three league titles, one Scottish Cup and one League Cup. This included the dramatic ‘Ten men won the League’ success in 1979.
After leaving Celtic, John continued his own managerial journey. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was in the hot seat at various places, working for Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde, as well as junior club Shotts Bon Accord.
Scottish Youth Cup Final. 2015. Celtic versus theRangers. Scott Brown with Lisbon Lion John Clark. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
However, by 1997, Clark was again back home. He took up the role of Celtic’s first-team kit man, a position he would hold for more than twenty years. In this role, Clark helped prepare squads for matches and offered advice to young players.
Many players and managers — including Martin O’Neill — later spoke of how Clark’s stories helped them at Celtic. This was publicly recognised in 2004. At the Celtic Player of the Year Awards, Martin O’Neill presented John Clark with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to Celtic. It was well deserved, although he still had many years of work to go.
Former team mates Bertie Auld and John Clarke pay tribute to Billy McNeill at his statue outside Celtic Park on April 23, 2019. The former Celtic captain Billy McNeill who was the first Briton to lift the European Cup, has died aged 79. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Away from football, Clark was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife Eileen and was a father to his children. His son Martin followed in his footsteps into professional football, playing for clubs including Clyde, Nottingham Forest and Partick Thistle.
John Clark Tribute continues on the next page…
John Clark’s life ended on 23 June 2025, when aged 84. Following this, there were numerous tributes to Clark from across the Celtic and footballing world. The Bhoys’ then manager Brendan Rodgers said Clark’s contribution would “forever be etched in Celtic’s proud history.”
John Clark, reminding everyone of the score in the 1967 European Cup Final in Lisbon. Photo IMAGO
The funeral mass was held at St Mary’s Church in Glasgow, the place it all began for Celtic. A priest at this service described him as a “happy and quiet man” known for “authentic kindness.” The cortege travelled down the Celtic Way, honouring a man who had given so much to the club.
Despite being part of Celtic’s greatest ever team, Clark was never comfortable with public attention. Of the Lisbon Lions XI, he was the only player that did not write a book about his time in football, despite numerous requests to do so.
Many years beforehand, another great Celt, Paddy Crerand, once said of Clark that: “John Clark is a player’s player because he’s always thinking of the team and never plays for himself. If he’s given the job, he does it without any fuss or fancy stuff.”
01.08.2015. Scottish Premiership. Celtic versus Ross County. John Clark waves to the Celtic support on flag day. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
John Clark’s decades at Celtic – in a variety of roles – means that he stands as second only to the great Willie Maley in terms of Celtic longevity. This is a true mark of his legendary status at the club, whether or not he was comfortable with such an accolade.
The years that Clark spent at Celtic led many people to refer to him as “Mr Celtic” — a recognition not just of his achievements, but also his lifelong commitment.
It is an entirely fitting tribute to the great John Clark.
Gabriel Pec scores his first career hat trick as the LA Galaxy beat Mount Pleasant in the Concacaf Champions Cup
Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec, formerly of Vasco da Gama, scored the first hat trick of his professional career as the LA Galaxy defeated Mount Pleasant 3-0 on Wednesday night in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Pec was the standout performer in Los Angeles, scoring all three goals of the match and leading the Galaxy to a comfortable victory in front of their home fans.
The performance marked a personal milestone for the Brazilian attacker, who also reached 100 direct goal contributions in his professional career. Since joining the LA Galaxy, Pec has appeared in 87 matches, scoring 34 goals and providing 6 assists, totaling 40 goal contributions for the club.
The hat trick also reflects Pec’s strong recent form. Over the last three matches, the forward has been directly involved in five goals, scoring three times and adding two assists, reinforcing his growing influence in the Galaxy’s attack during the current stretch of the season.
Too many promising moves die at his feet because of poor decision-making in the final third.
He often hesitates when he should attack his full-back and rushes the pass when patience is required.
There is effort in his game. Defensively, he works hard, tracks back relentlessly and brings real intensity off the ball.
But that cannot be the main selling point for a winger expected to break games open. Chelsea need far more incision in those wide areas.
If Barcelona are genuinely interested, the Blues should seriously consider selling both Neto and Gittens and reinvesting the money in a genuine world-class left winger.
That player could compete directly with Garnacho, while Geovany Quenda and Estevao Willian battle it out on the right flank.
VfB stars lose their cool over this incident, calling it a joke
After the final whistle, Deniz Undav and Angelo Stiller were really angry and vented their frustration at the FC Porto players. What had happened? After their two goals, Terem Moffi (21’) and Rodrigo Mora (27’) celebrated provocatively in front of the Cannstatter Kurve, drawing the ire of the fans.
"I've rarely experienced something like that. I don’t know if they really need to do that. What happened out there... We’re giving everything to progress on Thursday," Angelo Stiller raged after the final whistle on RTL’s microphone, already fired up for revenge in the coming week.
Undav was also angry, but for a different reason. What bothered him most was the time-wasting by the Portuguese in the closing stages. "It’s a joke." He was especially annoyed with Porto’s Zaidu. "The left-back was on the ground, what felt like, 37 times. Unbelievable!"
In terms of football, Porto wasn’t better, which is why the VfB striker is confident about their chances in the second leg next Thursday. However, his team will have to stand their ground and, in matches like these, "sometimes be nasty and dirty too."
Players from China wave to the crowd at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia (DAVID GRAY)
China coach Ante Milicic urged his players on Friday to remain "calm and confident" in a charged Women's Asian Cup quarter-final against Taiwan.
The reigning champions are targeting a record-extending 10th continental title but are wary of an opponent that has shown improvement as the tournament has progressed.
Taiwan were beaten 2-0 by strongly fancied Japan in the group phase but were by no means outclassed.
"They gave Japan a very difficult game and then went on to win their next two matches, so we know this will be a tough proposition," said Milicic ahead of the clash in Perth on Saturday.
"But if we execute our game plan and perform to the level we know we can, that should be enough for us to get the result.
"If we follow a clear process, remain calm and confident and take it one game at a time, we can be successful and hopefully go further in the tournament."
Like China, Taiwan have enjoyed strong support at the tournament in Australia, but it has not been without controversy.
During their last game, in Sydney against India, former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a "Taiwan Jiayu", or "Go Taiwan", chant.
His removal sparked a protest to the Asian Football Confederation from Taiwan's foreign ministry over "unequal treatment".
Taiwan compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" in international sports events.
It is part of a political compromise with China that allows the island to take part in major competitions without presenting itself as a sovereign nation.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Taiwan coach Prasobchoke Chokemor focused on football in his pre-match press conference.
"We can say we did well against Japan, holding them to a 0-0 draw in the first half," the Thai said.
"Tomorrow will be a different game tactically, but we are confident we can compete against top-level players if we stay focused on ourselves and fight as a team."
At stake is not only the semi-finals but also 2027 World Cup qualification with the top six finishers booking their tickets to the Brazil showpiece.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Establishing his pivot foot, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contemplated his options. Baylor Scheierman had the unfortunate fate of matching up with the reigning MVP. Once he decided he was going to pull up from the mid-range, the OKC crowd held its breath.
Finally. NBA history as the ball swished through. Gilgeous-Alexander now owns the NBA record for longest 20-point streak at 127 consecutive games. The Oklahoma City Thunder accompanied the historic feat with a 104-102 win over the Boston Celtics.
Talk about Disney movie stuff. It's been quite a couple of games for Gilgeous-Alexander. He hit a game-winner on one night and then took over the fourth quarter in another one. At this point, even his biggest haters have to tip their cap at what they're seeing unfold.
To set the scene, the Thunder were in a rock fight with the Celtics from the jump — even without Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. Gilgeous-Alexander threw some early punches at Jaylen Brown in their heavyweight bout that was pushed as a battle for the MVP award.
The Thunder were in a 28-27 deficit after the first quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander was already halfway to his goal with 10 points. Some second-unit lineup struggles and slippery ball security helped the Celtics overcome a talent difference by playing their style of blue-collar defense.
As Payton Pritchard knocked down a buzzer-beating outside jumper, the Thunder ended a poor first half that saw everybody sans-Gilgeous-Alexander look out of sorts. They had 29 points in the second frame. That put them in a 59-56 deficit at halftime.
But the game itself became secondary. Instead, most folks watched the box score. Gilgeous-Alexander was at 17 points at the break. He needed three more to usurp NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. The tension can be tasted in the air. The OKC crowd was ready for him to grab the record so they could refocus on the actual game.
It finally happened. Gilgeous-Alexander won the record with a signature mid-range jumper — the shot that has turned him from a decent prospect to an MVP winner. Now that the moment was behind them, the Thunder could return to beating a Celtics squad that had caught fire.
Both teams scored 24 points in the third quarter. The Thunder were in an 83-80 hole. After playing from behind for what felt like eternity, OKC finally got ahead. Alex Caruso stole the ball away from Pritchard before he found Jared McCain for the outside jumper. Like that, they had an 85-83 lead in the early stages of a nail-biter.
From that point on, both teams stayed within a possession of each other. Two of the league's best defenses flexed their muscles. If you wanted to score a bucket, you had to really earn it. Ajay Mitchell made a big-time corner 3-pointer. Gilgeous-Alexander hit a stepback mid-range jumper on Hugo Gonzalez.
The Thunder had a 98-94 lead with a little over three minutes to go. Finally, some breathing room. While having just a four-point lead, it felt twice as large. It didn't take long for the Celtics to tie it up at 98 points apiece. Pritchard conducted a series of dribble moves ala Kyrie before he finally made a long jumper that rattled in.
Tied at 98 points with less than two minutes to go, Gilgeous-Alexander and Brown exchanged highlight-worthy buckets. First up was the reigning MVP. Switching off Brown, he found a soft spot in Boston's defense as he pulled up at the key for the short-range jumper.
Brown immediately answered. He drew a shooting foul and made both free-throw attempts. Knotted up at 100 points apiece, the final 50 seconds saw Gilgeous-Alexander and Brown go band-for-band as they tried to one-up the other in the clutch-time situation.
Getting Scheierman on an island, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the basket before he jammed the brakes. He hit on another pull-up jumper. 102-100 with 30 seconds to go. The Thunder needed one stop. Instead, Brown returned the favor on the other end. Stopped at the nail, he circled before he swished in an extremely difficult turnaround jumper.
Can't say much about that. That's just an MVP-esque bucket by Brown. Tied at 102 points apiece, the Thunder had the chance to hit the walk-off with 22 seconds left. Gilgeous-Alexander opted to trust his teammates. The ball eventually landed in Caruso's hands.
With a chance to hit a game-winner, Caruso missed on his corner 3-pointer. Emerging as the late-game hero, Chet Holmgren's one-handed rebound forced Boston to foul him on the second-chance look. No way. Brutal fashion to lose a game you were painfully close to stealing.
With 0.8 seconds left, Holmgren made both free throws. On the other end, Pritchard's Hail Mary outside attempt was lined up well, but petered out at the end. Phew. What a way to end a historic day. The Thunder scored 24 points in the final frame to squeeze by for the win over the Celtics.
The Thunder shot 48% from the field and went 11-of-44 (25%) from 3. They shot 13-of-17 on free throws. They had 22 assists on 40 baskets. Three Thunder players scored double-digit points.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 35 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Holmgren had 14 points and nine rebounds. Mitchell finished with 15 points and six assists.
Meanwhile, the Celtics shot 40% from the field and went 13-of-42 (31%) from 3. They shot 19-of-20 on free throws. They had 20 assists on 35 baskets. Four Celtics players scored double-digit points.
Brown stepped up to the challenge with 34 points and seven assists. Pritchard finished with 14 points and four assists. Scheierman and Gonzalaz each scored 11 points apiece.
NBA history continues to happen in OKC. Unreal to type that out. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to cement himself as an all-time great. Usurping Chamberlain is just the latest of an ever-growing list of accomplishments. The game itself was pretty ugly, but that's besides the point. At this juncture of the season, it's all about getting wins if you're the Thunder.
Littered with Chamberlain signs across the OKC crowd, Gilgeous-Alexander's 20-point streak was the main event. As he got closer, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Give credit to the Thunder for cutting through the noise to get an impressive win over the Celtics. That could be an NBA Finals preview.
Let's look at Thunder player grades:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A-plus
Pictured next to Chamberlain on the jumbotron, Gilgeous-Alexander had the chance to live in the moment. The OKC PA announcer acknowledged his 20-point streak officially being at the top after a year-plus-long journey to get there. Goosebumps filled Paycom Center.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting, nine assists and six rebounds. He shot 2-of-5 from 3 and went 7-of-8 on free throws. He also had three blocks and two steals.
On the cusp of more NBA history, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a mission. Don't think a single reasonable person thought he wouldn't get to 20 points. The real question was how he'd reach the mark. The Celtics threw multiple defenders his way. But it just didn't matter.
Adding to his MVP case, Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant on national TV. He wouldn't get by Chamberlain on a whimper. Instead, he had one of his best games this season. The jumper was on point from the start. He didn't require much space to go with a daring pull-up jumper that has been automatic for years.
Driving to the basket has been second-nature to Gilgeous-Alexander for years. You saw that happen once again as Boston's interior defense couldn't scare him off. He had 17 points by halftime. That meant the only drama left was the style he'd go with to get the memorable bucket to pen his name in the NBA record books for something that hasn't been surpassed in 63 years.
Of course, Gilgeous-Alexander went with the pull-up jumper. Quite the poetic choice. After all, he's one of the greatest mid-range maestros in league history. That area of the floor is how he's turned into an all-time legend. Similar to some of his idols.
Now that the in-game ceremony came and went, Gilgeous-Alexander had a game to focus on. Finally, the Thunder's matchup against the Celtics took center stage after being in the background. Not wanting to break the record on a sour note, the reigning MVP took over in the fourth quarter.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 14 points in the final frame — almost equalling Boston's 19 points. When the Thunder needed a bucket, he provided. Inside the key became his best friend as he populated the area with several big-time buckets to keep things close.
While they weren't traditional game-winners, Gilgeous-Alexander hit two ginormous pull-up jumpers in the final 64 seconds to put OKC ahead by two points. In a two-point win, those two shots were arguably as vital as Holmgren's drawn foul in the final second.
It's been a wild two-game journey for Gilgeous-Alexander. He's well on his way to be remembered as one of the faces of the NBA's current era — if he isn't there already. The longest 20-point streak in NBA history is the latest feather in his cap to demonstrate his best superpowers.
I received some flak for calling Gilgeous-Alexander a walking 60-win machine. But you see why that isn't so ludicrous to suggest. He's a walking 30-point machine as soon as he rolls out of bed. No matter who else is beside him on the court, he delivers the Thunder a win more times than not.
Fighting positioning with Sam Hauser, Holmgren grabbed the offensive rebound and desperately went up for a putback. Instead, the Celtics mauled him down low. The referees blew the whistle as a game-sealing foul was called in the final second.
Holmgren finished with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting and nine rebounds. He shot 1-of-4 from 3 and went 3-of-3 on free throws.
When you score the game-winner, all is forgiven — even if it happened at the free-throw line. Considering last year's NBA playoffs, you can't take for granted Holmgren's ability to knock down a pair of free-throw attempts that likely had his heartbeat racing from the pressure.
Holmgren calmly swished in both looks. Those turned out to be the game-winning points. What a way to make up for an otherwise forgettable night by the Thunder supporting cast. As the sports saying goes — it's not about how you start, but how you finish.
As the Celtics sold out to stop Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren benefited from the attention. He had plenty of easy dunks around the rim as Boston defenders were late to rotate. He scored 10 points in the first half as the Thunder looked sluggish against the short-handed squad.
It was good to see someone else from OKC have a moment on Gilgeous-Alexander's historic night. Holmgren turned out to be the unlikely hero at the free-throw line. That's all you really needed from someone else as the reigning MVP was in the zone the entire night.
Dribbling between his legs, Mitchell stared down Scheierman. The drive-heavy scorer went straight at the basket. As Neemias Queta provided some late help, the 23-year-old went up-and-under to avoid the seven-footer for the fancy and-one layup.
Mitchell finished with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, six assists and four rebounds. He shot 1-of-3 from 3 and went 2-of-3 on free throws.
Considering this was a throwback game, Mitchell being OKC's third double-digit scorer was enough help to get the win. He battered his way to the paint through contact. The physical playstyle has cost him time, but it is also the reason why he's broken out to be a key piece in their rotation. Can't ask him to turn it off.
Mostly driving to the basket, Mitchell also showed off his pull-up jumper. His sole outside jumper was a big one as the Thunder created some much-needed space on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. He also helped run the bench offense as his playmaking has been sorely missed over the last two months.
It hasn't taken Mitchell long to make up for lost time. The Thunder handed him the rare start to blitz the Celtics' defenders with multiple ball-handlers. The move paid off as he helped the ball keep moving whenever Gilgeous-Alexander faced several defenders.
We'll see how Mitchell feels after this. Looked like he might've gotten hurt playing defense. He stayed in the game but hobbled. You might roll your eyes at him already getting injured this soon, but it just comes with the territory with his brand of basketball. You deal with the headaches for this type of production.
Faking the handoff, Williams caught Queta daydreaming. Amid the best stretch of his career, the 23-year-old nonchalantly knocked down the outside jumper. That's new. It's been an unreal last few weeks to see him evolve into Kevin Love like a Pokemon.
Williams finished with nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from 3, two rebounds and one assist.
You can tell Williams is feeling himself. He's had a quick trigger in recent games with his outside shot. To the point that he's taking heatchecks. If you're the Thunder, you love to see it. They've managed without Isaiah Hartenstein because of his unreal play on both sides of the floor.
The playmaking always remains a luxury. Williams went with a daring pass to Aaron Wiggins for his sole assist. He kept the ball moving with good energy. The Thunder have fully leaned on his hot streak. The secondary offense is being run through him. And the results scream for more on his plate.
Awesome to see Williams continue to play great basketball. Like I've said ad nauseam, he's one of their best developmental stories. It's unreal to see him round out his game over the years. To the point that he's now one of the best backup centers in the league without a doubt. Wasn't that long ago that all he was known for was drawing charges.
Luka Dončić #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
LOS ANGELES — There are nights when the ball seems magnetized to the rim, when every possession bends to the will of a superstar. Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena felt like one of those nights.
Luka Dončić delivered a vintage performance — a season-high 51 points — leading the Los Angeles Lakers to their fourth straight win, a 142-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
And somehow, it still felt like he had more in the tank.
“He’s playing as well as anybody in the NBA right now,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
Dončić’s stat line bordered on absurd: 51 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 37 minutes. One assist shy of a triple-double, the Slovenian superstar dictated the tempo from the opening tip.
But the moment that ignited the night came in the second quarter — not from a shot, but from a voice.
Trash talk wakes up Luka
Dončić said Bulls’ Matas Buzelis had something to say during the second quarter. That may not have been the best idea.
“In the second quarter, I could feel it. Somebody started talking to me, so it woke me up,” Dončić said afterward, flipping through the stat sheet to find the culprit’s name. “Matas. I was surprised. I didn’t say nothing to him. Wasn’t very nice.”
He wouldn’t repeat what was said.
“If I would say that, I would definitely get a tech.”
Redick said that ability to weaponize moments like that is part of what separates Dončić.
“It’s a unique trait,” Redick said. “It’s not just the fact that he responds to a rough play or trash talking, it’s that he can channel it. And he can channel it while still doing all the other things that still need to be done.”
The result: a takeover.
Another night, more history
Dončić erupted early, posting 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists in the first half while shooting 9-of-17 from the field and 4-of-7 from three.
The milestones followed. When Dončić crossed the 40-point mark, it became his 13th 40-point game as a Laker, already ranking ninth in franchise history. It also marked his 11th 40-point performance of the 2025-26 season, the eighth-most in a single season in franchise history.
The three-point line offered another benchmark. Dončić’s second triple of the night pushed him past Austin Reaves for the second-most three-pointers in a season in Lakers history, now sitting at 201.
Only D’Angelo Russell (226 in 2023-24) has made more in a single Lakers season.
Reaves and Ayton provide the support
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball around Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls during an NBA basketball game, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball around Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls during an NBA basketball game, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Dončić had plenty of help. Reaves continued his breakout campaign with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds, shooting an efficient 13-for-20 from the field. Along the way, he reached another milestone — 5,000 career points.
The moment added another footnote to his unlikely rise: Reaves becomes just the second undrafted player to score all 5,000 career points with the Lakers, joining Hall of Famer George Mikan.
Inside, Deandre Ayton dominated the paint with 23 points and 10 rebounds, finishing 10-of-13 from the field. His screen setting and rim pressure created easy lanes for the Lakers’ guards all night.
Hard screens, quick rolls and a steady presence at the rim made him a constant problem for Chicago’s frontcourt. Every Lakers starter finished in double figures. The starting unit combined for 137 points, carrying a bench that produced just five total points.
LeBron takes a step back
After missing the previous two games, LeBron James returned and quietly filled the stat sheet with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes. He shot 7-of-13 from the floor, but largely took a backseat offensively as Dončić and Reaves ran the show.
James later described the duo as “magical and dynamic.” Redick said those dynamics have been part of ongoing conversations with James.
“I think again, he wants to do everything possible to help this team win,” Redick said. “And he understands the importance of making sure Luka and AR can be at their best.”
Defense still a concern
The offensive fireworks were undeniable. The defense? Not so much. The Lakers still allowed 130 points, something that didn’t sit well with their head coach.
“I wish there was something I could praise about our defense tonight,” Redick said. “But I’m not going to be able to.”
For a team with postseason aspirations, that side of the floor will ultimately determine how far this group can go.
With the win, the Lakers moved into sole possession of the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, holding a slim half-game edge over the Houston Rockets.
The schedule won’t get any easier. Next up: a Saturday showdown at Crypto.com Arena against the Denver Nuggets, followed by a quick two-game road trip to Houston — where the Lakers will face the Rockets twice in three days.
If Thursday night was any indication, the Lakers have one thing working in their favor. When Dončić gets going, it doesn’t matter who’s talking. It usually ends with 50-plus.
Georginio Rutter says everyone is Brighton is "frustrated" by how the season has gone as he targets a strong end to the 2025-26 campaign.
Albion are 14th in the table, out of the way of the scramble to avoid relegation but at the bottom of a scrum of clubs vying to qualify for European football next year.
"It's been a frustrating season - for the team and for me as well," Rutter told BBC Sport. "Started good but we didn't win for long. Last year was better.
"For the city, for the club, we had the target to play in Europe. It's not finished yet but I am frustrated when I go home. It's not been easy this year."
So far Rutter has two goals and two assists in 24 Premier League games, whereas last term he bagged five and three respectively in 28 league appearances.
He recognises he has not hit the standards he sets for himself.
"I don't score a lot - I've done some assists but it could be better," he said. "That is football and every week I have a chance to score and do my best.
"I'm trying to find a good balance, but it's not easy."
During a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, UFC middleweight Bo Nickal said former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington turned down fighting him at the UFC White House event. Covington denied Nickel's allegations and then went scorched Earth on the wrestling standout.
"Not true. Hunter [Campbell] and the UFC never entertained, or offered that fight. Why would the UFC give me a fight up a weight class (against) a guy who is not ranked," questioned Covington.
"This is a guy in Bozo Nickals who quit in front of the whole world. He thinks he's a fighter. No, he's a competitor. We saw what happened when it was a fight against RDR (Reinier de Ridder), the Dutch grappler. And as soon as the fight started getting going, that's when he quit. He's a quitter. Why would the UFC give me a quitter fight? So, they never offered me the fight. I would have loved to take that fight at the White House. It's an easy fight.
"He can't strike. He can't wrestle and hold me down. It would be an easy fight," Covington continued. "Bozo, Bo Nickal sucks worse than [Jerry] Sandusky."
There's the possibility that Nickal was given wrong information, and Covington believes it's likely.
"That's the thing. Bo doesn't represent himself, so he's just out of the loop. He's just probably listening to what his manager is telling him, but I deal directly with the UFC. I go to Hunter myself, and we have phone calls all the time. He's never talked to Hunter or any high-up UFC brass in his career because he's never been in a main event," said Covington.
"He's an absolute nobody. The fans hate him. I hate him. Penn State hates him. Nobody likes him. He's just not a likable guy because he's so entitled. He acts all privileged all the time. He hasn't earned anything. He pulled out against 50 year-old Yoel Romero twice. Not just once, twice. He's not a company man. He's scared to fight, scared to wrestle even. He pulled out of two wrestling matches, so he's scared to wrestle. He's not a company man. He's not reliable, and he's not ranked. He's a Bozo. He's a nobody. He's not worth my time ... They didn't offer it. He's a Bozo, and he sucks worse than Sandusky."
Iran may withdraw from the 2026 World Cup: What happens if a qualified team pulls out?
The Iranian government said Wednesday that the country will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite already securing qualification for the tournament, which will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the national team will not participate in the competition amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the country.
“Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have absolutely no intention of taking part in the World Cup,” Donyamali said in remarks broadcast on Iranian television.
Iran had already qualified for the tournament and was placed in Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
FIFA yet to clarify replacement scenario
World soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has not yet issued an official decision regarding how the vacant spot would be filled if Iran’s withdrawal is confirmed. Several scenarios are being discussed based on the current World Cup qualification structure.
One possible replacement is Iraq, which is already through to the final round of the intercontinental playoffs and is currently ranked 58th in the FIFA rankings. Iraq is also the only team still competing for a World Cup berth from the same confederation as Iran, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), a factor that could weigh in FIFA’s decision.
The final outcome could also depend on the results of the intercontinental playoffs. Iraq is expected to face the winner of the semifinal between Bolivia and Suriname in the decisive match for a World Cup place.
If Iraq qualifies through that match, other teams could be considered as replacements for Iran. One possibility is the United Arab Emirates, the next-highest ranked Asian team outside the current qualifiers. Another candidate mentioned in international media reports is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is ranked higher globally and is also involved in the playoff stage.
Regional tensions complicate the situation
The situation has become more complicated after Iraq’s football federation formally requested that FIFA postpone the decisive playoff match.
According to international media reports, the Iraqi team is facing difficulties leaving the country due to airspace restrictions linked to regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The decisive playoff match had been scheduled for March 31, but the ongoing situation could force FIFA to determine sooner which team would replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup if the withdrawal is officially confirmed.
A classic two-day rally event featuring competitors from across the world including Belgium, Germany and the United States is set to return to Manx roads for its sixth year.
The Historic Endurance Rally Organisation is hosting its Three Legs of Mann event on Friday and Saturday, which will see about 50 enthusiasts travelling to the island to take part.
Vehicles coming date back to before 1991, and include Classic Minis, Lotus Cortinas and early Porsches, with the oldest vehicle being a 1955 AC Bristol.
Clerk of the Course for the event Guy Woodcock said he wanted to run the event on the island due to the "nature of the roads, and the challenge they give".
Woodcock said it was aimed at the classic cars so saw "much lower speeds" than a traditional rally event.
The event, which is run over three legs, includes some elements aiming to test crews' timing, distance and accuracy, with other elements taking place on closed roads, taking place during daytime and night-time.
It includes testing of crews in the Grandstand carpark at 08:30 on Friday, before crews make their way to Marine Drive.
Further tests and closed road sections take place in Foxdale later in the morning, and on Druidale Road in the evening.
To accommodate the event, Lhoobs Road and Konslieu Hill in Foxdale will be closed between 10:00 and 13:30 GMT on Friday, as will Brack-a-Brom Lane from 10:30 to 13:30, as competitors take part in a number of tests.
It will also see Druidale Road closed between 18:30 and 23:30 on Friday.
And on Saturday crews will continue to compete at Jurby Airfield.
Woodcock said organisers had tried to "disrupt island life as little as possible".
Letters had been sent to residents impacted by the closures, he added.
Liverpool tipped to finally sign 25-year-old forward they've wanted for years
Liverpool have faced several difficulties in trying to defend their Premier League title this season.
Arne Slot’s side were the divisions highest scorers last campaign but have struggled to rediscover that form this season, with the wingers coming under very heavy criticism.
Something clearly needs to change in Liverpool’s attack and, whilst Alexander Isak’s return from injury will be a boost, signing another winger could be the solution.
The Reds added attacking firepower in the summer, but there was a heavy focus on the centre of the pitch with Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. This summer Liverpool are being tipped to add some talent out wide.
Long-time target ‘nailed on’ for a move to Liverpool
When assessing potential options for the Reds out wide, there is one name that has constantly featured in conversations for years.
A move to bring Anthony Gordon to Anfield has been touted endlessly since the winger joined Newcastle from Everton.
Now, as Liverpool look set to bring in a winger, the Reds could finally act on their interest and a move for Gordon could materialise.
Everton’s former CEO, Keith Wyness, has now weighed in on the situation, telling Football Insider Gordon is ‘unhappy’ at Newcastle.
A move for Gordon won’t come easy though, with rivals Arsenal also interested in the 25-year-old.
“[Gordon] was nailed on to go to Liverpool just a few months ago, and then it’s now switched to Arsenal,” Wyness said. “I think that Liverpool may still be the destination for him, I think, given he is from the area. I still think there’s an attraction for him to come down there.”
Gordon, a reported supporter of the club, was in Liverpool’s academy as a youngster and this could give the Reds the upper hand in a transfer battle with Arsenal.
The England international was open to an Anfield move in the summer of 2024, but a deal was never finalised.
Jadon Sancho: Man United loanee plays crucial part in big European win
Manchester United had two players in loan action on Thursday night.
To find out where all of Manchester United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here.
Jadon Sancho
The Manchester United loanee has had much more game time in the second half of the season than in the first.
Sancho played 83 minutes of Aston Villa’s impressive 0-1 win away to LOSC Lille in the Europa League. He made one key pass in the match but could not find any intended target with his only cross attempt in the game.
The winger took care of the ball well with an 85% pass success rate and he also completed 100% of his long balls.
He completed one dribble in the match but also carried the ball forward 17 times for his side as he drove the ball away from pressure.
Surprisingly, Sancho’s best work came from a defensive standpoint.
The winger won two out of his three tackles and was also effective in duels.
The 25-year-old won five ground duels and also came out on top in one aerial contest.
Sancho will be unavailable to play against his parent club this weekend as Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford, but he will be raring to go next Thursday for the home leg against Lille.
Emma Watson
Manchester United Women’s young Scottish midfielder continues to impress in Mexico for Tigres.
She played the full 90 minutes and scored a goal in a 4-1 win over Santos Laguna.
Watson has made an impressive start with the Mexican side, winning four and drawing two of her first seven matches with the club.
She drove at the Santos Laguna defence and her shot from just outside the penalty area had just enough on it to evade the gloves of the opposition keeper.
The midfielder will next be in action when Tigres face Querétaro F.C. in the league on Sunday evening.
Fleetwood is two shots off the lead after the first round at the Players Championship [Getty Images]
Tommy Fleetwood has spoken about the "relief" he feels after his family were able to leave Dubai amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Thousands of Britons have been stranded in the region, including many in Dubai, after the United States and Israel's conflict with Iran led to widespread airspace closures, restrictions and cancelled flights.
However, according to the Guardian, Fleetwood's wife, son and two stepsons have managed to leave their Dubai home and travelled to England on Wednesday.
Drones have landed near Dubai International Airport, while other Gulf states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman have also been targeted by Iran as it retaliates in response to US and Israeli attacks.
"It wasn't easy," said Fleetwood. "They had one flight that was cancelled or suspended. And then they got lucky getting out because they got out on the flight and then I think something happened at the airport while they were in the air or something. So they got lucky timing wise.
"All I can say is that my family felt very safe and think the nation and the leaders have done an amazing job of making everybody feel safe and well and protected.
"I know my family have been safe and that's the important thing."
The German brand would then buy a 24% stake in the Enstone-based team; those shares are currently owned by Otro Capital, an investment group involving movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny alongside golfer Rory McIlroy.
Otro paid $233million for the shares back in 2023, but the ever-rising value of F1 teams means the figure would be higher this time around – the Alpine outfit’s value has more than doubled since then, now up to $3billion.
“Every day is a new situation,” Briatore said. “But what I want to say, I know it's the negotiation from Mercedes – not with Toto, with Mercedes – and we'll see.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine
Flavio Briatore, Alpine
“In this moment, we have three or four potential buyers – don't forget, we're talking about the Otro share, nothing to do with Alpine. There are a few candidates ready to do the deal,” he added, with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner among the potential buyers.
Asked if he was tempted to buy it himself, Briatore replied: “No, no, no. I'm just looking what's going on and just watching what's going on. We have no communication with Otro in this moment. So if somebody buys the share, we are very happy.”
Alpine switched to a Mercedes engine supply for the 2026 F1 season after ending its own power unit programme ahead of F1’s new technical rules. The move was demanded by Briatore as a prerequisite for him to rejoin as an advisor and de facto team boss.
Asked if he could guarantee Mercedes would have no influence on how Alpine operates or votes in the F1 Commission, Briatore replied: “I think so. Red Bull has been a pioneer already in the last 10 years or 15 years [having two teams in F1]. And like I tell you, Mercedes is looking to buy Otro’s 24%. Normally in one company, 75% decide and 25% is the passenger. And this is what is the reality.”
Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley expressed no concern about the potential deal when it was brought up to him.
“I'm very happy,” he said. “Great, this is fantastic,” Briatore smiled.
“The sport has very, very clear governance,” Wheatley continued. “I don't see any conflict of interest or concerns on our side at all, to be honest. Just watching it, eating the popcorn and enjoying the show.”
“Make sure it’s hot popcorn,” Briatore jokingly concluded.
Photos from Chinese GP - Friday
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Jade Gao - Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, Mercedes
Kym Illman / Getty Images
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Toto Wolff, Mercedes
Kym Illman / Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing
Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Anni Graf - Formula 1 via Getty Images
Alexander Albon, Williams
Alexander Albon, Williams
Jayce Illman / Getty Images
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Lintao Zhang / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Lars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
The Mercedes Team
The Mercedes Team
Wan Mikhail Roslan / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lars Baron / Getty Images
The Alpine Team front wing
The Alpine Team front wing
Wan Mikhail Roslan / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
Wan Mikhail Roslan / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Wan Mikhail Roslan / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mechanics
Mechanics
Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Wheel wrenches
Wheel wrenches
Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Atique Rehman enjoys his time on the padel court after breaking his fast [BBC]
A padel club that is open 24 hours on certain days to cater for the Muslim community during Ramadan says it has seen "over a hundred" players come down in the early hours of the morning.
Upon the recommendations of the Asian community, Pendel Padel Club, in Nelson, near Burnley, Lancashire, has decided to stay open all day on Fridays and Saturday's to welcome those after Iftar, the meal taken to break the fast of daylight hours.
Atique Rehman, 37, said padel had become almost a daily routine after breaking his fast and visiting the mosque for evening prayer.
He added exercise was a key part of Ramadan, with Pendel Padel Club being "one of the best things to happen to Nelson".
The club opened in August 2025 [BBC]
Padel, first invented in Mexico in 1969, has in recent years surged in popularity across the UK, with numerous courts having sprung up.
For Rehman, padel offers an engaging and social pastime to complement his days during Ramadan.
"We typically break our fast at 18:10 GMT, you have your prayers, get ready for your evening prayers at the mosque, and then you come back and get ready for some padel.
"It's buzzing with vibes, the court was busy - it's like playing in the daytime," he said.
Despite the sport being physically demanding, with its small court and ability to bounce the ball off the surrounding walls, Rehman said some of his friends had even come and played games during the day.
Club manager Ryan Canning says he has seen an uptake in visitors during the night [BBC]
Ryan Canning, manager of the club, which opened in August last year, said the inclusivity of the sport meant his clubhouse was busy all day long.
"Just this last weekend, we had over a hundred players between the hours of 00:00 and 04:00 GMT, it has been so brilliantly received," he said.
Canning added that before Ramadan, several regulars had advised him to stay open into the night.
it is something he says he would like to do again every year, based on the success of this year.
"For our late night bookings, we do have a large part of the Asian community come over and use our facilities.
"Padel is inclusive to everybody, you can have zero ball skills and yet it's easy to get started.
"It's unreal the amount of people who've played it for the first time and come back and said they've 'got the bug'." he said.
The Washington Commanders are bringing back kicker Jake Moody in 2026, so he met with the media on Thursday after signing his new one-year contract.
The 26-year-old was 18/20 on FGs last year during his time in Chicago and Washington, including 2/2 from 50+, with a long of 56.
Just last week, the Commanders chose not to tender an offer to Moody as a restricted free agent. One week later, the Commanders re-signed Moody as an unrestricted free agent with a one-year deal. Some Commanders fans will recall that it was Moody, then a Chicago Bear, who kicked the walk-off field goal, providing the Bears a Monday Night Football win over the Commanders in 2025.
The life of an NFL kicker is that you are always having to prove yourself. And then when you miss, you have to get right back out there and make the next kick, so there is no room for pouting for a kicker.
"I want to prove to myself that I deserve to be here, that I belong," Moody said. "It doesn’t have anything to do with last year or other people or anything. Just changed my mindset to focusing on the now and doing what I can to help myself best make kicks."
Moody understands that life as a kicker in the NFL isn't easy.
"It's a tough business as a kicker in this league. You just have to learn to have a short memory and be able to move on to the next kick. I think coming here and kind of having a nice reset was a good thing."
Moody credited the specialist Tress Way (punter) and Tyler Ott (long snapper) for setting a good tone, and also credited special teams coach Larry Izzo.
Moody reminded the media that in his job, the most important kick is always the next one. I guess he is right. Kickers only seem to be as good as their last kick... at least in the fan base's eyes.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Bethany England of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring her side's second goal during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on February 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning –
For those of you who have followed fitzie’s hoddle these last few years, you might be aware that I love the radio. Not the radio that is on the Spotify or other streaming services, but actual radio stations with DJs and the lot.
So it was with a great deal of sadness when I read last week that legendary classic rock Los Angeles DJ Uncle Joe Benson died last week at the age of 76 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“For almost 60 years he graced the radio airwaves with his signature deep voice and extensive Rock ‘N Roll knowledge like no one else,“ his family said in a statement on Facebook.
Benson spent three decades at 95.5 KLOS before his career eventually took him to 100.3 The Sound, the radio station where fitzie discovered him during his teenager years.
“A radio legend silenced,“ Rita Wilde, another classic LA disc jockey who shared some time with Benson at 100.3 The Sound, said in her own Facebook post.
Benson’s voice and love not just for radio but also classic rock helped deliver a warmth during his time on the airwaves. He hosted a regular feature called “Uncle Joe’s Garage”, where he interviewed all sorts of classic rock acts.
He also did the daily “10 and 10”, where he’d line up 10 songs that (at least most of the time) had some sort of unifying theme. The only one that I remember at this time was songs that featured bells (like jingle bells). And it often pops into my mind when I hear Now I Wanna Be Your Dog by The Stooges or Sheena Is a Punk Rocker by The Ramones.
Another one of his programmes – Local Licks – helped Motley Crue and Ratt break onto the scene.
When I thnk of Uncle Joe Benson and 100.3 The Sound, I often go back to those classic rock greats – The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Aerosmith, and so many more. A lot of those bands shaped my direction which, through many different turns, led me to posting your Track of the Day for the past four years now.
So, for anyone who’s ever enjoyed a song, rediscovered an old favourite or found a new obsession from the Track of the Day, you should give a little shout-out to Uncle Joe Benson as well.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Already Gone, by The Eagles
“Tactically, this guy has got it” – Pundit insists Liam Rosenior is “cooking up a storm” at Chelsea
Pundit Micah Richards has fully back Liam Rosenior and thinks that tactically, he’s got it and also, he is cooking up a storm.
Many Chelsea fans will probably disagree with this right now based on many of the comments and reactions I’ve seen this week after Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat to PSG on Wednesday night.
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However, Rosenior’s start as Chelsea boss hasn’t been the worst really, despite this result and some other dodgy results and performances. I don’t actually think he’s done that badly yet. The PSG game was terrible, and that was on Rosenior. But overall, he’s been OK.
But even after saying that, I would not be going as far as saying what Richards is saying about Rosenior either, he’s not there yet, far from it.
Richards on Rosenior
Micah Richards doing punditry for the BBC.
Most people took a negative view of what unfolded over in Paris, but Micah Richards actually thinks Chelsea were tactically brilliant (The Rest Is Football).
“Guys, honestly, I think, guys, honestly, I think Rosenior, I think he’s cooking. I think he’s cooking up a storm. I’m telling you now. Honestly, tactically, this guy has got it. I’ve seen everything I need to see.
“The way they build up, Mistakes again, but Sanchez, he probably should have played the other night. Jorgensen comes in, but the way they want to build, once they, if, whatever happening in the goalkeeper situation, if they get an unbelievable number one who’s good on the ball, who knows what he wants to do, I’m telling you, Chelsea, the way they played through PSG and the way they could open up teams, want to play through the middle, then they get it wide and then they’ve got runners from the midfield.
“Enzo, fantastic, Neto was brilliant, João Pedro’s playing some of the best football of his life. Cole Palmer’s now getting involved like the old Cole Palmer we need to see.”
In other news this week…
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensenhas been slammedfor some of his actions post game at PSG earlier this week. After what was a nightmare performance from the Blues stopper, he then tried to ignore Chelsea fans and walk off down the tunnel.
Reece Jameshas tried to claimthe PSG tie isn’t over yet – but we’re all being realistic about that now. Of course, factually it is not over, but realistically, it is all but over. Chelsea need to score three goals next week without conceding, to even take it to extra time.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
WATERTOWN — Top-seeded Hamlin, unbeaten Mahpiya Luta and defending champion Sioux Falls Christian joined Lennox as first-round winners in the 2026 state Class A girls basketball tournament on Thursday, March 12.
Hamlin (22-1) opened the day with a 61-52 win over Lakota Tech (19-5) in the Watertown Civic Arena. Fifth-seeded Lennox (20-3) downed No. 4 Sioux Valley (21-3) 42-28 in the second early session game before second-seeded Mahpiya Luta (22-0) beat No. 7 West Central (18-4) 65-42 and sixth-seeded SF Christian (20-4) pulled away from No. 3 Wagner (19-3) in the evening games.
The tourney continues on Friday, March 13 with Sioux Valley taking on Lakota Tech at 11 a.m. and West Central facing Wagner at 12:45 p.m. in the consolation semifinals. Hamlin and Lennox square off at 5 p.m. in the first semifinal and Mahpiya Luta and SF Christian meet at 6:45 p.m. in a rematch of last year's state championship game that went down to the wire.
The first semifinal marks the third meeting of the year between Hamlin and Lennox, who ended the regular season as the No. 2 and No. 3-ranked teams behind No. 1 Mahpiya Luta. Hamlin won the previous matchups 59-57 and 45-42.
"It's going to be a battle. We just have to play our game," Hamlin's 6-foot sophomore center Addie Jensen said.
Here's more on Thursday's first-round games:
No. 1 Hamlin 61, No. 8 Lakota Tech 52
Hamlin is definitely battle tested, having played a number of rated and/or fellow state-tournament teams with a number of those going down to the wire.
That's why the Chargers didn't seem fazed when they fell behind 12-4 early before closing the first period with a 7-0 run. Lakota Tech still led 30-28 at halftime before Hamlin opened the second half with an 11-2 run.
Breathing room started to come when Issie Steffensen drailed a 3-pointer with four seconds left in the third period (giving Hamlin a 42-38 lead) and another a couple of minutes into the final period that made it 47-41.
"This team has worked through so much adversity," Jensen said. "We started the year with not that many girls our for basketball. We're a tight-knit group and I think that's what helps us fight through the adversity because we're just like one big family."
Not everything went Jensen's way, either. She picked up her fourth foul about midway through the third quarer, and after a trip to the bench, played the rest of the game. That was big for Hamlin since she led the Chargers with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Senior guard Addie Neuendorf tallied 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists and Steffensen added 11 points. Addie Neuendorf's younger sister Paxton chipped in with nine points and Sarita Stevenson did her part nine rebounds and six assists.
"It was a battle, but we showed a lot of heart. I was really proud of how everybody stepped up including Ava (Taschner) and Jade (Thue) off the bench," Jensen said. "They didn't play a lot of minutes, but when I got my fourth foul it was big for Jade to come in, keep her head and be aggressive. It was exactly what we needed."
Lakota Tech hung tough with a balanced attack that included 15 points from eighth-grader Amelia Shangreaux, 12 each from Katie and Lizzie Robinson and 11 from Addison Goings.
No. 5 Lennox 42, No. 4 Sioux Valley 28
It looks like an upset based on seeding, but even Sioux Valley coach Jamie Granum said before the tourney that Lennox's athletic ability would present problems for his squad.
That was the case throughout for the Cossacks, who shot only 22 percent (four for 18) from the field in the first half and barely warmed up (8-for-26 for 31 percent) in the second half. They also committed 21 turnovers.
Lennox also didn't shoot well, only 34 percent for the game, but led 11-4 after one quarter and 17-8 at halftime. The Orioles stretched their lead to double figures early in the third quarter and pretty much kept it.
Freshman Bergan Musser led the way with 13 points and nine rebounds and freshman Tori Gerdes added 12 and seven for Lennox. Sophomore Teagen Sturm scored nine points.
Masey Top, a sophomore reserve, led Sioux Valley with 10 points. Lennox's defense did a nice job on junior Kailey Cradduck, a University of South Dakota recruit who scored her team's first four points. She finished with six points and nine rebounds.
An 0-for-16 effort from 3-point range also didn't help the Cossacks, although the Orioles were only 2-for-17.
No. 1 Mahpiya Luta 65, No. 7 West Central 42
Coach Matt Rama has guided Mahpiya Luta to a combined 113-10 record with five state-tourney appearances in a row. The team's bid for a perfect 25-0 season ended with a 57-56 last-second loss to Sioux Falls Christian in the 2025 state championship.
The rematch is coming in the semifinals.
"We're really happy for our seniors to get to finish off the year here and win or lose tomorrow or Saturday, we're just really excited for the opportunity to play here and play in the evening games," Rama said.
It took awhile for Mahpiya Luta to put away West Central and the big difference was in shooting. After making only 10 of 34 field-goal attempts for 29 percent in the first half, the top seed improved to 50 percent (14 of 28) in the second half.
After University of South Dakota recruit and senior standout Ashlan Carlow-Blount kept her team afloat early by scoring Mahpiya Luta's first 12 points, she got some help later. Carlow-Blount still managed to record 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six steals. Fellow senior Mya Mills sank four 3-pointers in the second half and six overall for 18 points. Dorthie Mesteth, another senior, added seven points and five assists.
"I told them at halftime that we know we can shoot the basketball and to just keep taking good shots," Rama said. "If we take good shots, we can definitely make them. If they were going to keep sitting in the zone, we just needed to be a little more patient."
Sophomore Kacey Jaton (14 points and six rebounds) and junior Mackenzie Skonhovd (nine points) topped West Central, which made only four of 19 field-goal attempts in the second half to finish at 29 percent overall.
No. 6 SF Christian 61, No. 3 Wagner 49
The final game of the day ended with a victory by the lower-seeded team that wasn't necessarily an upset. Christian has a good team and did everything it could do defensively to make it tough on Wagner senior standout Ashlyn Koupal.
The 6-foot-3 Koupal, a University of Nebraska recruit and the first-ever South Dakota girl selected to play in the upcoming McDonald's High School All-Star Game, came in averaging nearly 30 points per game. She was double-teamed, and maybe even tripled-teamed, most of the night.
The Red Raiders held their ground in the first half (23-23 deadlock) with some key 3-pointers before eventually slipping away in the second half.
The Chargers got big games from 6-2 junior center Lezlei Setzer (20 points, 12 rebounds), senior guard Ruth Dvoracek (18 pointss) and junior forward Emory Lems (10 points, six rebounds). Senior guard Aubrie VanBeek added eight assists.
Koupal worked hard to finish with 15 points and nine rebounds but never really caught fire for Wagner. She also played a good portion of the second half with four fouls and fouled out in the final minute. Junior Braxton Nedved drained four 3-pointers for 12 points and sophomore Hannah Holzbauer (10 points) and junior Hayden Knudsen (nine points) also contributed.
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sportsor email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com
FRISCO - Is it too early to finalize judgment on what the Dallas Cowboys accomplished - or didn't accomplish - in this first week of the NFL business year featuring free agency?
Of course; "Let the cake bake,'' and all of that.
Is it too early to analyze all the roster moves? Never!
Late on Thursday came the news (via) ESPN that the Cowboys plan to sign Rams cornerback Cobie Durant to a one-year deal.
Durant, 28, notably recorded two interceptions in the Rams' recent playoff win over the Bears.
Dallas is also adding offensive lineman Matt Hennessy, per ESPN, who's been a part-time starter with Atlanta and San Francisco. Would be in line to replace Brock Hoffman, who was not tendered as an RFA.
So here we go, Fish's "Cowboys Free Agency Scoreboard: Who’s Signed, Who’s Out Analysis'' ...
Added via trade
Packers EDGE Rashan Gary
Added via free agency
Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson
Broncos safety P.J. Locke
Chargers D-lineman Otito Ogbonnia
Eagles QB Sam Howell
Lions EDGE Tyrus Wheat
Rams cornerback Cobie Durant
O-lineman Matt Hennessy
Re-signed
Running back Javonte Williams
EDGE Sam Williams
ANALYSIS: The Cowboys entered the process viewing Gary and Thompson as "Tier 1'' additions. But they are not cinches to bring enough to move the needle from where this defense was in 2025 - the NFL's worst.
(By the way, also retained are cornerbacks Josh Butler and Reddy Steward signed on $1 million minimum tenders.)
Contractual control
Franchise-tagged: Receiver George Pickens
Second-round tendered: Kicker Brandon Aubrey
Second-round tendered: O-lineman TJ Bass
ANALYSIS: Dallas has done the right thing strategically with stars Pickens and Aubrey; you'll notice that no team is beating down the door trying to pay the exorbitant cost of stealing them. But one of the NFL's best offenses - led by QB Dak Prescott - won't be intact until all the negotiations with both are done.
ANALYSIS: There's lots of confusion here: Wasn't Osa a team captain, one of the unit's best players and somebody deemed just a year ago to be worth $20 APY? Yes, yes and yes.
But the Cowboys can justify the trade (they get a third-rounder from San Francisco) ... as you can read below ...
ANALYSIS: We reported weeks ago that Dallas viewed Clowney as a backup, not as a "priority,'' as the front office claimed. Wilson is valued by this scouting department, but doesn't have much support from a new defensive staff that doesn't know him. Goodwin still makes sense here eventually, and maybe Hoffman, Fowler and Thomas could as well.
Vitor Matos says his Swansea City side remain a work in progress despite their transition from relegation candidates to play-off contenders.
Swansea were only outside the Championship's bottom three on goal difference following a desperate defeat at West Bromwich Albion in late November.
That was a second loss in as many games for Matos following his appointment as successor to Alan Sheehan.
Since then, however, Swansea have won 11 of 19 league fixtures to climb into the top half of the table for the first time since October.
They go to sixth-placed Wrexham on Friday (20:00 GMT) knowing victory would put them within two points of the play-off places with eight games remaining this season.
Matos says his players deserve credit for Swansea's upturn – but has also stressed that there is more work to do.
"It is a journey still, it's a process that we are building," the Swansea head coach said.
"Credit to the boys because the energy they are putting in, the commitment and the professionalism are really good.
[Getty Images]
"So [I am] really happy that step by step we are improving, finding consistency during the 90 minutes, finding consistency on what we believe is the best way to improve."
Despite their dramatic improvement, 11th-placed Swansea remain play-off outsiders.
The Swans have played a game more than four of the sides above – including Wrexham – while they face a testing run of fixtures over the next month.
Matos has consistently played down talk of a play-off push – and says his team should focus "on what we want to be".
"Of course the table is always a motivation, but this cannot be the ending, let's say it like that," he added.
"It's something that of course you look at, but in the moment it can change still a lot, there are still a lot of games and a lot of things can move up and down."
Mar 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher DL Hall throws in the first inning at the American Family Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The pitching staff put together a strong performance on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t get anything going against the Guardians’ pitchers, and the Brewers lost their third straight game 1-0.
That one run was allowed by DL Hall in the first inning. He walked Chase DeLauter with one out, then threw a wild pitch that let DeLauter reach second. Kyle Manzardo singled to bring him in for the only run of the game.
The Brewers’ offense did have a few chances. Jett Williams hit a one-out double in the second, and a wild pitch by Slade Cecconi moved him to third. Unfortunately, two groundouts from Mike Boeve and Cooper Pratt stranded him there. In the next inning, Eddys Leonard singled with an out, then swapped places with Garrett Mitchell on a fielder’s choice. Mitchell stole second and got to third on a throwing error, but a Brandon Lockridge groundout stranded him there.
That was it for the Brewers’ offense. They got two more baserunners but neither made it past first base. In total, the offense was held to three hits and two walks.
Meanwhile, the pitching staff mostly matched the Guardians. The Brewers’ pitchers held the Guardians to one run, four hits, and two walks. Hall pitched two innings and allowed the one run on one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts. Easton McGee pitched two clean innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two. Jacob Waguespack had a clean fifth with a hit and two strikeouts. Drew Rom worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless sixth and seventh inning. Peter Strzelecki finished the night with a 1-2-3 eighth inning, striking out one.
The Brewers are back home tomorrow for a Friday afternoon matchup against the Athletics. Kyle Harrison is scheduled to start against Gage Jump. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the Brewers Radio Network.
Analysis: Diego Simeone not dead yet – Atletico Madrid remain as manic as the man in black
Written by Harry Gillies
Everyone thought it would be easy for Atletico Madrid, but that easy? There was an unusual demeanour about Julian Alvarez as he jogged the ball over the line for the third goal in the fifteenth minute. The Argentine superstar stole a glancing, almost sympathetic look back at Spurs keeper, Antonin Kinsky, as if to check he was okay after another calamitous error. That was the end of Kinsky’s night, as Atleti would finally dish out a 5-2 hammering of the North London side.
It was an Atleti victory over an English team with familiar tropes: the obligatory, coolly dispatched Marcos Llorente goal, a relentless Diego Simeone – rousing the home fans from the touchline with every wild wave of his arms – Antoine Griezmann being simply brilliant.
Atleti’s season has ignited in recent weeks. The usual talk about El Cholo’s future persists, but the man in black has pulled it off again, driving his team into the thick of the fight as the season
reaches its crunch point.
When Atleti scraped by Barca to reach the Copa del Rey final last week, Simeone told the press: “We’re Atletico, we’re destined to suffer.” The first leg was a stark demonstration of how Atleti are one of the most potent attacking sides in Europe, as they smashed the Catalans 4-0. But this inevitable suffering swung round on them, with Barca almost staging another historic Remontada, only to fall short with a 3-0 victory. The miracle comeback is half-expected in Barcelona, their take on footballing magical realism, and Spurs too have a history of great fightbacks. Simeone will know it’s not over, and will expect to achieve glory once again the Atleti way – through struggle.
El Cholo arrived during Christmas time in 2011, bearing gifts far more substantial and long-lasting than any Atleti fan could have wished for from the three kings. Over the next decade, Simeone and his band smashed the status quo to pieces, bringing a title and trophies back to the old Vicente Calderon. But a tag stuck to them. Most of the world saw Atleti’s success as a product of tenacious, defensive work. They were agitators, and certainly riled many along the way, none more so than English pundits when Atletico knocked their beloved, grand
clubs out of Europe – as they look to have done so again.
Undeniably, there has always been a battle-hardened feel to Atleti. A team with “mucha garra” – a lot of grit – as they would say in El Cholo’s homeland of Argentina. The squad blends the best
Spanish academy players, like club legend and captain Koke, with a generous helping of tough footballers from the Rio de la Plata region of South America. For years, Atleti had the most severe fitness trainer – Oscar ‘El Profe’ Ortega. The Uruguayan coach was elderly and affable, but also a fanatical sergeant major. Players would dread the gruelling pre-season at Los Angeles de San Rafael, where El Profe forced them to run the golf courses in the baking sun. Fernando Torres once slumped in his seat, exhausted, pointing to Ortega: “There is the culprit, this is hell!”
Since the 2021 league title win, Simeone’s men have gone trophy-less. Chatter became more
intense that the Argentine’s tenure could finally come to an end. El Cholo is far too wise. Some
might be tired of his old face, but he brushes it all aside and puts his club back in another final.
There was a strange beauty to Atleti’s survival-mode performance against Barca. How do you
stop the creative genius Lamine Yamal? You triple up on him, resolutely defend his crossing, and pray it’s enough. Unlike the first leg Atleti players did not hunt; whether by design or otherwise, they shielded themselves in packs, like wolves protecting their young – such is the devotion to the cause that he inspires. The manic man dressed in black incessantly jolts and paces up and down the touchline, as if he’s on the verge of slide tackling Yamal himself, or playing a one-two with his son Giuliano.
Simeone was once blamed for not getting the best out of Joao Felix, accused stifling promising attacking players. The reality is that strikers flourish under Simeone – ask Falcao or Diego Costa. When things didn’t work out for Antoine Griezmann at Barca, he raced back to Atleti. The Frenchman is now pushing 500 appearances for the club. Before he inevitably jets off to the Floridian sunshine, Griezmann will dream of helping Atleti lift their first Copa del Rey in 13 years.
The newly crowned prince of the Atleti striker dynasty is of course Alvarez. At the start of the
season, now B-team coach Torres called him best player in the world.
The striker is nicknamed La Arana (the spider) in his homeland, but as 2026 began, his venom dried up. Alvarez had gone two months without a goal before the first leg against Barcelona, but Simeone backed him to the hilt. In the semi-final, the spider found his bite again, scoring the final goal in the 4-0 rout. His second goal against Spurs was a perfect example of all his qualities, showing his marker a clean pair of heels and intelligence of movement, before drilling home a precise finish.
Links to Barcelona and Premier League clubs won’t go away. Simeone may lose both a club legend and the current star player this summer. Atleti will still hope to rely on top goalscorer Alexander Sorloth. The Norwegian has six goals in his last five games, including the opener in a 3-2 victory over Real Sociedad, which Los Colchoneros will pray was a dress rehearsal for the Copa del Rey final.
Simeone is part of a select few managerial giants, one Atleti will never be able to replace. The
Argentine started a football revolution in Spain all those years ago, and it is still very much alive.
Barcelona ponder transfer swoop for Chelsea star Pedro Neto
Barcelona are monitoring Chelsea winger Pedro Neto ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Catalan giants have shortlisted the Portugal international as a potential addition to their attacking options.
The Chelsea forward has attracted attention from Barcelona after registering 10 goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this term.
Neto also played a role in Chelsea’s successful end to last season, helping the club secure both the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Barcelona reportedly value the 26-year-old’s versatility, particularly his ability to operate on either flank. He has also led the line on a few occasions.
Internal reports at the club are said to be highly positive about the winger’s technical qualities, and the La Liga leaders are exploring ways to strengthen their attacking depth.
However, a move would raise significant questions about Neto’s role if he were to join the La Liga giants. Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal have Barcelona’s wings on lock.
Both have been central figures under Hansi Flick, making it difficult to envision Neto arriving as anything more than a rotation option.
That scenario may not appeal to a player who currently enjoys a starting role at Chelsea. There is also the matter of productivity and cost.
The Blues paid £54 million to sign Neto when he joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and will likely demand more than that figure to part ways.
Barcelona’s current left-sided back-up option, Marcus Rashford, has performed more consistently in front of goal and would likely be significantly cheaper to sign permanently.
If Barcelona are struggling to cough up the €30 million (£26m) required to sign Rashford, it is difficult to envisage them having the money for Neto.
Roony Bardghji is also a more natural understudy to Yamal on the right flank.
Neto’s potential arrival is far from straightforward, financially and tactically, even if Barcelona’s admiration for his ability is genuine.
Foxes fan Eli Drury had been growing out his facial hair for weeks before BBC presenter Adi Dayman got to shave it off [BBC]
A Leicester City fan who had been growing his beard waiting for his beloved Foxes to keep a clean sheet has a clean-shaven chin once again.
In all competitions, the last shutout before their 2-0 win over Bristol City had been an FA Cup victory against Cheltenham in January.
Eli Drury, from Gloucestershire, who has followed the club since meeting his wife Shannon 12 years ago, made the pledge, not realising he would be left bristling for weeks.
On Thursday, Drury visited BBC Radio Leicester, where presenter Ady Dayman clipped off his Foxes fuzz.
Drury had waited weeks for a shave after vowing to keep his facial hair until Leicester City kept a clean sheet [BBC]
What started out as "a stupid idea" by the couple's son about a month after the FA Cup clean sheet, gained momentum when a video on TikTok gathered more than 200,000 views.
Drury, who faces a six-hour round trip for his visits to the King Power Stadium, said: "This was just meant to be a bit of fun, to bring a few smiles to people.
"I feel a lot lighter now, I think I've probably lost a stone."
Drury said he felt a lot lighter after the shave [BBC]
His wife Shannon said: "It was never really supposed to be a challenge and it's just become one.
"He's always had a little bit of stubble, I've never seen him fully clean shaven.
"It's going to take some getting used to. I can't get over how much younger he looks."
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21), guard Reese Dixon-Waters (39) and guard Taj DeGourville (24) after a forced turnover during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
LAS VEGAS, NV – The San Diego State Aztecs defeated the Colorado State Rams in a quarterfinal game of the Mountain West Championships Tournament, 71-62, at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 12, 2026 and The Sporting Tribune's DJ Cabanlong was there to capture the following TST Images.
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) celebrates with guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) and guard BJ Davis (10) after Byrd makes an and-one basket during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) celebrates with guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) and guard BJ Davis (10) after Byrd makes an and-one basket during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) dribbles the ball up the court during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) dribbles the ball up the court during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs forward Magoon Gwath (0) yells to hype himself up during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs forward Magoon Gwath (0) yells to hype himself up during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs guard Taj DeGourville (24) shot is blocked by Colorado State Rams forward Kyle Jorgensen (35) during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs guard Taj DeGourville (24) shot is blocked by Colorado State Rams forward Kyle Jorgensen (35) during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher questions a foul call on the Aztecs during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher questions a foul call on the Aztecs during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs forward Miles Heide (40) looks to pass the ball during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs forward Miles Heide (40) looks to pass the ball during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) goes for a contested lay-up during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) goes for a contested lay-up during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs forward Pharaoh Compton (5) goes for a contested lay-up during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs forward Pharaoh Compton (5) goes for a contested lay-up during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs forward Magoon Gwath (0) dribbles the ball along the baseline during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs forward Magoon Gwath (0) dribbles the ball along the baseline during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) yells in celebration after a made basket during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
DJ Cabanlong - The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Aztecs guard Miles Byrd (21) yells in celebration after a made basket during a Mountain West Championship tournament quarterfinal game between the San Diego Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams, Thursday March 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Chelsea's Argentine midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez (R) celebrates with Chelsea's Portuguese forward #07 Pedro Neto after scoring a 2-2 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on March 11, 2026. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
1. ENZO FERNÁNDEZ (6.6)
When Enzo Fernández scored to make it 2-2, it really felt like Chelsea could and perhaps would not only get something out of this first leg, but maybe go on to even win it. Or, worst case, lose by one. All of those outcomes would’ve set up a massive second leg next week at the Bridge, with all to play for.
Instead… well, we all know what happened after we equalized for the second time. Not much to play for now.
That said, while Enzo does get credit for his goal in these ratings, even in the game’s better moments, Chelsea were worryingly open, often discombobulated, and lacking a cutting edge despite PSG presenting some wide open attacking lanes of their own. Some of Enzo’s own passing was uncharacteristically below par, and though Liam Rosenior’s lineup was, on paper, was almost the same as Enzo Maresca’s in the Club World Cup final (aside from Fofana in for the injured Colwill, and of course the fateful switch at goalkeeper), our approach was markedly different (and less effective) this time around — on both the collective and the individual levels.
2. PEDRO NETO (6.4)
PSG gift wrapped an hilarious mismatch by trying to defend their right flank with Marquinhos, and we really should’ve taken much better advantage of that. Neto did finally make his impact, forcing the turnover and then setting up Enzo’s goal with a great cutback. Would love to see that sort of cutting edge from Neto more often, to make him a more persistent force to be reckoned with for the opposition. (6th assist on the season, equal with Enzo for third best of the team after Reece James and João Pedro).
3. MALO GUSTO (6.2)
Great goal from Gusto, who had no wing help and did decently well at either end of the pitch. On paper, that’s the sort of complete wing-back that Gusto can be. Could be. Might be. In theory. One day.
vs. PSG (CL, A, L 2-5)
EXCEPTIONAL (8.5-9.5): —
EXCELLENT (7.5-8.4): —
GOOD (6.5-7.4): Enzo (6.6)
AVERAGE (5.5-6.4): Neto (6.4), Gusto (6.2), João Pedro (5.8), Caicedo (5.7)
The Big 12 Conference announced a swift mid-tournament change Thursday night, scrapping its experimental LED glass court and installing a traditional hardwood surface ahead of the conference tournament semifinals.
Commissioner Brett Yormark announced the decision after consulting with coaches from the four remaining teams, citing player comfort and safety concerns following multiple slips during Thursday’s quarterfinal games.
“After consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament,” Yormark said in a statement to CBS Sports.
The unusual overnight switch comes after players and coaches voiced concerns about traction on the LED glass floor, which had been introduced as a high-tech showcase for the league’s postseason event.
During Thursday’s game between Texas Tech and Iowa State, All-Big 12 guard Christian Anderson slipped and suffered a minor injury. While Anderson later said the issue was not serious, concerns about footing persisted throughout the evening’s games.
The semifinals will feature No. 1 seed Arizona against No. 5 seed Iowa State, followed by No. 2 seed Houston facing No. 3 seed Kansas.
“I think it’s the right thing to do," Kansas coach Bill Self said via SI's Pat Forde.
League officials said a contingency plan had always been in place, allowing crews to begin installing the hardwood floor immediately after Thursday’s final game. The new court is expected to be ready Friday morning in time for shootaround.
The decision marks an unprecedented mid-event playing surface change in major college athletics, showing the league’s willingness to pivot after experimenting with new technology.
However, when you have the top-two NBA Draft prospects on the floor, it's better to protect your brand and investments before trying out a bunch of lights.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 23: Emanuel Wilson #23 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on November 23, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s time for NFL free agency and the start of the 2026 league year!
Yes, free agency technically begins on Wednesday, March 11, at 1:00 p.m. PT but the 2025 league year conclusion gives us the “legal tampering period,” which begins at 9:00 a.m. PT on Monday, March 9. “Legal tampering” is when teams can enter contract negotiations with unrestricted free agents. However, any agreed upon deals cannot be processed until the new league year begins, at which point players can come in for physicals and sign their contracts.
The Seahawks have big decisions to make regarding the likes of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, midseason trade acquisition Rashid Shaheed, and defensive backs Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe, and Coby Bryant. Who will stay and who will go? And what will the Seahawks do with their ample salary cap space? John Schneider has been here before in terms of tough free agent decisions after winning a Super Bowl, what will the outcome be this time?
Field Gulls is the place to be for the latest on the Seahawks in free agency, so be sure to check back regularly to this article (and separate standalone articles) for Seattle’s free agency moves, as well as notable news throughout the NFL. You can have your say on the Seahawks’ decisions in the comments section below!
Seattle has $58 million in available cap space, which will of course include money reserved for draft picks next month, but John Schneider has the Seahawks in a position where this year didn’t have the same major trades and cap casualties like the previous offseason.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Vancouver Canucks scored a pair of third-period goals to erase a two-goal deficit then got a shootout goal from Jake DeBrusk to beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 on Thursday night.
The Canucks trailed 3-1 after two periods, but Marco Rossi scored with 4:05 to play to make it 3-2 and Filip Hronek tied it at 3-all with 1:01 left in regulation.
Brock Boeser also scored in regulation for Vancouver.
Tyson Jost scored twice for Nashville, and rookie Matthew Wood added a goal.
Juuse Saros made 24 saves for the Predators. Nikita Tolopilo stopped 16 shots for Vancouver.
The Canucks opened the scoring at 8:40, when the double-tip of Hronek's point shot — first Marco Rossi and then Boeser — beat Saros. But the teams went to the dressing room tied 1-1 after Justin Barron snapped up a turnover by Tolopilo before Jost scored on the rebound.
In the second, Jost gave the visitors their first lead of the night, corralling the puck after Roman Josi's blast from the blue line went wide of the net, then depositing it past Tolopilo. Wood followed, his centering pass deflecting into the net off the skate of Canucks forward Liam Ohgren.
Rossi snapped a rebound past Saros and with Tolopilo on the bench, Hronek sent the game to overtime.
DeBrusk scored the only goal of the shootout as Tolopilo stopped all three shooters he faced.
Boeser’s goal was his 16th of the year, and fourth in five games. Evander Kane returned to the lineup after missing one game while dealing with upper-body discomfort.
With 17 games remaining, the Predators remain locked in a race for a wild-card spot with three other Western Conference teams. Saros became the second NHL goalie to reach 50 starts this season. Wood has four goals in his last four games.
Captain Mark Stone returned to the Golden Knights lineup after missing five games with an upper-body injury.
LAS VEGAS — The Captain returned to the ice Thursday night. And not a moment too soon.
The Vegas Golden Knights, desperate to get things turned around down the stretch, welcomed back Mark Stone to the lineup after he had missed the last five games with an upper-body injury.
Yes, we’re well aware of the 33-year-old’s fragility. We almost expect him to get sidelined at some point every year, given Stone has never gotten through an NHL season unscathed.
But this is the time of the year where leadership is required, both in the locker room and on the ice. And if the Knights expect to be serious Stanley Cup contenders, they need Stone’s presence in both places.
He didn’t dent the scoresheet in Vegas’ 6-2 win over Pittsburgh, which was without two of its stars in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But Stone’s presence was felt and made a noticeable difference.
“What it does is it’s nice to have some options and balance things out a little for everybody,” coach Bruce Cassidy said of what Stone’s presence means for his lineup. “Any coach will tell you when you have a full compliment (of players) it’s easier to sort things out.”
He was reunited with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev on the Knights’ top line. Eichel is starting to wield a hot stick as his third-period goal was his third straight game with a tally.
Stone’s return also meant Mitch Marner could return to wing after playing center for the better part of two months. Marner was excellent Thursday, scoring a pretty goal in the second period and setting up the second of Pavel Dorofeyev’s two goals as the two joined Tomas Hertl on Vegas’ second line.
“Stoney brings a lot,” Marner said. “Power play. Penalty kill. Obviously, his leadership, both on and off the ice. He has a calming presence and us getting him back is a big step for this team.”
Of course, the return of Brett Howden to the lineup gives Cassidy some flexibility in the middle if he wants to use Howden there. For now, he’s playing third-line minutes on left wing with Colton Sissons in the middle and Braeden Bowman on the right side. Bowman had one of his best games in a while, registering a pair of assists.
So Stone’s presence created a trickle-down effect in the lineup and perhaps will create some stability, assuming no one else gets hurt over these final 16 games, and this four-game homestand in particular which began against the Penguins.
The Knights find themselves in a battle at the top of the Pacific Division with both Anaheim and Edmonton. Points have been tough to come by since the return from the Olympics. Vegas was 2-6 in its last eight games and had fallen out of the top spot in the division.
It put extra emphasis on taking advantage of the homestand, which continues Saturday against Chicago, then Tuesday against Buffalo and wraps up against Utah on March 19. Thursday was the start Vegas needed to not only make a run at first place but to secure its spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“We’ve been playing well of late but sometimes you don’t always get rewarded,” Marner said. “So it was nice to keep our foot on the gas and get the wind.”
Despite not controlling their own destiny after their shock 8-6 defeat to Italy, Team USA has managed to move on to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
Captain Aaron Judge and company will take on Canada, who clinched their first berth in the WBC quarterfinals with a 7-2 victory over Cuba. The Stars and Stripes has been the second-highest scoring team in the WBC group stage (35 runs, 8.75 runs/game), and will be looking to push onward to a championship win after last tournament's defeat to Shohei Ohtani and Japan in the 2023 Finals.
While the USA hasn't been slugging as well compared to some of the other teams that are present in the quarterfinals, they do lead the tournament in hits (41). The outbreak of Boston Red Sox young star Roman Anthony in this WBC is sure to make him more of a household name ahead of this MLB season. Team USA has had some trouble on the mound, as they have the second-highest ERA among quarterfinal teams with a 3.50 cumulative ERA (Korea: 4.50).
Canada only managed to total two home runs in group stage play, but their defense and pitching are what have led them to victory. Canada currently has the second-lowest cumulative ERA heading into their quarterfinals matchup with a 1.50 ERA (Puerto Rico: 1.22). Opponents are hitting a mere .211 against the Canadians. Many expect their run to end at the foot of Team USA, but the WBC manages to throw surprises at fans in every tournament.
Here is how to tune into the USA vs. Canada WBC quarterfinal matchup, live from Daikin Park in Miami.
USA and Canada's matchup will air on FOX in the U.S. Cord-cutters can find the action on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
USA vs. Canada start time
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 8 p.m. ET
The first pitch from Friday's playoff battle between Team USA and Canada will take place at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
Those hoping to listen to the USA vs. Canada quarterfinal matchup can do so on SiriusXM on channel 89.
New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
World Baseball Classic knockout schedule
Here is how the WBC's knockout schedule will play out, up until the championship game on March 17.
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 06: Konrad Laimer of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with teammate Lennart Karl after scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on March 06, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl has enjoyed a breakout year, landing explosively on the scene after rising through the academy ranks. The 18-year-old has already cemented himself as a regular in the squad and — in part due to injuries — ranks pretty high among Bayern’s goal contributors this season.
But with the turn of the year, Karl has found himself managing the aftermath of a meteoric rise. That step in the journey where the road is no longer as smooth, where the most famous of his early exploits are just starting to fade a little in the memory. On the pitch, Jamal Musiala — arguably the team’s biggest star outside of Harry Kane — is working his way back, and off the pitch, he has been dogged by a slightly ridiculous controversy over an admittedly too-casual comment on his dreams of a distant future with Real Madrid.
Bayern, too, have started to sputter.
So how does the youngster keep his head on straight, and continue to improve — as he must? It is something he thinks critically about.
“The trick is not to let the surrounding hype get to me,” Karl shared in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “But of course, you notice what’s being said about you, and I’m also on Instagram, although I haven’t posted much lately.
“At my age, I can’t be at 100% in every game; that’s perfectly normal, I think.”
Bayern fans should count themselves lucky. Not every kid that starts rocketing to stardom can keep their internal compass pointed true north. But every indication says that’s where Karl’s is at, and he seems to have the structure around him to stay on his current path.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Dareke Young #83 of the Seattle Seahawks watches as Xavier Smith #19 of the Los Angeles Rams fumbles the ball during the third quarter of the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has landed his first Seattle Seahawks player of the offseason.
Wide receiver and special teams contributor Dareke Young has agreed to a contract with the Raiders, ending his four-year tenure in Seattle. Contract details have not yet been disclosed.
A seventh-round pick out of Lenoir-Rhyne, Young never really had much of a role in Seattle’s offense, catching four passes on six targets over 42 games played. However, he did feature quite a bit on special teams, including as a kick returner in 2025. While Young averaged 32.2 yards per return, his marquee moment as a Seahawk was recovering Xavier Smith’s muffed punt in the NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams.
With Young’s departure, the only unsigned Seahawks free agents are linebacker Chazz Surratt and wide receiver Cody White. Surratt entered the offseason as an unrestricted FA, whereas White was not tendered as a restricted FA. Young joins Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe, Kenneth Walker III, and Riq Woolen (all members of the 2022 draft class) as Seahawks who’ve left for another team.
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